NHTSA Service Bulletin 11018626: 2002-2024 Mercedes Benz A 220
Official manufacturer communication context for 2002-2024 Mercedes Benz A 220, with affected products, buyer checks and links into Carchieve recall, problem and VIN research.
Reviewed June 2026 from NHTSA manufacturer communication and service bulletin records. Carchieve is independent and not affiliated with any vehicle manufacturer or government agency.
Complaint After a software update of HERMES communication module N112/9 has been performed on a gray import vehicle, the message "SOS - Service not activated" is displayed in the instrument cluster. Cause The message "SOS - Service not activated" tells the customer that "over-the-air" registration of the vehicle with the Mercedes Intelligent Cloud is not possible. On a gray import vehicle, this is due to the fact that the SIM card installed in the HERMES communications module cannot dial into the mobile phone network in the importing country. Remedy The only way of avoiding the message in the instrument cluster is to deactivate the HERMES module using the 09o deactivation process after obtaining the customer's consent. After deactivation, the HERMES control unit (N112/9) has the operating status "Inoperative". The message "SOS not ready" appears in the audio/COMAND display (A40/8) and may also appear in the instrument cluster. This display message tells the customer that the emergency call function is not available. In addition, the workshop must attach a label (2 x part number A9078172900 required) to the cover of the emergency call button in the overhead control panel and to the emergency call button itself. Replacing the hardware of the HERMES communication module is not effective.
What this bulletin may mean before buying
Treat this as service research, not a verdict on one car. Before you buy, compare this communication with official recall campaigns, model-level owner complaint patterns, and the exact vehicle’s VIN-decoded specifications. A bulletin can help you ask a seller or dealer sharper questions about software updates, known repairs, warranty extensions and service history.
Affected products listed in this communication
Buyer checklist
- Run the 17-character VIN and confirm the year, make, model, engine and equipment match the listing.
- Check recall campaign pages for safety actions that may require dealer repair.
- Compare this bulletin with common problem pages for the same model and component area.
- Ask the seller or dealer whether the bulletin procedure, update or inspection has already been completed.
- Use the used-car buying checklist and get an independent inspection.
Frequently asked questions
What is NHTSA service bulletin 11018626?
Complaint After a software update of HERMES communication module N112/9 has been performed on a gray import vehicle, the message "SOS - Service not activated" is displayed in the instrument cluster. Cause The message "SOS - Service not activated" tells the customer that "over-the-air" registration of the vehicle with the Mercedes Intelligent Cloud is not possible. On a gray import vehicle, this is due to the fact.
Is a service bulletin the same as a recall?
No. A recall is a safety campaign with a required remedy for affected VINs. A service bulletin or manufacturer communication usually describes diagnostic, repair, software, warranty or service information.
How should a used-car buyer use this bulletin?
Use it as a research signal. Compare it with recalls, owner complaints, service records, a VIN report and an independent inspection before buying.
Check the exact VIN before you buy
Model-level pages show public safety patterns. A full VIN report helps confirm the exact vehicle, decoded specs, recall applicability and buyer checks.
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