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Mercedes-Benz S-Class Recalls

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Recall Date Problem Area Recall Text
10/13/17 Mercedes-benz usa, llc (mbusa) is recalling certain 2017 c300, c300 4matic, c300 coupe, c300 coupe 4matic, c43 amg, c43 amg coupe, c43 amg cabrio, c63 amg, c63 amg coupe, c63s amg, c63s amg coupe, c63s cabrio, glc300, glc300 4matic, glc43 amg, s550, s550 4matic, s550e, s600, s63 amg 4matic, s65, mercedes-maybach s550 4matic, and mercedes-maybach s600 vehicles. the affected vehicles have front seat seatbelt pretensioners that may not function properly in the event of a crash. as such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard (fmvss) number 208, "occupant crash protection," and 209, "seat belt assemblies."

If the front seat seatbelt pretensioners do not function properly, the seat occupants may not be adequately restrained in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Mbusa will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front seat belts, free of charge. the recall began october 13, 2017. owners may contact mbusa customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
01/27/16 Mercedes-benz usa, llc. (mbusa) is recalling certain model year 2015 s550 hybrid vehicles manufactured april 24, 2015, to june 12, 2015. the affected vehicles are equipped with a high voltage onboard charger that may not have been built to specification, and as a result, the charging function for an external charging cable might not function and the onboard charger may incorrectly detect a charging cable, even while the vehicle is being driven.

If the charging cable is incorrectly detected and the vehicle is stopped or moving at a very slow speed, the vehicle may unexpectedly shift to park, increasing the risk of a crash.

Mbusa will notify owners, and dealers will replace the onboard charger, free of charge. the recall began on january 27, 2016. owners may contact mbusa customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
09/12/14 Mercedes-benz usa, llc (mercedes benz) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 s550, s550 cgi, s63, s600 bi-turbo, s65 amg, s550 4-matic, and s550 cgi 4-matic and s400 hybrid vehicles manufactured from march 3, 2011, through july 30, 2011, for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicles safety standard (fmvss) number 138, "tire pressure monitoring system (tpms)." the tire pressure monitoring system indicators may only illuminate for a portion of the time required by the standard and under certain conditions may not re-illuminate immediately after the vehicle is restarted as required.

If all four wheel sensors in the subject vehicles are simultaneously malfunctioning or missing, the tpms will provide an initial warning, but this warning will not automatically repeat on subsequent ignition cycles, failing to remind the driver that the system is offline. driving unknowingly with incorrectly inflated tires may result in sudden tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.

Mercedes benz will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the tire pressure monitoring unit, free of charge. the recall began on september 12, 2014. owners may contact mercedes benz at 1-800-367-6372.

Owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
12/02/15 Engine Mercedes-benz usa llc (mercedes-benz) is recalling certain model year 2014 s63 amg sedans and 2015-2016 s63 amg 4matic sedans and coupes manufactured may 14, 2013, to september 18, 2015. in the affected vehicles, due to a software error within the engine control unit, the vehicle may stall when coasting to a stop, such as at a traffic light.

The vehicle stall may be interpreted by the driver to be a planned shut-down as part of the eco-start-function. however, the engine will not restart automatically after releasing the brake pedal, immobilizing the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.

Mercedes-benz will notify owners, and dealers will update the engine control unit software, free of charge. the recall began on december 2, 2015. owners may contact mercedes-benz customer service at 1-800-367-6372. mercedes-benz's number for this recall is 2015100003.

Owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
11/09/15 Engine Mercedes-benz usa, llc. (mbusa) is recalling certain model year 2015 s550 hybrid vehicles manufactured may 13, 2013 to april 22, 2015. in the affected vehicles, after driving in electric mode, the fuel pump output may be insufficient to restart the gasoline engine and the vehicle will stall.

A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.

Mbusa will notify owners, and dealers will update the fuel system control unit software, free of charge. the recall is expected to begin in november 2015. owners may contact mercedes-benz customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty: 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
02/15/13 Engine Mercedes-benz is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 s400, s550, s550 4matic, s63 amg, c300, c300 4matic, e350, glk350, glk350 4matic, cl550 4matic, and cl63 amg vehicles manufactured from april 18, 2011, through july 12, 2011. due to an irregularity stemming from the molding process of the fuel filter flange, the fuel filter flange may crack when operated in high temperatures.

