Mercedes-Benz CL recalls
17 official safety recalls for the Mercedes-Benz CL from NHTSA (United States), DVSA (United Kingdom) and the EU Safety Gate, newest first. Recall repairs are normally free at the maker’s dealers.
Whether your car is affected and still needs the repair depends on its VIN or registration. Check it on the official site for your country:
- United States: nhtsa.gov/recalls
- United Kingdom: check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk
Control unit coding may trigger unplanned vehicle actions
Incorrect control unit coding may trigger unplanned vehicle actions and cause safety or emissions systems to respond outside their design intent. The software in the corresponding control units will be updated.
Official DVSA recall text
- Component
- FAULTY CONTROL UNIT MAY CAUSE VEHICLE TO PERFORM OUTSIDE SPECIFICATION
- Defect
- Where a control unit coding was updated in a workshop between 3 December 2016 and 5 December 2016 the coding may not correspond to the specification and may trigger unplanned action in the vehicle. The safety and emissions systems may not react as design intent.
- Remedy
- Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and update the software in the corresponding control units.
Fuel filter flange may leak
A production defect may cause the fuel filter flange to leak, resulting in a fuel odour or escaping fuel. The fuel filter will be replaced.
Official DVSA recall text
- Component
- FUEL MAY LEAK
- Defect
- The flange of the fuel filter may leak due to a non-compliance in the supplier's production process. Should this occur a fuel odour may arise or fuel escape.
- Remedy
- Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the fuel filter.
Fuel filter flange may crack and leak fuel
The fuel filter flange may crack at high temperatures and leak fuel, which could cause a fire if an ignition source is present. Dealers will replace the fuel filter, free of charge.
Official NHTSA recall text
- Component
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Defect
- 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.
- Consequence
- If the fuel filter flange cracks, it will leak fuel which may lead to a fire if an external ignition source is present.
- Remedy
- 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.
- Notes
- 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.
Front lights, indicators and console lights may fail
Moisture may make the front SAM control unit unreliable, affecting functions including the front lights, indicators, wipers, steering column adjustment and centre console lights. The control unit will be replaced.
Official DVSA recall text
- Component
- FRONT LIGHTS / INDICATORS AND CONSOLE LIGHTS MAY FAIL.
- Defect
- The SAM unit may become unreliable due to moisture in a transistor due to incorrect storage. In extreme cases various electrical functions may be affected such as front lights indicators wipers steering column adjustment and centre console lights
- Remedy
- Recall affected vehicles and replace front SAM control unit
Incorrect software coding may prevent fuel pump shutdown after a crash
Incorrect software coding may affect safety functions, including whether the fuel pump receives the signal to shut off after a crash. Dealers will recode the software free of charge.
Official NHTSA recall text
- Component
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Defect
- 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.
- Consequence
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
- Notes
- 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.
Front control module transistors may fail
Moisture and heat during soldering may damage transistors in the front signal acquisition and actuation module, preventing them from working properly and increasing crash risk. Dealers will inspect and replace affected modules free of charge.
Official NHTSA recall text
- Component
- VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
- Defect
- 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.
- Consequence
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
- Notes
- 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.
Brake pipe may corrode and leak
Corrosion may cause a brake pipe to leak fluid, reducing braking efficiency. The pipe will be replaced with a modified design.
Official DVSA recall text
- Component
- POTENTIAL LEAK OF BRAKE LINE
- Defect
- Corrosion may occur in the brake line to the front/rear axle distibuter. If left unattended this could result in brake fluid leakage and loss of brake efficiency.
- Remedy
- Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the brake pipe with one of a modified design.
High-pressure suspension hose may corrode and leak
Corrosion may weaken the suspension system's high-pressure hose, causing fluid to leak near the catalytic converter. Fluid contacting hot engine parts could cause a fire. Dealers will install a corrosion-resistant hose.
Official NHTSA recall text
- Component
- SUSPENSION
- Defect
- ON CERTAIN 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 HUMIDITY CAUSING DETERIORATION OF THE HOSE.
- Consequence
- THIS MAY RESULT IN ABC HYDRAULIC FLUID LEAKAGE NEAR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. LEAKING FLUID MAY COME IN CONTACT WITH HOT ENGINE COMPONENTS AND LEAD TO A POSSIBLE FIRE.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW CORROSION RESISTANT ABC HIGH PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION HOSE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 2, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.
- Notes
- MERCEDES-BENZ RECALL NO. 207060002.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.
Instrument cluster may not illuminate
The instrument cluster may fail to illuminate at times. The instrument panel will be checked and replaced if faulty.
Official DVSA recall text
- Component
- INSTRUMENT CLUSTER MAY NOT ILLUMINATE.
- Defect
- Instrument cluster may not illuminate at all times.
- Remedy
- Recall vehicles and check the function of the instrument panel. If found to be faulty the instrument panel will be changed.
Instrument cluster may not illuminate
An electrical malfunction may leave the instrument cluster gauges and indicators too dim to read, including the speedometer, increasing crash risk. Dealers will replace the instrument cluster modules.
Official NHTSA recall text
- Component
- INTERIOR LIGHTING
- Defect
- 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.
- Consequence
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
- Notes
- 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.
Brake pedal may require more effort
Vibrations may wear contacts in the brake control unit, increasing resistance and the effort needed on the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. An additional bracket will be fitted to prevent movement of the electrical harness.
