Mercedes-Benz issues third recall for water leak that can lead to fire, limp-home mode

Jacksonville, FL – April 8, 2023 – Mercedes-Benz (OTCMKTS:MBGYY), which also owns the Maybach brand, is recalling 6,140 vehicles over a water leak that presents a host of dangers to occupants, including the risk of fire and reduced engine performance.

This recall serves as an expansion of two previous recalls for the same issue conducted in 2019 and 2021.

The latest installment covers the following models: 

  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE53
  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE63
  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLS63
  • 2020–2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE350
  • 2020–2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE450
  • 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE580
  • 2020–2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS450
  • 2020–2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS580
  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS600


Recall summary

Water forms as a typical byproduct of a car’s air conditioning system and is diverted away from the car down to the ground through a drain hose. In the affected vehicles, the drain hose may be incorrectly installed, causing water to leak inside the cabin through the front passenger footwell.

The component involved in this recall is the A/C drain hose with part number A1678323600.  

Recall risks

Water entering the passenger compartment presents many risks to both the vehicle and the occupants. Rust could form from within the vehicle and the water can also potentially short out the electrical system. Apart from presenting an increased risk of fire, this can also cause the car’s electronic features to malfunction, which could affect the ability to unlock doors and call emergency services.

The leak can also accidentally trigger the engine’s limp-home feature while driving, upping the probability of a crash.       

Warning signs

Users may notice that the front footwell carpets have become wet under normal use, as well as misting on the windows.

Background of the recall

In August 2021, Mercedes-Benz conducted an investigation into reports that certain GLE and GLS vehicles that were not included in previous recalls were experiencing water leaks. By February 2023, the automaker traced the problem to drain hoses incorrectly installed during the assembly process. This led to the present recall. There has been no reported crashes or injuries leading up the the recall announcement.

Other Mercedes-Benz recalls

In October 2022, Mercedes-Benz recalled 59,574 vehicles due to faulty seat back locks on the third row seats that could potentially increase the risk of injury in a crash.    

In January 2023, some 123,696 Mercedes-Benz vehicles spanning multiple models were recalled following reports of detaching sunroofs, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will reinstall the hoses correctly free of charge.

Owners of affected vehicles will be notified by May 16, 2023.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 61,000 vehicles are affected by this Mercedes-Benz water intrusion recall. To run a Mercedes-Benz recall check or check for more 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG Recalls,  please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloMercedes-Benz issues third recall for water leak that can lead to fire, limp-home mode

Mercedes-Benz recalls cars that may stall due to water damage

Jacksonville, FL – January 29, 2023 – Mercedes-Benz (OTCMKTS:MBGYY) is recalling 323,963 vehicles due to an engine stall caused by water getting into the vehicle. This increases the risk of a crash.

The recall covers the following models:

  • 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML 250
  • 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450
  • 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML 400
  • 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 300D
  • 2012 – 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML350
  • 2012 – 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML550
  • 2017 – 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE43
  • 2016 – 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE63
  • 2012 – 2015 Mercedes-Benz AMG ML63
  • 2016 – 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350
  • 2016 – 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE 400
  • 2016 – 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE 550E

Recall summary

Water may find its way into the rear part of the vehicle and reach the fuel pump and interfere with its work, starving the car of fuel. There are several causes of the defect, with one of them seemingly related to a manufacturing error and the other caused by unspecified actions taken by the owner when opening and closing the hatch.

The components involved in the recall are the plug with part number A0039981450 and the fuel pump control unit with multiple part numbers including A0009003800, A0009003101 and A0009007306.

Recall risks

Lack of fuel pumping into the engine can lead to a stall, which ups the risk of a crash.

Warning signs 

Drivers may hear the sound of water sloshing around from inside the spare tire wheel well or notice dampness in the carpet in the rear area of the cabin. The check engine light could also come on on the dashboard before the issue occurs. After the water enters the car, a different, unspecified warning message should pop up on the screen.

Other Mercedes-Benz recalls

In May 2022, Mercedes-Benz issued a stop-drive order and a recall for 292,287 vehicles over a brake failure risk that increases the risk of a crash. As of January 11, 2023, over 145,000 cars still needed to be repaired. Please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool to determine if yours is one of them.

