IllustrationPLEASE ADVISE OF ANY MERCEDES BENZ RECALLS ON AIR SUSPENSION ISSUE WITH CLS CLASS VEHICLES, IN PARTICULAR, CLS550 MODEL. THERE SEEMS TO BE A RECURRING ISSUE WITH LEAK OR MALFUNCTION WITH HYDRAULIC AIR SUSPENSION CAUSING VEHICLE TO LEAN TO ONE SIDE AND INCUR WARNING OF "STOP VEHICLE IS TOO LOW".
2008 Mercedes Benz CLS550
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Limited comparison data
There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all CLS550 years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 13 of 17 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 5 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Air Bags. Review the 3 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 3 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
0 crash reports0 fire reports0 injury reports
Suspension complaints
2 reportsWHILE APPROACHING INTERSTATE ON RAMP BEGAN TO HEAR A LOUD WHISTLING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL WELL. I PULLED OVER AND FOUND THE LEFT FRONT SUSPENSION BEGINNING TO SINK. THE STRUT LOWER TO A POINT WHERE THE BODY OF THE CAR WAS ONLY 2-3 INCHES ABOVE THE TIRE. WHEN I CHECKED THE DASHBOARD INDICATORS I HAD AN ERROR LIGH…
Read full complaint
WHILE APPROACHING INTERSTATE ON RAMP BEGAN TO HEAR A LOUD WHISTLING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL WELL. I PULLED OVER AND FOUND THE LEFT FRONT SUSPENSION BEGINNING TO SINK. THE STRUT LOWER TO A POINT WHERE THE BODY OF THE CAR WAS ONLY 2-3 INCHES ABOVE THE TIRE. WHEN I CHECKED THE DASHBOARD INDICATORS I HAD AN ERROR LIGHT INDICATING THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TOO LOW TO DRIVE. *TR
Official recalls
324V874000 · Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly
Nov 19, 2024
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and can detach.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A detached sunroof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall number 22V-954. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024120001/2/3.
22V954000 · Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly
Dec 23, 2022
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and may detach.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A detached sunroof panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 3, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall expands NHTSA recall number 19V-918. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023010004, 2023010005, and 2023010006.
19V918000 · Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly
Dec 20, 2019
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 vehicles. The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame may deteriorate, possibly resulting in the glass panel detaching from the vehicle. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V918-4126.pdf
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A detached glass panel can separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the glass panel bonding and replace the sliding roof, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 10, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020040011.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1EA13008 · Loss Of Rear Lighting Assembly
Opened Dec 20, 2013 · Closed May 12, 2014
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:wiring; Electrical System:wiring: Rear Compartment/trunk; Exterior Lighting; Exterior Lighting:back Up Lights; Exterior Lighting:brake Lights; Exterior Lighting:fog Lights; Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights; Exterior Lighting:tail Lights; Exterior Lighting:turn Signal
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of loss of rear lighting in model year (MY) 2008-2011 Mercedes Benz C-Class vehicles.Complainants alleged that one or both rear lighting assemblies fail to illuminate (i.e., all lights housed within the assembly extinguish, including the stop, tail, and turn signal functions) or illuminate dimly.In some reports, complainants also alleged that the failure was accompanied by a burning smell emanating from the trunk of the vehicle.When examined, these vehicles showed evidence of overheating at the lighting assembly harness connector, including damaged (blackened) wiring and plastic.The rear lighting failures typically involved one side of the vehicle however in some cases both assemblies failed (although probably not simultaneously).ODI identified 5 fire and one injury allegations during the course of this investigation.Two fires occurred while the vehicles were parked.One originated in the vicinity of the driver?s side light assembly where the fire and associated damage was confined to the trunk area, and the fire self extinguished due to oxygen starvation.As a result of the fire, the vehicle was repurchased by Mercedes and salvaged.The second fire originated on the passenger's side and required fire department response to extinguish; the fire damaged the tail light and