NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
10 reportsMileage unknown · Jan 19, 2026
Service Brakes
After the Mercedes dealer replaced the corroded rear sub frame under the 20 year extended warranty, my brake line failed so I took it back & found out that the brake lines were corroded. I paid nothing for the subframe since it was under the warranty but I ended up paying $4114 to replace the corroded brake lines. The dealer sho…
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After the Mercedes dealer replaced the corroded rear sub frame under the 20 year extended warranty, my brake line failed so I took it back & found out that the brake lines were corroded. I paid nothing for the subframe since it was under the warranty but I ended up paying $4114 to replace the corroded brake lines. The dealer should have checked for corrosion while the subframe was out of the car, especially since this is a known issue. The parts were only $380 and $3800+ was labor. My brakes completely failed while driving on Christmas Eve. I took the car to the dealership on 12/26/25 and they told me that the car was unsafe to drive & I had to leave it. This should be covered by Mercedes under the rest subframe warranty since from what I’ve read, is a related issue. This was extremely dangerous. I was scheduled to travel back to NY, almost 300 miles from VA, where I got the car fixed. The dealership did not do their due diligence when the rear subframe was replaced so they had to drop the subframe to fix the brake lines, resulting in the huge labor charge. I got the upgraded nickel lines to avoid corrosion in the future but this is definitely a safety hazard that could have put me and my family in complete danger, had I not gone out on Christmas Eve to grab something from the store. I am looking for reimbursement from the dealership and/or MB for the extra hours of labor that they charged me. This brake issue is very concerning and was extremely scary. My brake went all the way to the floor, all the lights came on and this happened without any type of prior warning. Something needs to be done to make sure that the brake line repair is also done at the same time that the rear subframe is done. Also, after the brake line was repaired, I had an issue with the brakes. I did not have this issue prior to the brake line replacement & now they are asking me to pay $1300 for front brakes & rotors. I had no issues with my brakes at all, nor did any sensors go off.
NHTSA ODI #11711966
Mileage unknown · Dec 12, 2025
Suspension
I just had 2 tires replaced and on the way home I hit a pothole both front air shocks failed. I filed a claim and the insurance company won’t pay out either. Normal wear and tear does not make both air shocks failed.
NHTSA ODI #11704776
Mileage unknown · Dec 5, 2022
Structure
have a 2014 cls-550 with extensive subframe rust. It is currently sitting at the dealership for $3,158 in repairs for a vehicle that is less than 10 years old. There needs to be a recall on the subframe for the c, cls, e, and like models. This is not the Mercedes’-Benz quality I expected. After extensive research, members all o…
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have a 2014 cls-550 with extensive subframe rust. It is currently sitting at the dealership for $3,158 in repairs for a vehicle that is less than 10 years old. There needs to be a recall on the subframe for the c, cls, e, and like models. This is not the Mercedes’-Benz quality I expected. After extensive research, members all over the globe are experiencing the same issue. This isn’t user error. It’s manufacturer error. You need to make this right with your customers. Period. I have attached photos of my subframe. I’m severely disappointed with having to perform major maintenance on a vehicle with only 82k miles. This needs to be a recall. I cannot stress this enough. Stand by your product. You’re more than welcome to contact me. My vehicle will be in the shop for over a week and no loaner vehicle is available for use. The car is currently at Mercedes Benz of South Mississippi. I have owned multiple Mercedes’ products from c class, clk class, and two cls550s. This is what I sent to Mercedes Benz corporate. This was the response: Thank you so much for contacting Mercedes-Benz USA regarding your concerns of the condition of your 2014 CLS550's rear subframe. We understand the circumstances you've faced as a result of your vehicle's required repairs, and we are delighted to guide you in the best direction as a valued member of our Mercedes-Benz family. Our goal is always to advocate for our customer's concerns. While we would love to cover all repairs outside of warranty terms, it's simply unrealistic. It is our recommendation that you submit your photos to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, as they are an entity that can investigate any considerations for recalls based on customer's claims. Your concerns will be documented to your account with Mercedes-Benz as well. We hope you find the following information useful, and we wish you all the best.
