Mercedes-Benz issues recall for fly-away spoiler

Pleasanton, CA – August 15, 2020 – Daimler AG (OTCMKTS:DDAIF), the owner of the Mercedes-Benz brand, has recalled 10,644 compact SUVs whose spoilers may detach from the car while driving. The recall covers 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB250 SUVs.

Recall summary  

The recall concerns the rear spoiler, which may not be fully attached to the car. The spoiler, which sits above the tailgate, was not fully welded due to a production error. 

Mercedes-Benz launched an investigation into the defect in March, following a customer complaint. The automaker discovered missing welding on the spoiler. The investigation traced the defect back to a supplier in Mexico.

Risks

The defective spoilers, which could detach while driving can become an obstacle in the roadway, forcing drivers to make quick maneuvers that could result in a crash. The fly-away spoilers may also directly hit  another vehicle.

Between 2011 and 2014, road debris played a role  in around 200,000 crashes  and caused close to 40,000 injuries and 500 deaths, according to a study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.  Over 75,000 of those crashes were caused by debris flying off of one vehicle and striking another.  

Can you tell?

GLB250 owners may be able to tell that their spoiler is loose if they hear a noise when they open the trunk or see scratches in the paint on the tailgate. They may also see that the spoiler simply does not seem to fit right. Drivers noticing these issues should contact their dealer.

The repair

Authorized dealers will check the SUV’s rear spoilers and replace them if they’re not fully attached.  Owners will be notified about the recall on around October 20. The repair – as with all recalls – is free of charge.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 10,000 vehicles are included in this Mercedes-Benz recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandMercedes-Benz issues recall for fly-away spoiler

Mercedes-Benz recalls A-class sedans over water damage risk

Pleasanton, CA – July 18, 2020 – Daimler AG (OTCMKTS:DDAIF), the owner of the Mercedes-Benz brand, is recalling 3,615 compact sedans with an air conditioning hose that may leak water into the cabin. The recall includes 2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class sedans(A220).

Recall summary  

Due to a manufacturing error, certain 2019 A-Class vehicles may have an improperly-installed air conditioning hose that could leak water into the floor of the vehicle. The hose is designed to carry condensation out of the vehicle, but a loose seal allows water to seep into the floors and center tunnel of the car. The center console hosts the dashboard, one of the most important pieces of equipment in a vehicle.

The seepage can have more serious consequences than  wet carpets— the water can damage or short-circuit various electrical components in the floor and center of the car, creating a safety hazard.

Risks

The leak can damage or impair important electrical components, including the module that controls the airbags. If the module is damaged, the airbags may not be able to protect drivers or passengers in the case of a crash, increasing the risk of injury. 

It may also activate the car’s “limp-home” mode, which drastically reduces the car’s speed. If you are driving and your car enters this mode, the check engine light will illuminate and the car may feel sluggish. If you are on the freeway, it is best to pull over and call for help, as your reduced speed may make you a traffic hazard.

Finally, it could lead to a car’s “failure to start” or malfunctioning of other elements, such as the fuel pump.

If your car suffers this kind of leak, you may notice fogged  windows or wet carpets in the area where your foot pedals are located.

The repair

An authorized dealer will check the air conditioning drain hose and make sure it is tightly fastened. This free service is currently available, and should take less than half a day to complete.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 3,000 vehicles are included in this Mercedes-Benz recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandMercedes-Benz recalls A-class sedans over water damage risk

Mercedes-Benz recalls high-performance cars with faulty stability control software

Pleasanton, CA – July 7, 2020 – Daimler AG (OTCMKTS:DDAIF), the owner of the Mercedes-Benz brand, is recalling 5,039 high-performance AMG vehicles for a problem with the software that reduces the risk of skidding. The recall includes:

  • 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG C 63
  • 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG C 63 S
  • 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 63
  • 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 63 S
  • 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 53 
  • 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 63
  • 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 63 S

Recall summary

The recall concerns vehicles’ Electronic Stability Control (ESP) software. The ESP ensures that the car goes in the direction the driver wants it to go. If it determines that the driver may have lost the control of the car, it applies brakes or reduces the engine power to help the driver regain control. The software has been installed on all new cars sold in the U.S. since 2012.

