NHTSA Safety Recall #21V353 - Rear Door Latches
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,036
Likes: 277
From: Northeast
2012 S350 Bluetec, 2014 GLK250 Bluetec, 2026 E350 4Matic
It's the latch/lock mechanism inside the door. And from my experience, it will work fine.... until it doesn't... and you can't close the rear door any more.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 5,156
Likes: 1,770
From: Colorado
G550
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 1,127
Likes: 280
2025 G 63
Car manufacturers are legally required to file copies of safety recall related TSBs with the NHTSA. I continue to check NHTSA's website every week, but so far MBUSA hasn't filed it. Surely it must be available if the recall work is currently being performed at dealers, so who knows why it's not yet filed. The 573 report (attached) is all that's available as of right now. It vaguely describes the affected components, but doesn't include the repair procedure.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 1,127
Likes: 280
2025 G 63
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,036
Likes: 277
From: Northeast
2012 S350 Bluetec, 2014 GLK250 Bluetec, 2026 E350 4Matic
I had no issues with the repair on mine. I actually needed the repair twice - once it failed before the recall so they replaced with the old part, then again repaired with the updated parts.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 1,375
Likes: 543
2024 AMG G63 2025 Ferrari SF90 AF Spider
In talking with my dealer about this recall, they confirmed that they replace latches that have failed with ones in stock and then order the recall latches by VIN.
Here’s what happened to me;
I went in with the recall letter and they ordered my parts from Germany.
After 2 weeks, yesterday I went in and asked the parts guy to check to see if they were in and they were.
So I decided to wait on the install ..their estimate 1.5-2.0 hrs.
After awhile the Service Mgr and I went to check with the tech to see if he was almost done…NOPE!!
Apparantly the replacement parts from Germany were sent with missing parts. There is a small hook for each latch that wasn’t in the box.
Fortunately it is a regional parts depot in stock item. So they had it FEDEX’d 20 miles to the dealer arriving today.
Hopefully I’ll get the “G” back later today.
Suggestion: Ask the dealer to confirm that the latches are the revised replacement latches tied to your VIN and NOT a in stock item.
Ask that the tech inventory the box contents BEFORE starting the job so you don’t have to make 2 trips.
Regards
Jerry
Here’s what happened to me;
I went in with the recall letter and they ordered my parts from Germany.
After 2 weeks, yesterday I went in and asked the parts guy to check to see if they were in and they were.
So I decided to wait on the install ..their estimate 1.5-2.0 hrs.
After awhile the Service Mgr and I went to check with the tech to see if he was almost done…NOPE!!
Apparantly the replacement parts from Germany were sent with missing parts. There is a small hook for each latch that wasn’t in the box.
Fortunately it is a regional parts depot in stock item. So they had it FEDEX’d 20 miles to the dealer arriving today.
Hopefully I’ll get the “G” back later today.
Suggestion: Ask the dealer to confirm that the latches are the revised replacement latches tied to your VIN and NOT a in stock item.
Ask that the tech inventory the box contents BEFORE starting the job so you don’t have to make 2 trips.
Regards
Jerry
Last edited by JSwan724; Aug 14, 2021 at 01:01 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 1,643
Likes: 832
From: NC
2026 G63
Thanks to both for describing your experiences. I was wanting to delay but hearing it could fail at any time wasn't something I wanted to risk. Also hearing "door latch issue" makes me think it would have been an easy fix, but I knew to expect it to take awhile.
Mine must have also been the dealer's first fix as they said one tech was working on it all day. It would have been done same day but they broke some plastic clips when they took the door panel off, which I know can happen. They overnighted the replacement clips and had it ready the next morning.
They took great care of it and didn't wash per my request and gave me a GLB loaner. They must not see many red G's based on comments made. Sales guy said they only have 7 new Mercedes on the lot currently. Crazy.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 1,127
Likes: 280
2025 G 63
Glad everything worked out for both of you. Did you have them look at the active brake assist inoperable warning? I took mine back last Saturday morning and they reprogrammed some modules and did something with the sensors. I was told to bring it straight over there if I get the warning and not shut it off.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 5,156
Likes: 1,770
From: Colorado
G550
I'm still waiting for a call-back from the closest MB dealer who said he'd get the repair kit on order 3 weeks ago. I don't expect any follow-up, and will likely contact a different dealer to schedule the recall service
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 1,643
Likes: 832
From: NC
2026 G63
I didn’t have them look at the message but ironically I got the message later the same day I picked up.
Again the auto start stop on steering wheel wouldn’t work (it would highlight for a second then revert back), but pushing the button by the ignition did work, and after that the steering wheel button worked.
Again the auto start stop on steering wheel wouldn’t work (it would highlight for a second then revert back), but pushing the button by the ignition did work, and after that the steering wheel button worked.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 1,127
Likes: 280
2025 G 63
I didn’t have them look at the message but ironically I got the message later the same day I picked up.
Again the auto start stop on steering wheel wouldn’t work (it would highlight for a second then revert back), but pushing the button by the ignition did work, and after that the steering wheel button worked.
Again the auto start stop on steering wheel wouldn’t work (it would highlight for a second then revert back), but pushing the button by the ignition did work, and after that the steering wheel button worked.
