Mercedes-Benz Issues Massive Tail Light Recall
Actually, it’s not such a big deal. It is true that Mercedes is recalling 284,000 C-Class sedans, but the problem isn’t nearly as bad as some other car companies recent issues. An electrical issue could cause the tail lights to dim or fail thanks to a poor electrical ground connection. Generally when you have dimming or failing lights, a bad ground is the issue. It’s good that Mercedes has at least acknowledged this instead of leaving repair shops to figure it out. This recall will likely save some people money.
Keep an eye out for a notification from Mercedes in June if you bought a C-Class from 2008-2011. There have been five field reports of this happening so far, so it’s not exactly an epidemic. Just remember this recall if your car starts showing issues.
NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V177000
Component(s):
Potential Number of Units Affected: 252,867
Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (Mercedes) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 C300, C300 4Matic, C350, and C63 AMG vehicles manufactured January 26, 2007, through July 13, 2011. In the affected vehicles, a poor electrical ground connection may result in the dimming or failure of the tail lights.
Dimming or failure of the tail lights reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver’s intentions of stopping or turning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Mercedes will notify owners, and dealers will replace the bulb holders if not previously updated and replace any corroded connectors, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners will be sent an interim notification in June 2014. A second letter will be mailed when parts are available, currently expected to be in August or September 2014. Owners may contact Mercedes at 1-800-367-6372.
NOTES:
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.safercar.gov.