Laguna Hills, CA – October 4, 2018 – Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 Mercedes-Benz C300, C300 4MATIC, C63 AMG, and C63S AMG vehicles due to incorrect bonding of the rear window.
Daimler AG (“DAG”), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain Model Year (“MY”) 2018 C-Class (205 platform) vehicles, the bonding of the rear window might not meet current production specification. This defect was caused by an error during production, during which the rear window bonding activator may not have been applied correctly.
The recall is thought to potentially have occurred in just 387 vehicles, which has been determined through production records. Vehicles not affected by the recall have correct rear window bonding.
The Defect
Incorrect bonding of the rear window may lead to decreased long-term adhesion of the rear window. As a result, the rear window could loosen and detach from the vehicle, creating a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash for following traffic.
Timeline of Events
In mid-June 2018 DAG conducted initial investigations based on previous findings in the assembly plant. The investigation determined there had been an error during rear window installation, resulting in a potential incomplete rear window bonding process.
Further investigation determined that the glass activator on the rear window was not applied as required, and further analysis performed in July 2018 determined that the missing glass activator could impact the long-term adhesion of the rear window.
In August 2018 the range of potentially affected vehicles was identified, and in September 2018 DAG determined that the potential safety risk could not be ruled out and issued a voluntary recall.
The Solution
MBUSA will notify owners, and an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will rework the rear window bonding as a precautionary, free of charge. MBUSA does not plan to provide notice about pre-notice reimbursement to owners since all involved vehicles remain covered under the new vehicle warranty.
The recall is expected to begin November 2, 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 assigned NHTSA Recall Number is 18V-608.
