Mercedes-Benz Australia have recalled exactly 58,822 vehicles made from 2018 to 2026 over a manufacturing defect that could affect the door-lock system and the vehicle’s auto park function, which could cause the car to move unintentionally and cause an accident.
This is a big recall number but is eclipsed by several massive, industry-wide recall campaigns like the Takata airbag recall affecting over 4 million vehicles across more than 30 different car brands that unfolded across a decade starting in 2009.
What’s the defect, and why is it so serious?
The affected Mercedes-Benz models have a door-lock microswitch that can suffer water damage and fail, and the car may not detect that a door has opened. This fault can prevent the electronic auto park feature from operating as intended.
A loss of the auto park function could allow the vehicle to move unintentionally and create a risk of an accident, which could cause injury or death to vehicle occupants and other road users.
For instance, if you bring the car to a stop, leave it in Drive (D) or Reverse (R), and open the door to get out, the computer does not register that the door is open, and the electronic Park gear selector will not activate. The car will remain in gear, and as soon as you lift your foot off the brake, the car can unexpectedly creep or roll away.
Which vehicles are affected?
Make: Mercedes-Benz
Model:
- A-Class: A180, A180d, A200, A200d, A250, A250 4Matic, A250e, AMG A35 4Matic, AMG A45 S 4Matic, and AMG A45 S 4Matic+
- B-Class: B180 and B200
- C-Class: C200, C300, AMG C43 4Matic, AMG C63 S E Performance, and AMG C63 S 4Matic
- CLA: CLA200, CLA250 4Matic, AMG CLA35 4Matic, AMG CLA45 S 4Matic, and AMG CLA45 S 4Matic+
- CLE: CLE200 and CLE300 4Matic
- GLA: GLA200, GLA200d, GLA250 4Matic, AMG GLA35 4Matic, AMG GLA45 S 4Matic and AMG GLA S 4Matic+
- GLB: GLB180, GLB200, and GLB250 4Matic
- GLC: GLC300 4Matic, AMG GLC43 4Matic, and AMG GLC63 S E Performance
- EQA: EQA250, EQA250+ and EQA350 4Matic
Year range: 2018-2026
Total units affected: 58,822
Recall number: REC-006695
Campaign number: RC5219
A complete list of affected Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) is in this file: https://www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au/sites/default/files/recall-files/REC-006695-VIN-List-1.csv. Owners can check if their vehicle is included in the list.
Also read: Mercedes to revive physical buttons but keep big screens
What should car owners do now?
The owners of affected Mercedes vehicles should always select Park on the gear selector and apply the parking brake before leaving the vehicle, as instructed in the Owner’s Manual. The company will contact owners of affected vehicles in writing and ask them to arrange an appointment with an authorised dealership to carry out the required repair free of charge when the necessary parts become available.
Need help? Here’s who to contact
Contact: Customer Assistance Centre Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific
Contact number: 1300 762 718
Email: cs.aus@cac.mercedes-benz.com
Please have your VIN ready. You’ll find the VIN on your ownership documents or near the base of the windshield.
This recall is being overseen by Australia’s official automotive safety regulator, the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sports, and the Arts.
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