Due to an error on the part of the supplier – Bosch Engineering – the ESP on the affected cars was not primed to interact with certain brakes and sensors being installed on the Mercedes Benz vehicles in question The issue first came to light in mid-2018.

Safety risks

Because the ESP aids in steering and braking, it can seriously impact the speed and direction of the car. If the ESP responds incorrectly, it could veer the car in the wrong direction and increase the risk of a crash. 

Repair

The repair is a software update. Mercedes has not indicated when it will become available.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 5,000 cars are included in this Mercedes recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool to check your car for open recalls.

Rebecca RandMercedes-Benz recalls high-performance cars with faulty stability control software

A Small Number of Mercedes Cars May Have Rearview Camera Delays

rLaguna Hills, Calif. – February 5, 2020 – Mercedes Benz USA is recalling certain 2019 A220 and A220 4MATIC vehicles. Affected vehicles’ rearview cameras may have a delay between their display and actual events because of a software problem. As a result, these vehicles are not in compliance with Federal Motor Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, “Rearview Mirrors.”

The Defect

Affected vehicles’ rearview cameras may have an insufficient response time. A delayed image might mean that drivers miss hazards that are behind them, increasing the possibility of an accident. 

This defect only occurs in certain situations. Specifically, the vehicle’s central display must be manually turned off before the ignition is turned off, and the gear selector must be shifted into reverse within 25 seconds of the car subsequently restarting. Aside from that, however, the driver will have no warning signs that their rearview camera is not working at full capacity.

Mercedes Benz began to review rearview backup camera performance on some of its vehicles in Aug 2018. This internal review came as a result of specific information and Mercedes Benz’s line of vans. However, reviewers determined that the issue affecting Mercedes’ vans might also be occurring on the rearview cameras of some passenger cars.

In Oct 2018, Mercedes Benz began incorporating an updated rearview camera software into its vehicles, as well as already manufactured vehicles that were still in production facilities or vehicle preparation centers.

In the summer of 2019, a task force set up by Mercedes Benz America began conducting a review of open plant actions. During that review, officials became aware of the possibility that some of the updated vehicles may have been reworked in ways that did not meet specifications exactly, causing the defect and putting the vehicles out of compliance with Federal Motor Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, “Rearview Mirrors.” Task force workers informed the Mercedes Benz after sales department. Further analysis determined the range of affected vehicles as being at only 22 vehicles sold in the United States. At the time of the recall, no reports of delay or associated accidents have been reported.

On Jan 17, 2020, Mercedes Benz America decided to conduct a safety recall.

Solution

Affected owners can take their vehicles into a certified Mercedes Benz dealer to have the software of their rearview camera updated. Dealers will be notified of the pending recall on Feb 3, 2020. Owners of recalled vehicles will be notified on March 27, 2020.

Mercedes Benz will be required to send a draft of their planned owner notification letters to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at least five days prior to mailing. In addition, the company must submit copies of any additional communications with owners and dealers, including notices and bulletins, to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within five days of their publication. Finally, Mercedes Benz must submit six quarterly reports to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration moving forward

The defect in rearview camera technology was fixed in production from Oct 2018 forward. 

Dealers that sell any recalled vehicles in their inventory previous to repair are in violation of federal law. Additionally, car rental companies that rent any recalled vehicles previous to repair are also in violation of federal law.

For more information on this or other recalls past or present, visit MotorSafety.org.

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About MotorSafety.org

MotorSafety.org is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to vehicle safety and assisting consumers with the identification and resolution of vehicle manufacturing recalls and defects. Through education, awareness, government relations, repair facility referrals and strategic partnerships, MotorSafety.org hopes to remove every unsafe vehicle from the road, facilitate its proper repair, and ensure its prompt return to the owner once the vehicle has met the required safety and performance standards. For more information about MotorSafety.org, please email support@motorsafety.org.

