Mercedes-Benz recalls thousands of vehicles over sunroof problems that could increase accident and personal injury risks.
The recall comes after an investigation led by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that found that the roof panels in certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles could become detached. Because this issue can take place while the vehicles are in use, there’s an increased risk that the sun roof may strike occupants or become accident hazards.
In its recall report, the automaker stated that the windshield and the panoramic sunroof were not properly bonded during a prior repair. As a result, the adhesion of the front panel to the vehicle body can experience degradation, prompting the front panel to become detached. If the vehicle is in use when that happens, the sunroof panel may turn into a hazard to others sharing the road.
After Accidents, Regulators Investigate Mercedes-Benz
Federal regulators with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that between 2018 and 2020, there were several incidents involving cracked or detached panels associated with Mercedes-Benz vehicles. After a probe, they found that the vehicles had been through previous repairs prior to the incidents and that the wrong adhesive had been used to bond the panels.
Because this problem is a result of a deviation in the repair procedures associated with the pre-treatment, cleaning, and primer application of the panels, regulators urged Mercedes-Benz to replace the panels as soon as possible.
Beginning May 14, 2021, the firm will mail impacted vehicle owners recall notifications urging them to schedule a visit to a dealer where the issue will be addressed. All repairs will be finalized for free.
Impacted vehicles include the 2017 through 2020 Mercedes C43 Coupe AMG and C43 AMG, the 2015 through 2020 Mercedes C300 and GLA250, the 2016 through 2018 Mercedes C350e and CLA45 Coupe AMG, the 2015 Mercedes C400 and S65 AMG, the 2015 through 2019 Mercedes C63 AMG, the 2016 Mercedes C450, the 2015 and 2016 Mercedes GLA45 AMG and S600, the 2016 through 2020 Mercedes GLC300, the 2014 through 2019 Mercedes CLA250 Coupes, and a series of others.
For a full list of impacted vehicles, follow this link.
Do not wait until an accident has happened for you to act. If you’re concerned about your safety, contact the firm directly for more information.