Options when safety recall parts aren’t available?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2025
Posts: 23
Likes: 5
Options when safety recall parts aren’t available?
I received recall notice 21V297 for a 2016 C300. It’s for the panel between the windshield and panoramic sunroof that can come lose and detach while being driven. I sat on it for awhile and just took it for repair 2 weeks ago given I can see and hear (wind noise) that the panel is now loose. The dealer said parts are back ordered with no ETA. I’ve been working with the service advisor and just involved the parts department to try and push this. They wanted their loaner back and returned my car, so my wife is driving this around with tape hopefully holding the panel down.
What other options do I have to try and put pressure on the dealer and MB to get this resolved?
Thanks in advance!
What other options do I have to try and put pressure on the dealer and MB to get this resolved?
Thanks in advance!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 5,151
Likes: 1,765
From: Colorado
G550
Car manufacturers are required to notify car owners about safety recalls as soon as they become known, regardless of whether or not a solution/repair has been identified and whether or not parts are available. In extreme cases, car owners are advised not to even drive their cars until the problem has been remedied. There is some motivation for car manufacturers to work diligently toward recall fixes as dealers cannot sell or lease any vehicle with a pending recall (although if parts are available but scarce, dealers are motivated to push their inventory to the front of the line, while you wait). If you believe the loose panel presents a driving hazard, about all you can do is park the car until a fix is available, unless the tape relieves your anxiety. AFAIK, car manufacturers/dealers have no liability for your transportation needs while the recall is pending.
A few years ago, I received a recall notice for the differential actuators on my G550. The dealer I contacted told me I had to schedule a first appointment to have the car inspected for its inclusion in the recall. Then, if my car was among those needing repair, they would order replacement parts, and I could schedule a second appointment for the repair to be done. I was told due to the cost of the parts, MB would not authorize shipment to the dealer without the inspection. Total B.S., especially being a day's drive from the closest dealer. On another recall, the dealer wanted to keep my car for 3 days to perform a 60 minute fix. "The Best or Nothing" -- my experience with MB dealerships has been the "nothing".
A few years ago, I received a recall notice for the differential actuators on my G550. The dealer I contacted told me I had to schedule a first appointment to have the car inspected for its inclusion in the recall. Then, if my car was among those needing repair, they would order replacement parts, and I could schedule a second appointment for the repair to be done. I was told due to the cost of the parts, MB would not authorize shipment to the dealer without the inspection. Total B.S., especially being a day's drive from the closest dealer. On another recall, the dealer wanted to keep my car for 3 days to perform a 60 minute fix. "The Best or Nothing" -- my experience with MB dealerships has been the "nothing".
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 462
Likes: 152
From: Panama City, FL
2020 C300, 2013 C250, 2000 Boxster S
I received recall notice 21V297 for a 2016 C300. It’s for the panel between the windshield and panoramic sunroof that can come lose and detach while being driven. I sat on it for awhile and just took it for repair 2 weeks ago given I can see and hear (wind noise) that the panel is now loose. The dealer said parts are back ordered with no ETA. I’ve been working with the service advisor and just involved the parts department to try and push this. They wanted their loaner back and returned my car, so my wife is driving this around with tape hopefully holding the panel down.
What other options do I have to try and put pressure on the dealer and MB to get this resolved?
Thanks in advance!
What other options do I have to try and put pressure on the dealer and MB to get this resolved?
Thanks in advance!
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2025
Posts: 23
Likes: 5
The good news is after putting pressure on the service manager and parts department, they magically got the parts next day. Maybe a coincidence. Maybe not. I still have to wait 10 days to get it in there because of their availability and my schedule, but should be resolved soon.
And good tip on the tape. I can already tell it’s an issue when it gets wet. Fortunately the car isn’t driven that much, so fingers crossed no issues.
Thanks all for the input!
And good tip on the tape. I can already tell it’s an issue when it gets wet. Fortunately the car isn’t driven that much, so fingers crossed no issues.
Thanks all for the input!
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2025
Posts: 23
Likes: 5
Just keep checking the tape. The panel on my C300 became loose, and I applied tape around all four sides. However, the tape did not hold very long. After a couple of weeks, I heard a tearing sound and watched it in the rear-view mirror tumbling into the central reservation on the interstate. As I was unable to find the Mercedes part, I bought a replacement on eBay, but the third-party panel didn't include the rubber gasket at the rear of the panel. I finally located a used one, also on eBay, and plan to install it over the Labor Day weekend.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 462
Likes: 152
From: Panama City, FL
2020 C300, 2013 C250, 2000 Boxster S
Re-reading this post and my understanding is the recall should cover all parts and installation. Maybe you’re avoiding the dealer, but they should cover everything under the safety recall - all parts (panel, seals, primer, glue) and installation. Might be worth checking with your dealer.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2025
Posts: 23
Likes: 5
The NHTSA safety recall only covers panels that have previously been repaired by a dealer. My vehicle does not qualify, as it was the factory-installed panel that failed (actually, the glue failed). I checked with both Mercedes and the NHTSA website to verify this was the case.
Too bad MB won’t recognize the factory installed panels have the same issue.
Good luck with your repair!!