Marshall EarleyA Small Number of Mercedes Cars May Have Rearview Camera Delays

2018 S Class Mercedes May Have Small Brake Systems

Laguna Hills, Calif., January 9, 2019 – Mercedes Benz USA, LLC is recalling certain 2018 S560 and S450 vehicles. Affected vehicles may have front brake components, including the brake discs, calipers and pads, that have different dimensions than what was specified for the vehicle. The issue falls under the category of Light Vehicle Brake Systems.

The Defect

Affected vehicles were manufactured with a front braking system that has smaller dimensions than what was specified for S560 and S450 vehicles. The issue occurred as a result of inaccurate documentation at a production facility. According to Mercedes Benz, the defect poses no imminent safety harm and the smaller braking system still meets federal standards. However, incorrectly sized brake components may lead to incorrect replacement parts being used during vehicle brake repairs. This could create potential safety problems in the future, including an increased likelihood of crashing.

Timeline of Events

In June, 2019, Mercedes Benz USA’s After Sales Division received a field report from a workshop located outside of the U.S., notifying them of a possible variance between the dimensions of a vehicle’s braking system and its intended specifications. Further investigation by Mercedes Benz determined the cause of the issue. An affected population was established through production records. In September 2019, the company determined that braking systems with smaller dimensions had also been installed in other models.

As a result of the investigation, Mercedes Benz began testing the smaller braking systems to make sure that they could operate safely in the affected vehicles. While Mercedes Benz concluded that the error did not result in any violations of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, the company was concerned about potential non-compliance with local legal requirements.

On December 13, 2019, Mercedes Benz USA decided to conduct a voluntary recall.

The Solution

Affected owners can have their vehicle’s front axle brake system replaced by a certified Mercedes Benz dealer. Components that will need to be replaced include the TS Brake pads, both the left and right Brake Caliper and both the left and right Brake Discs. Mercedes Benz USA does not plan to pre-notice reimbursement to owners because all of the replacements are covered by Mercedes Benz’s new vehicle warranty.

The issue was replaced in production on May 16, 2018. Vehicles produced after that date will be free of the defect. As a part of the recall, Mercedes Benz will be required to submit six consecutive quarterly status reports to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with the first report due within 30 days of the end of the quarter.

Mercedes Benz dealers were notified of the voluntary recall on December 27, 2019. The company plans to notify affected owners on February 14, 2020.

For more information about this and other safety recalls, visit motorsafety.org.

Sean Reyes2018 S Class Mercedes May Have Small Brake Systems

A Decade of Mercedes Benz Vehicles May Have Sliding Roof Panel Defect

Laguna Hills, Calif., January 9, 2019 – Mercedes Benz USA, LLC is recalling certain 2001-2011 vehicles from a range of lines. Many of these vehicles have sliding roof panels that have become less adhesive, leaving the panel at risk of detaching from the vehicle and causing injury.

The estimated number of affected vehicles is 744,852, although as few as 2% of those vehicles may have the defect.

The Defect

According to Mercedes Benz, the bonding between the roof glass panel and the sliding roof frame may have deteriorated, resulting in the glass panel coming detached in extreme circumstances. The issue mostly occurred in the production of some vehicles from January 16, 2006 to August 21, 2006. A review by the components supplier, Webasto Roof and Components SE, revealed a change of production methods starting August 22, 2006. As a result, vehicles using components that were manufactured from that day forward are believed to be free of the defect.

The list of potentially impacted vehicles is long and includes the C32, C55, C320, C230, C240, C280, C350, CLS63, CLS500, CLS550, CLK320, CLK500, E55, E63, E280, E300, E320, E350, E450, E500, E550 lines across several model years.

The exact cause of the issue remains unclear.

