Mercedes-Benz Recall Affects 284,000 Cars

Mercedes-Benz will recall approximately 284,000 C-class cars in the U.S. and Canada due to a problem with the rear tail lamps. The recall involves nearly 253,000 cars sold in the U.S., specifically th...
Mercedes-Benz Recall Affects 284,000 Cars
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  • Mercedes-Benz will recall approximately 284,000 C-class cars in the U.S. and Canada due to a problem with the rear tail lamps.

    The recall involves nearly 253,000 cars sold in the U.S., specifically the 2008-2011 C300, C300 4Matic, C350, and C63 AMG vehicles that were manufactured between January 26, 2007 and July 13, 2011.

    The problem with the rear tail lamps, according to a report, is that “in the affected vehicles, a poor electrical ground connection may result in the dimming or the failure of the tail lights.”

    The detailed description of the problem, according to a scanned email sent from Mercedes-Benz USA to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that was posted as part of the overall report, states that corrosion on the ground pin connector for the rear tail lamps is the source of the problem.

    Consequences of the dimming or failure of the tail lights include reducing “the ability to warn other motorists of the driver’s intentions of stopping or turning, increasing the risk of a crash.”

    So far, no accidents or injuries associated with the problem have been recorded. Mercedes will notify affected car owners and dealers will replace bulbs and any corroded connectors free of charge. Because parts are not currently available, Mercedes will send an interim notification to owners in June 2014, and when parts are available—likely in August or September 2014—a second letter will be mailed.

    According to the Christian Science Monitor, usually a recall of a quarter-million cars would be a big deal but because in 2014 in the U.S. already 13 million cars have been recalled, the Mercedes-Benz recall hardly raises an eyebrow. Total cars recalled for 2014 is on pace to break the 2004 record of 30.8 million vehicles.

    To date in 2014, General Motors has recalled about 6 million vehicles, while several other companies including Nissan, Honda, and Toyota have recalled nearly 1 million vehicles each.

    Those with questions about the Mercedes-Benz recall can call Mercedes at 1-800-367-6372 or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

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