Official DVSA recall text
- Component
- BRAKE PEDAL MAY REQUIRE MORE EFFORT THAN EXPECTED
- Defect
- In isolated cases it is possible for vibrations within the vehicle to in turn vibrate the wiring harness connected to the Sensotronic Brake Control unit. This causes the internal contacts within the unit to suffer abrasion and subsequent resistance increase. The resultant affect is that more effort will be required on the brake pedal to stop the vehicle.
- Remedy
- Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and mount an additional bracket to the electrical harness to prevent relative movement.
Trunk lid springs may fail
The springs may fail while the trunk lid is closed, so a manually raised lid may not stay up and could injure someone reaching into the trunk. Dealers will replace both springs.
Official NHTSA recall text
- Component
- LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LOCK
- Defect
- ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE TRUNK LID SPRINGS COULD FAIL IN THE CLOSED TRUNK LID POSITION.
- Consequence
- 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.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH TRUNK LID SPRINGS. THE RECALL BEGAN AUGUST 17, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES- BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.
- Notes
- 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).
Active body control hose may corrode and leak
Corrosion may deteriorate the high-pressure hose, causing hydraulic fluid to leak. Fluid could contact hot engine parts and lead to a fire. Dealers will install corrosion-resistant hoses.
Official NHTSA recall text
- Component
- SUSPENSION
- Defect
- 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.
- Consequence
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
- Notes
- 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).
Blower motor fuse holder may overheat
An undersized conductor may overheat the fuse holder, disabling the blower motor and the ability to defrost or defog the windscreen. Reduced visibility could cause a crash. Dealers will install new fuse holders.
Official NHTSA recall text
- Component
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
- Defect
- ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, DURING THE PRODUCTION PROCESS OF THE BLOWER MOTOR FUSE HOLDER, THE SIZE OF THE ELECTRIC CONDUCTOR OF THE HOLDER MAY BE BELOW APPROPRIATE TOLERANCES.
- Consequence
- CONSEQUENTLY, THE ELECTRIC CONDUCTOR OF THE BLOWER MOTOR FUSE HOLDER MAY DISSIPATE MORE HEAT THAN THE PLASTIC FUSE HOLDER WAS DESIGNED TO WITHSTAND, WHICH COULD RESULT IN OVERHEATING OF THE HOLDER AND DISABLING OF THE BLOWER MOTOR AND THE ABILITY TO DEFROST OR DEFOG THE WINDSHILED IN COLD OR HOT AND HUMID WEATHER CONDITIONS. DEPENDING ON THE OCCURRENCE AND WEATHER SITUATION, DRIVER VISIBILITY COULD BE REDUCED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW BLOWER MOTOR FUSE HOLDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING OCTOBER 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.
- Notes
- MERCEDES-BENZ RECALL NO. 2004 070010.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
High beam headlights may cause excessive glare
In high beam mode, the combined light from the xenon and halogen bulbs may exceed permitted output, increasing glare for oncoming drivers and crash risk. Dealers will adjust the halogen headlamp aim free of charge.
Official NHTSA recall text
- Component
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH
- Defect
- VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." WHEN THE LOW BEAM HEADLAMPS ARE ACTIVATED, THE XENON LAMPS ARE AIMED TO ILLUMINATE THE ROAD SURFACE. IN THE HIGH BEAM MODE THE LIGHT FROM THE XENON BULBS ARE REDIRECTED AND ADDITIONAL HALOGEN BULBS ALSO ILLUMINATE WHEN THE HIGH BEAMS ARE ACTIVATED. WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE COMBINATION OF XENON BULB AND HALOGEN BULB EXCEED THE PERMITTED LIGHT OUTPUT.
- Consequence
- DRIVERS IN INCOMING VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE INCREASED GLARE FROM THE HIGH BEAM LIGHTING WHICH COULD RESULT IN THE POTENTIAL FOR A CRASH.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE AIM OF THE HALOGEN HEADLAMP BULBS IN THE HIGH BEAM MODE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 15, 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.
- Notes
- ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Heated washer hose connection may overheat
The electrical connection sheathing on the heated washer hose may overheat, melting nearby plastic and insulation. Dealers will replace the heated washer bottle hose assembly, free of charge.
Official NHTSA recall text
- Component
- VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
- Defect
- VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SHEATHING MATERIAL ON THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION OF THE HEATED WINDSHIELD WASHER BOTTLE HOSE COULD OVERHEAT.
- Consequence
- THIS COULD CAUSE THE SURROUNDING PLASTIC AND INSULATION TO MELT.
- Remedy
- 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.
- Notes
- ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Blower motor regulator may overheat
A defect in the regulator circuitry may cause it to overheat, deforming or melting nearby plastic, insulation and wiring, or possibly causing them to burn. Dealers will replace the regulator.
Official NHTSA recall text
- Component
- EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
- Defect
- VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO AN INTERNAL DEFECT IN THE CIRCUITRY OF THE BLOWER MOTOR REGULATOR, THE REGULATOR MAY OVERHEAT.
- Consequence
- THIS COULD CAUSE SURROUNDING PLASTIC, INSULATION, AND WIRING TO DEFORM AND POSSIBLY MELT OR BURN.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BLOWER MOTOR REGULATOR.
- Notes
- 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).
Sources: NHTSA (US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), DVSA (UK Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) and the EU Safety Gate (European Commission) recall data. Each recall covers vehicles sold in that market; models sold elsewhere may differ.