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2014 MERCEDES-BENZ GLK250

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 7 of 21 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Air Bags. Review the 15 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 2 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 2 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

1 crash reports0 fire reports2 injury reports

What owners actually said

21 reports
Mileage unknown · Jun 9, 2020
Air Bags

I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR 18 MONTHS FOR MY AIRBAG TO BE REPAIRED. THE DEALER HAS NO IDEA WHEN THEY WILL RECEIVE THE PARTS. THIS IS RIDICULOUS, THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11327980

Mileage unknown · May 11, 2020
Air Bags

ACCORDING TO NHTSA.GOV/RECALLS OUR CAR MAY HAVE A SERIOUS AIRBAG PROBLEM. THIS AIRBAG RECALL HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR SEVERAL YEARS. WHY IS IT TAKING SO LONG FOR A REPAIR? THIS RECALL IS WELL OVER A YEAR OLD. I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE IT REPAIRED ASAP NOT AFTER SOMEONE IS INJURED BECAUSE OF IT. HOW LONG DOES MERCEDES HAVE TO FIX IT? *T…

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ACCORDING TO NHTSA.GOV/RECALLS OUR CAR MAY HAVE A SERIOUS AIRBAG PROBLEM. THIS AIRBAG RECALL HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR SEVERAL YEARS. WHY IS IT TAKING SO LONG FOR A REPAIR? THIS RECALL IS WELL OVER A YEAR OLD. I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE IT REPAIRED ASAP NOT AFTER SOMEONE IS INJURED BECAUSE OF IT. HOW LONG DOES MERCEDES HAVE TO FIX IT? *TR

NHTSA ODI #11324196

62,000 miles · Jan 9, 2020
Air Bags

HOW MANY YEARS IS ACCEPTABLE FOR THIS RECALL TO HAVE "NO REMEDY"? IF IT'S SO DANGEROUS AS TO WARRANT A RECALL, WHY IS IT SO SAFE TO SIMPLY IGNORE FOR YEARS, AND YEARS?

NHTSA ODI #11298176

Mileage unknown · Dec 30, 2019
Air Bags

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 MERCEDES-BENZ GLK250. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V010000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT CALLED MERCEDES-BENZ OF SEATTLE (2025 AIRPORT WAY S, SEATTLE, WA 98134) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE PENDING AND UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 MERCEDES-BENZ GLK250. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V010000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT CALLED MERCEDES-BENZ OF SEATTLE (2025 AIRPORT WAY S, SEATTLE, WA 98134) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE PENDING AND UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS PROVIDED THE SAME INFORMATION AS THE DEALER. THE CONTACT FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #11292145

Mileage unknown · Dec 27, 2019
Air BagsSteering

MERCEDES SERVICE CAMPAIGNS 2019010001 AND 2019080019 MY DEALER (WAGNER MERCEDES OF SHREWSBURY, MA) HAS TOLD ME THAT NO REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR 2019010001 EVEN AFTER A YEAR OF WAITING. IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE NHTSA WWWEB SITE ("IF THE MANUFACTURER HAS FAILED OR IS UNABLE TO REMEDY THIS SAFETY RECALL FOR YOUR VEHICLE I…

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MERCEDES SERVICE CAMPAIGNS 2019010001 AND 2019080019 MY DEALER (WAGNER MERCEDES OF SHREWSBURY, MA) HAS TOLD ME THAT NO REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR 2019010001 EVEN AFTER A YEAR OF WAITING. IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE NHTSA WWWEB SITE ("IF THE MANUFACTURER HAS FAILED OR IS UNABLE TO REMEDY THIS SAFETY RECALL FOR YOUR VEHICLE IN A TIMELY MANNER, PLEASE CONTACT THE NHTSA VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT: 1-888-327-4236 OR TTY: 1-800-424-9153 OR FILE AN ONLINE COMPLAINT WITH NHTSA."), I AM FILING THIS COMPLAINT.

NHTSA ODI #11291499

Mileage unknown · Nov 14, 2019
Air Bags

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 MERCEDES-BENZ GLK250. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V010000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT CALLED MERCEDES-BENZ OF CARE (2400 OUTBURST BLVD, CARE, NC 27511, (919) 380-1800) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE PENDING AND UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 MERCEDES-BENZ GLK250. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V010000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT CALLED MERCEDES-BENZ OF CARE (2400 OUTBURST BLVD, CARE, NC 27511, (919) 380-1800) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE PENDING AND UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS PROVIDED THE SAME INFORMATION. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.*DT *JB

NHTSA ODI #11280003

58,000 miles · Jul 31, 2019
Unknown Or Other

MY 2014 MERCEDES GLK 250 WITH 16,705 MILES, ON 11/03/2015 EXPERIENCED THE ENGINE WARNING DISPLAY STATING TO ADD BLUE. I DID THIS BUT THE WARNING DID NOT REMOVE BUT STATED I HAD 10 STARTS REMAINING. I WAS 700 MILES FROM HOME SO RETURNED CONSERVING MY REMAINING STARTS. FOUND MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH THE BLUE TECH EMISSIONS SYSTEM…

