Daimler recalls vans that may roll away

Sandy Springs, GA – January 16, 2022 – Daimler (OTCMKTS:DMLRY), that owns both Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner brands, is recalling 48,400 vans that may roll away while the vehicle is in park. This increases the risk of a crash and injury. This recall is a result of a U.S. government investigation into the issue and includes the following vans:

  • 2019 – 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500
  • 2019 – 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500
  • 2019 – 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500
  • 2019 – 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4500
  • 2019 – 2021 Freightliner Sprinter 1500
  • 2019 – 2021 Freightliner Sprinter 2500
  • 2019 – 2021 Freightliner Sprinter 3500
  • 2019 – 2021 Freightliner Sprinter 4500

Recall summary  

Vehicles that are a part of this recall are equipped with automatic transmission and a manual parking brake. Unless the parking brake is engaged, the vehicle may roll away even when the gear selector is placed in “Park.”

The exact cause of the recall is currently under investigation, but seems to be connected to a software issue.

The component in question is the “Electronic Stability Program (ESP) control unit” software. 

Background of the recall

The recall comes on the heels of a U.S government investigation into the rollaways opened in August of last year based on 11 complaints. You can read more here.

Recall risks

Vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash, injury and property damage. In fact, leading up to the recall, there was at least one collision with a house and one injury, as reported.

Other Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van recalls 

The 2021 Sprinter passenger vans have been recalled 7 times in total. One of the more recent ones includes one in December of last year because of damaged brake hoses.  The 2020 Sprinter vans are subject to 14 recalls, including one in June of last year for malfunctioning backup cameras.

The repair

To fix the issue, Daimler dealers will flash the ESP control unit and install an updated software version. Notifications about this replacement will be sent to vehicle owners on January 31, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Mercedes-Benz recall is affecting more than 40,000 Mercedes Freightliner and Sprinter vans. To do a Mercedes-Benz recall check and see if your van is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicDaimler recalls vans that may roll away

Daimler recalls Mercedes-Benz SUVs, sedans over loss of steering

Jacksonville, FL – January 9, 2022 – Daimler (OTCMKTS:DMLRY) that owns both Mercedes-Benz and AMG brands, is recalling 38,312 vehicles with a suspension issue that may result in a loss of steering. This increases the risk of an accident and injury. Affected vehicles include:

  • 2019 Mercedes-Benz A220 
  • 2020 Mercedes-Benz A220 
  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB35
  • 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250  

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 SUV is not part of this recall.

Recall summary  

As reported, axles transfer the power from the vehicle to the wheels which enables the car to move. Front axles in particular also aid with steering and cushioning the blow from driving on uneven roads. 

An integral carrier, more commonly known as subframe, is the central part of the front axle that holds most of the suspension components in place. The supplier of these parts in the recalled vehicles did not apply enough “corrosion protection,” potentially leading the carrier to corrode and break or bend under loads. This may cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.

The component in question is the “Integral Carrier” with part number A1776207101. 

Recall risks

Losing control of the car greatly increases the risk of a crash. 

Other Daimler recalls 

Among all the previous recalls concerning the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 4matic, the one from July caused by a water leak is the most recent one. As for the 2021 AMG variant, there was a rear-spoiler-related recall in April.

The repair

Mercedes-Benz dealers will fix the issue by checking the condition of the integral carrier and replacing it if needed. All repairs will be done free of charge. Notifications about this replacement will be sent to vehicle owners by mail  on February 15, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Mercedes-Benz front axle carrier recall is affecting more than 30,000 vehicles. To do a Mercedes-Benz recall check and see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicDaimler recalls Mercedes-Benz SUVs, sedans over loss of steering

Mercedes-Benz recalls vehicles due to faulty child restraint system

Jacksonville, FL – September 4, 2021 – Daimler (NASDAQ:DDAIF), which owns the Mercedes-Benz brand, has announced a recall for approximately 4,917 vehicles because their child seats may become unsecured, heightening the risk of an injury.

The recall includes the following vehicles:

  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLS53 
  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53 
  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG E63 
  • 2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG E63
  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG G63 
  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT43
  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT53 
  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT63
  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS450
  • 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS450 
  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz E350
  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz E450 
  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz G550 

The affected part is the rear seat seat belt with multiple part numbers,  including A21386007853D53 and A21386007857P84.

Summary

The rear seat belt in these cars have two retractors, which are both responsible for locking up the seat belt when there is an accident to immobilize the occupant and prevent injuries. 

One of them, the so-called automatic locking retractor (ALR), prevents the seat belt from moving once the “seat belt tongue is inserted into the buckle.”  The movement limitation makes ALR perfect for securing children in the back seat. 

In recalled vehicles, however, due to faulty parts, the ALR can malfunction and deactivate early.