If the fuel filter flange cracks, it will leak fuel which may lead to a fire if an external ignition source is present.

Mercedes-benz will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel filter, free of charge. the recall campaign is expected to begin in february 2013. owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.

Owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty: 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
11/30/11 Engine Mercedes-benz usa (mbusa) is recalling certain model year 2011 vehicles including e-class (212 platform), manufactured from july 2010 through february 2011, r-class (251 platform), manufactured from april 2010 through april 2011, ml-class (w164 platform), manufactured from january 2010 through march 2011, gl-class (x164 platform), manufactured from march 2010 through march 2011, and model year 2012 s-class (221 platform) vehicles. the diesel fuel filter may leak from the area around the heating component.

Diesel fuel may be deposited onto the highway and create the potential for a crash.

Mbusa will contact owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the diesel fuel filter if necessary, free of charge. the safety recall began on november 30, 2011. owners may contact mercedes-benz usa at 1-800-367-6372.

Owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov .
02/09/18 Suspension and Steering Mercedes-benz usa, llc (mbusa) is recalling certain 2017 e300, s65 amg coupe, s550, s65 amg cabriolet, s550 cabriolet, s550e, s65 amg, and mercedes-maybach s600 vehicles. a transistor within the power steering control unit may overheat resulting in the power steering system being disabled.

If the power steering assist is unexpectedly disabled, it may increase the risk of a crash.

Mbusa will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the steering rack, replace it as necessary, free of charge. the recall is expected to begin in january 2018. owners may contact mbusa customer service at 1-877-496-3691.

Owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
10/13/17 Suspension and Steering Mercedes-benz usa, llc. (mbusa) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 sl550, 2013-2014 sl63 amg, 2014-2016 e350, 2014 e350 cabriolet, e350 coupe, 2014-2015 s550, 2015 e350 bluetec, 2015-2016 e400, 2016 e550 coupe, and maybach s600 vehicles manufactured august 23, 2012, to august 14, 2015. the affected vehicles use an electric power steering system that may have improperly soldered contacts inside the control unit, potentially resulting in the power steering system deactivating while driving.

If the control unit pins lose connection, there would be a loss of electric power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash. the increase in pin contact resistance can also increase the risk of a fire, even while the vehicle is parked and ignition is off.

Mbusa will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric power steering control unit, free of charge. the recall began october 13, 2017. owners may contact mbusa customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
02/18/09 Suspension and Steering Mercedes-benz is recalling 1,515 my 2007 s-class vehicles. the radial knuckle of the front strut may fail. the radial knuckle flaw may occur after significant mileage accumulation combined with exposure to high continuous stress by driving on rough roads.

If a radial knuckle fails, the steering control of the vehicle may be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.

Dealers will check and replace, if necessary, the ball joint(s). the recall is expected to begin during february 2009. owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.

Customers may contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty: 1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
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09/22/08 Suspension and Steering Mercedes benz is recalling 4,564 my 2001-2006 cl-class (model 215), my 2002-2006 s-class (model 220), my 2003-2007 sl-class (model 230), my 2007-2008 cl-class (model 216), and my 2007 s-class (model 221)passenger vehicles equipped with active body control (abc) acceleration sensors on the front struts. these sensors measure acceleration around the z-axis of the vehicle and assure an automatic adaptation of the front struts to maintain a relatively level body position. variations in the soldering process resulted in soldering points on the board of the abc sensors which may not be within design tolerances. signals from the affected sensors measuring the acceleration may not be accurately transmitted to the engine control unit.

A variation in the transmitted values between affected and unaffected sensors can result in one front strut adjusting to a value indicating body movement while another strut does not adjust presenting the driver with an uneven front suspension. this condition may lead to unexpected body movements at the front axle which can adversely influence the vehicle's directional stability and could lead to a vehicle crash.

Dealers will inspect and replace, if necessary, the front abc sensors in all potentially affected vehicles. the recall began on september 22, 2008. owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.