surrounding body panels as well as the trunk area and wiring.The vehicle was repaired and returned to service.Two firesoccurred while the vehicle was being driven.In the first instance, the driver detected an odor and pulled over to observe smoking and a small flame at the lighting assembly wiring in the trunk.The owner was able to extinguish the fire before any significant damage occurred.In the second instance, the driver smelled smoke, pulled over, and opened the trunk to find smoke and sparks emanating from the forward facing side of the tail light.The driver was able to extinguish the sparks and drive the vehicle to the dealer. A fifth fire was reported by a fleet manager who observed a vehicle with fire damage originating near one of the tail light assemblies.The injury incident occurred when a technician burned their hand while diagnosing a failed light.The technician touched the tail light wiring which was hot enough to burn him although the injury did not require medical attention.On April 10th, 2014, Mercedes notified ODI that it would conduct a safety recall to remedy the rear light assemblies in approximately 252,867 MY 2008 - 2011 C-Class vehicles including the C300, C350 and C63 AMG models.Each rear light assembly has separate bulbs that act as brake, tail lamp, backup and turn signal indicators.The bulbs are mounted in a bulb carrier which uses a common electrical ground circuit at the harness connection.According to Mercedes, oxidation due to the use of dissimilar metals on the harness and bulb carrier electrical connectors can result in increased resistance and a subsequent dimming or loss of lighting function.The heat caused by the increased resistance/oxidation can also lead to the melting of the surrounding plastic, or in some cases, present a fire hazard.In conducting recall 14V-171, Mercedes dealers will inspect the left and right bulb carriers and harness connectors for the presence of dissimilar electrical connectors and/or evidence of related thermal damage; affected bulb carriers and/or harness connectors will be replaced free of charge.Mercedes notes that service replacement bulb carriers produced from January 2012 eliminate the dissimilar metal condition and that these bulb carriers will not requ
Additional source detail variants (9)
Electrical System:wiring
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of loss of rear lighting in model year (MY) 2008-2011 Mercedes Benz C-Class vehicles.Complainants alleged that one or both rear lighting assemblies fail to illuminate (i.e., all lights housed within the assembly extinguish, including the stop, tail, and turn signal functions) or illuminate dimly.In some reports, complainants also alleged that the failure was accompanied by a burning smell emanating from the trunk of the vehicle.When examined, these vehicles showed evidence of overheating at the lighting assembly harness connector, including damaged (blackened) wiring and plastic.The rear lighting failures typically involved one side of the vehicle however in some cases both assemblies failed (although probably not simultaneously).ODI identified 5 fire and one injury allegations during the course of this investigation.Two fires occurred while the vehicles were parked.One originated in the vicinity of the driver?s side light assembly where the fire and associated damage was confined to the trunk area, and the fire self extinguished due to oxygen starvation.As a result of the fire, the vehicle was repurchased by Mercedes and salvaged.The second fire originated on the passenger's side and required fire department response to extinguish; the fire damaged the tail light and surrounding body panels as well as the trunk area and wiring.The vehicle was repaired and returned to service.Two firesoccurred while the vehicle was being driven.In the first instance, the driver detected an odor and pulled over to observe smoking and a small flame at the lighting assembly wiring in the trunk.The owner was able to extinguish the fire before any significant damage occurred.In the second instance, the driver smelled smoke, pulled over, and opened the trunk to find smoke and sparks emanating from the forward facing side of the tail light.The driver was able to extinguish the sparks and drive the vehicle to the dealer. A fifth fire was reported by a fleet manager who observed a vehicle with fire damage originating near one of the tail light assemblies.The injury incident occurred when a technician burned their hand while diagnosing a failed light.The technician touched the tail light wiring which was hot enough to burn him although the injury did not require medical attention.On April 10th, 2014, Mercedes notified ODI that it would conduct a safety recall to remedy the rear light assemblies in approximately 252,867 MY 2008 - 2011 C-Class vehicles including the C300, C350 and C63 AMG models.Each rear light assembly has separate bulbs that act as brake, tail lamp, backup and turn signal indicators.The