Jacksonville, Florida – Nov. 29, 2017 – The luxury auto maker Mercedes-Benz USA recently issued a recall for nearly 9,400 vehicles nationwide that may have been equipped with defective sunroof panels, according to a letter filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The recall effort affects the three different types of Mercedes-Benz’s popular GLC 300 – the standard version, the GLC 300 4MATIC and the GLC 300 AMG – produced between March 7 and Aug. 4, 2017.

Mercedes-Benz projects that this represents about 1 percent of the vehicles manufactured as those models.

The Defect

Specifically, the vehicles being recalled have panoramic sunroof paneling – on both the front and side panels – that does not meet bonding requirements, and could therefore detach from the vehicle while driving. That, in turn, is expected to increase the risk of crash or injury for vehicles behind the affected GLC 300s.

This issue arose because of a “supplier production deviation,” Mercedes-Benz noted.

Timeline of Events

In June, Daimler Auto Group started to investigate the issue, based upon two separate incidents in which drivers saw the paneling around their sunroofs detach. And while no damages or injuries to third parties were reported, the company determined that additional analysis of the situation was required. The following month, DAG began testing the parts with the help of a supplier, and found that the adhesive used to bond the panels to the vehicles were outside of specifications.

In August, more investigations found that only certain panoramic sunroofs were affected by the adhesive deviation, which led to a review of documents to determine which sunroofs – and subsequently, the associated vehicle models – were affected. Then in October, DAG did further analysis to identify how many affected vehicles were in the field. Finally, the company found that it could not rule out the safety risk that led to the recall in November.

The Solution

As of the start of December, local authorized Mercedes-Benz dealers are now directed to inspect the bonding on panoramic sunroof paneling on suspected affected vehicles, and rework it as needed to ensure the panel bonding is within specification once again. All those costs will be covered under new vehicle warranties. Owners will be notified starting Dec. 8.

At that point, owners will be able to call either Mercedes-Benz USA’s customer service line at 1-800-367-6372, or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236. They can also visit www.safercar.gov for more information.

Jacksonville, Fla. – Nov. 17, 2017 – Mercedes Benz USA has recalled a number of vehicles potentially equipped with defective headlights, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2018 Mercedes Benz GLA 250 4Matic sport utility vehicles produced between Dec. 12-16. The German automaker estimates just 1 percent of the vehicles referenced in the action contain the defective parts.

The Defect

Affected vehicles could come equipped with low-beam headlights that do not exhibit the tolerance range mandated in Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108, which specifies numerous details for proper headlight installation, according to the Government Publishing Office. The fixtures pose a serious safety hazard to occupants as head lamp range may be reduced, increasing the likelihood of an accident in low-lit conditions. However, Mercedes has yet to receive field reports linking the defective feature to accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

In December 2016, Daimler AG, the international automotive conglomerate that operates the Mercedes brand, launched an internal investigation after quality assurance tests revealed that some vehicles Mercedes produced may not conform with FMVSS 108. Engineers reviewed the existing production processes and discovered that headlights in multiple vehicles deviated from federal standards due to flawed setting practices during assembly.

In March 2017, DAG personnel reviewed internal records to assess the extent of the issue. At the same time, engineers for the car manufacturer conducted tests to determine the material impact of the defective headlights. Engineering teams confirmed this data, as well as the instances of FMVSS noncompliance, in July 2017.

In October 2017, DAG chose to conduct a voluntary safety recall.

The Solution

The automaker intends to direct dealers to inspect and, if necessary, replace the headlights in affected vehicles, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgment document. DAG will notify owners in December 2017, approximately one week after sending notifications to dealers. Owners in need of more immediate assistance can contact Mercedes customer service representatives at (877) 496-3691. They can also reach out to the NHTSA directly using its toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Jacksonville, Fla. – Nov. 15, 2017 – Mercedes Benz USA has recalled more than 2,000 vehicles possibly equipped with defective rear axles, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects multiple models, including:

• 2015-2016 Mercedes Benz C63 AMG sedans produced between Nov. 7, 2014 and May 30, 2016.
• 2015-2017 Mercedes Benz C63S sedans produced between Nov. 4, 2014 and May 30, 2016.
• 2017 Mercedes Benz C63S AMG coupes produced between Nov. 4, 2014 and May 30, 2016.
• 2017 Mercedes Benz C63S AMG cabriolet convertibles produced between Nov. 4, 2014 and May 30, 2016.

