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.
