Fire Risk Sparks Mercedes-Benz Recall
» Posted May 10, 2024 • Resources | Share This Post
Mercedes-Benz is calling back more than 116,000 vehicles across the country because of fire risks.
A ground cable defect is to blame for the recall, the automaker recently told federal vehicle safety regulators. The cables may have not been properly tightened under passenger seats, according to Mercedes-Benz.
“In combination with the high electrical currents potentially flowing through this connection, the temperature in this area might increase,” the company said in a defect report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “As a consequence, a risk of fire cannot be ruled out completely.”
The recall covers a variety of Mercedes-Benz models spanning 2019 to 2024. They include the GLE, 350, 450 and 580, as well as the AMG GLE 53, AMG GLS 63 and Maybach GLS 600.
Mercedes-Benz told NHTSA it plans to notify owners of recalled vehicles via mail by May 14. In the meantime, owners can check NHTSA’s website to see if their cars are covered by the recall.
The company will ask owners of recalled cars to bring their vehicles to authorized service providers for inspection and repair.
Other Mercedes-Benz Safety Problems
This is the latest in a string of safety recalls that the luxury automaker has launched already this year.
The company recently announced that it is calling back fewer than 400 new E-Class sedans over a wiring problem that could cause power loss, for example. It said that a transmission wiring harness may become damaged over time, which could cause the cars to lose power without warning.
The move followed shortly after Mercedes-Benz said it was recalling roughly 16,000 sport utility vehicles because of a headlight problem. The cars’ headlights may be incorrectly adjusted too high and create a glare for oncoming traffic, the company told NHTSA at the time.
California Lemon Law Rights for Mercedes-Benz Owners
Fortunately, car owners and lessors in California have some valuable rights and protections under the state’s lemon law when it comes to defective and malfunctioning cars. You often do not need to wait around for a recall to get your vehicles fixed.
The law forces automakers to perform various repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also requires those companies to buy back vehicles that they cannot or will not fix. That includes covering the purchase price, financing fees and other related expenses.
Automakers can instead offer to replace the vehicle. It is up to the owner, however, to decide whether to accept or reject this alternative arrangement.
There is no specific number of repair requests or attempts that must happen before the b buyback requirement kicks in. A seasoned California lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights and explore your options.
Talk with a California Lemon Law Attorney
If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a California lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.
Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney.
