Daimler AG has determined that certain 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 Coupe 292 platform vehicles have an issue with the engine control unit (ECU). According to the defect report, the engine control software might cause the engine to unexpectedly shut down while braking. The driver may interpret the shut down as a planned ECO start/stop, but the engine will not restart automatically and will require the driver to restart the vehicle manually. Depending on the traffic situation, an unintentional engine shut-down could increase the risk of a crash.

Those receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealerships to have the ECU software updated. For more information about the problem, owners are asked to contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. The NHTSA campaign number for this recall is 16V-440.

Certain 2016 Mercedes Benz C300 4Matic vehicles could experience a loss of power steering assist. According to the defect report, an incorrect torque sensor control calculation may cause a software issue that could lead to temporary deactivation of the power steering assist. The problem will result in increased steering effort, a warning message in the instrument cluster, and an audible warning chime. Continue reading

Delaimer has decided that a problem affecting powertrain safety exists in certain 2016 Mercedez Benz AMG GT S vehicles. According to the defect report, the strength of the adhesive between the drive shaft and the flange might be compromised due to insufficient cleaning of the respective bonding surfaces. The carbon fiber driveshaft could separate from the flange and spin, resulting in loss of traction between the engine and transmission. Drivers will experience loss of motive power.

Those receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealers to have the carbon driveshaft inspected and replace as necessary. Owners wanting more information about the problem are asked to contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA’s number for this recall is 2016050008 and the NHTSA campaign number is 16V-308. MBUSA’s number for this recall is 2016050008 and the NHTSA campaign number is 16V-308.

Mercedes Benz (MBUSA) will be contacting the owners of certain 2016 SLK300 cars about a problem affecting the rear wheel suspension. Excessive etching of the locknut between the tie rod and wheel carrier could result in loosening of the screw connection. Although the connection will not completely separate, the reduced tension force may lead to a change of alignment and independent steering of the rear axle. Continue reading

Mercedes-Benz has determined that a steering defect affecting certain Smart ForTwo vehicles may exist. According to reports filed with the NHTSA, the steering gear bolts on the front cross steering member may have been manufactured outside of production specifications due to a production deviation at a supplier. If the bolts do not meet the endurance requirements, they could break due to high loads and vibrations, making handling difficult and increasing the risk of an accident. Continue reading

Daimler AG will be asking owners of some 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300 and C400 sedans to return their vehicles to a Mercedes approved repair facility to have the steering system inspected for a manufacturing error that could result in loss of steering control. According to reports filed with the NHTSA, an improper assembly procedure could result in the steering coupling interlock mechanism not being locked in place. The sliding shaft could become disengaged from the coupling as the result of vibrations, steering thrust, or load feedback from the road surface. If the shaft becomes disengaged the driver may experience noises, steering backlash, and/or loss of steering control. Continue reading

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.

Daimler AG has announced that it will be recalling over 2,000 diesel Mercedes-Benz vehicles in the United States over a faulty engine filter that could leak fuel. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the O-ring on the engine fuel filter may not have been properly lubricated which could result in diesel spilling on roads creating a potential hazard. The models being recalled are:

  • 2011 M-Class
  • 2011 GL Class
  • 2011 E-Class
  • 2011 R-Class

Daimler Europe started to get complaints of the problem in July, and have already modified the part and lubrication process to fix the problem. Merdedes-Benz will start notifying U.S. consumers later this month. Owners can call Mercedes-Benz at 800-367-6372 or NHTSA’s hot line at 888-327-4236.