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.
