Lilburn, Georgia – September 26, 2018 – Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 GLC300 4MATIC Coupe, GLC300, GLC300 4MATIC, GLC350e 4MATIC, GLC43 AMG 4MATIC Coupe, and GLC43 AMG 4MATIC vehicles equipped with LED headlights.

Daimler AG (“DAG”), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain Model Year (“MY”) 2018 GLC-Class (253 platform) vehicles, equipped with LED headlamps, the front turn signal lights may be pink/violet in color.

The recall covers over 4,700 vehicles, with an estimated 10% being subject to the defect. The front turn signals may have an incorrect color of pink or violet, thus failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard.

The Defect

According to the NHTSA Safety Recall Report, although the function of the turn indicators is not affected, legal requirements may not be met. Turn signals that are the wrong color may not be as easily recognized by other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. Owners may notice the unusual color when unlocking or locking their vehicle doors, which can cause the lights to flash.

Timeline of Events

In March 2018 DAG initiated initial investigations based on a single vehicle detected in the production plant, and subsequently, in April 2018, DAG and the headlamp supplier analyzed the exemplar headlamp.

In May 2018 it was determined that a production deviation at the supplier resulted in damaged LED phosphor layers and by June 2018 the supplier had determined the potentially affected batches of headlamps

In July and August 2018 DAG determined the potentially affected vehicles equipped with the suspect headlamps, and in early September 2018 DAG determined that a potential non-compliance of subject vehicles with legal light colors could not be excluded. The recall is voluntary, and the issue was corrected on the manufacturing line for all vehicles produced after the defect was discovered.

The Solution

As a precautionary measure, an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will check the color of the turn signal on the affected LED headlamps, and replace the LED module, if necessary.
MBUSA will not provide notice about pre-notice reimbursement to owners since all involved vehicles remain covered under the new vehicle warranty, and the replacement will be done free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin November 9, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153). The NHTSA Number for this recall is 18V-610.

U.S. – Aug. 27, 2018 – Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) announced a recall of certain 2018 and 2019 vehicles that may have a problem with the Occupant Classification System (OCS), according to Car Complaints. This could cause air bags not to deploy in certain situations. MBUSA is looking further into the potential matter to take action on the official recall.

The Defect

The OCS is the electrical system that makes the driver aware if other passengers in the car need to fasten a seat belt. It also allows the car to know if it should deploy an airbag in the event of an accident. Indicators include features like pressure-sensitive mats and weight sensors, which can carry information about the particular passenger. All modern vehicles today have similar systems installed, such as the Seat Occupant Sensors (SOS), Passenger Weight Systems (PWS) or the Occupant Detection System (ODS). In the recalled vehicles, this indicator is said to not react if there is a child or child seat in the front passenger side of the car. This means if there was a crash, the airbag would not be deactivated and the child runs the risk of serious injury.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Child Passenger Safety Week is September 17-23. The CDC advises that no children under 12 years of age should be in the front seat of a vehicle. Child seats should not be in the front seat passenger side, because airbags can pose a risk to the child. This is especially risky for children under 2 who are strongly suggested to be in rear-facing car seats.

Once a child is of the age or weight requirement, they can sit in the passenger seat with a normal-sized belt. Children are said to be safest in a vehicle, in either a regular belt or child seat, that is located in the middle back seat. If parents and guardians are concerned, they can have a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician check seats and anchoring components for proper installation.

Timeline of Events

On August 3, MBUSA made an announcement regarding the recall for the problematic OCS.

The 345 cars included in this recall are certain 2018 Mercedes-Benz E300, E300 4Matic, E43 AMG 4Matic, E400 4Matic, E63S AMG 4Matic+, and 2019 CLS450 4Matic models. An additional 86 Mercedes-Benz CLA250, CLA250 4Matic, and CLA45 AMG 4Matic 2018 vehicles are also part of the recall.

As a small side recall, four additional cars of the same models are part of the series that have defective sunroofs. The panoramic sunroof runs a risk of coming detached while driving, which could cause potential injury or a crash.

