NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
7 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Mar 3, 2026
EngineUnknown Or Other
When my car sits in the rain for long periods of time, while driving, it will automatically switch into neutral and give me a "transmission malfunction stop" & "service required do not shift gears visit dealer" sign on the dash. This has happened at least 7 times in 2 years since March 2024. The latest time it happened was last …
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When my car sits in the rain for long periods of time, while driving, it will automatically switch into neutral and give me a "transmission malfunction stop" & "service required do not shift gears visit dealer" sign on the dash. This has happened at least 7 times in 2 years since March 2024. The latest time it happened was last week. I will get into my car after a day at work, when it has been raining, drive a few miles and the car will switch into neutral and display those signs. This is incredibly dangerous for my safety as the driver, any passengers and any other cars on the road. While going 55+ miles an hour, my car, without any warning shifts into neutral. I have taken it to my local dealership for inspection every time that it happens and they have repeatedly told me they cannot find a fix for it and do not know why it is happening besides a electrical problem due to water. They advised me to file a claim with corporate Mercedes but that was denied. I have photos and documentation from the dealership of when I have brought it in for inspection and they have confirmed the issue. They will not help with a solution for this problem. They have told me to pull over, turn the car on and back off to get it to go away but it continues to do the same repeated problem.
NHTSA ODI #11721700
Mileage unknown · Dec 12, 2025
EngineFuel/propulsion System
Engine locked up while driving out of state on the interstate. Vehicle lost all power and engine stopped functioning. Managed to pull over and stop the vehicle on the side of the interstate. Had truck towed to repair shop where they diagnosed connecting rod/crankshaft bearing failure, as well as lifter and cylinder misfire/failu…
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Engine locked up while driving out of state on the interstate. Vehicle lost all power and engine stopped functioning. Managed to pull over and stop the vehicle on the side of the interstate. Had truck towed to repair shop where they diagnosed connecting rod/crankshaft bearing failure, as well as lifter and cylinder misfire/failure on cylinder 7. Metal shavings were discovered in the oil, and engine locked up and cannot be repaired. I am currently in the process of having the engine replaced, but yes currently an inspection can still be performed, and I can provide statements and diagnostics from the mechanic. This failure put myself and my family in a scary situation. The engine was shaking violently before it stopped functioning and this made the truck very difficult to steer, not to mention this was during rush hour and we were in heavy traffic moving at speeds of 70mph+. Luckily we managed to get off the road, and to a safer location, but this left us stranded on the side of the road for 2 hours waiting on a tow. The vehicle was inspected by a GMC dealership initially where they only diagnosed lifter and cylinder misfire/failure. Due to the price of their quote to repair that issue, I took the vehicle to a certified mechanic, and thats when we found there was also connecting rod/crankshaft bearing failure prior to repairing the lifter/cylinder misfire. There were no prior warnings to this happening. No check engine lights, no noises, and no noticeable changes in the vehicle. Everything seemed to be operating normally.
NHTSA ODI #11704669
Mileage unknown · Nov 30, 2025
Engine
Engine showed signs of loss of power and excess noise. It was taken to dealership via MB roadside assistance. At the dealership, they diagnosed it with engine catastrophic failure due to metal parts found in the oil filter. At no time was the engine disassembled to ensure known defects and still under warranty parts were not …
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Engine showed signs of loss of power and excess noise. It was taken to dealership via MB roadside assistance. At the dealership, they diagnosed it with engine catastrophic failure due to metal parts found in the oil filter. At no time was the engine disassembled to ensure known defects and still under warranty parts were not the cause. Dealer estimated the repair to cost in excess of $22K. MBUSA was contacted and they made no efforts to make the situation whole. The cost estimated was for the complete engine replacement. An engine that only has 53k miles. Although all routine maintenance have been conducted, engine failure was certainly pre-mature. Issues exhibited were excessive engine vibration, loss of power and excess noise.