Timeline of Events

In December 2017, Mercedes Benz began performing initial investigations of the sliding roof panel on certain model years after a series of isolated field reports from outside the U.S. No damage or injuries had been reported as a part of these field reports. The panels that were involved in each field report were retrieved and analyzed by Mercedes Benz, as well as Webasto Roof and Components SE, and an outside laboratory. These tests came back with inconclusive results.

To continue research, Mercedes Benz searched the global used car market for more sliding roof panels, since none of the affected models were still in production at Mercedes Benz facilities. In November, 2018, three sliding panels were procured and tested. One of those panels was defective due to the lack of cohesion.

The Solution

Affected owners can bring their vehicles into a certified Mercedes Benz dealer to have their glass panel bonding checked, free of charge. In situations where a dealer finds that the bonding has become less adhesive, they will replace the entire sliding roof panel. Components that will need to be replaced include the sliding sunroof, front blinds, blind on glass and trim.

If owners have already taken their vehicle in for repairs on this issue previous to the recall, they may be eligible for a reimbursement from Mercedes Benz. Requests for reimbursement should include information about the parts, labor, fees and taxes. Reimbursements are capped off at the amount that the repair would have cost if it were performed by a certified Mercedes Benz dealer.

As a part of the recall, Mercedes Benz will be required to submit six consecutive quarterly status reports to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with the first report due within 30 days of the end of the quarter. In addition, given the extensive length of time between the production of the first defective vehicle and the first field report, Mercedes Benz will be required by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to develop a plan for vehicles that are currently not defective may be become so in the future.

Mercedes Benz dealers were notified of the voluntary recall on December 27, 2019. The company plans to notify affected owners on February 14, 2020.

For more information on this and other recalls, visit www.motorsafety.org.

Sean ReyesA Decade of Mercedes Benz Vehicles May Have Sliding Roof Panel Defect

Mercedes Benz Airbags in Need of Update

Laguna Hills, CA – Dec. 19, 2019 – Mercedes Benz USA, LLC is recalling certain 2019 E53 AMG 4MATIC, E63 AMG 4MATIC Wagon and E63S AMG 4MATIC Wagon vehicles. The incorrect driver air bag and related software may have been installed.

The potential number of vehicles affected is estimated at 99.

The Defect

According to Mercedes Benz, the affected vehicles were built early in the production period and equipped with a prototype airbag hardware and software. Each of the affected vehicles was not updated by the Vehicle Processing Center before being released to the public, as is protocol. Due to the defect, drivers will not receive advanced warning when their airbags are deployed. A faulty driver air bag and software version can cause the vehicle’s restraint systems to not work during a crash, creating a greater risk of injury.

Mercedes Benz notes that vehicles outside of the recall population are fully equipped with the correct equipment and software.

Timeline of Events

Mercedes Benz developed the initial airbag modules for the new model year in September, 2018 and production of all of the affected vehicles occurred between June 20, 2018 and February 5, 2019. These early production vehicles were supposed to be updated after that time. A routine plant audit determined that the affected vehicles were released without an update. In the case of each affected model, Mercedes Benz was able to determine the recall population through production records.

Mercedes Benz decided to conduct a safety recall on November 29, 2019. The company submitted paperwork to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on December 6, 2019.

The Solution

Mercedes Benz will notify both owners and dealers of the defect. Dealers will be notified December 13, 2019, while owners will be notified February 4, 2020. The recall is voluntary for owners. Authorized Mercedes Benz dealers will replace customers’ air bags and upgrade the software so that it is certified for the 2019 model year. Because the affected vehicles are a newer model, all upgrades will be covered by warranty.

For more information on this or other recalls past or present, visit MotorSafety.org.

Sean ReyesMercedes Benz Airbags in Need of Update

Mercedes Benz Recalls a Single 2020 GLE450 4MATIC Vehicle Over Issue with Third Row Headrests

Laguna Hills, CA – Dec. 18, 2019 – Mercedes Benz USA LLC is recalling one 2020 GLE450 4MATIC vehicle. The issue involves interior furniture being manufactured below standard. The vehicle’s third row seat headrests possess insufficient padding; in addition, the securing rod may not hold the headrest in place. These issues affect the adjusting of the headrest and the level of comfort, and may increase the risk of injury for occupants.