Risks

A seat belt retractor that does not function as intended can increase the risk of injury during a crash. The risk is lower when parents opt to use the lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH) system instead of the seat belt to “secure child restraint seats.”

Warning signs

Vehicle users who choose to use the seat belt instead of the LATCH system to secure a child restraint seat will notice a clicking noise that will occur when the ALR function is activated but stops “before the seat belt webbing is completely retracted.

Other Mercedes-Benz recalls

In May, over 340,000 Mercedes vehicles were recalled for faulty rearview cameras that may display a blank image or restart when backing up, as reported. Earlier that month, 17,800 Mercedes cars  – including the 2021 G550 and the 2021 AMG G63 – were recalled out of concern that their rear doors may open while in motion, upping the risk that passengers may fall out of the car, as reported.

Repair

Dealers will replace the rear seat belts free of charge. Owners were set to have received a notification via mail on August 24, 2021.

Is your vehicle part of this recall? 

Close to 5,000 cars are part of this Mercedes-Benz recall. To check if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Mikaela BolkerMercedes-Benz recalls vehicles due to faulty child restraint system

US government investigates rollaway Mercedes ambulances and Amazon trucks

Washington, D.C. – August 30, 2021 – The arm of the U.S. government that regulates vehicle safety is conducting an investigation to determine whether Daimler’s (OTCMKTS:DMLRY) will have to conduct a recall of its Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans that may roll away when the vehicle is in park.

The investigation focuses on 19,000 vehicles of the following models, specifically those configured as ambulances or Amazon delivery vans:

  • 2019 Mercedes-Benz  Sprinter Vs30
  • 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500
  • 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500
  • 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4500

 Consumer complaints

On August 3, the regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened this investigation based on 11 reports of vans rolling away after the vehicles were put in park. One owner of a fleet of Mercedes 2500 Sprinter vans complained that the vans rolled away after 10 minutes of idling. Other complaints described vans rolling away not long after the driver had gotten out, crashing into other parked cars, and even a house.

The potential defect already resulted in one injury, according to NHTSA’s information.

Risks

Rollaway vehicles with no driver at the helm can crash into pedestrians, other vehicles, or buildings, making this a significant safety hazard to people inside and outside the vehicle. NHTSA is aware of eight crashes and one injury related to this issue. 

Read more about the process NHTSA uses to evaluate these risks in this article about the administration’s ongoing investigation into Dodge and Chrysler minivans.

Prior Mercedes recalls of Sprinter vans

In December 2020, many of the same Sprinter models were recalled for a brake fluid leak that weakened the vans’ braking power, increasing the risk of a crash.  Sprinter vans were recalled again in June over faulty side airbags.

Will your vehicle be part of a recall?

Around 19,000 vans could be implicated in a future Mercedes Sprinter recall. To see if your van is one of them, bookmark MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool and check back for open recalls in the future.

Rebecca RandUS government investigates rollaway Mercedes ambulances and Amazon trucks

Mercedes-Benz recalls SUVs for water leak

Jacksonville, FL – July 16, 2021 – Daimler AG (OTCMKTS:DDAIF), the parent company of Mercedes-Benz, has recalled 5,680 SUVs because water may seep into the floor at the front of the car, potentially damaging electronics installed there.  This may lead to a stall, upping the risk of a crash and injury.

The recall affects 2020 Mercedes GLB 250 SUVs.

Recall summary  

The recall concerns a leak between the front wheel wells and the front footwells, where drivers and passengers put their feet. The 2020 GLB 250 4matic SUV’s body may not have been sealed properly during manufacturing, allowing water to leak inside. 

Previous recalls   

This recall expands on a 26-car recall from May  2020 for the same issue. Mercedes received reports in October 2020 that vehicles which had supposedly been “fixed” at the factory were still showing signs of water damage in the front  footwells. Because Mercedes-Benz can no longer be sure that all GLB250s in production were fixed, the automaker will recall the whole lot to make sure every SUV is properly sealed.

Risks

Sensitive electronics installed under vehicle occupants’ feet could be water-damaged by this kind of leak. This damage could cause the car to stall, increasing the risk of a crash. It could also black out the information panel, including important warning lights for the engine and brakes. 

Read more about what to do if your car stalls on the road in this article about a Chrysler truck recall.

Potential fire risk?

While the manufacturer does not say it explicitly, its previous water leak recall also carried a risk of electrical short, which may lead to a fire. For tips on what to do in the event of a car fire, please visit this article.

Warning signs

Mercedes SUV owners should keep an eye out for wet carpets in the front seat and fogged-up windows, which could be a sign that a puddle is forming under their feet.