bulbs are mounted in a bulb carrier which uses a common electrical ground circuit at the harness connection.According to Mercedes, oxidation due to the use of dissimilar metals on the harness and bulb carrier electrical connectors can result in increased resistance and a subsequent dimming or loss of lighting function.The heat caused by the increased resistance/oxidation can also lead to the melting of the surrounding plastic, or in some cases, present a fire hazard.In conducting recall 14V-171, Mercedes dealers will inspect the left and right bulb carriers and harness connectors for the presence of dissimilar electrical connectors and/or evidence of related thermal damage; affected bulb carriers and/or harness connectors will be replaced free of charge.Mercedes notes that service replacement bulb carriers produced from January 2012 eliminate the dissimilar metal condition and that these bulb carriers will not requ
Electrical System:wiring: Rear Compartment/trunk
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of loss of rear lighting in model year (MY) 2008-2011 Mercedes Benz C-Class vehicles.Complainants alleged that one or both rear lighting assemblies fail to illuminate (i.e., all lights housed within the assembly extinguish, including the stop, tail, and turn signal functions) or illuminate dimly.In some reports, complainants also alleged that the failure was accompanied by a burning smell emanating from the trunk of the vehicle.When examined, these vehicles showed evidence of overheating at the lighting assembly harness connector, including damaged (blackened) wiring and plastic.The rear lighting failures typically involved one side of the vehicle however in some cases both assemblies failed (although probably not simultaneously).ODI identified 5 fire and one injury allegations during the course of this investigation.Two fires occurred while the vehicles were parked.One originated in the vicinity of the driver?s side light assembly where the fire and associated damage was confined to the trunk area, and the fire self extinguished due to oxygen starvation.As a result of the fire, the vehicle was repurchased by Mercedes and salvaged.The second fire originated on the passenger's side and required fire department response to extinguish; the fire damaged the tail light and surrounding body panels as well as the trunk area and wiring.The vehicle was repaired and returned to service.Two firesoccurred while the vehicle was being driven.In the first instance, the driver detected an odor and pulled over to observe smoking and a small flame at the lighting assembly wiring in the trunk.The owner was able to extinguish the fire before any significant damage occurred.In the second instance, the driver smelled smoke, pulled over, and opened the trunk to find smoke and sparks emanating from the forward facing side of the tail light.The driver was able to extinguish the sparks and drive the vehicle to the dealer. A fifth fire was reported by a fleet manager who observed a vehicle with fire damage originating near one of the tail light assemblies.The injury incident occurred when a technician burned their hand while diagnosing a failed light.The technician touched the tail light wiring which was hot enough to burn him although the injury did not require medical attention.On April 10th, 2014, Mercedes notified ODI that it would conduct a safety recall to remedy the rear light assemblies in approximately 252,867 MY 2008 - 2011 C-Class vehicles including the C300, C350 and C63 AMG models.Each rear light assembly has separate bulbs that act as brake, tail lamp, backup and turn signal indicators.The bulbs are mounted in a bulb carrier which uses a common electrical ground circuit at the harness connection.According to Mercedes, oxidation due to the use of dissimilar metals on the harness and bulb carrier electrical connectors can result in increased resistance and a subsequent dimming or loss of lighting function.The heat caused by the increased resistance/oxidation can also lead to the melting of the surrounding plastic, or in some cases, present a fire hazard.In conducting recall 14V-171, Mercedes dealers will inspect the left and right bulb carriers and harness connectors for the presence of dissimilar electrical connectors and/or evidence of related thermal damage; affected bulb carriers and/or harness connectors will be replaced free of charge.Mercedes notes that service replacement bulb carriers produced from January 2012 eliminate the dissimilar metal condition and that these bulb carriers will not requ
Exterior Lighting:back Up Lights