Starting October 3, MBUSA will start to offer inspections, part replacements and repairs to the vehicles affected by the recall. The OCS can be re-calibrated and corrected to perform like normal.  This protocol is free of charge to consumers and dealerships as needed.

The Solution

MBUSA announced plans to directly notify owners of the potential airbag problem. If auto dealerships and drivers would like more information, they can contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which can be reached via their website. Costumers who would like to contact Mercedes-Benz directly in the US can call their helpline at 1-800-367-6372.

U.S. – Aug. 27, 2018 – Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) announced a recall of particular 2018 vehicles that have issues with their anchoring systems for child seats, according to Consumer Affairs. This could prove to be a high-risk situation for drivers and potentially lead to injuries during crashes, as seats can become prematurely detached due to the faulty part. Steps are in place to remedy the situation as quickly as possible.

The Defect

Proper installation of the child seat anchoring system, or ISOFIX, may have been overlooked in 39 Mercedes cars. Those included in the recall are Mercedes-Benz E400 Cabrios and E400 4Matic Cabrios.

If during a crash the ISOFIX does not work properly, some of the console could tear away from the vehicle unexpectedly. If there is a child seat and child involved, there is a risk for injury.

According to Childcarseats.org, the ISOFIX is an international standard in many vehicles to have certain secure points that pass safety tests with all regulation car seats. As there can be large differences between various seatbelts, seats and how the components are anchored, the ISOFIX can help standardize the variables to provide additional safety checkpoints. Some of these anchor points include top tether metal parts that allow for looping of belts and straps, as well as alligator clips for the bottom. The system can account for child passengers up to 72 pounds in booster seats and regular child car seats. ISOFIX can also be referred to as LATCH, LUAS or Canfix in other countries.

Alongside the ISOFIX system, all child car seats should have proper alignment for the seatbelt strap, adjustments to headrests and options support legs. The system attached to these Mercedes models does not include the child car seat itself or other safety components.

Timeline of Events

On August 2, MBUSA made an announcement that the recall for faulty child seat anchoring components. There was concern for increased risk of injury to children if involved in a crash. So far, there have been no reported injuries related to this specific recall.

Starting October 3, MBUSA will start to offer inspections, part replacements and repairs to the vehicles affected by the recall. This protocol is free of charge to consumers and dealerships as needed.

Recently, there has been a massive recall of Mercedes cars in Germany, according to Adweek. More than 230,000 cars were involved in this recall, which are only part of a string of recalls that could potentially amount to millions. The issue has to do with tracking emissions, which potentially gives false readings. It can make the cars seem like they are qualified to pass emission tests when in reality, they are not. Automaker and MBUSA partner Daimler states they are willing to inspect the issue and replace faulty parts, but claim the issue was not deliberate. Other officials say it may have been to help pass emission tests deceitfully, and there is an ongoing investigation. This effects cars internationally manufactured in various countries across the globe.

The Solution

MBUSA announced plans to directly notify owners of the problem. If auto dealerships and drivers would like more information, they can contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which can be reached via their website. Costumers who would like to contact Mercedes-Benz directly in the U.S. can call their helpline at 1-800-367-6372.

Jacksonville, Fla. – July 24, 2018 – Mercedes-Benz USA has recalled almost 400 vehicles potentially equipped with defective rear seat components, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The campaign affects 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 and GLA 250 4Matic sport utility vehicles produced between March 13, 2017, and April 28, 2017. The German automaker suspects all of the models involved in the action contain the defective parts.

The Defect

Affected vehicles feature rear seat belt assemblies whose child restraint anchorage points may be missing. Without these components, owners cannot properly secure kids’ car seats, leaving underage passengers exposed in the event of an accident. This defect therefore poses a serious risk to occupants. However, Mercedes-Benz has yet to receive field reports linking the defective parts to any collisions or injuries.

In addition to posing a substantial safety hazard, this defect violates Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 225, Section 4.4, which states that “at least one of the child restraint anchorage systems shall be installed at a forward-facing seating position in the second row in each vehicle that has three or more rows, if such a forward-facing seating position is available in that row.”