Mercedes estimates that all of the vehicles named in this recall contain the defective parts.

The Defect

The affected models are likely to contain rear-axle mounting flanges prone to fracture. Should this occur, the rear-axle differential may fall out of alignment, leading to driveshaft failure, loss of vehicle propulsion and, finally, stalling. Consequently, the defect poses a serious safety problem to occupants, as it increases the likelihood of an accident. Mounting-flange fracture is especially likely in extreme starting situations – race starts, for instance – that necessitate multiple, short wheel spins and involve relatively high torque peaks, for the feature comes under great stress during these maneuvers.

Mercedes has yet to field reports connecting the defect to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

In February 2016, Daimler AG, the conglomerate the operates Mercedes and oversees the production of the vehicles under the brand, received a report detailing an instance in which a driver experienced driveshaft failure. Over the next four months, DAG became aware of more field reports outlining similar events. In May, the German automaker initiated an investigation and requested parts for internal analysis.

Over the course of July, DAG engineers attempted to reproduce the problems mentioned in the field reports, testing vehicles equipped with returned parts on slick road surfaces while performing extreme driving maneuvers involving short wheel spins. The car manufacturers analyzed the results of these road tests in September and found that the parts installed on the test vehicles featured mounting-flange fractures. In October, DAG traced the fracturing back to the high torque peaks achieved during road testing and proposed reprogramming the on-board electronic stability control software in the affected vehicles to prevent such occurrences. The company finished the proposed software solution in April 2017 and began testing.

While engineers worked on the updated ESC software, analysts reviewed production records and found that the problem could affect models produced until May 2016, when DAG introduced a new rear-axle assembly. During May and August 2017, engineers finished and validated the improved ESC program. In September, analysts finished compiling a complete list of affected vehicles.

On Oct. 16, DAG launched a voluntary safety recall to address the issue. Dealers were notified in early November.

The Solution

The car manufacturing company has directed dealers to install the new ESC software in affected vehicles free of charge, according to a recall acknowledgement document from the NHTSA. Owners should expect to receive notification via first-class mail in December. Those in need of more immediate assistance can contact Mercedes customer service personnel at (817) 496-3691. Owners can also reach out to the NHTSA directly using its toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Jacksonville, Fla. – Nov. 14, 2017 – Mercedes Benz USA has recalled more than 3,600 vehicles potentially containing defective windshield insulation, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects multiple models, including:

• 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 63 and 63S AMG sport utility vehicles.
• 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 63 and 63S AMG coupe sport utility vehicles.
• 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE 63 AMG 4Matic sport utility vehicles.
• 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 300D 4Matic sport utility vehicles.
• 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 4Matic sport utility vehicles.
• 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 400 4Matic sport utility vehicles.
• 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE 550 4Matic sport utility vehicles.
• 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 4Matic sport utility vehicles.

All of the vehicles referenced in this action were produced between May 4, 2016 and July 27, 2016. Mercedes engineers estimate approximately 1 percent of the recalled models come equipped with the defective features.

The Defect

The affected vehicles have excess bulkhead insulation beneath their windshields. This material negatively affects windshield bonding and may inhibit the functionality of the front-passenger air bag. This poses a serious safety hazard to occupants, as they may be left unprotected in the event of a collision. That said, Mercedes has yet to receive reports connecting the defect to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

In mid-2016, engineers from Daimler AG, the multinational conglomerate that oversees Mercedes and its production processes, noticed that bulkhead insulation in one vehicle covered the vehicle identification number located on its windshield. The company immediately launched an investigation into the matter and quickly determined that excess insulation was the root cause. Later in July of that year, DAG quality assurance personnel evaluated a number of recently assembled vehicles and found that many featured the same abnormality. These models were “reworked” prior to shipment.

In October 2016, the parts supplier HP Pelzer GmbH based in Witten, Germany launched its own independent inquiry to better understand the anomaly. It soon determined that the defect stemmed from a production deviation and corrected its workflows to ensure that the problem did not appear in future vehicles. In December, DAG performed additional analysis to uncover the size of the excess insulation and better understand how it affected windshield bonding near VIN labels. The German automaker received the results in April 2017. The data showed that excess insulation may affect the windshield bonding adjacent to VIN labels.