The repair

Mercedes Benz dealers will check the front footwells for  signs of water and will, if needed, properly seal the front of the car and repair any water-damaged components. This inspection and repair are free. Mercedes will notify owners by mail in early August.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 5,600 vehicles are included in this Mercedes Benz recall. To see if your SUV is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandMercedes-Benz recalls SUVs for water leak

Daimler’s Mercedes-Benz recalls Sprinter vans over faulty airbag wiring

Sandy Springs, GA – June 23,  2021 – Daimler (OTCMKTS:DMLRY), the parent company of Mercedes-Benz, has recalled 4,078 Sprinter vans with a wiring issue that may prevent the side airbags from working properly. This issue may reduce the risk of injury in a crash. The recall includes:

  • 2019-2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500, 2500, 3500 and 4500 vans
  • 2019-2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter extended cargo vans
  • 2019-2021 Freightliner Sprinter 1500, 2500, 3500 and 4500 vans

The vans are commonly used to haul people, cargo or even as trendy refurbished camper vans as part of a new trend called “Van Life.”

Recall summary  

The recalled Sprinters’ front seats contain side airbags that are meant to protect a person’s torso in the case of a side-impact crash. These front seats can swivel around to face the inside of the van. The problem is that the wiring connecting the side airbags inside the seats to the rest of the car (including the sensors and computers that control these airbags) may get pinched when the seats are rotated.

“Worst case scenario,” Daimler stated in recall documents, “the side airbag may either deploy inadvertently or may not deploy as designed in the event of a crash.” 

Risks

Side airbags, together with curtain airbags, reduce side-impact crash fatalities by an estimated 31.3%. This level of protection disappears if the airbags fail to deploy or deploy at the wrong time. 

Other Freightliner van recalls

In January, Daimler recalled over 9,000 Freightliner Sprinter vans with “electrical parking brake (EPB) systems” due to a potential brake fluid leak.  The issue  may change how the brake pedal operates, increasing the risk of a crash.

The recall includes some of the same model-years that are included in this recall.

The repair

The Sprinter’s seat wiring is held together by something called a wiring harness. Mercedes or Freightliner Sprinter dealers will inspect the front seats’ seat wiring harnesses and will re-route the wires in a way that they will not get pinched when the seat is rotated. This repair will be performed for free. Owners will be notified about the recall approximately one week after it launches, on or around July 6.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 4,000 vehicles are included in this Mercedes recall. To see if your van is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandDaimler’s Mercedes-Benz recalls Sprinter vans over faulty airbag wiring

Mercedes-Benz recalls 340,000  vehicles with faulty rearview cameras

Jacksonville, FL – May 29, 2021 – Daimler AG (NASDAQ:DDAIF), which owns the Mercedes-Benz brand, is recalling 342,366 vehicles whose rearview camera may display no image or reboot while reversing. This limits visibility for the driver, increasing the risk of an accident and injury.  The recall includes 48 model years, including Mercedes Benz GLS vehicles.  The 2019 Mercedes Benz GLE Class cars are not part of the recall.  

The recall includes:

●  2020 – 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA35 

  2020 – 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA45 

  2020 – 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE350

  2020 – 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE450

  2020 – 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE580

  2020-2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS450

  2020-2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS580

  2021 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS600

Please see the full list here.

Recall summary 

Due to a software issue, the rearview camera in the recalled vehicles may reboot while reversing or show a blank image.

Risks

Without the video feed from a rear camera, the driver will have limited visibility while backing up. This can lead to property damage or injury. The risk is even greater if the driver relies solely on the backup camera when going in reverse.

Other Mercedes-Benz recalls

This is not the first time Mercedes-Benz has an issue with their rearview cameras. In the beginning of last year, the 2019 Mercedes Benz A class vehicles were subject to a similar recall due to a software glitch.

The repair

The fix is a software update that will be done for free.  The recall will start on July 13.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Mercedes Benz recall includes over 340,000 different vehicles. To see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicMercedes-Benz recalls 340,000  vehicles with faulty rearview cameras

Mercedes-Benz recalls vehicles with damaged rear door

Jacksonville, FL – May 26, 2021 – Daimler AG (OTCMKTS:DDAIF), which owns the Mercedes-Benz brand, has announced a recall for 17,800 vehicles due to faulty rear door latches. The latches may cause the rear door to appear closed even if it is not, upping the risk of injury.

The component in question is a door latch with three part numbers, including A4637309701,  A4637309801 and A4639067802.

The recall includes the following vehicles:

  • 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG G63
  • 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG G63 
  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG G63
  • 2019 Mercedes-Benz G550
  • 2020 Mercedes-Benz G550
  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz G550

Recall summary 

The recall concerns a faulty rear door latch sensor. Due to a design error, the latch can cause the door to appear closed even when it is not, potentially causing it to open while the vehicle is in motion.

Risks

The damaged latch may not allow the door to open or close while passengers are in the vehicle. The door may also open unexpectedly, resulting in the passengers of the vehicle falling out from the car.

