— Mercedes-Benz has ordered five recalls affecting numerous models for everything from airbag problems to windshields that can fly off the vehicles.
Airbag Problems
First up is a recall of more than 12,400 vehicles because the passenger airbags can deactivate and fail in a crash. Recalled are the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300, E300 4Matic and E43 AMG with front passenger occupant detection control units that may not have been installed correctly.
The problem can cause an adult sitting in the seat to be misclassified as a child in the seat, something that will turn off the airbag. The automaker didn't say more about the recall or how the problem was found, but Mercedes dealers will need to inspect the routing of the pressure hoses of the seat occupancy detection control units, and if needed the seat occupancy detection mats and pressure hoses will be replaced.
Center Console Problems
The second largest recall among the bunch includes more than 5,880 of these Mercedes-Benz cars:
- 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE 400 4Matic
- 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 4Matic
- 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350
- 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE 550E 4Matic
- 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE 63 AMG
- 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE 63S AMG
- 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE 43 AMG 4Matic Coupe
- 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE 63S AMG 4Matic Coupe
- 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 4Matic
- 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS 550 4Matic
- 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS 63 AMG 4Matic
In July 2016, Mercedes found a possible problem caused by a supplier changing its process during production but didn't tell Mercedes. The changes made by the console supplier affected certification requirements concerning objects ejected from the console into the cabin area.
Based on federal requirements, items secured in the center console must, to a degree, stay put in a crash. But the latch lever for the console may fail to secure the console door and allow items to strike occupants.
The recall will begin in March when dealers will modify the center console so that it stays latched in a crash.
Airbag Problems
Mercedes-Benz is recalling about 1,050 of these vehicles because the pelvis or frontal passenger airbags can fail in a crash:
- 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA250
- 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 4Matic
- 2017 Mercedes-Benz E400 Coupe
- 2017 Mercedes-Benz E400 4Matic Coupe
- 2017 Mercedes-Benz E550 Coupe
- 2017 Mercedes-Benz E400 Cabriolet
- 2017 Mercedes-Benz E550 Cabriolet
- 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300
- 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300 4Matic
- 2017 Mercedes-Benz E400 Wagon
- 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA250
- 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 4Matic
All the automaker said about the recall is the initiators for the pelvis and frontal airbags can fail to ignite in a crash and leave the airbags useless. In March, dealers will begin replacing the airbag modules for the airbags.
Loose Bolts
Mercedes-Benz says the 2016 GLE350 4Matic, GLE350, GLE350 4Matic Bluetec, GL450 4Matic and GLE450 Coupe 4Matic vehicles can experience problems with wheel tracking.
Only 37 vehicles are affected by possible loose bolts that connect the upper control arms and the axle stubs. Mercedes says the problem occurred during manufacturing when the bolts may not have been properly tightened.
As with most of the other recalls, Mercedes-Benz will start contacting owners in March about getting the vehicles to dealerships to have the bolts tightened.
Windshield Problems
Another four cars are recalled because the windshields can detach and fly off the cars during a crash. The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 4Matic and GLS 450 4Matic vehicles have windshield bonding that may not be strong enough to hold the windshield in a crash.
In addition to the obvious risk of a missing windshield in a crash, Mercedes says the passenger frontal airbag my not have any support after it deploys.
The automaker says dealers will replace the windshields in the four vehicles, but Mercedes doesn't know when the recall will begin.
With questions about any of the Mercedes-Benz recalls, contact the automaker at 800-367-6372.