NHTSA ODI #11702151
Mileage unknown · Jun 20, 2025
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
In April 2025, my 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 (81,000 miles) suffered repeated engine issues caused by a cylinder head failure. The dealer attempted a cylinder head replacement, but during their own test drive after repairs, the engine completely seized and failed again on their property. This indicates a severe defect in the eng…
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In April 2025, my 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 (81,000 miles) suffered repeated engine issues caused by a cylinder head failure. The dealer attempted a cylinder head replacement, but during their own test drive after repairs, the engine completely seized and failed again on their property. This indicates a severe defect in the engine assembly that risks sudden power loss while driving, which could cause an accident. Prior to the failure, there were warning messages about misfires and rough idle. The problem has been confirmed by an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer and the car has been kept at their shop since April, with no resolution. I am concerned this is a recurring safety defect affecting other GLB 250 vehicles. The vehicle is available for inspection and remains undriveable due to the failed engine. I request NHTSA to investigate for possible safety-related design or manufacturing defects that could cause sudden engine seizure and loss of power while driving.
NHTSA ODI #11668223
Mileage unknown · Jun 6, 2025
EngineUnknown Or Other
Jerking and loud noise from the engine after attempting to accelerate from a red light stop. Vehicle is idling very roughly and almost sounds like a diesel engine. Check engine light came on. Inspection at the dealership found multiple faults for camshaft positions deviating from the specified value. When the oil filter was remo…
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Jerking and loud noise from the engine after attempting to accelerate from a red light stop. Vehicle is idling very roughly and almost sounds like a diesel engine. Check engine light came on. Inspection at the dealership found multiple faults for camshaft positions deviating from the specified value. When the oil filter was removed, the shop reported finding some metal particles in the oil. The conclusion was that a mechanical fault caused a metal part in the engine to brake and clog up the engine. The car did not run smoothly after the jerking sound and could have caused an accident if the car was in active motion. The recommendation now is that the engine needs to be replaced.
NHTSA ODI #11665355
Mileage unknown · Jan 31, 2024
Engine
Cylinder Head gone bad at 35,000 miles
NHTSA ODI #11569034
Mileage unknown · Jun 7, 2022
Engine
We purchased a brand new Mercedes GLB in January 2021, I noticed the car started to shake. On our way leaving Zion National Park, the car started shaking really hard and the engine light turned on. The car wouldn't accelerate. We had to pull over on the side of the road. We barely made it to the dealer in St. George, Utah, with …
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We purchased a brand new Mercedes GLB in January 2021, I noticed the car started to shake. On our way leaving Zion National Park, the car started shaking really hard and the engine light turned on. The car wouldn't accelerate. We had to pull over on the side of the road. We barely made it to the dealer in St. George, Utah, with the car shaking the entire time. We met with Ryan Poleszak the service adviser, and he said that he has seen this problem several times with Mercedes 4-cylinder engines in GLB, GLA, and C-class models in the past, and it looks like the car needs a new engine. After over 4 weeks and a lot of back & forth, we realized that he had no intention to fix our car. The dealer in the SouthBay told us that the dealer in St. George, Utah never registered the car into their national database with the engine problem, and there is something fishy going on. The dealer in the southbay fixed the car in less than a week. We passed all our expenses to the dealer and Emmanuel (Executive Referral Manager) who refused to do anything to help us. Till now we didn't hear anything from Emmanuel and Mercedes Bez corporate regarding our expenses. His info is below: Emmanuel Executive Referral Manager Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (800) 367-6372 (ext. 7802) It was completely unethical of Mercedes Benz to sell us a brand new car that had engine problems in less than a year. Also, Ryan Poleszak from the dealership in St. George Utah was completely dishonest by not registering the engine problem to the Mercedes Benz national database. Car shipping from St. George Ut: $550 Rent car from Hertz: $353.31 For a total of: $903.31 which we are seeking from Mercedes-Benz USA to reimburse us since we accrued those expenses due to the engine failure of our brand new GLB.
NHTSA ODI #11467987
Official recalls
11Jul 24, 2026
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2021 CLA, 2019-2022 A-Class, 2022-2023 C-Class, 2024 CLE, 2020-2026 GLA/GLB, and 2023-2024 GLC vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific model information. The micro-switch in the driver's door lock may corrode and fail to detect an open door, preventing the electronic parking brake or "Auto-Park" feature from engaging automatically. This may result in a vehicle rollaway.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's door lock, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 18, 2026. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning July 31, 2026.