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of loss of rear lighting in model year (MY) 2008-2011 Mercedes Benz C-Class vehicles.Complainants alleged that one or both rear lighting assemblies fail to illuminate (i.e., all lights housed within the assembly extinguish, including the stop, tail, and turn signal functions) or illuminate dimly.In some reports, complainants also alleged that the failure was accompanied by a burning smell emanating from the trunk of the vehicle.When examined, these vehicles showed evidence of overheating at the lighting assembly harness connector, including damaged (blackened) wiring and plastic.The rear lighting failures typically involved one side of the vehicle however in some cases both assemblies failed (although probably not simultaneously).ODI identified 5 fire and one injury allegations during the course of this investigation.Two fires occurred while the vehicles were parked.One originated in the vicinity of the driver?s side light assembly where the fire and associated damage was confined to the trunk area, and the fire self extinguished due to oxygen starvation.As a result of the fire, the vehicle was repurchased by Mercedes and salvaged.The second fire originated on the passenger's side and required fire department response to extinguish; the fire damaged the tail light and surrounding body panels as well as the trunk area and wiring.The vehicle was repaired and returned to service.Two firesoccurred while the vehicle was being driven.In the first instance, the driver detected an odor and pulled over to observe smoking and a small flame at the lighting assembly wiring in the trunk.The owner was able to extinguish the fire before any significant damage occurred.In the second instance, the driver smelled smoke, pulled over, and opened the trunk to find smoke and sparks emanating from the forward facing side of the tail light.The driver was able to extinguish the sparks and drive the vehicle to the dealer. A fifth fire was reported by a fleet manager who observed a vehicle with fire damage originating near one of the tail light assemblies.The injury incident occurred when a technician burned their hand while diagnosing a failed light.The technician touched the tail light wiring which was hot enough to burn him although the injury did not require medical attention.On April 10th, 2014, Mercedes notified ODI that it would conduct a safety recall to remedy the rear light assemblies in approximately 252,867 MY 2008 - 2011 C-Class vehicles including the C300, C350 and C63 AMG models.Each rear light assembly has separate bulbs that act as brake, tail lamp, backup and turn signal indicators.The bulbs are mounted in a bulb carrier which uses a common electrical ground circuit at the harness connection.According to Mercedes, oxidation due to the use of dissimilar metals on the harness and bulb carrier electrical connectors can result in increased resistance and a subsequent dimming or loss of lighting function.The heat caused by the increased resistance/oxidation can also lead to the melting of the surrounding plastic, or in some cases, present a fire hazard.In conducting recall 14V-171, Mercedes dealers will inspect the left and right bulb carriers and harness connectors for the presence of dissimilar electrical connectors and/or evidence of related thermal damage; affected bulb carriers and/or harness connectors will be replaced free of charge.Mercedes notes that service replacement bulb carriers produced from January 2012 eliminate the dissimilar metal condition and that these bulb carriers will not requ
Exterior Lighting:brake Lights
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of loss of rear lighting in model year (MY) 2008-2011 Mercedes Benz C-Class vehicles.Complainants alleged that one or both rear lighting assemblies fail to illuminate (i.e., all lights housed within the assembly extinguish, including the stop, tail, and turn signal functions) or illuminate dimly.In some reports, complainants also alleged that the failure was accompanied by a burning smell emanating from the trunk of the vehicle.When examined, these vehicles showed evidence of overheating at the lighting assembly harness connector, including damaged (blackened) wiring and plastic.The rear lighting failures typically involved one side of the vehicle however in some cases both assemblies failed (although probably not simultaneously).ODI identified 5 fire and one injury allegations during the course of this investigation.Two fires occurred while the vehicles were parked.One originated in the vicinity of the driver?s side light assembly where the fire and associated damage was confined to the trunk area, and the fire self extinguished due to oxygen starvation.As a result of the fire, the vehicle was repurchased by Mercedes and salvaged.The second fire originated on the passenger's side and required fire department response to extinguish; the fire damaged the tail light and surrounding body panels as well as the trunk area and wiring.The vehicle was repaired and returned to service.Two firesoccurred while the vehicle was being driven.In the first instance, the driver detected an odor and pulled over to observe smoking and a small flame at the lighting assembly wiring in the trunk.The owner was able to extinguish the fire before any significant damage occurred.In the