Mercedes-benz recall no. 2008080004.customers may contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty: 1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
08/31/04 Suspension and Steering On certain passenger vehicles, corrosion may occur in the inner steel portions of the active body control's (abc) high-pressure distribution hose due to extensive exposure to heat and humidity. over time, corrosion may deteriorate the inner steel portions of the hose.

This may result in abc hydraulic fluid leakage. under some circumstances, leaking hydraulic fluid may come in contact with hot engine components and lead to a possibility of fire.

Dealers will install new, corrosion resistant abc high-pressure distribution hoses. the recall began august 31, 2004. owners should contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.

Mercedes-benz recall no. 2004070012.customers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
04/21/17 Electrical and Air Conditioning Mercedes-benz usa, llc (mbusa) is recalling certain 2016 amg gt-s, glc300, cla250 and gle300d 4matic vehicles, 2013 c250, e350 bluetec and g63 amg vehicles, 2008-2014 c300 vehicles, 2013-2014 c300 4matic and ml350 4matic vehicles, 2009 c350 vehicles, 2014 cls550, e350 4matic, e350 coupe 4matic, e350 wagon 4matic, glk350 and sl550 vehicles, 2012 cls550 4matic vehicles, 2012-2016 e350 vehicles, 2016-2017 gl450 4matic vehicles, 2012-2014 ml350 4matic bluetec vehicles, 2015 s550, s550 4matic and c300 4matic sedan vehicles, 2015-2016 c300 sedan vehicles, and 2017 sl63 amg vehicles. various control units on these vehicles may have been updated with incorrect software, potentially affecting the correct deployment of the air bags in the event of a crash.

If the air bags do not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, there would be an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Mbusa will notify owners, and dealers will update software in the affected control units, free of charge. the recall began april 21, 2017. owners may contact mbusa customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
12/02/16 Electrical and Air Conditioning Mercedes-benz usa, llc (mbusa) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 s550 coupe 4matic, s63 amg coupe 4matic, s65 amg coupe and s63 amg convertible 4matic vehicles manufactured september 3, 2015, to february 4, 2016. the low beam headlights on the affected vehicles may not be properly adjusted. as such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard (fmvss) number 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."

If the low-beam headlights are out of adjustment, the driver's visibility may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.

Mbusa will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and correct the headlight adjustment, as necessary, free of charge. the recall is expected to begin in november 2016. owners may contact mbusa customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
01/27/16 Electrical and Air Conditioning Mercedes-benz usa, llc. (mbusa) is recalling certain model year 2015 s550 hybrid vehicles manufactured april 24, 2015, to june 12, 2015. the affected vehicles are equipped with a high voltage onboard charger that may not have been built to specification, and as a result, the charging function for an external charging cable might not function and the onboard charger may incorrectly detect a charging cable, even while the vehicle is being driven.

If the charging cable is incorrectly detected and the vehicle is stopped or moving at a very slow speed, the vehicle may unexpectedly shift to park, increasing the risk of a crash.

Mbusa will notify owners, and dealers will replace the onboard charger, free of charge. the recall began on january 27, 2016. owners may contact mbusa customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
12/02/15 Electrical and Air Conditioning Mercedes-benz usa llc (mercedes-benz) is recalling certain model year 2014 s63 amg sedans and 2015-2016 s63 amg 4matic sedans and coupes manufactured may 14, 2013, to september 18, 2015. in the affected vehicles, due to a software error within the engine control unit, the vehicle may stall when coasting to a stop, such as at a traffic light.

The vehicle stall may be interpreted by the driver to be a planned shut-down as part of the eco-start-function. however, the engine will not restart automatically after releasing the brake pedal, immobilizing the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.

Mercedes-benz will notify owners, and dealers will update the engine control unit software, free of charge. the recall began on december 2, 2015. owners may contact mercedes-benz customer service at 1-800-367-6372. mercedes-benz's number for this recall is 2015100003.

Owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
08/30/08 Electrical and Air Conditioning Mercedes-benz is recalling my 2006-2008 m-class, r-class, my 2005-2009 slk-class, my 2005-2008 c-class, my 2003-2004 and 2006-2008 clk-class, my 2003-2008 e-class, my 2004 and 2008 cl-class, my 2008 cls-class, my 2004 and 2007-2008 s-class, my 2003 g-class, and my 2003-2004, 2006 and 2009 sl-class vehicles. a software calibration number (scn) coding received on the affected vehicles during a recent workshop visit was incorrect. depending on the model year and model affected, the results of an incorrect scn coding can affect a number of vehicle safety and emission functions including the following types of functions: (1) the fuel gauge readings may be incorrect; (2) a stuck fuel-level sensor may not be displayed in the instrument cluster; (3) the obd system may cause the check engine light to illuminate incorrectly; and, (4) the speedometer may be out of tolerance.

In the event of a vehicle crash, the electrical fuel pump may not receive a crash signal that is required for the fuel pump to disconnect and prevent future fuel delivery as designed.

Dealers will recode the scn free of charge. the recall began on august 30, 2008. owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.

Mercedes-benz recall no. 2008 070001.customers may contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty: 1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
05/02/08 Electrical and Air Conditioning Mercedes-benz is recalling 3,283 my 2008 s-class and cl-class passenger vehicles. a malfunction may occur on the signal acquisition and actuation module-front (sam-f) transistors. the sam-f is a double transistor that helps control vehicle functions and the lighting of the center console. incorrect storage of the transistors led the transistors to be exposed to excess humidity.

The presence of this moisture in combination with the thermal stress during the "reflow soldering" may damage the transistors and prevent them from properly functioning which will increase the risk of crash.

Dealers will inspect and replace all potentially affected sam free of charge. the recall began on may 2, 2008. owner may contact mercedes benz at 1-800-367-6372.

Mercedes-benz recall no. 2008030005.customers may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
09/29/06 Electrical and Air Conditioning On certain vehicles, the instrument cluster is experiencing electrical malfunctions. the instrument cluster contains gauges and indicators that must be illuminated whenever the vehicle is in operation.

Due to inadequate illumination, the driver will be unable to read the gauges and indicators, such as the speedometer, which could increase the risk of a crash.

Dealers will replace the instrument cluster modules. the recall will be conducted in phases. phase i was mailed out to approximately 7,500 owners on september 29, 2006. phase ii and phase iii is scheduled for december 2006. owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.

Customers may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
05/22/00 Electrical and Air Conditioning Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. due to an internal defect in the circuitry of the blower motor regulator, the regulator may overheat.

This could cause surrounding plastic, insulation, and wiring to deform and possibly melt or burn.

Dealers will replace the blower motor regulator.

Owner notification began may 22, 2000.owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
03/09/18 Other Mercedes-benz usa, llc (mbusa) is recalling certain 2017 gle400 4matic, gle350 4matic, gle350, gle550e 4matic, gle43 amg 4matic, gle63 amg 4matic, gls450, gle63s 4matic, gls63 4matic, s550e, s600, s63 amg 4matic, s65 amg, s550, mercedes-maybach s600, mercedes-maybach s550 4matic, gle43 amg 4matic coupe, gle63s 4matic coupe, 2017-2018 gls550 4matic, s550 4matic, 2018 s450, and s63 amg 4matic vehicles. the rear passenger door on the driver side may indicate that it is locked, when it may not be. as such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard (fmvss) number 206, "door locks and door retention components."

If the door appears to be locked, the door may be unintentionally opened, increasing the risk of injury.

Mbusa will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left rear door lock, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. the recall is expected to begin in january 2018. owners may contact mbusa customer service at 1-877-496-3691.

Owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
12/16/16 Other Mercedes-benz usa, llc (mbusa) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 s63 amg coupe, s65 amg coupe, s550 coupe 4matic, s63 amg 4matic convertible, and s550 convertible vehicles manufactured june 29, 2015, to march 15, 2016. the seat belt extenders on the affected vehicles may not retract as intended and may potentially break the event of a crash.

In the event of a crash, if the seat belt extender does not retract and/or the extender breaks, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing their risk of injury.