In October 2022, Mercedes-Benz also recalled 19,698 vehicles over the loss of safety features caused by the 12-volt battery in the trunk being improperly secured. This could lead to an inability to call emergency services or exit the vehicle in the event of a crash.

The repair

To prevent this Mercedes-Benz engine stall, dealers will install a water drain plug in the spare tire wheel well and replace the fuel pump control unit if necessary. All repairs will be conducted free of charge and owners who paid for repairs before the recall was announced will be reimbursed.

Owners of affected vehicles will be notified on or around February 21, 2023.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 300,000 vehicles are affected by this Mercedes-Benz water ingress recall. To see if your vehicle is among them or to check for Mercedes-Benz AMG recalls, run a Mercedes-Benz recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloMercedes-Benz recalls cars that may stall due to water damage

Daimler recalls Mercedes-Benz cars with fly-away sunroofs

Jacksonville, FL – January 22, 2023 – Daimler (NASDAQ:DDAIF), which owns the Mercedes-Benz brand, is recalling 123,696 vehicles whose sunroofs may detach. This creates a road hazard and ups the risk of a crash.

The lengthy list of affected vehicles includes the following models: 

  • 2002 – 2007 Mercedes-Benz C230
  • 2001 – 2005 Mercedes-Benz C240
  • 2006 – 2007 Mercedes-Benz C280
  • 2001 – 2005 Mercedes-Benz C320
  • 2006 – 2007 Mercedes-Benz C350
  • 2003 – 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK320
  • 2006 – 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK350
  • 2003 – 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK500
  • 2007 – 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK550
  • 2006 – 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS550
  • 2005 – 2009 Mercedes-Benz E320
  • 2003 – 2006 Mercedes-Benz E500
  • 2007 – 2009 Mercedes-Benz E550
  • 2002 – 2004 Mercedes-Benz AMG C32
  • 2005 – 2006 Mercedes-Benz AMG C55
  • 2003 – 2005 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLK55
  • 2007 – 2011 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLS63
  • 2003 – 2006 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55
  • 2007 – 2009 Mercedes-Benz AMG E63
  • 2006 – 2009 Mercedes-Benz E350
  • 2006 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLS55

Recall summary  

All vehicles affected by this recall are equipped with a sunroof. Due to a supplier error, the sunroof’s glass panel was inadequately bonded to the metal frame beneath it. 

Because of that, the bonding adhesive could deteriorate and not hold these two components together. As a result, the glass panel may detach from the frame and fly away from the vehicle

The component causing this recall is the sunroof cover, with part numbers  A2117800300, A2097800200, A2197800100 or A2037800121, depending on the model. 

Recall risks

A glass panel that detaches while driving will fly off, potentially hitting nearby pedestrians or oncoming vehicles. In addition, this part might land on the road, endangering other motorists.

Warning signs 

If the adhesive starts falling apart, the owners might notice a partially detached sunroof and excessive wind noise while driving. 

Other Mercedes-Benz recalls

This is not the first time Mercedes-Benz has had issues with fly-away components. Back in September 2022, they recalled more than 100,000 SUVs and sedans because their trim bars could detach while driving.

In addition, one of the recent Mercedes-Benz C-Class recalls over a fire risk took place in October 2022

The repair

Dealers will inspect the sunroof and replace it if the bondage between the glass panel and the metal frame is inadequate. The repair is free of charge. 

Vehicle owners will be notified on February 21, 2023. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 100,000 cars are affected by this Mercedes detached sunroof panel recall. To do a Mercedes-Benz recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicDaimler recalls Mercedes-Benz cars with fly-away sunroofs

Daimler issues second recall for Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner vans over rollaway risk

Sandy Springs, GA – November 24, 2022 – Daimler (OTCMKTS:DMLRY), which owns both the Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner brands, is recalling 124,305 vehicles at risk of rollaway while in Park, increasing the risk of injury and crash. This follows a U.S. government investigation into the issue which so far, has resulted in one other recall.

The recall includes the following vans:

  • 2019 – 2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500
  • 2019 – 2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500
  • 2019 – 2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500
  • 2019 – 2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4500
  • 2019 – 2022 Mercedes-Benz Freightliner Sprinter 1500
  • 2019 – 2022 Mercedes-Benz Freightliner Sprinter 2500
  • 2019 – 2022 Mercedes-Benz Freightliner Sprinter 3500
  • 2019 – 2022 Mercedes-Benz Freightliner Sprinter 4500

Recall summary

In the subject vehicles, part of the mechanism for locking the vehicle in Park can wear out. As a result, the vehicle can roll away when parked, unless the manual parking brake is engaged.

