— Mercedes-Benz has recalled 324,000 vehicles because water can accumulate in the spare tire wheel wells and damage the fuel pump control units.
According to Mercedes, a vehicle could stall while driving if the fuel pump control unit is damaged.
The 324,000 recalled vehicles include these models.
- 2012-2014 Mercedes-Benz ML550
- 2012-2015 Mercedes-Benz ML350
- 2012-2015 Mercedes-Benz AMG ML63
- 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML250
- 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML400
- 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE450
- 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE300
- 2016-2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE350
- 2016-2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE550
- 2016-2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE400
- 2017-2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE43
- 2016-2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE63
Mercedes learned about customer complaints from outside the U.S. in 2018, and those owners said water entered the rear interiors of the cars.
Mercedes collected German vehicles but engineers could not find any indications of failures that could cause water intrusion.
In February 2019 the automaker was still investigating and trying to determine how the water entered the interiors.
Then in March 2019 U.S. car owners began complaining about water penetrating the rear interiors of various models.
Engineers tested how water entered the spare tire wheel wells and the effect on the fuel pump control units. It was determined a vehicle could lose propulsion without any warning to the driver.
However, owners should be aware of damp rear carpets or the sound of water in the spare tire wheel wells.
Mercedes-Benz "is currently aware of 773 warranty claims, field reports, and service reports in the US from March 28, 2019 to December 15, 2022."
Mercedes says it will mail recall letters February 21, 2023, and dealers will install water drain plugs. Dealerships will also inspect for water and possibly replace the fuel pump control units.
Mercedes-Benz owners may call the automaker at 800-367-6372.