The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating certain 2003-2006 Mercedes Benz E55 AMG sedans and wagons for potential gas leaks. The NHTSA has received over 20 reports from owners who complained about the smell of gasoline inside and outside the vehicle. In some cases, a visible fuel leak was noticed from the fuel sending unit at the top of the fuel tank, underneath the cushion in the rear seat. Several reports suggest the leakage may be related to a March, 2008 emissions recall conducted by Mercedes Benz (Emissions Recall Campaign # 2008-020001) which involved potential cracking of the fuel filter module in vehicles exposed to high ambient temperatures. If the investigation leads to a recall, over 8,000 vehicles could be affected.
Category Archives: Mercedes Benz
Mercedes Benz Leaking Fuel Filter Problems
Mercedes Benz is recalling certain 2011-2012 vehicles for a diesel fuel filter leak in the area around the fuel heating component. According to reports filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) diesel fuel may be deposited onto the highway creating a potential for an accident, or the fuel could ignite in the presence of an ignition source. The vehicles recalled include:
- 2011 E-Class (212 platform)
- 2011 R-Class (251 platform)
- 2011 ML-Class (W164 platform)
- 2011 GL-Class (X164 platform)
- 2012 S-Class (221 platform)
Owners wanting more information can contact Mercedes-Benz USA at 1-800-367-6372.
Mercedes Benz Recalls M Class SUVs
Mercedes Benz is recalling< almost 140,000 of their popular M-class sport utility vehicles for complaints involving the cruise control system. The recall covers the 2000-2002 M-class sport utility as well as the 2000-2004 M-class high performance models. According to the report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a problem with the brake lamp switch will not allow the cruise control to be disengaged when the brakes are applied.
Mercedes says it began looking into the problem in September after some customer complaints. Then in December the safety agency began its own investigation after receiving reports from consumers that there was a problem with the cruise control.
Mercedes will also be recalling some 2011 E-Class sedans and wagons because of a lack of adhesive between the vibration damper and a mass damper ring in the power train. The separation of these parts during operation could lead to serious injuries.
Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Mercedes Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
Mercedes Benz Hydrogen Vehicles In California
As GM launches its plug in hybrid, the Chevrolet Volt, and Nissan releases its all electric Leaf, Mercedes Benz will also be releasing it hydrogen powered vehicles to California residents. Mercedes is leasing the vehicles to a small groups of people in order to study the vehicles performance in real life conditions. This information will be provided to the Department of Energy to help them in their effort to meet stringent mileage and emission regulations.
Powered by an electric motor delivering 134 horsepower, the Mercedes F-Cell B-Class offers the advantages of a gas-powered conventional car, while using half the fuel and emitting only water. “We believe this is a great addition to our fast-growing portfolio of alternative fuel vehicles.” said Sascha Simon, head of advanced product planning at Mercedes-Benz USA. The information gathered by this study will help the effort in transforming the U.S. into a country that is fueled entirely by domestically produced energy
Automobile Recalls For October 2010
- BMW and Rolls-Royce are recalling vehicles for a leak in a check valve of the brake vacuum pump that could lead to the loss of Power assisted braking. The vehicles affected by this recall are:
- 2004-2010 5-Series
- 2004-2010 6-Series
- 2002-2008 7-Series
- 2003-2010 Phantom
- 2007-2010 Phantom Drophead coupe
- 2008-2010 Phantom coupe
Owners can contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417, for more information.
- Hyundai is recalling some 2011 Sonata vehicles built between December 2009 to September 2010. Some of these vehicles may have an improperly assembled steering columns that could lead in loss or reduction of steering. Dealers will inspect the steering column intermediate shaft universal joint connections for proper assembly and torque and will update the power steering software free of charge. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service center at 1-787-999-3333.
- Mercedes Benz is recalling some 2010 C-class, E-class and 2010-2011 E-class vehicles for a problem with the power steering. The problem is being blamed on connections that have been improperly torqued during manufacturing. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372 for more information.
- Chrysler is recalling some 2010 Sebring, 300, Charger (LX), Dodge Challenger (LC), Avenger (JS), Journey (JC), and 2011 Dodge Ram light duty pickup (DS) vehicles for power steering problems. The crimp on the power steering pressure hose assembly may leak fluid on the engine creating a fire hazard. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403 for additional information.
- GM is recalling 2009-2010 Chevrolet Impalas for front safety belt webbing that may have not been properly secured to the seat. Dealers will inspect and repair recalled vehicles free of charge. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or at the owner center at www.gmownercenter.com.
Mercedes Recalls Cars For Steering Problem
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 85,000 2010 C-Class and 2010-2011 E-Class automobiles for problems with the steering. According to Mercedes, a fitting on the high pressure power steering line may have not been tightened enough which could lead to a leak. As a result, the driver may not be able to control the vehicle under circumstances that require maximum power steering.
Mercedes-Benz says Daimler AG will notify affected customers if their vehicle is recalled. The company says its dealers will check and properly tighten the connection between the line and the pump. The recall is expected to begin this month.
Toyota Expanding Their Hybrid Empire
Toyota has set itself up as one of the top hybrid makers in the world with the development of one of the first hybrid vehicles, the Prius. They share their technology with companies like Nissan, Mazda and Ford, which allows them to produce hybrids in larger numbers while keeping the cost down. Recently, Toyota has partnered with Tesla Motors to develop and electric version of Toyota’s RAV4 crossover. The RAV4 EV will be making its debut at this years LA Auto show, and will begin selling the model to the public in 2012.
Japanese media reported this Friday that Toyota may be expanding it’s hybrid empire. Dailmler is working on its own hybrid technology and has approached Toyota about sharing its gas electric hybrid technology with them. The two companies have been in negotiations for over a year now, so an official announcement is expected soon. If the deal should go through we could see Toyota technology showing up in Mercedes-Benz vehicles as early as 2012.
Two Recalls For Mercedes Benz
A recent recall on Mercedes Benz G-Class sport utility and G55 AMG model vehicles may give some off roader enthusiasts second thoughts about complying. About 2,000 2002-2009 G55 AMG models are violation federal lighting standard because of a grill guard designed to protect the headlamps while driving off road as well as about 3,500 G-class models from 2002-2010 have grills that cover the front turn signals. The fix for the recall is to remove the grills from in front of the headlamps and an improved reflector installed for the signal lights.
Mercedes will send owners notices of the recall, but neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or Mercedes can force owners who like the extra protection to carry out the fix.