In June, DAG conducted further tests and learned that the failed windshield bonding could inhibit passenger-side air bag functionality, creating a serious safety risk for occupants. Three months later, the car manufacturer reviewed its production records to determine how many vehicles might contain the defective bulkhead insulation. HP Pelzer did the same, and later submitted its data to DAG.

Finally, in early October, the car company initiated a voluntary safety recall.

The Solution

DAG plans to direct dealers to remove the excess bulkhead insulation in affected models and rework the windshield bonding free of charge, according to a recall acknowledgement document from the NHTSA. The automaker intends to notify both dealers and owners in December. Individuals who possess vehicles involved in this safety campaign and are in need of more immediate assistance can contact Mercedes customer service representatives at (817) 496-3691. They can also reach out the NHTSA directly using its toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Jacksonville, Fla. – Oct. 11, 2017 – Mercedes-Benz USA has recalled a handful of vehicles possibly equipped with improperly welded power steering control units, according to documentation filed with the National Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2017 AMG C43 and E43 4matic sedans, 2017 E300 4matic sedans and 2017 GLC 300 sport utility vehicles with production dates ranging from Sept. 22, 2016 to Feb. 9, 2017. Mercedes-Benz suspects 100 percent of the models referenced in the action contain the defective parts.

The Defect

Affected vehicles could be equipped with improperly welded power steering control units. Specifically, power steering contact pins may be affixed in a manner that makes them prone to disconnection. This could lead to power steering assist deactivation, which increases the likelihood of accidents and therefore poses a serious threat to occupants. Drivers operating vehicles that experience unexpected power steering assist loss normally receive alerts via their instrument clusters and hear accompanying chimes.

Mercedes-Benz has yet to receive reports connecting the defect to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

In March 2017, Daimler AG, the German automotive conglomerate that oversees Mercedes-Benz, received a report mentioning a defective steering assembly found in C-Class vehicles in the U.S. market. The automaker requested that the part be shipped back to the supplier, Robert Bosch Automotive Steering in Hungary, for evaluation. Robert Bosch personnel received the part in April and immediately launched a root cause investigation. Over the course of this inquiry, the parts provider learned that the pins within the power steering control module had been improperly welded during production. Robert Bosch initiated a weld-position-monitoring program to prevent further replication of the defective features on the shop floor in May 2017. The company also reviewed its production records and discovered that 13 steering assemblies had departed its production facility with improperly affixed control module pins, all of which had been earmarked for DAG vehicles. As of June 1, all steering assemblies produced by Robert Bosch have passed quality assurance tests.

In August, DAG reviewed its production records to pinpoint models containing power steering control modules with defective pins. One month later, safety personnel at the company ruled that the features posed an unavoidable safety risk to owners and called for a voluntary recall.

DAG notified dealers Sept. 29.

The Solution

The automaker directed dealers to replace the power steering assemblies in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgment document. DAG intends to notify owners via first-class mail Nov. 10. Those in need of more immediate assistance can contact Mercedes-Benz customer service personnel at (877) 496-3691. Owners can also contact the NHTSA directly using its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Atlanta – Aug. 31, 2017 – Mercedes Benz USA just recalled more than 12,000 vehicles possibly equipped with defective software, according to Consumer Affairs. The campaign pertains to 2016-2017 Mercedes AMG coupes and 2017 GLE 43 sport utility vehicles with manufacturing dates on or following May 2, 2017.

The Defect

The models named in the recall contain defective engine and transmission control software that could cause a complete engine shutdown. Specifically, the two software platforms interact improperly when drivers reduce to slow speeds by performing consecutive downshifts, Motor 1 reported. In this instance, the warning light illuminates and the vehicle’s engine shuts off. Mercedes has also discovered that the same outcome occurs when drivers start their vehicles in ECO mode.

The defective software increases the likelihood of an accident and therefore poses a serious risk to owners. However, Mercedes has yet to receive reports connecting the defect to any accidents of injuries due to how recently the issue was discovered.

Timeline of Events

The automaker has not released details into the investigation that uncovered the defect.

The Solution

Mercedes has asked dealers to reprogram the software in affected vehicles, free of charge. Owners should expect to receive notification in September. Those in need of more immediate assistance can contact Mercedes Benz USA customer service at (800) 367-6372, or call the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Montvale, N.J. – July 16, 2017 – Mercedes-Benz USA has recalled more than 5,000 vehicles possibly equipped with defective parking brake components, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Association. The campaign affects 2016 Smart Fortwo compact cars manufactured between June 16, 2015 and Aug. 12, 2016. Mercedes estimated that 1 percent of the total number of vehicles named in the recall contain the defective parts.

