Mercedes-Benz has issued a recall affecting more than 1.16 lakh vehicles in the United States due to potential fire hazards stemming from ground cable connection issues. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has highlighted concerns regarding certain Mercedes-Benz models produced between 2019 and 2024, specifically focusing on inadequate grounding cable connections beneath the front passenger seat.
The impacted vehicles span across several Mercedes-Benz and AMG models, including the GLE53 (2021-2024), GLE63 S (2021-2024), GLS63 (2021-2023), GLE350 (2023-2024), GLE450 (2020-2024), GLE580 (2020-2023), GLS450 (2019-2023), GLS580 (2020-2023), and Maybach GLS600 (2021-2023).
The safety concern revolves around the possibility of improperly secured ground cable lugs, which could lead to increased electrical resistance within the connection. In scenarios where high electrical currents pass through the connection, elevated temperatures may occur, posing a potential fire risk.
The root cause of this issue lies in production process deviations, resulting in the loosening of the 48V ground connection beneath the passenger seat during assembly. Notably, drivers may not receive prior notifications about the problem due to the failure mechanism. However, warning signs, such as dashboard alerts or hazard lights, may indicate the occurrence of the issue.
Mercedes-Benz has assured owners of affected vehicles that authorized dealerships will conduct thorough checks at no additional cost. This proactive measure aims to identify and rectify any potential risks associated with the ground cable connection, ensuring the safety of drivers and passengers.
This recall comes on the heels of a previous recall in February 2024, where Mercedes-Benz recalled 1,05,071 vehicles due to a transmission control unit software fault. The software update, provided by the manufacturer, addresses discrepancies that did not meet current production specifications for the affected models, offering peace of mind to owners.
Mercedes-Benz prioritizes safety and customer satisfaction, demonstrating its commitment through proactive recalls and swift corrective actions to address potential risks and ensure the reliability of its vehicles on the road. Owners of the affected models are encouraged to promptly contact authorized dealerships to schedule inspections and necessary repairs.