NHTSA ODI #11496131
Mileage unknown · Jun 7, 2022
Suspension
Front passenger assembly strut went out suddenly while driving almost caused an accident.No warning signs just gave out. Vehicle is in the shop but cannot be repaired because the part is out of stock and no ETA on when vendor will restock them.
NHTSA ODI #11468097
82,000 miles · Jul 7, 2020
Fuel/propulsion System
WHILE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY IN GARAGE, WE BEGAN NOTICING A PROFUSE GAS/FUEL SMELL. IT BECAME INCREASINGLY STRONG IN AND OUT OF THE VEHICLE. APPROXIMATELY 3 DAYS AFTER SMELL WAS NOTICED, I CONTACTED THE LOCAL MERCEDES BENZ DEALERSHIP TO ADVISE OF THE ISSUE. I ALSO DID SOME RESEARCH ONLINE, AND DISCOVERED THAT PREVIOUS YEARS SPEC…
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WHILE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY IN GARAGE, WE BEGAN NOTICING A PROFUSE GAS/FUEL SMELL. IT BECAME INCREASINGLY STRONG IN AND OUT OF THE VEHICLE. APPROXIMATELY 3 DAYS AFTER SMELL WAS NOTICED, I CONTACTED THE LOCAL MERCEDES BENZ DEALERSHIP TO ADVISE OF THE ISSUE. I ALSO DID SOME RESEARCH ONLINE, AND DISCOVERED THAT PREVIOUS YEARS SPECIFICALLY; 2006-2011 CLS CLASS VEHICLES EXHIBITED THE SAME DEFECT WHICH WAS ADDRESSED WITH THE NHTSA AND TO WHICH MB-USA AGREED TO EXTEND THE WARRANTY FOR "COVERED FUEL TANK COMPONENTS" FROM THE ORIGINAL 4 YEARS TO 15 YEARS. THE DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED THE LEFT SIDE SENDER UNIT TO BE CRACKED AND LEAKING FUEL, WHICH IS ONE OF THE COVERED COMPONENTS. HOWEVER, THEY ADVISED THAT MY CAR WAS NOT COVERED DUE TO THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE (I.E. IT BEING NEWER). AS SUCH, I HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE AS WELL AS VEHICLE RENTAL NEEDED DURING THE TIME OF REPAIRS. THE STRONG ODOR AND FUMES OF FUEL STEMMING FROM A COMPONENT DEFECT POSES A SEVERE SAFETY AND HEALTH HAZARD, WHILE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY OR IN MOTION. THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR IGNITION FROM STRAY SOURCES, DIZZINESS, HEADACHES, ETC. THIS IS A QUALITY DEFECT THAT SHOULD BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CAR MANUFACTURER TO CORRECT. PLEASE ADVISE AS A RECALL IS WARRANTED.