Daimler pointed to a software problem – as well as unspecified “driving practices “ as the cause of the excess wear.

Recall risks

Vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash, injury to those traveling in or near the vehicle, as well as damage to property.

Safety tips

Engaging the Sprinter van parking brake should prevent rollaways until the repair is made.

Background of the recall

The government investigation that was launched in August 2021 affected 19,000 vehicles, including ambulances and Amazon trucks. Eleven reports of the vans rolling away were noted, with one injury recorded at the time.

There was subsequently a recall of 48,400 vehicles issued in January this year, attributed to the same issue.

Other recent Sprinter van recalls

In June 2021, Daimler recalled 4,078 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner vans over a problem with the side airbags.

The repair

To remedy the Sprinter van parking brake issue, Mercedes-Benz service partners will do a software update of the affected units free of charge . Owners will be notified of the repair program on or around December 19, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 120,000 vehicles are included in this Daimler Mercedes-Benz van recall. To perform a Mercedes-Benz recall check on your vehicle, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Senamile NkosiDaimler issues second recall for Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner vans over rollaway risk

Mercedes-Benz recalls SUVs over seat lock issue, injury risk

Jacksonville, FL – October 28, 2022 – Mercedes-Benz (OTCMKTS:MBGYY) is issuing a recall for 59,574 SUVs over faulty locks on the third-row seat backs, which could lead to injury in the event of a crash. 

The recall covers the following models: 

  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLS63
  • 2020 – 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450
  • 2020 – 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580

Recall summary

Seat back locks secure seat backs in place and prevent them from unintentionally moving forward when an accident occurs. In the affected models, locks on the third-row seats could fail when the vehicle is involved in a crash due to a supplier error.

The component involved in this recall is the seat backrest frame located in the Mercedes-Benz third row seats, with part numbers A1679301702 and A1679301802. 

Recall risks

When a crash happens, a defective seat lock could cause the seat back to forcefully fold forward, increasing the occupant’s risk of injury. 

Other Mercedes-Benz AMG recalls

In May 2022, Mercedes-Benz issued a recall for 21,306 mild-hybrid vehicles over a loose electrical connection under the front passenger seat, which presents a higher risk of overheating and fire.

In July 2022, the automaker issued another recall for 8,530 cars over a software issue on the rearview camera that could prevent it from displaying an image on the dashboard monitor. This reduces the driver’s view of the area behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of an accident.

The repair

Owners can bring affected vehicles to an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer, who will check the third-row seat back locking mechanisms and, if necessary, replace the seat back. This will be done at no cost to the owner.

 Affected owners will be notified on or around November 29, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 59,000 vehicles are affected by this Mercedes-Benz seat back lock recall. To see if your vehicle is included, run a Mercedes-Benz recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool

Joseph EstabilloMercedes-Benz recalls SUVs over seat lock issue, injury risk

Mercedes-Benz issues recall over loss of safety features

Jacksonville, FL – October 27, 2022 – Mercedes-Benz (OTCMKTS:MBGYY) is recalling 19,698 vehicles because the 12-volt battery located in the trunk may not be properly secured. In a crash, the battery could come loose, disabling some safety functions and increasing the risk of injury.

The recall includes the following vehicles:

  • 2019 – 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS450 Coupe
  • 2019 – 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLS53 Coupe
  • 2021 – 2022 Mercedes-Benz E450
  • 2019 – 2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53

Recall summary

The vehicles involved in this recall have a 12-volt battery located in the spare wheel well in the trunk that powers essential safety features. In the subject vehicles, this battery may not be properly secured, meaning that it may move and potentially disconnect in a crash.

The component in question is the Mercedes-Benz 12 volt battery, with part numbers A0019827908 and A0009825010.

Recall risks

If the battery disconnects during a crash, certain post-crash safety features may fail. These include the emergency call (eCall) system, which contacts emergency services in the event of a collision; hazard warning lights, which make a disabled vehicle more visible; and electric seat adjustment and automatically unlocking doors, which make it easier for occupants to get out of the vehicle. Without these features, passengers are at greater risk of injury after the crash occurs.