second instance, the driver smelled smoke, pulled over, and opened the trunk to find smoke and sparks emanating from the forward facing side of the tail light.The driver was able to extinguish the sparks and drive the vehicle to the dealer. A fifth fire was reported by a fleet manager who observed a vehicle with fire damage originating near one of the tail light assemblies.The injury incident occurred when a technician burned their hand while diagnosing a failed light.The technician touched the tail light wiring which was hot enough to burn him although the injury did not require medical attention.On April 10th, 2014, Mercedes notified ODI that it would conduct a safety recall to remedy the rear light assemblies in approximately 252,867 MY 2008 - 2011 C-Class vehicles including the C300, C350 and C63 AMG models.Each rear light assembly has separate bulbs that act as brake, tail lamp, backup and turn signal indicators.The bulbs are mounted in a bulb carrier which uses a common electrical ground circuit at the harness connection.According to Mercedes, oxidation due to the use of dissimilar metals on the harness and bulb carrier electrical connectors can result in increased resistance and a subsequent dimming or loss of lighting function.The heat caused by the increased resistance/oxidation can also lead to the melting of the surrounding plastic, or in some cases, present a fire hazard.In conducting recall 14V-171, Mercedes dealers will inspect the left and right bulb carriers and harness connectors for the presence of dissimilar electrical connectors and/or evidence of related thermal damage; affected bulb carriers and/or harness connectors will be replaced free of charge.Mercedes notes that service replacement bulb carriers produced from January 2012 eliminate the dissimilar metal condition and that these bulb carriers will not requ
Exterior Lighting:fog Lights
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of loss of rear lighting in model year (MY) 2008-2011 Mercedes Benz C-Class vehicles.Complainants alleged that one or both rear lighting assemblies fail to illuminate (i.e., all lights housed within the assembly extinguish, including the stop, tail, and turn signal functions) or illuminate dimly.In some reports, complainants also alleged that the failure was accompanied by a burning smell emanating from the trunk of the vehicle.When examined, these vehicles showed evidence of overheating at the lighting assembly harness connector, including damaged (blackened) wiring and plastic.The rear lighting failures typically involved one side of the vehicle however in some cases both assemblies failed (although probably not simultaneously).ODI identified 5 fire and one injury allegations during the course of this investigation.Two fires occurred while the vehicles were parked.One originated in the vicinity of the driver?s side light assembly where the fire and associated damage was confined to the trunk area, and the fire self extinguished due to oxygen starvation.As a result of the fire, the vehicle was repurchased by Mercedes and salvaged.The second fire originated on the passenger's side and required fire department response to extinguish; the fire damaged the tail light and surrounding body panels as well as the trunk area and wiring.The vehicle was repaired and returned to service.Two firesoccurred while the vehicle was being driven.In the first instance, the driver detected an odor and pulled over to observe smoking and a small flame at the lighting assembly wiring in the trunk.The owner was able to extinguish the fire before any significant damage occurred.In the second instance, the driver smelled smoke, pulled over, and opened the trunk to find smoke and sparks emanating from the forward facing side of the tail light.The driver was able to extinguish the sparks and drive the vehicle to the dealer. A fifth fire was reported by a fleet manager who observed a vehicle with fire damage originating near one of the tail light assemblies.The injury incident occurred when a technician burned their hand while diagnosing a failed light.The technician touched the tail light wiring which was hot enough to burn him although the injury did not require medical attention.On April 10th, 2014, Mercedes notified ODI that it would conduct a safety recall to remedy the rear light assemblies in approximately 252,867 MY 2008 - 2011 C-Class vehicles including the C300, C350 and C63 AMG models.Each rear light assembly has separate bulbs that act as brake, tail lamp, backup and turn signal indicators.The bulbs are mounted in a bulb carrier which uses a common electrical ground circuit at the harness connection.According to Mercedes, oxidation due to the use of dissimilar metals on the harness and bulb carrier electrical connectors can result in increased resistance and a subsequent dimming or loss of lighting function.The heat caused by the increased resistance/oxidation can also lead to the melting of the surrounding plastic, or in some cases, present a fire hazard.In conducting recall 14V-171, Mercedes dealers will inspect the left and right bulb carriers and harness connectors for the presence of dissimilar electrical connectors and/or evidence of related thermal damage; affected bulb carriers and/or harness connectors will be replaced free of charge.Mercedes notes that service replacement bulb carriers produced from January 2012 eliminate the dissimilar metal condition and that these bulb carriers will not requ
Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of loss of rear lighting in model year (MY) 2008-2011 Mercedes Benz C-Class vehicles.Complainants alleged that one or both rear lighting assemblies fail to illuminate (i.e., all lights housed within the assembly extinguish, including the stop, tail, and turn signal functions) or illuminate dimly.In some reports, complainants also alleged that the failure was accompanied by a burning smell emanating from the trunk of the vehicle.When examined, these vehicles showed evidence of overheating at the lighting assembly harness connector, including damaged (blackened) wiring and plastic.The rear lighting failures typically involved one side of the vehicle however in some cases both assemblies failed (although probably not simultaneously).ODI identified 5 fire and one injury allegations during the course of this investigation.Two fires occurred while the vehicles were parked.One originated in the vicinity of the driver?s side light assembly where the fire and associated damage was confined to the trunk area, and the fire self extinguished due to oxygen starvation.As a result of the fire, the vehicle was repurchased by Mercedes and salvaged.The second fire originated on the passenger's side and required fire department response to extinguish; the fire damaged the tail light and surrounding body panels as well as the trunk area and wiring.The vehicle was repaired and returned to service.Two firesoccurred while the vehicle was being driven.In the first instance, the driver detected an odor and pulled over to observe smoking and a small flame at the lighting assembly wiring in the trunk.The owner was able to extinguish the fire before any significant damage occurred.In the second instance, the driver smelled smoke, pulled over, and opened the trunk to find smoke and sparks emanating from the forward facing side of the tail light.The driver was able to extinguish the sparks and drive the vehicle to the dealer. A fifth fire was reported by a fleet manager who observed a vehicle with fire damage originating near one of the tail light assemblies.The injury incident occurred when a technician burned their hand while diagnosing a failed light.The technician touched the tail light wiring which was hot enough to burn him although the injury did not require medical attention.On April 10th, 2014, Mercedes notified ODI that it would conduct a safety recall to remedy the rear light assemblies in approximately 252,867 MY 2008 - 2011 C-Class vehicles including the C300, C350 and C63 AMG models.Each rear light assembly has separate bulbs that act as brake, tail lamp, backup and turn signal indicators.The bulbs are mounted in a bulb carrier which uses a common electrical ground circuit at the harness connection.According to Mercedes, oxidation due to the use of dissimilar metals on the harness and bulb carrier electrical connectors can result in increased resistance and a subsequent dimming or loss of lighting function.The heat caused by the increased resistance/oxidation can also lead to the melting of the surrounding plastic, or in some cases, present a fire hazard.In conducting recall 14V-171, Mercedes dealers will inspect the left and right bulb carriers and harness connectors for the presence of dissimilar electrical connectors and/or evidence of related thermal damage; affected bulb carriers and/or harness connectors will be replaced free of charge.Mercedes notes that service replacement bulb carriers produced from January 2012 eliminate the dissimilar metal condition and that these bulb carriers will not requ
Exterior Lighting
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of loss of rear lighting in model year (MY) 2008-2011 Mercedes Benz C-Class vehicles.Complainants alleged that one or both rear lighting assemblies fail to illuminate (i.e., all lights housed within the assembly extinguish, including the stop, tail, and turn signal functions) or illuminate dimly.In some reports, complainants also alleged that the failure was accompanied by a burning smell emanating from the trunk of the vehicle.When examined, these vehicles showed evidence of overheating at the lighting assembly harness connector, including damaged (blackened) wiring and plastic.The rear lighting failures typically involved one side of the vehicle however in some cases both assemblies failed (although probably not simultaneously).ODI identified 5 fire and one injury allegations during the course of this