NHTSA ODI #11338036
90,000 miles · Apr 14, 2020
Unknown Or OtherVisibility
ON MARCH 8 2020 I WAS DRIVING MY 2014 MERCEDES BENZ CLS550 STRAIGHT ON THE FREEWAY WHEN MY SUNROOF EXPLODED, GLASS SHATTERING EVERYWHERE. GLASS HIT MY FACE AND WENT DOWN MY BACK AND CUT MY HANDS. I DIDN'T CRASH THE CAR NOR WAS ANY OTHER DAMAGE DONE THAN THE SUNROOF. I PULLED OVER WHEN IT WAS SAFE TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND NO OB…
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ON MARCH 8 2020 I WAS DRIVING MY 2014 MERCEDES BENZ CLS550 STRAIGHT ON THE FREEWAY WHEN MY SUNROOF EXPLODED, GLASS SHATTERING EVERYWHERE. GLASS HIT MY FACE AND WENT DOWN MY BACK AND CUT MY HANDS. I DIDN'T CRASH THE CAR NOR WAS ANY OTHER DAMAGE DONE THAN THE SUNROOF. I PULLED OVER WHEN IT WAS SAFE TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND NO OBJECT HAD CAME THROUGH THE SUNROOF. THE FRONT OF THE SUNROOF WAS INDENTED INWARD AND GLASS WAS ANGLED OUTWARD AS IF IT HAD EXPLODED FROM THE INSIDE OUT. I RESEARCHED ONLINE TO FIND THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR 760,000 MERCEDES BENZ YEARS 2001-2011 FOR DEFECTIVE SUNROOF. MY CAR BEING A 2014, FALLS OUT OF THAT DEMOGRAPHIC. THERE IS A CURRENT CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT FOR THE NEWER MAKES AND MODELS OF MERCEDES FOR THE EXACT SAME ISSUE, "EXPLODING SUNROOF." I TOOK MY CAR INTO THE SHOP ON MARCH 9, 2020 TO MERCEDES BENZ OF MARIN. MERCEDES BENZ OF MARIN WAS NOT WILLING TO HELP OR ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE REPAIRS SO I HAVE REACHED OUT TO MERCEDES BENZ USA WHO IS DOING AN INVESTIGATION OF THE ISSUE. I AM WAITING TO HEAR BACK, HOWEVER I AM NOT OPTIMISTIC AS MERCEDES HAS NOT BEEN HELPFUL THUS FAR AND MY CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR OVER ONE MONTH. THE FACT THAT THIS IS A RECORDED ISSUE AND MERCEDES IS NOT DOING THEIR DUE DILIGENCE TO FIX IT IS CRIMINAL, AS I HAVE A FAMILY AND LUCKILY NO ONE ELSE WAS IN THE VEHICLE, NOR DID I CRASH INTO SOMEONE ELSE OR SOMETHING AND GET SEVERELY INJURED OR DIE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #11321079
76,434 miles · Mar 12, 2020
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 MERCEDES BENZ CLS550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS AND OR REVERSING WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY SHIFTED INTO PARK WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF WILMINGTON LOCATED AT (3801 LANCASTER PIKE, WILMINGTON, DE 19805 (302) 995-…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 MERCEDES BENZ CLS550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS AND OR REVERSING WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY SHIFTED INTO PARK WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF WILMINGTON LOCATED AT (3801 LANCASTER PIKE, WILMINGTON, DE 19805 (302) 995-2211) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE GPS/TRACKING DEVICE NEEDED TO BE REMOVED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE SAME DEALER WHERE DIAGNOSED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ELECTRONIC IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,434.
NHTSA ODI #11317698
62,000 miles · Mar 15, 2019
Air BagsCrashInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 MERCEDES-BENZ CLS550. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 20 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STRUCK ON THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE FENDER BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BRAIN, NECK, AND LOWER BACK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE W…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 MERCEDES-BENZ CLS550. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 20 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STRUCK ON THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE FENDER BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BRAIN, NECK, AND LOWER BACK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE INSURANCE LOT AND DEEMED DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000.