Other recent Mercedes-Benz recalls

Other recent Mercedes-Benz recalls include one in August in which nearly 30,000 vehicles were recalled over a fault with the electrical system that could cause a fire.

In late September, 161,000 vehicles were recalled for trim bars that could detach while the vehicle is in motion, causing a road hazard.

The repair

To address this Mercedes-Benz electrical issue, owners can take their vehicles to a Mercedes-Benz dealer for additional mounting support to be installed at no cost.

Owners will be notified of the repair program by November 29, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Nearly 20,000 vehicles are included in this Mercedes-Benz recall. To perform a Mercedes-Benz recall check on your vehicle, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Senamile NkosiMercedes-Benz issues recall over loss of safety features

Daimler issues Mercedes-Benz C300 recall for risk of fire

Jacksonville, FL – October 24, 2022 – Daimler (OTCMKTS:DMLRY), which owns the Mercedes-Benz brand, is recalling 6,752 Mercedes-Benz C-class cars due to an electrical problem, which could result in a short circuit and increased risk of fire.  The recall includes the 2022 C300 luxury cars.

Recall summary

These cars have a Mercedes-Benz signal acquisition and actuation module (SAM) that gathers information from the vehicle’s sensors, switches and controllers. This plays an important part in the car’s functions such as showing the correct fuel level, controlling the lights and receiving signals from the key fob transmitter for locking and unlocking the doors.    

In the affected vehicles, water leaking into the trunk area may reach the SAM’s sensitive electronics, causing a short circuit and increasing the risk of a fire.

Recall risks

A short circuit on the SAM could lead to problems with the vehicle’s various features such as exterior lights, power seat adjustment, side mirrors and rearview cameras. It also increases the risk of fire breaking out in the vehicle.  For more on the risks of fire, please visit the following page.

Warning signs

A warning message will appear on the dashboard, corresponding to the particular function affected by the short circuit.  

Other Mercedes-Benz recalls 

In April 2022, Daimler issued a recall for 8,396 Mercedes-Benz cars for the 2021-2022 model years over faulty cruise control features, as reported.

That same month, another Daimler recall covered 126,443 Mercedes-Benz vehicles for the 2018-2021 model years over a software error on the rearview camera, that could prevent drivers from reversing the vehicle safely. 

Repair

Dealers will install a cover on the SAM to protect it against water leaking into the trunk area. The repair will be done free of charge, as all affected vehicles are covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.

Affected owners will be notified on or around November 11, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

These Mercedes-Benz electric issues are causing a recall of over 6,000 vehicles. To see if your vehicle is affected, run a Mercedes-Benz recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Bojan PopicDaimler issues Mercedes-Benz C300 recall for risk of fire

 Daimler recalls vehicles with fly-away trim bars

Jacksonville, FL – September 24, 2022 – Daimler (NASDAQ:DDAIF), which owns the Mercedes-Benz brand, is recalling 161,000 vehicles whose window trim bars may detach while driving. This may create a road hazard, augmenting the risk of a crash or injury. 

Vehicles affected by this recall include: 

  • 2020 – 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 
  • 2021 – 2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE53
  • 2020 – 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE450
  • 2020 – 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE580
  • 2020 – 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS450
  • 2020 – 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS580
  • 2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE63S
  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE400E
  • 2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLS63
  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS600

Recall summary  

Trims are plastic adornments whose purpose is to give a car a slicker look.

In the affected vehicles, both left and right window trim bars were fitted incorrectly as a result of a supplier error. As a result, they may detach from the vehicle while driving.

Recall risks

For more on the risks of this recall, please see this article about a Volkswagen recall due to a similar issue.

Other Mercedes-Benz recalls

In July, there was a Mercedes-Benz Maybach recall due to faulty rearview cameras, as reported.

In May, there was a Mercedes-Benz AMG recall due to the risk of fire, also as reported.

Both recalls included other vehicles.

Repair

Dealers will inspect the window trim bars and modify how they are fitted, if necessary. This repair is free of charge. 

The notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on November 11, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 150,000 vehicles are being recalled because of these Mercedes-Benz trim issues. To do a Mercedes-Benz recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool

Bojan Popic Daimler recalls vehicles with fly-away trim bars

Daimler recalls Mercedes-Benz vehicles over risk of fire

Jacksonville, FL – August 13, 2022 – Daimler (OTCMKTS:DMLRY), which owns Mercedes-Benz, is recalling 27,330 vehicles over an issue with the transmission’s electrical system, which could lead to a fire. This increases the risk of injury and even death.

The recall covers the following models: 

  • 2019 – 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLS53 
  • 2019 – 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53 
  • 2021 – 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT43 
  • 2019 – 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT53
  • 2019 – 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLS450
  • 2021 – 2023 Mercedes-Benz E450  

Recall summary

The transmission uses a wiring harness to organize and protect the electrical cables within. In the affected vehicles, an overly tight harness could pull the wires’ protective insulation away from the electrical connector. This could leave the connector exposed to water, which can cause corrosion and a short circuit.

The component involved in this recall is the electrical wiring harness with multiple part numbers including A2135403969, A2135404069 and A2385400717.

Recall risks

A short circuit can lead to a fire, which could cause injury.

Read more about the risks of this defect in our recent article about a similar transmission recall issued by BMW. 

Warning signs  

Drivers may be alerted to an impending short circuit by either an illuminated yellow battery icon or a “4Matic malfunction” warning message on the dashboard instrument panel. 

Other Mercedes-Benz recalls  

Last month, a Mercedes-Benz recall was issued for 8,530 vehicles due to a problem with the rearview camera.  This was the latest in a string of Mercedes-Benz electrical issues.

In May 2022, there was a Mercedes-Benz AMG recall and a stop-drive notice for 292,287 vehicles over an issue with the braking system.  The recall also included R, GL and ML-class vehicles, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will check the electrical connectors on the affected vehicles and fix them as needed. An additional bracket will also be installed to reduce the tension on the harness.  Daimler says that repairs on all affected vehicles will be performed free of charge.

Affected owners will be notified by September 20, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 27,000 vehicles are included in this Mercedes-Benz transmission recall. To see if your vehicle is affected, run a Mercedes-Benz recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloDaimler recalls Mercedes-Benz vehicles over risk of fire

Daimler recalls Mercedes-Benz vehicles over rearview camera issue

Jacksonville, FL – July 23, 2022 – Daimler (OTCMKTS:DMLRY), which owns the Mercedes-Benz brand, has issued a recall for 8,530 vehicles due to a software issue which may prevent the rearview camera from displaying. This increases the risk of a crash. 

The recall covers the following models: 

  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz Maybach S 580
  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz S 500
  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz S 580
  • 2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG EQS 53
  • 2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG EQS 450
  • 2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG EQS 580

Recall summary

While the rearview and exterior side mirrors allow the driver to check the vehicle’s rear for hazards, the rearview camera provides a clearer view of the areas beyond their reach. When reverse gear is engaged, the camera provides a video feed which is displayed on the vehicle’s dashboard monitor.  

In the affected vehicles, a software error on the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) multimedia system may cause central display – and by extension, the rearview camera – to remain blank when the car is unlocked.

The component involved in this recall is the MBUX multimedia system software, with multiple part numbers including 2979036000, 2979036501, A2239030203 and A2239025920. 

Recall risks

Read more about the risks of this defect in our recent article about a similar brake recall issued by Mercedes-Benz. 

Other Mercedes-Benz recalls 

In March 2022, Daimler issued a recall for Mercedes-Benz Metris vans over a similar problem with the rearview cameras. Affected units had the displayed image freeze while the vehicle was reversing, increasing the risk of an accident.  

The Mercedes-Benz S500, S580, EQS 450, and EQS 580 were also the subjects of a recall in the same month due to defective rear lights. On the affected models, the rear turn signals, reversing lights and hazard lights may become inoperable, increasing the risk of a crash.   

There w​​as a Mercedes-Benz Maybach recall in May this year due to the risk of fire, as reported. The recall also included  GLE and GLS vehicles.

The repair

Dealers update the MBUX software used in the affected vehicles. There will be no charge for this service. Mercedes-Benz will reimburse owners who paid to have the problem fixed prior to the recall order.   

Affected owners will be notified by September 9, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 8,000 vehicles are included in this Mercedes-Benz rearview camera recall. To see if your vehicle is affected, run a Mercedes-Benz recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloDaimler recalls Mercedes-Benz vehicles over rearview camera issue