investigation.Two fires occurred while the vehicles were parked.One originated in the vicinity of the driver?s side light assembly where the fire and associated damage was confined to the trunk area, and the fire self extinguished due to oxygen starvation.As a result of the fire, the vehicle was repurchased by Mercedes and salvaged.The second fire originated on the passenger's side and required fire department response to extinguish; the fire damaged the tail light and surrounding body panels as well as the trunk area and wiring.The vehicle was repaired and returned to service.Two firesoccurred while the vehicle was being driven.In the first instance, the driver detected an odor and pulled over to observe smoking and a small flame at the lighting assembly wiring in the trunk.The owner was able to extinguish the fire before any significant damage occurred.In the second instance, the driver smelled smoke, pulled over, and opened the trunk to find smoke and sparks emanating from the forward facing side of the tail light.The driver was able to extinguish the sparks and drive the vehicle to the dealer. A fifth fire was reported by a fleet manager who observed a vehicle with fire damage originating near one of the tail light assemblies.The injury incident occurred when a technician burned their hand while diagnosing a failed light.The technician touched the tail light wiring which was hot enough to burn him although the injury did not require medical attention.On April 10th, 2014, Mercedes notified ODI that it would conduct a safety recall to remedy the rear light assemblies in approximately 252,867 MY 2008 - 2011 C-Class vehicles including the C300, C350 and C63 AMG models.Each rear light assembly has separate bulbs that act as brake, tail lamp, backup and turn signal indicators.The bulbs are mounted in a bulb carrier which uses a common electrical ground circuit at the harness connection.According to Mercedes, oxidation due to the use of dissimilar metals on the harness and bulb carrier electrical connectors can result in increased resistance and a subsequent dimming or loss of lighting function.The heat caused by the increased resistance/oxidation can also lead to the melting of the surrounding plastic, or in some cases, present a fire hazard.In conducting recall 14V-171, Mercedes dealers will inspect the left and right bulb carriers and harness connectors for the presence of dissimilar electrical connectors and/or evidence of related thermal damage; affected bulb carriers and/or harness connectors will be replaced free of charge.Mercedes notes that service replacement bulb carriers produced from January 2012 eliminate the dissimilar metal condition and that these bulb carriers will not requ
Exterior Lighting:tail Lights
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of loss of rear lighting in model year (MY) 2008-2011 Mercedes Benz C-Class vehicles.Complainants alleged that one or both rear lighting assemblies fail to illuminate (i.e., all lights housed within the assembly extinguish, including the stop, tail, and turn signal functions) or illuminate dimly.In some reports, complainants also alleged that the failure was accompanied by a burning smell emanating from the trunk of the vehicle.When examined, these vehicles showed evidence of overheating at the lighting assembly harness connector, including damaged (blackened) wiring and plastic.The rear lighting failures typically involved one side of the vehicle however in some cases both assemblies failed (although probably not simultaneously).ODI identified 5 fire and one injury allegations during the course of this investigation.Two fires occurred while the vehicles were parked.One originated in the vicinity of the driver?s side light assembly where the fire and associated damage was confined to the trunk area, and the fire self extinguished due to oxygen starvation.As a result of the fire, the vehicle was repurchased by Mercedes and salvaged.The second fire originated on the passenger's side and required fire department response to extinguish; the fire damaged the tail light and surrounding body panels as well as the trunk area and wiring.The vehicle was repaired and returned to service.Two firesoccurred while the vehicle was being driven.In the first instance, the driver detected an odor and pulled over to observe smoking and a small flame at the lighting assembly wiring in the trunk.The owner was able to extinguish the fire before any significant damage occurred.In the second instance, the driver smelled smoke, pulled over, and opened the trunk to find smoke and sparks emanating from the forward facing side of the tail light.The driver was able to extinguish the sparks and drive the vehicle to the dealer. A fifth fire was reported by a fleet manager who observed a vehicle with fire damage originating near one of the tail light assemblies.The injury incident occurred when a technician burned their hand while diagnosing a failed light.The technician touched the