NHTSA ODI #11187069
73,000 miles · Dec 21, 2017
Steering
I RECENTLY PURCHASED A VEHICLE FROM THE NAME DEALERSHIP ONLINE. THE VEHICLE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONS WITHIN APPROX. 20 MINS AFTER VEHICLE IS DRIVEN RENDERING THE VEHICLE UNSAFE FOR OPERATION. I WAS TOLD BY THE SELLER AND DEALERSHIP... TEXT MESSAGE SAVED, THAT THEY STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCTS AND THAT THE VEHICLE BEING SOLD ON…
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I RECENTLY PURCHASED A VEHICLE FROM THE NAME DEALERSHIP ONLINE. THE VEHICLE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONS WITHIN APPROX. 20 MINS AFTER VEHICLE IS DRIVEN RENDERING THE VEHICLE UNSAFE FOR OPERATION. I WAS TOLD BY THE SELLER AND DEALERSHIP... TEXT MESSAGE SAVED, THAT THEY STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCTS AND THAT THE VEHICLE BEING SOLD ONLINE HAD NO PROBLEMS AND PASS ALL REQUIRED USED CAR INSPECTIONS, CARFAX TO BE IN GOOD WORKING ORDER. I RESIDE IN MS, SEARCHED ONLINE SOME TIME PRIOR TO BUYING. I READ THE DEALERSHIP REVIEWS WHICH WERE SATISFACTORY UNTIL I LATER, AFTER I PAID, FOUND SOME CONCERNING REMARKS AFTER THE TRANSACTION BUT PRIOR TO DELIVERY. I WAS NOT ABLE TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE, TEST DRIVE OR GIVEN A REASON SATISFACTION GUARANTEE AFTER RECEPTION. I DID NOT RECEIVE ITEMS AS DESCRIBED BUT WAS INFORMED THEY WOULD BE DELIVERED BUT THEY HAVE NOT TIL THIS DATE. I'VE REACHED OUT DOZENS OF TIMES TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR RESOLUTION WITHOUT ANY RETURN CALLS OR MESSAGES FROM THEM. MY ISSUE LAYS HERE, IF A BUYER PURCHASES A VEHICLE ONLINE, THEY SHOULD BE AFFORDED SOME CONDITIONS OF A SATISFACTORY PURCHASE OF AT LEAST 30 DAYS... I WASN'T EVEN GIVEN ONE, THE VERY NEXT DAY AFTER RECEIVING THE VEHICLE... I NOTED MINOR VEHICLE BODY DAMAGE, NOT DISCLOSED AND OTHER PRIOR REQUESTS PAID FOR NOT DELIVERED, TO BE LATER DISCLOSED IF NECESSARY. THE VERY NEXT DAY, WITHIN 24 HOURS AFTER DELIVERY, THE VEHICLE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONS WITHIN APPROX. 20 MINS AFTER VEHICLE IS DRIVEN RENDERING THE VEHICLE UNSAFE FOR OPERATION. THE REPAIR IS WHAT I'VE TRIED TO RESOLVE HOWEVER, MY SELLER AT ATLANTA AUTOS, DWAYNE HOWELL, WHOM QUICKLY ACCEPTABLE MY BANK DRAFT AND EVEN MADE ME WAIT UNTIL IT CLEARED BEFORE ARRANGING DELIVERY HAS YET TO RETURN ANY OF MY COMMUNICATIONS VIA TEXT, CALLS OR EVEN EMAIL. THE BUSINESS MANAGER, GREG MILES THE SAME.
NHTSA ODI #11055895
7,800 miles · Dec 18, 2014
Vehicle Speed Control
WHILE DRIVING ON CHICAGO EXPRESSWAY, VEHICLE STOPPED ACCELERATING AND BECAME INOPERATIVE. ADDITIONALLY, WHILE WAITING FOR TOW TRUCK ON EXPRESSWAY, THERE WAS A BURNING SMELL COMING FROM CAR. MESSAGE ON CAR DISPLAY WAS "INOPERATIVE" "SEE OPERATOR'S MANUAL". *TR
NHTSA ODI #10667190
Official recalls
4Nov 1, 2019
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2017 vehicles due to a software fault that may cause the date and time for the emergency call system (eCall) to differ from the actual date and time, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V787-4620.pdf
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: MBUSA has initiated an Over the Air (OTA) remote update. MBUSA will also notify owners, and dealers will check software for a successful OTA or update the communication module software as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019120008.
