ML AC Recall
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 699
Likes: 149
2015 SL550, 2017 GLS 550, 2010 G550, 1995 E320 Cabriolet
ML AC Recall
I just dropped my 2015 ML off at the dealership for a moldy-smelling AC. From what I have read, there was a class-action regarding this problem and Mercedes is required to replace these HVAC units free-of-charge. However, the person I spoke to at the dealership said there was no such recall out. Can anyone confirm that there is a class action settlement requiring this? I want to be sure before I go in and start a fight.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 487
Likes: 114
From: DFW, TX
Ml350 bluetec
I just dropped my 2015 ML off at the dealership for a moldy-smelling AC. From what I have read, there was a class-action regarding this problem and Mercedes is required to replace these HVAC units free-of-charge. However, the person I spoke to at the dealership said there was no such recall out. Can anyone confirm that there is a class action settlement requiring this? I want to be sure before I go in and start a fight.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 699
Likes: 149
2015 SL550, 2017 GLS 550, 2010 G550, 1995 E320 Cabriolet
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,671
Likes: 4,574
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
No recall.
No parts replacement.
A “treatment” or “cleaning” may be provided.
The treatment or cleaning is not a permanent corrective solution. The wet socks smell will eventually return. It is caused by mismanagement of condensation.
The wet socks smell is an MB design failure, one in a shockingly long and equally shockingly serious list of design failures.
The most appalling of these is relatively common engine grenade at less than 100k miles. Several engines share this signature MB feature.
No parts replacement.
A “treatment” or “cleaning” may be provided.
The treatment or cleaning is not a permanent corrective solution. The wet socks smell will eventually return. It is caused by mismanagement of condensation.
The wet socks smell is an MB design failure, one in a shockingly long and equally shockingly serious list of design failures.
The most appalling of these is relatively common engine grenade at less than 100k miles. Several engines share this signature MB feature.
Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 190
Likes: 76
2013 ML550 US spec. Air+Offroad pkg
Yes there is some settlement relief out there. You can Google it. Here is one site with more info. Dealer sounds shady claiming not to know of this common issue.
https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-...it-mold-smell/
https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-...it-mold-smell/
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,530
Likes: 387
Only MBs - the best or nothing
As was stated by Chassis above there is NO recall, NOR there are any parts of HVAC that dealers have to change.
The settlement is basically that MB will provide a 10 year "warranty" for filters (cabin charcoal and pre-filter) and associated labor due only to smell IF it develops (and not part of 2yr maintenance replacement schedule for these filters) going forward AND that anyone who have already paid for filters and labor due only to smell in the past (and not part of 2yr maintenance replacement schedule for these filters) are due reimbursements if one can prove records of such service. MB dealers all know this since ML/GLE (and several other MB models) owners received notification regarding this "warranty" a couple of years back (with COVID my timing of actual notification year could be off a bit, but not the substance).
The settlement is basically that MB will provide a 10 year "warranty" for filters (cabin charcoal and pre-filter) and associated labor due only to smell IF it develops (and not part of 2yr maintenance replacement schedule for these filters) going forward AND that anyone who have already paid for filters and labor due only to smell in the past (and not part of 2yr maintenance replacement schedule for these filters) are due reimbursements if one can prove records of such service. MB dealers all know this since ML/GLE (and several other MB models) owners received notification regarding this "warranty" a couple of years back (with COVID my timing of actual notification year could be off a bit, but not the substance).
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 699
Likes: 149
2015 SL550, 2017 GLS 550, 2010 G550, 1995 E320 Cabriolet
As was stated by Chassis above there is NO recall, NOR there are any parts of HVAC that dealers have to change.
The settlement is basically that MB will provide a 10 year "warranty" for filters (cabin charcoal and pre-filter) and associated labor due only to smell IF it develops (and not part of 2yr maintenance replacement schedule for these filters) going forward AND that anyone who have already paid for filters and labor due only to smell in the past (and not part of 2yr maintenance replacement schedule for these filters) are due reimbursements if one can prove records of such service. MB dealers all know this since ML/GLE (and several other MB models) owners received notification regarding this "warranty" a couple of years back (with COVID my timing of actual notification year could be off a bit, but not the substance).
The settlement is basically that MB will provide a 10 year "warranty" for filters (cabin charcoal and pre-filter) and associated labor due only to smell IF it develops (and not part of 2yr maintenance replacement schedule for these filters) going forward AND that anyone who have already paid for filters and labor due only to smell in the past (and not part of 2yr maintenance replacement schedule for these filters) are due reimbursements if one can prove records of such service. MB dealers all know this since ML/GLE (and several other MB models) owners received notification regarding this "warranty" a couple of years back (with COVID my timing of actual notification year could be off a bit, but not the substance).