tail light wiring which was hot enough to burn him although the injury did not require medical attention.On April 10th, 2014, Mercedes notified ODI that it would conduct a safety recall to remedy the rear light assemblies in approximately 252,867 MY 2008 - 2011 C-Class vehicles including the C300, C350 and C63 AMG models.Each rear light assembly has separate bulbs that act as brake, tail lamp, backup and turn signal indicators.The bulbs are mounted in a bulb carrier which uses a common electrical ground circuit at the harness connection.According to Mercedes, oxidation due to the use of dissimilar metals on the harness and bulb carrier electrical connectors can result in increased resistance and a subsequent dimming or loss of lighting function.The heat caused by the increased resistance/oxidation can also lead to the melting of the surrounding plastic, or in some cases, present a fire hazard.In conducting recall 14V-171, Mercedes dealers will inspect the left and right bulb carriers and harness connectors for the presence of dissimilar electrical connectors and/or evidence of related thermal damage; affected bulb carriers and/or harness connectors will be replaced free of charge.Mercedes notes that service replacement bulb carriers produced from January 2012 eliminate the dissimilar metal condition and that these bulb carriers will not requ
Exterior Lighting:turn Signal
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of loss of rear lighting in model year (MY) 2008-2011 Mercedes Benz C-Class vehicles.Complainants alleged that one or both rear lighting assemblies fail to illuminate (i.e., all lights housed within the assembly extinguish, including the stop, tail, and turn signal functions) or illuminate dimly.In some reports, complainants also alleged that the failure was accompanied by a burning smell emanating from the trunk of the vehicle.When examined, these vehicles showed evidence of overheating at the lighting assembly harness connector, including damaged (blackened) wiring and plastic.The rear lighting failures typically involved one side of the vehicle however in some cases both assemblies failed (although probably not simultaneously).ODI identified 5 fire and one injury allegations during the course of this investigation.Two fires occurred while the vehicles were parked.One originated in the vicinity of the driver?s side light assembly where the fire and associated damage was confined to the trunk area, and the fire self extinguished due to oxygen starvation.As a result of the fire, the vehicle was repurchased by Mercedes and salvaged.The second fire originated on the passenger's side and required fire department response to extinguish; the fire damaged the tail light and surrounding body panels as well as the trunk area and wiring.The vehicle was repaired and returned to service.Two firesoccurred while the vehicle was being driven.In the first instance, the driver detected an odor and pulled over to observe smoking and a small flame at the lighting assembly wiring in the trunk.The owner was able to extinguish the fire before any significant damage occurred.In the second instance, the driver smelled smoke, pulled over, and opened the trunk to find smoke and sparks emanating from the forward facing side of the tail light.The driver was able to extinguish the sparks and drive the vehicle to the dealer. A fifth fire was reported by a fleet manager who observed a vehicle with fire damage originating near one of the tail light assemblies.The injury incident occurred when a technician burned their hand while diagnosing a failed light.The technician touched the tail light wiring which was hot enough to burn him although the injury did not require medical attention.On April 10th, 2014, Mercedes notified ODI that it would conduct a safety recall to remedy the rear light assemblies in approximately 252,867 MY 2008 - 2011 C-Class vehicles including the C300, C350 and C63 AMG models.Each rear light assembly has separate bulbs that act as brake, tail lamp, backup and turn signal indicators.The bulbs are mounted in a bulb carrier which uses a common electrical ground circuit at the harness connection.According to Mercedes, oxidation due to the use of dissimilar metals on the harness and bulb carrier electrical connectors can result in increased resistance and a subsequent dimming or loss of lighting function.The heat caused by the increased resistance/oxidation can also lead to the melting of the surrounding plastic, or in some cases, present a fire hazard.In conducting recall 14V-171, Mercedes dealers will inspect the left and right bulb carriers and harness connectors for the presence of dissimilar electrical connectors and/or evidence of related thermal damage; affected bulb carriers and/or harness connectors will be replaced free of charge.Mercedes notes that service replacement bulb carriers produced from January 2012 eliminate the dissimilar metal condition and that these bulb carriers will not requ