Mbusa will notify owners, and dealers will update the control unit software, free of charge. the recall is expected to begin in mid-december 2016. owners may contact mbusa customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
10/30/15 Other Mercedes-benz usa, llc. (mbusa) is recalling certain model year 2015 s550 4matic coupe, amg s63 4matic coupe, and amg s65 vehicles manufactured january 27, 2014, to april 2, 2015. in the affected vehicles, left-side front seat belts may have been installed on the right-side and vice versa. as a result, the installation angle may be incorrect, affecting the seat belt locking behavior. additionally, the child seat restraint function for the passenger seat would not be available. as such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard (fmvss) number 208, "occupant crash protection," and fmvss number 209, "seat belt assemblies."

If the seat belt is installed improperly, it may not properly restrain the seat occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Mbusa will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the installation of the seat belts, correcting them as necessary, free of charge. the recall began on october 30, 2015. mbusa's recall number is 2015100002. owners may contact mbusa customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
12/20/13 Other Mercedes-benz usa, llc (mercedes-benz) is recalling certain model year 2014 s550 vehicles manufactured april 11, 2013, through october 14, 2013. in the affected vehicles, the front seat belt anchor might not be installed correctly allowing it to come loose in a crash.

If the seat belt anchor comes loose, in the event of a crash, the occupant may not be properly secured, increasing the risk of injury.

Mercedes-benz will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and correct the front seat belt anchor fitting, as necessary, free of charge. the recall began on december 20, 2013. owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372. mercedes-benz's recall number is 2013110008.

Owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
03/27/09 Other Mercedes benz is recalling 54 my 2009 s-class, w221 vehicles. during production the front and rear passenger side door locks may have been mistakenly interchanged during production. the exchange of a front and a rear passenger side door lock would result in a passenger side door that cannot be opened by merely pulling on the interior handle and a rear door lock that can be opened with a simple pull of the interior door handle even if locked.

This situation could affect the safe exiting of a vehicle in the event of a crash or protection of children from inadvertent opening of the rear door.

Dealers will check the part number on all door locks and replace any incorrectly installed door lock free of charge. the recall began on march 27, 2009. owners may contact mercedes benz at 1-800-367-6372.

Mercedes benz recall no. 2009030001.owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov .
08/17/04 Other On certain vehicles, the trunk lid springs could fail in the closed trunk lid position.

If the trunk lid is manually lifted, it may not remain in the up position and could cause injury if it comes down while someone is reaching into the trunk.

Dealers will replace both trunk lid springs. the recall began august 17, 2004. owners should contact mercedes- benz at 1-800-367-6372.

Mercedes-benz recall no. 2004 050015.customers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
01/29/01 Other Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the sheathing material on the electrical connection of the heated windshield washer bottle hose could overheat.

This could cause the surrounding plastic and insulation to melt.

Dealers will replace the heated washer bottle hose assembly. owner notification began january 29, 2001. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.

Also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).

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Mercedes-Benz S-Class Recalls

Some things are often misunderstood about recalls and technical service bulletins (TSBs). Plus a disclaimer.

  1. Recalls do not have to be issued only because something is prone to failure. NHTSA (a government agency) can only require a recall if a failure will affect safety, emissions, fuel economy, or compliance with some other regulation or law. Manufacturers can voluntarily recall cars for problems that do not affect these, though.
  2. Recalls often apply to only some cars of a specific model year, rather than all of them. You should receive a letter from the manufacturer if your car has been recalled. You can also check with the dealer, which will know which (if any) recalls pertain to your car.
  3. The primary purpose of TSBs is to inform dealers about known problems with a car and how to fix them. They are not the same as recalls. As with recalls, TSBs often only apply to some cars, not the entire model year.
  4. Dealers often will not provide a preventive repair just because a problem described in a TSB might happen to your car. They'll usually want to observe symptoms that the problem is already affecting your car.
  5. Even if there are symptoms, a manufacturer doesn't have to pick up the cost of a TSB repair if the car is out of warranty, though sometimes they do.

We provide the text of recalls and TSBs as provided by NHTSA. There can be errors in the text. If you sign up for notifications in My Garage, we will try to get these to do, but for various reasons (some beyond our control) cannot guarantee you will receive them. When in doubt about a recall or TSB, contact the dealer.