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Mercedes-Benz Acts on Safety: Dual Recalls for SUV Stalling and Pedal Fracture Risks

Mercedes Recalls SUVs for Stalling and Pedal Break Concerns, Ensures Swift Fixes
© Mercedes

Mercedes-Benz has issued two separate recalls affecting its SUV models due to critical safety concerns. The first recall impacts the GLE and GLS models from the 2020-2023 model years equipped with six-cylinder engines and nine-speed automatic transmission

This recall, affecting a total of 105,071 vehicles in the U.S., addresses an issue with the transmission software that could cause the vehicles to stall unexpectedly. The problem arises when the vehicle attempts to downshift from seventh to sixth gear under certain conditions, such as low transmission fluid temperature and concurrent recuperation by the 48-volt starter-alternator, leading to potential engine stalling. Mercedes became aware of this issue in March 2022 but only identified the root cause in May 2023 after extensive data collection from the field. The automaker has since developed a software update to prevent the stalling, with plans to contact owners starting April 16 to arrange for the software update at dealerships free of charge.

The second recall specifically targets the 2024 GLE model, including the GLE350, GLE450, and AMG GLE53, across both standard and coupe body styles, due to a welding defect in the pedal assembly that could lead to the accelerator and brake pedals breaking. This recall, affecting only 466 vehicles, poses a significant safety risk as it could impair a driver’s ability to accelerate or decelerate. Mercedes attributes the issue to a fault on the supplier’s side and has not reported any incidents of the problem occurring in the field. To address this, the automaker will also begin contacting owners of the affected vehicles on April 16, inviting them to have their SUVs inspected and repaired at dealerships, where a technician will reinforce the pedal assembly with a bracket and rivets to ensure its integrity.

These recalls underscore Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to vehicle safety and its proactive stance in addressing potential hazards. Vehicle owners affected by these recalls are encouraged to cooperate with the recall process to ensure their vehicles remain safe to operate.

Dave Mulder

2024, Feb 28 01:11