Mercedes Recalls 1 Million Cars After Fire Outbreaks

Recall Spurred by 51 Reported Fires. Fix Includes Dealership Replacing a Defective Fuse

Get used to it, folks. Recalls are now just a common part of the car world.

Of course, that doesn’t always help when an automaker finds itself in a situation where it actually has to issue a recall. But nevertheless, it’s become a regular part of operating a car company.

Just ask Daimler AG, which is recalling 1 million Mercedes-Benz vehicles due to an issue that could cause certain models to catch on fire.

Prompted by 51 fires from a “defective fuse,” the list of vehicles includes certain C-Class, E-Class, CLA, GLA, and GLC models from 2015 through 2017. As detailed in an Automotive News report, the crux of the issue lies in a defective “current limiter,” or fuse.

CHECK OUT: What Forum Members Are Saying About The Fires

Of the million vehicles being recalled, 307,629 were sold in the U.S., one of the three largest markets for Mercedes-Benz. The carmaker has yet to release any information detailing what other markets are affected by the recall. But Mercedes’ other two largest markets are China and Germany.

According to Daimler, the potential for the cars to catch on fire begins when the engine doesn’t initially turn over, and then someone repeatedly attempts to start the vehicle. This can cause the “current limiter” in the starter motor to overheat, and potentially melt some of the parts near the starter motor.

Thirty of the 51 fires were in the U.S., notes a Reuters report. Fortunately, there have been no injuries or deaths reported as a result of the faulty fuse.

Mercedes says it will start notifying owners in the U.S. about the recall in late March. That will include directing buyers to take their vehicles to local dealerships to have the fuse replaced. Other markets will be notified sometime later.