Last time I got a service I had a new GLS450 loaner. This time I got a C300 that they forgot to clean before they gave it to me
Trending Topics
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,530
Likes: 387
Only MBs - the best or nothing
Do you know what "the repair" is? My understanding is that it is cleaning of HVAC (labor) AND replacement of filters. Sounds to me that they're not charging for "cleaning" but are charging for filters.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
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
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 699
Likes: 149
2015 SL550, 2017 GLS 550, 2010 G550, 1995 E320 Cabriolet
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 487
Likes: 114
From: DFW, TX
Ml350 bluetec
I drive with the HVAC controls set to AUTO all the time. The AC unit is never turned off, so that is probably why I do not have the smell, the entire HVAC system stays "dry" all the time. I know on other car forums, owners of vehicles that live up north insist on turning off the AC starting around this time of year and leave them off until April?! To me that is a great way to create mold and smells and also causes AC units to leak Freon as the seals are now dried out from lack of lubrication.
Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 190
Likes: 76
2013 ML550 US spec. Air+Offroad pkg
My 2013 ML550 was worked on while still under original warranty to fix the smelly socks issue. They told me they just sprayed a foam up into to HVAC core to sterilize and deodorize the system, but that it may return later. I dont run my HVAC on Auto, and only hit AC when needed, but when I do run it, I turn it off a couple blocks before my destination to dry things out. Suprisingly, I have not had the smell return...repair was like 7 years ago.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 487
Likes: 114
From: DFW, TX
Ml350 bluetec
I know in my other non-MB vehicle if I drive around without the AC on, it stinks big time.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,745
Likes: 811
From: The Great White North
W204 C63 Coupe, W166 ML350 BlueTEC, 928GT, Taycan GTS Sport Turismo, C5 Z06 & IS300 race cars
The "recall" is a software update that turns on the cabin fan about 45 minutes after engine shutoff to dry out the evaporator and condensation pan vs. the previous setting that only turned it on ~10 minutes after engine shutoff. Every ML that has been brought in for scheduled service at a dealership sometime after 2017 would have automatically received the update.
Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 190
Likes: 76
2013 ML550 US spec. Air+Offroad pkg
Reply to EL- The cold AC condenses the moisture out of the air that stays in the AC system, and drains out the bottom (the water you see dripping below car on hot days) . Leaving it on creates a wet system when shut off. Turning it off before, allows it to warm up, and dry out that condensation before shut down that causes the mold.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 487
Likes: 114
From: DFW, TX
Ml350 bluetec
Reply to EL- The cold AC condenses the moisture out of the air that stays in the AC system, and drains out the bottom (the water you see dripping below car on hot days) . Leaving it on creates a wet system when shut off. Turning it off before, allows it to warm up, and dry out that condensation before shut down that causes the mold.
However I do kind of see and understand your logic from the perspective of moisture collecting on the coils inside the HVAC while the AC unit is running and that is probably what you are concerned about and that is why you think turning off the AC system allows the warm air to dry out the coils inside the AC system.
But then I have never experienced this sock smell some of you have experienced either in my vehicle.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,745
Likes: 811
From: The Great White North
W204 C63 Coupe, W166 ML350 BlueTEC, 928GT, Taycan GTS Sport Turismo, C5 Z06 & IS300 race cars
The A/C does dry the air that passes through it because cold air can hold less moisture than warm air. The A/C evaporator - what cools the cabin air as it passes through it - is at a temperature around 5C assuming that everything is properly working, and if the outside temperature is, say, 30C and it is humid, the outside warm air holds ~500% as much moisture, which turns to liquid (condenses) on the evaporator itself. The evaporator has a drip tray underneath which has a small drain hole and is the source of the "leak" that you see under a car after the A/C has been run, but some of the liquid droplets are too small to drip into the tray in the first place and stay on the evaporator itself (the evap looks just like a radiator or oil cooler with tiny aluminum fins), which is where mold usually grows if said moisture droplets are allowed to remain. That is why the "recall" turns on the fan as late as 45 minutes after the car has been shut off... I think the car runs the fan at about 10 minutes after shutoff and then again at 45 minutes to completely dry any remaining moisture droplets.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,530
Likes: 387
Only MBs - the best or nothing
I'am not aware of any software "fix" to the issue (not in the States anyway). Lawsuit settlement does not mention a "fix", only reimbursements (prorated depending on year/mileage) for past repairs and free repair going forward for 10 years of the "warranty" period.
https://www.mercedeshvacsettlement.com.
