Mercedes USA Recalls 2023-24 Models for Sudden Stalls

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) is recalling ~32,000 models.* The 80-amp fuses used in them may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause the fuses to fail. An 80-amp fuse that fails can result in a sudden loss of drive power or a loss of critical safety functions such as the restraint systems or instrument cluster, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. Additionally, there could be an increased risk of a fire.

In the required filing made public this morning by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Mercedes said that before the failure occurs, the driver “will not receive a warning due to the nature of the failure mechanism.”

*Recalled Models with Bad Fuses

• 2023-2024 C300, AMG C43, S580e, S580, Maybach S580, Maybach S680, AMG SL43, AMGSL63, GLC300, EQE350, EQE500, EQS450, EQS580, AMG EQS,
• 2023 S500, AMG SL55, AMG EQE, 2024 E350, E450, AMG C63e S, CLE300 Coupe, CLE450 Coupe, and GLC300 Coupe vehicles.

Chronology

• In September 2023, MB AG launched initial investigations based on internal quality analyses. In those cases, a specific fuse did not operate as required leading to a non-starting vehicle. Previous instances indicated that the phenomenon observed only occurred prior to leaving the plant and therefore vehicles in the field were not affected. However, the investigation concluded that an impaired fuse could also fail over the vehicle lifetime. At that time, MB AG was still only aware of non-starting vehicles in the production plant related to this issue.
• To investigate the issue further, MB AG reviewed field cases to identify potentially similar customer reports. From October 2023 onward on the basis of this review, MB AG retrieved potentially affected parts from the field to conduct further examinations. Those were conducted together with its supplier [Intercable Automotive Solution Italy] and included various setups including X-Ray tests.
• The retrieval of all relevant parts had been completed in December 2023.
• In parallel, through late 2023 and early 2024, investigations were initiated to determine potential consequences of the issue described. Those investigations included the identification of a large number of systems directly and indirectly connected to the fuses.
• On 9 February 2024, MB AG determined that a potential safety risk cannot be ruled out and decided to conduct a recall.
• MB AG confirms there are no warranty claims, field or service reports, and other information (such as the numbers of deaths and/or injuries) related to this defect in the US.

Dealers will replace the main fuse boxes, free of charge as required by the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act,. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed 15 April 2024. 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.nhtsa.gov about NHTSA recall 24V-115.