Timeline of Events

Engineers from a Mercedes-Benz assembly site contacted Daimler AG, the brand’s parent company, in September 2017 and reported that several newly produced vehicles had come off the line without rear seat restraint anchorage points. This prompted the car manufacturer to launch an official investigation, which revealed that a number of 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 SUVs were indeed missing these parts due to incorrect assembly documentation.

Daimler AG immediately reworked affected models remaining in factories and reviewed production logs to determine if vehicles without the required rear seat restraint anchorage points had been shipped out to dealers. This inquiry confirmed that such models had been released for purchase.

On June 15, 2018, the automotive conglomerate decided that a voluntary safety recall was necessary.

The Solution

Daimler AG will direct dealers to replace the rear backseat rests in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. The company intends to inform dealers of the forthcoming action July 27, 2018, and reach out to owners via first-class mail Aug. 3, 2018. However, those in need of more immediate assistance can speak with Mercedes-Benz customer service personnel by calling (800) 367-6372.

Owners can also connect with the NHTSA directly using the agency’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Jacksonville, Fla. – July 20, 2018 – Mercedes-Benz USA has recalled more than 1,700 vehicles potentially equipped with defective fuse boxes, according to documentation given to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The campaign affects multiple models produced between Sept. 5, 2017, and Dec. 14, 2017, including:

• 2018 Mercedes-Benz S 450 and S 450 4Matic sedans.
• 2018 Mercedes-Benz S 560 and S 560 4Matic sedans.
• 2018 Mercedes-Benz S 560 4Matic coupes.
• 2018 Mercedes-Benz-Maybach S 560 4Matic sedans.
• 2018 Mercedes-Benz-Maybach S 650 sedans.

The German automaker suspects just 1 percent of the recalled vehicles contain the defective parts.

The Defect

Affected models could contain pre-fuse boxes, installed in the trunk, whose internal power bars have not been properly secured. This may cause increased levels of electrical resistance and increase the risk of fire. These loose features may also come into contact during vehicle operation, leading to the sudden loss of key vehicle functions. Engine, instrument cluster and seat belt functionality could be inhibited.

The defect therefore poses a serious hazard to occupants. However, Daimler AG, Mercedes-Benz’s parent company, has yet to receive field reports connecting the defect to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

In October 2017, Daimler AG received a field report outlining an instance in which a vehicle owner was unable to start his vehicle. This prompted the automotive conglomerate to launch an internal inquiry and request parts from the model involved in the report for analysis. LEONI Wire Inc., the vendor that supplied the engine components used in the vehicle, reviewed the parts in November and determined that the pre-fuse box located in the trunk was missing the two nuts that secured its internal power bars.

Daimler AG initiated a root cause investigation the following month. By the start of 2018, the company had discovered that a defective torque station was to blame for the missing nuts.

Engineers for the conglomerate conducted additional tests to determine the impact of the defect. Concurrently, assembly specialists evaluated the problematic torque station to determine why an error had occurred.

In March 2018, these experts concluded that defective software was behind the torque station mishap. Over the next two months, Daimler AG reviewed the wiring harness assembly that secured the pre-fuse box and combed through assembly log to see how many vehicles could have left the factory with defective parts.

On June 15, 2018, Daimler AG reviewed all of the information related to the defect and decided to initiate a voluntary safety recall.

The Solution

Daimler AG will direct dealers to inspect and, if necessary, replace the pre-fuse boxes in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. The organization intends to inform dealers of the forthcoming action Aug. 3, 2018, and reach out to customers via first-class mail Aug. 15, 2018. Owners in need of more immediate assistance can speak with Mercedes-Benz customer service representatives by calling (800) 367-6372.

They can also connect with the NHTSA directly through the agency’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

9,700 Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG SUVs: Recall Alert – May 18, 2018

The Problem: In certain driving conditions, if the oil level in the ACS reservoir is below the minimum level, the oil may foam and leak out of the vent holes in the reservoir cap, which in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

The Fix: Dealers will correct the oil level as necessary and replace the reservoir sealing cap to prevent oil foam from leaking out for free… Read more on Cars.com

• 2017 Mercedes-Benz E43 AMG sedans.
• 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300 and E300 4Matic sedans.
• 2017 Mercedes-Benz E400 wagons.