Repeat, there is NO fix. Just reimbursements for past repairs and future repairs IF condition arises for unto 10 years/125K miles from the initial in-service date which ever comes first.
https://www.mercedeshvacsettlement.com.
Repeat, there is NO fix. Just reimbursements for past repairs and future repairs IF condition arises for unto 10 years/125K miles from the initial in-service date which ever comes first.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,745
Likes: 811
From: The Great White North
W204 C63 Coupe, W166 ML350 BlueTEC, 928GT, Taycan GTS Sport Turismo, C5 Z06 & IS300 race cars
Well, I am likewise not aware of any lawsuits, much less of any settlements here - but I am in Canada where litigation is not our national sport. 
The software "fix" to turn on the cabin blower fan is simply a software update that was implemented at some point in time (several years ago) and pushed out to all W166 MLs and X166 GLs brought in for service at authorized dealers. When a modern car comes to MB for service (at least during the warranty period - I am not positive about vehicles that are out of warranty) and they scan it through Xentry DAS, it gets the vehicle VIN and sends it to MB Germany. ANY SOFTWARE UPDATES APPLICABLE TO THAT SPECIFIC VIN ARE AUTOMATICALLY DOWNLOADED AND THE VEHICLE UPDATED. As part of said software updates sometime around 2017, the cabin fan was made to turn on after a longer delay (~45 min) after the engine was shut off to address possible mildew & mold formation on the evaporator (there is a TSB that stated this). I can only assume that the same update was pushed out worldwide or at least in the continental US as parts of it have hotter and more humid climates than we do here.
The software "fix" to turn on the cabin blower fan is simply a software update that was implemented at some point in time (several years ago) and pushed out to all W166 MLs and X166 GLs brought in for service at authorized dealers. When a modern car comes to MB for service (at least during the warranty period - I am not positive about vehicles that are out of warranty) and they scan it through Xentry DAS, it gets the vehicle VIN and sends it to MB Germany. ANY SOFTWARE UPDATES APPLICABLE TO THAT SPECIFIC VIN ARE AUTOMATICALLY DOWNLOADED AND THE VEHICLE UPDATED. As part of said software updates sometime around 2017, the cabin fan was made to turn on after a longer delay (~45 min) after the engine was shut off to address possible mildew & mold formation on the evaporator (there is a TSB that stated this). I can only assume that the same update was pushed out worldwide or at least in the continental US as parts of it have hotter and more humid climates than we do here.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,745
Likes: 811
From: The Great White North
W204 C63 Coupe, W166 ML350 BlueTEC, 928GT, Taycan GTS Sport Turismo, C5 Z06 & IS300 race cars
Here is one of the the TSBs addressing this issue... there were several others IIRC.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...FaGqNwd8Y4-YZt
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...FaGqNwd8Y4-YZt
Last edited by Diabolis; Oct 29, 2021 at 02:10 PM. Reason: Found PDF of TSB
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,530
Likes: 387
Only MBs - the best or nothing
Settlement was with MBUSA. My '15 ML (always dealer serviced) and my '19 GLE do not turn-on the fan 45min after. I'm in FL (as hot and humid as it gets), I do not have any issues with '15 and '19 (but I really take care of these cars). Know about turning A/C off "trick", but I never turn it off until I park.
Having said that, my former '14 ML had this issue once way back in 2015 and after dealer "treatment" it was gone (they did tell me it will come back at some point, but I traded the car in '16). My daughter's '16 GLC (operated 1K miles to the North of me) had this issue in '19. After replacement of filters immediately after smell appeared (no treatment) issues is gone.
Having said that, my former '14 ML had this issue once way back in 2015 and after dealer "treatment" it was gone (they did tell me it will come back at some point, but I traded the car in '16). My daughter's '16 GLC (operated 1K miles to the North of me) had this issue in '19. After replacement of filters immediately after smell appeared (no treatment) issues is gone.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,745
Likes: 811
From: The Great White North
W204 C63 Coupe, W166 ML350 BlueTEC, 928GT, Taycan GTS Sport Turismo, C5 Z06 & IS300 race cars
I stand corrected on some of the details. According to the TSB (items 5b and 5c), the coding change turns on the cabin fan after 3 minutes instead of 1 hour afterwards, not the other way around. However, this may not be the last revision - I seem to recall that this was superseded by yet another TSB later that turned the fan on at both times...