There is only one unit that is believed to be affected by this issue.

The Defect

The headrest issue involves one 2020 GLE450 4MATIC vehicle. This vehicle possesses third row headrests that did not meet intended manufacturing standards. These headrests are proportioned incorrectly and possess adjustment rods that do not function as intended. This affects the comfort of passengers sitting in these seats. More importantly, the headrest may not properly protect passengers in the event of automotive collisions. This increases the risk of injury and death.

Timeline of Events

On December 6, 2019, Mercedes Benz USA LLC, was made aware of an issue regarding incorrectly manufactured third row headrests. The vehicle affected by this issue was identified through production records; it was determined that the defect is limited to one vehicle in the recall population; a single GLE450 4MATIC vehicle. On December 17, Mercedes Benz released a public recall notice with the NHSTA, describing the issue and announcing a planned remedy process. The recall is expected to begin February 4 of next year.

The Solution

Mercedes Benz USA LLC will notify the owner of the identified vehicle. An authorized Mercedes Benz dealer will replace the defective third row headsets at no cost to the owner. The recall is expected to begin February 4, 2020; in the event of changes or new information, the owner will be informed. The company has not publicly released any special instructions regarding the ownership and operation of the vehicle in the meantime. Presumably, it would be advisable to not operate the vehicle in question with occupants in the third row of seats.

For more information on this or other recalls past or present, visit MotorSafety.org.

Sean ReyesMercedes Benz Recalls a Single 2020 GLE450 4MATIC Vehicle Over Issue with Third Row Headrests

Mercedes-Benz Recalls Thousands of Cars For Seat Belt Issues

Laguna Hills, CA – Dec. 3, 2019 – Eighteen models manufactured by Mercedes-Benz USA are due for recall after the automaker discovered some of the seat belt assemblies do not work. Buckling up is required by law in most states and not wearing one dramatically increases the risk of serious injury in the event of a crash. All told, nearly 26,700 models are included in the Mercedes-Benz seat belt recall.

MBUSA says it aims to begin notifying operators of the affected automobiles by mail starting on New Year’s Eve. Those receiving the warnings are asked to have their vehicles checked out by an authorized MBUSA dealer so the problem can be fixed.

The Defect

In paperwork available through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Mercedes-Benz is set to recall 29,679 automobiles – whose model years run between 2018 and 2019 – because the seat belts in the front seats fail to work. In some cases, the belts may buckle in fine, but the internal detection system may not recognize that this is the case. This may result in future issues, such as if the pretensioner – which is manipulated by the vehicles’ PRE-SAFE® controls – is rendered inoperable.

Although the size of the Mercedes-Benz seat belt recall is fairly small, it involves multiple model types:

  • 2019 AMG GT 63
  • 2019 AMG GT 63 S
  • 2019 CLS450
  • 2019 CLS53
  • 2018-2019 E300
  • 2018 E400
  • 2018 E43 AMG
  • 2019 E450
  • 2019 E53
  • 2018-2019 E63 S AMG
  • 2019 G550
  • 2019 G63
  • 2019 GLC300
  • 2019 GLC350E
  • 2019 GLC 43 AMG
  • 2019 GLC63
  • 2019 GLC53 AMG
  • 2018-2019 GLC63S AMG

Of the 50 states, 49 require all drivers to buckle up. Most motorists do so, based upon NHTSA’s most recently available usage statistics. In 2016, the latest year for verifiable data, 10,428 people died in car crashes where seat belts were left unused. Had they been wearing them, 2,456 of those individuals would likely have survived their injuries.

Timeline of Events

This problem traces back to October 2018. At that time, safety officials at Mercedes-Benz learned of a few incidents in which operators had their seat belts fastened, but the restraint system didn’t recognize that was the case.

