Mercedes-Benz issues third recall for water leak that can lead to fire, limp-home mode

Jacksonville, FL – April 8, 2023 – Mercedes-Benz (OTCMKTS:MBGYY), which also owns the Maybach brand, is recalling 6,140 vehicles over a water leak that presents a host of dangers to occupants, including the risk of fire and reduced engine performance.

This recall serves as an expansion of two previous recalls for the same issue conducted in 2019 and 2021.

The latest installment covers the following models: 

  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE53
  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE63
  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLS63
  • 2020–2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE350
  • 2020–2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE450
  • 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE580
  • 2020–2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS450
  • 2020–2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS580
  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS600


Recall summary

Water forms as a typical byproduct of a car’s air conditioning system and is diverted away from the car down to the ground through a drain hose. In the affected vehicles, the drain hose may be incorrectly installed, causing water to leak inside the cabin through the front passenger footwell.

The component involved in this recall is the A/C drain hose with part number A1678323600.  

Recall risks

Water entering the passenger compartment presents many risks to both the vehicle and the occupants. Rust could form from within the vehicle and the water can also potentially short out the electrical system. Apart from presenting an increased risk of fire, this can also cause the car’s electronic features to malfunction, which could affect the ability to unlock doors and call emergency services.

The leak can also accidentally trigger the engine’s limp-home feature while driving, upping the probability of a crash.       

Warning signs

Users may notice that the front footwell carpets have become wet under normal use, as well as misting on the windows.

Background of the recall

In August 2021, Mercedes-Benz conducted an investigation into reports that certain GLE and GLS vehicles that were not included in previous recalls were experiencing water leaks. By February 2023, the automaker traced the problem to drain hoses incorrectly installed during the assembly process. This led to the present recall. There has been no reported crashes or injuries leading up the the recall announcement.

Other Mercedes-Benz recalls

In October 2022, Mercedes-Benz recalled 59,574 vehicles due to faulty seat back locks on the third row seats that could potentially increase the risk of injury in a crash.    

In January 2023, some 123,696 Mercedes-Benz vehicles spanning multiple models were recalled following reports of detaching sunroofs, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will reinstall the hoses correctly free of charge.

Owners of affected vehicles will be notified by May 16, 2023.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 61,000 vehicles are affected by this Mercedes-Benz water intrusion recall. To run a Mercedes-Benz recall check or check for more 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG Recalls,  please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloMercedes-Benz issues third recall for water leak that can lead to fire, limp-home mode

 Daimler recalls vehicles with fly-away trim bars

Jacksonville, FL – September 24, 2022 – Daimler (NASDAQ:DDAIF), which owns the Mercedes-Benz brand, is recalling 161,000 vehicles whose window trim bars may detach while driving. This may create a road hazard, augmenting the risk of a crash or injury. 

Vehicles affected by this recall include: 

  • 2020 – 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 
  • 2021 – 2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE53
  • 2020 – 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE450
  • 2020 – 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE580
  • 2020 – 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS450
  • 2020 – 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS580
  • 2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE63S
  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE400E
  • 2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLS63
  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS600

Recall summary  

Trims are plastic adornments whose purpose is to give a car a slicker look.

In the affected vehicles, both left and right window trim bars were fitted incorrectly as a result of a supplier error. As a result, they may detach from the vehicle while driving.

Recall risks

For more on the risks of this recall, please see this article about a Volkswagen recall due to a similar issue.

Other Mercedes-Benz recalls

In July, there was a Mercedes-Benz Maybach recall due to faulty rearview cameras, as reported.

In May, there was a Mercedes-Benz AMG recall due to the risk of fire, also as reported.

Both recalls included other vehicles.

Repair

Dealers will inspect the window trim bars and modify how they are fitted, if necessary. This repair is free of charge. 

The notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on November 11, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 150,000 vehicles are being recalled because of these Mercedes-Benz trim issues. To do a Mercedes-Benz recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool

Bojan Popic Daimler recalls vehicles with fly-away trim bars