The latter is, unfortunately, not an uncommon occurrence. Between 2011 and 2012 75,000 injuries were reported from falls from cars.

Warning signs

The driver might be notified that a door is open on the digital dash.

Other Mercedes-Benz recalls

Earlier this year, over 6,000 Mercedes-Benz SUVs were recalled for the risk of “an electrical short due to a water leak.”

About a year and a half ago, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz G550 and 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG G63 were recalled for faulty seat belts.

Repair

The repair is a free rear door latch replacement. Owners will be notified via letter starting July 13th. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall? 

Approximately 18,000 vehicles are part of this Mercedes Benz recall. To see if your car is one of them, use Motorsafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Mikaela BolkerMercedes-Benz recalls vehicles with damaged rear door

Mercedes-Benz recalls SUVs for electrical short

Jacksonville, FL – May 6, 2021 – Daimler AG (NASDAQ:DDAIF), which owns the Mercedes-Benz brand has recalled 6,331 SUVs that may experience an electrical short due to a water leak. The recall includes:

  • 2021 Mercedes Benz AMG GLE 53
  • 2020 Mercedes Benz GLE350
  • 2020 Mercedes Benz GLE450
  • 2020 Mercedes Benz GLE580
  • 2020 Mercedes Benz GLS450
  • 2020 Mercedes Benz GLS580

Recall summary  

The recall centers around an issue with the air conditioning drain hose, which may be installed incorrectly. Just like how water beads up on the outside of a glass of ice water, cool air from air conditioning causes water to condense into droplets inside the air conditioner. This water has to drip somewhere, and the drain hose is supposed to move that moisture out of the car, away from sensitive wiring and electronics.

In the recalled vehicles, the incorrectly installed drain hoses may cause water to leak down into the floor of the car. The electrical wiring there is not waterproof, and the water could cause an electrical short, creating the risk of a fire. 

Previous recalls

This recall builds on two previous ones by Mercedes Benz, who recalled 18,392 vehicles in 2019 and 3,615 in 2020 for the same issue in other models. Mercedes blames the loosely connected drain hoses on a “deviation in the assembly process” during manufacturing.

Warning signs

If the air conditioner drain hose is leaking,  drivers and passengers may notice the carpet under their feet is wet, or that the windows are fogged up.

Risks

This water leak poses several risks. The various electronics that may be damaged by the water can disable features related to safety, like the emergency call system that alerts first responders if a crash is detected, and the door locks (which may hinder first responders from opening the doors in an emergency). If the vehicle is suddenly forced into a decreased power mode, the car may slow unexpectedly, creating the risk of a crash. 

Lastly, the risk of fire is serious, and puts passengers at risk of inhaling toxic fumes, getting burned or dying. Read more about the risks of an interior car fire in this article about a recent Hyundai recall over fires caused by the 12-volt “cigarette lighter” outlet.

The repair

Mercedes Benz dealers will check the air conditioner drain hose and make sure it is installed properly, free of charge. Owners will be notified about the recall with more information about when and how to seek repairs starting June 22.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 6,000 vehicles are included in this Mercedes Benz recall. To see if your SUV is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandMercedes-Benz recalls SUVs for electrical short

Daimler recalls GLB-class SUVs over risk of fly-away spoilers

Jacksonville, FL – April 23, 2021 – Daimler AG (NASDAQ:DDAIF), which owns the Mercedes-Benz brand, is recalling 5,215 compact SUVs that have tailgate spoilers that may detach while driving. The resulting road hazard could increase the risk of a crash or injury for surrounding motorists.

This recall includes the following GLB-class SUVs:

  • 2021 GLB35 AMG 
  • 2020 GLB250 
  • 2021 GLB250 

Recall summary  

The recalled cars have side tailgate spoilers, which are pieces of external trim made out of plastic. Their main purpose is to improve the appearance of these cars by giving them a slicker look. The spoilers were mounted incorrectly and may detach from the vehicle while traveling at a high speed. 

Risks

Spoilers that detach while moving may hit other vehicles, injuring its occupants or causing an accident.  Even if this does not happen, it is very likely that they will land on the road and become an obstacle. This augments the chances of an accident or injury for other drivers, as it may force them to make quick maneuvers.  

To read more about the dangers of road debris, please see this article about a recent Land Rover recall.

Other Mercedes-Benz recalls

In August 2020, more than 10,000 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB250 SUVs were recalled because their rear spoilers were not fully attached to the car and might have detached from the car while driving.

The repair

To fix the issue, Mercedes-Benz dealers will check how the side spoilers are mounted to the car and replace them – together with a corresponding clip – if needed. The repair is free of charge. The recall begins on May 31.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Mercedes-Benz recall includes over 5,000 compact GLB35 AMG SUVs. To see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicDaimler recalls GLB-class SUVs over risk of fly-away spoilers