Because an initial review couldn’t determine the cause of the glitch, a task force was assigned to investigate. Reviewers determined the most likely origin of the problem had to do with the “geometrical dimensions” of the belt buckle itself. The task force also noted that the seat belt buckle housing could also be compromised.

In the process of working out a solution, Mercedes-Benz was alerted to two other incidents in August 2019 related to seat belt detection by the occupant restraint system, which furthered the potential for a safety recall.

Mercedes-Benz has announced multiple safety recalls in 2019. In February, it recalled 300,000 vehicles because of defects with air bag deployment. Another air bag-related recall took place in August, only that one involved just 457 models.

The Solution

Mercedes-Benz has since developed a resolution that can fix the flaw. Motorists who drive one of the aforementioned automobiles are advised to check their mail for a notification, which the automaker will start distributing in December. Operators should bring their vehicle to a dealership so the issue can be fixed by replacing the malfunctioning units. There will be no charge for this repair.

For more information on the Mercedes-Benz seat belt recall and whether you’re affected, please visit MotorSafety.org. Be sure to have your VIN to check your status.

Sean ReyesMercedes-Benz Recalls Thousands of Cars For Seat Belt Issues

Mercedes-Benz faces recall over window trim

Laguna Hills, CA – Nov. 4, 2019 – Mercedes-Benz USA recently had to issue a recall for a number of light sport utility vehicles in its 2020 model year for issues related to mounted rear window trim bars that were installed outside of company specifications.

Altogether, nearly 13,800 vehicles were involved in the recall, all of which are believed to carry this defect. This includes the following light SUVs, all in the 2020 line:

  • 10,068 GLE350 4MATICs
  • 2,290 GLE450 4MATICs
  • 1,148 GLS450 4MATICs
  • 22 GLS580 4MATICs
  • 1 GLE350

It is believed 100% of the specific vehicles in the recall carry the defect in question. Those light SUVs were identified via production records, and many have non-sequential vehicle identification numbers. However, many other vehicles sharing the same model year but which outside the recall group have trim bars that were installed properly.

The Defect

Specifically, all those vehicles – each one a GLE-Class or GLS-Class light SUVs produced between Aug. 23, 2018, and Sept. 27, 2019 – have a trim bar fastening on the rear door windows that could, under certain driving conditions, separate from the vehicle entirely. While this would not pose a likely risk to the drivers of these vehicles themselves, others around them on the road could be injured or become more likely to crash as a result of such a detachment.

The issue arises due to a tolerance deviation at the supplier, and unfortunately drivers of these vehicles will not be able to detect whether their fastenings are at risk for failure.

Timeline of Events

Around mid-August of this year, Daimler Auto Group – which controls Mercedes-Benz USA – received a report of a situation in which one such rear door window fastening failure occurred on a GLE-Class light SUV. The company then began an investigation into the issue, to better understand how it began and what could happen in the event of a failure. Over the course of about six weeks, the investigation determined that the issue came at the supplier level, and it would need to be addressed in short order.

On Sept. 27, the company determined that it could not rule out this issue becoming a safety problem for the other affected vehicles, and ordered the voluntary recall at that time.

The Solution

Drivers who receive the recall notice should return to an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer. There, technicians will check the fastening on the rear door windows and, if necessary, rework them so that they once again fall within specification at no cost.

However, the company does not plan to provide any notice about pre-notice reimbursements for owners of these vehicles, as all the affected models are within warranty, given that they are in the 2020 model year. The company also noted that as of Sept. 27, the design tolerances of the parts DAG receives from the Kentucky-based supplier has changed, so no further issues of this type will occur.

Mercedes-Benz dealers were first notified of the voluntary recall on Oct. 11, and owners of these vehicles will receive their own notifications around the first week of December.

For additional information about this recall, consumers can contact Mercedes-Benz USA via phone at 1-877-496-3691, or call the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

For more information on this or other recalls past or present, visit MotorSafety.org.

Sean ReyesMercedes-Benz faces recall over window trim