Sep 12, 2022
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 GLB250 vehicles. The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) unit may be damaged, which can result in disabled anti-lock brakes (ABS), disabled electronic stability control (ESC), and an electrical short circuit.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Disabled anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control can increase the risk of a crash or injury. An electrical short circuit increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the ESP unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 28, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022090009.
May 20, 2022
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on July 8, 2022, May 17, 2024, July 29, 2024, and September 27, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers are for this recall is 2022060005 and 2023110006.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Communication: Auto Crash Notification
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.
Consequence: A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on July 8, 2022, May 17, 2024, July 29, 2024, and September 27, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers are for this recall is 2022060005 and 2023110006.
Electrical System:software
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.
Consequence: A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on July 8, 2022, May 17, 2024, July 29, 2024, and September 27, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers are for this recall is 2022060005 and 2023110006.
May 9, 2022
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 GLB 250 vehicles. The level sensor linkage on the rear axle might not have been installed properly, which could affect the headlight leveling function. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022050011.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Improperly leveled headlights may project a glare, which can impact other drivers and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the level sensor linkage, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 10, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Suspension:rear
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 GLB 250 vehicles. The level sensor linkage on the rear axle might not have been installed properly, which could affect the headlight leveling function. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022050011.
Consequence: Improperly leveled headlights may project a glare, which can impact other drivers and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the level sensor linkage, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 10, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Exterior Lighting:headlights
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 GLB 250 vehicles. The level sensor linkage on the rear axle might not have been installed properly, which could affect the headlight leveling function. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022050011.
Consequence: Improperly leveled headlights may project a glare, which can impact other drivers and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the level sensor linkage, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 10, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Suspension:multiple Axle
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 GLB 250 vehicles. The level sensor linkage on the rear axle might not have been installed properly, which could affect the headlight leveling function. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022050011.
Consequence: Improperly leveled headlights may project a glare, which can impact other drivers and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the level sensor linkage, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 10, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Apr 8, 2022
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, C-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe/Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and CLS-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The rearview camera may not display the rearview image due to a software error. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inoperable rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 15, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022060007.
Feb 11, 2022
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 GLB 250 vehicles. These vehicles may be equipped with an incorrect front driver's air bag module.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An incorrect air bag module may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash. In addition, the air bag module could detach from the steering wheel during deployment. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the front driver's air bag, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Nov 5, 2021
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 GLB 250 and AMG GLB 35 vehicles. The driver-side window air bag may not have been mounted correctly to the lower area of the A-pillar. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 226, "Ejection Mitigation."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The driver-side window air bag may not function properly during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the mounting of the driver-side window air bag and repair it as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
May 14, 2021
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe and Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, and AMG GT-Class 4-door Coupe vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The MBUX multimedia system software may cause the display to remain black, or reboot after startup. This could result in the rearview camera image not displaying properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A backup camera that displays a blank image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: The multimedia system software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 28, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6373. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021050012.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe and Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, and AMG GT-Class 4-door Coupe vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The MBUX multimedia system software may cause the display to remain black, or reboot after startup. This could result in the rearview camera image not displaying properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence: A backup camera that displays a blank image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: The multimedia system software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 28, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6373. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021050012.
Electrical System:software
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe and Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, and AMG GT-Class 4-door Coupe vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The MBUX multimedia system software may cause the display to remain black, or reboot after startup. This could result in the rearview camera image not displaying properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence: A backup camera that displays a blank image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: The multimedia system software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 28, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6373. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021050012.
Apr 1, 2021
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 GLB35 AMG, and 2020-2021 GLB250 vehicles. The side spoilers on the tailgate might not have been installed correctly, allowing them to detach.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Detached spoilers can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the side spoilers, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed July 2, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021050009.
Apr 1, 2021
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2021 GLB250 vehicles. The wheel arch covers on the front fenders might not have been installed correctly, allow them to detach.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Detached wheel arch covers can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will check the installation of the front wheel arch covers and correct them as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 21, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021040015.
Feb 5, 2021
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Communication: Auto Crash Notification
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.
Consequence: Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.
Electrical System:software
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.
Consequence: Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
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