Mar 14, 2017
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 AMG GT-S, GLC300, CLA250 and GLE300d 4Matic vehicles, 2013 C250, E350 BlueTec and G63 AMG vehicles, 2008-2014 C300 vehicles, 2013-2014 C300 4Matic and ML350 4Matic vehicles, 2009 C350 vehicles, 2014 CLS550, E350 4Matic, E350 Coupe 4Matic, E350 Wagon 4Matic, GLK350 and SL550 vehicles, 2012 CLS550 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2016 E350 vehicles, 2016-2017 GL450 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2014 ML350 4Matic BlueTec vehicles, 2015 S550, S550 4Matic and C300 4Matic Sedan vehicles, 2015-2016 C300 Sedan vehicles, and 2017 SL63 AMG vehicles. Various control units on these vehicles may have been updated with incorrect software, potentially affecting the correct deployment of the air bags in the event of a crash.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the air bags do not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, there would be an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update software in the affected control units, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Electrical System:software
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 AMG GT-S, GLC300, CLA250 and GLE300d 4Matic vehicles, 2013 C250, E350 BlueTec and G63 AMG vehicles, 2008-2014 C300 vehicles, 2013-2014 C300 4Matic and ML350 4Matic vehicles, 2009 C350 vehicles, 2014 CLS550, E350 4Matic, E350 Coupe 4Matic, E350 Wagon 4Matic, GLK350 and SL550 vehicles, 2012 CLS550 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2016 E350 vehicles, 2016-2017 GL450 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2014 ML350 4Matic BlueTec vehicles, 2015 S550, S550 4Matic and C300 4Matic Sedan vehicles, 2015-2016 C300 Sedan vehicles, and 2017 SL63 AMG vehicles. Various control units on these vehicles may have been updated with incorrect software, potentially affecting the correct deployment of the air bags in the event of a crash.
Consequence: If the air bags do not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, there would be an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update software in the affected control units, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 AMG GT-S, GLC300, CLA250 and GLE300d 4Matic vehicles, 2013 C250, E350 BlueTec and G63 AMG vehicles, 2008-2014 C300 vehicles, 2013-2014 C300 4Matic and ML350 4Matic vehicles, 2009 C350 vehicles, 2014 CLS550, E350 4Matic, E350 Coupe 4Matic, E350 Wagon 4Matic, GLK350 and SL550 vehicles, 2012 CLS550 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2016 E350 vehicles, 2016-2017 GL450 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2014 ML350 4Matic BlueTec vehicles, 2015 S550, S550 4Matic and C300 4Matic Sedan vehicles, 2015-2016 C300 Sedan vehicles, and 2017 SL63 AMG vehicles. Various control units on these vehicles may have been updated with incorrect software, potentially affecting the correct deployment of the air bags in the event of a crash.
Consequence: If the air bags do not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, there would be an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update software in the affected control units, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Mar 10, 2015
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2015 CLS 400 and CLS 400 4matic, 2012-2015 CLS 550 and CLS 550 4matic, 2012-2013 CLS 63, 2014 CLS 63, and 2014-2015 CLS 63P. The affected vehicles have LED tail lights that may not light on the sides, reducing the rear side visibility of the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Reduced rear side marker illumination may prevent other drivers from seeing the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the lighting controller software, free of charge. The recall began April 6, 2015. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2015030005.
Feb 13, 2015
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 E350 Sedan, E350 4Matic Sedan, E350 4Matic Station Wagon, E400 Hybrid Sedan, CLS 550 CGI, and CLS550 4Matic, 2013-2014 E550 4Matic Sedan, 2013 E63 Sedan, E63 Station Wagon and CLS63, 2014-2015 CLS63 4Matic, E63 4Matic Sedan, E63 4Matic Sedan "S", and E63 4Matic Station Wagon, 2015 CLS400, 2015 E400 Sedan, E400 4Matic Sedan and CLS400 4Matic and 2014 CLS63 "S". The affected vehicles have a rubber seal at the back of the engine bay that may temporarily stick to the hood when it is opened and then may fall into the engine bay when the hood is closed.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the rubber seal falls into the engine compartment, it may contact parts of the exhaust system, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will attach four additional retaining clips to the rubber seal, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2015. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-201-573-5339. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2015020001.
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
1EA21002 · Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Opened Sep 17, 2021 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module; Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
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