The Defect

The vehicles referenced in the campaign could contain bowden cables with defective lock nuts, which may loosen over time and result in an increase in parking brake lever travel. The holding force of the parking brake might decrease as a result. This presents a serious safety hazard for owners, especially those who regularly park their vehicles on inclines and engage the parking brake. However, Mercedes-Benz has not received any field reports connecting the defect to accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

Daimler Automotive Group, which owns Mercedes-Benz, received a field report in mid-2016 that summarized an instance in which the parking brake on a customer’s vehicle failed to engage properly. The company immediately initiated a root-cause investigation to understand the cause of this mishap and ascertain whether a more widespread mechanical issue existed. Engineers involved in the inquiry immediately pinpointed a problem with the lock nut on the bowden cable. DAG then contacted its suppliers to identify possible fabrication issues.

In late 2016, the DAG team investigating the defect discovered that installation of the parking brake during the assembly process may have affected the microencapsulation process, resulting in lock nut hardware prone to slippage. During the opening months of 2017, the car company tested the affects of the defective lock nut assembly. In April, engineers performed additional tests, this time assessing how the feature stood up to vehicle vibrations. Two months later, DAG engineers were able to replicate the original customer complaint via multiple parking brake lever application and release. The automaker then reviewed manufacturing records to determine what vehicles might contain the defect.

In July 2017, DAG decided that the defect presented a serious safety risk to owners and launched a recall campaign. The organization notified dealers soon after.

The Solution

DAG has ordered dealers to replace the lock nuts in affected vehicles free of charge, according to additional documentation submitted to the NHTSA. The repairs are covered under existing new car warranties and therefore are not subject to official reimbursement plans. Owners should expect to receive notification in September. Those in need of more immediate assistance can contact Smart customer service at (877) 496-3691. They can also reach out to the NHTSA directly through its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Montvale, N.J. – May 9, 2017 – Mercedes-Benz USA has recalled more than 5,000 coupes equipped with faulty brakes, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects SLC 43 AMG, SLC 300, SLK 250 and SLK 350 models produced between March 19, 2015 and Feb. 3, 2017. The car maker estimates that 100 percent of these vehicles contain defective braking systems.

The Defect
The models mentioned in the recall are said to feature improperly installed electronic stability program software. Under normal conditions, ESP software helps drivers slow their vehicles, intervening automatically to initiate stoppage when a certain amount pressure is applied to the brake pedal. When drivers release the brake pedal, the system switches off. Overall, EPS software helps prevent increased wear on hydraulic components and eases overall operation.

However, the Mercedes vehicles mentioned above come with defective EPS solutions that fail to abort when the brake pedal is decompressed. This creates prolonged contact between the pad and the rotor and leads to overheating. When such a situation occurs, pressure builds and ultimately reduces drivability. This poses a serious safety risk to occupants. Owners have reported seeing smoke rise from wheel wells as a result of the issue. However, the defect does not reduce braking effectiveness or EPS operability.

No accidents or injuries have been linked to this software error.

Timeline of Events
Throughout 2016, Daimler AG, Mercedes’ parent company, received consistent reports of brake overheating. In April of that year, the company created an internal team to evaluate the reports and search for an underlying cause. Engineers tested braking hardware but found that it met all mechanical performance thresholds. The grouped moved on to field tests and saw the same results, leading them to rule out defective hardware as the root problem.

From August onward DAG engineers analyzed ancillary mechanical systems and vehicle software. In September, the internal team decided to design new EPS software to test against existing installations. By early 2017, the new program was complete and ready for testing. DAG initiated field trials and uncovered performance discrepancies between the two systems. In March engineers reviewed the EPS testing data and once again reviewed customer claims. A little more than one month later, DAG decided to launch a voluntary recall campaign.

The Solution
The car makers has ordered Mercedes-Benz dealers to update EPS software in affected vehicles. However, since the models covered in the recall retain their factory warranties, DAG will not be offering reimbursement for these repairs. Dealers received notification earlier this month. Owners with vehicles named in the recall should expect communications next month. Those who need immediate assistance prior to the campaign launch date can contact the NHTSA.