Laguna Hills, CA – October 3, 2018 – Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 Mercedes-Benz E63S AMG 4MATIC vehicles. Daimler AG, (“DAG”) the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain Model Year (“MY”) 2017 E-Class AMG (213 platform) vehicles, the adjustment range of the front passenger seat might not be limited correctly, which allows it to be adjusted beyond its intended limit.
The recall is believed to only affect 22 individual units, according to a recall population that was determined through production records. Vehicles not affected by this recall will have seats with sufficient mechanical limitation and correct seat software calibration.
The Defect
According to the NHTSA Safety Recall Report, due to an insufficient design of the front passenger seat mechanical limits and seating software calibration, the adjustment range on affected vehicles was not limited to meet current production specifications.
This defect can lead to the occupant load for certain seating positions on the front passenger seat being increased, leading to an higher risk of potential injury for the front passenger during a crash.
Timeline of Events
In December 2016, DAG launched an initial investigation based on the failure of internal certification crash tests in the development phase. This investigation indicated an incorrect limitation of the front passenger seat adjustment range as the root cause of the test failure, and further analysis was initiated.
The necessary front passenger seat updates and changes in the seat control unit software to correctly limit the seat travel were subsequently defined, and in February 2017 the introduction of an updated seat control unit software was implemented. Furthermore, in March 2017 the passenger seat design as updated with the addition of a mechanical adjustment range limitation.
Vehicles produced before installation of mechanical adjustment range limitation were slated to be reworked during vehicle production or in the vehicle preparation center prior to sale, but in July 2018 it was determined through routine monitoring that reworking to correct this issue was not completed for all vehicles in the vehicle preparation center.
As a result, a range of 22 units were confirmed to be in the hands of drivers, with the range of potentially affected vehicles in the field being determined in August 2018. At the beginning of September 2018 DAG determined that a potential safety risk could not be ruled out and voluntarily announced a recall for the 22 units to allow reworking to be completed.
The Solution
As a precautionary measure an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will check the adjustment range of the passenger seat on the affected vehicles, and, if needed, install the mechanical adjustment range limitation or update the seat control unit software respectively. This process will be free of charge to the vehicle owner as these units are still under new vehicle warranty.
The recall is expected to begin October 19, 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 (TTY1-800-424-9153). The NHTSA Campaign Recall Number is 18V-609.