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MY 2014 MERCEDES GLK 250 WITH 16,705 MILES, ON 11/03/2015 EXPERIENCED THE ENGINE WARNING DISPLAY STATING TO ADD BLUE. I DID THIS BUT THE WARNING DID NOT REMOVE BUT STATED I HAD 10 STARTS REMAINING. I WAS 700 MILES FROM HOME SO RETURNED CONSERVING MY REMAINING STARTS. FOUND MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH THE BLUE TECH EMISSIONS SYSTEM INCLUDING DEF INJECTOR NOZZLE FAILING TO SPRAY. ALL COVERED BY WARRANTY. ON 06/15/2019 WITH 58,129 MILES, THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT AGAIN CAME ON TO ADD BLUE. I CHECKED BLUETEC LEVEL TO BE NEARLY FULL. THE WARNING STATED I HAD EIGHT REMAINING STARTS. BEING 700 MILES FROM HOME, I RETURNED. HAVING THREE REMAINING STARTS.I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR IMMEDIATE REPAIR. FOUND NOX SENSOR 2 FAULTY AND WAS REPLACED. ON 6/28/2019 WITH 58,126 MILES, THE ADD BLUE WARNING AGAIN APPEARED. THE BLUEDEF WARNING ONLY 10 STARTS REMAINS. THE NEAREST MERECEDES DEALER WAS IN DENVER BEING 173 MILES AWAY. I TOOK IT THERE WHERE THEY REPLACED DEF MODULE, THE PREHEATER AND TANK TEMP AMOUNG OTHER FAULTS. ON 7/15/2019, WITH APPROX. 58,300 MILES, THE SAME WARNING APPEARED. RETURNED TO THE SAME DENVER DEALER WHO THEN REPLACED THE NOX SENSORS IN THE EMISSION SYSTEM. I WAS INFORMED THAT THE FREQUENCY OF REPAIR FOR THIS MODEL IS VERY HIGH AND EXPENSIVE (MY LAST TOTALED $5,000). THIS VEHICLE IS TOTALLY UNRELIABLE AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED. BECAUSE OF THE EMMISION SYSTEM UTILIZED, NUMBEROUS OTHER PROBLEMS OCCUR SUCH AS THE COMPLETE WINDSHIELD WASHER SYSTEM WAS REPLACEDDUE TO THE EXTREME HEAT CREATED BY THE SYSTEM. SAME WITH OIL LEAKS, ETC.. MERCEDES COULD HAVE AT A MINIMUM EXTENDED THEIR SKIMPY WARRANTY OF 50,000 MILES BUT THEY REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE ANY FAULT CLAIMING "THE BEST OR NOTHING"! THIS MODEL IS DEFINITELY NOTHING!

NHTSA ODI #11240893

Mileage unknown · Jun 7, 2019
Air Bags

THIS AIRBAG RECALL WHICH " COULD RESULT IN SHARP METAL FRAGMENTS STRIKING THE FRONT PASSENGER OR OTHER OCCUPANTS, POSSIBLY CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH" WAS REPORTED JAN 18, 2019 AND I RECEIVED NOTICE MARCH 2019 (NO DATE WAS NOTED ON THE LETTER). IT IS NOW 7-JUN 2019 AND PER MY INTERIM NOTICE I SHOULD FILE A COMPLAINT IF " A…

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THIS AIRBAG RECALL WHICH " COULD RESULT IN SHARP METAL FRAGMENTS STRIKING THE FRONT PASSENGER OR OTHER OCCUPANTS, POSSIBLY CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH" WAS REPORTED JAN 18, 2019 AND I RECEIVED NOTICE MARCH 2019 (NO DATE WAS NOTED ON THE LETTER). IT IS NOW 7-JUN 2019 AND PER MY INTERIM NOTICE I SHOULD FILE A COMPLAINT IF " AN AUTHORIZED MERCEDES-BENZ DEALER FOR ANY REASON IS UNABLE TO REMEDY THE SITUATION WITHOUT CHARGE, OR WITHIN A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME, PURSUANT TO LAW 49 U.S.C. CHAPTER 301." I BELIEVE THAT >5 MONTHS EXCEEDS A "REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME" TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE WITH A KNOWN RISK OF DEATH TO IT'S OCCUPANTS. PLEASE LET ME KNOW HOW TO PROCEED.

NHTSA ODI #11218592

4,489 miles · May 16, 2019
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or Other

BLUE TEC SYSTEM FOR DIESEL FUEL EMISSIONS IN MY 2014 MERCEDES BENZ GLK250 MODEL IS INHERENTLY FLAWED WITH REPEATED FAILURES THAT CAUSE THE CAR TO "GO LIMP" (UNABLE TO START AFTER 10 OR LESS STARTS WHEN THERE IS A FAILURE IN THE BLUE TEC SYSTEM.) AS A RESULT, THE CAR IS NOT ONLY UNRELIABLE, IT IS UNSAFE SHOULD THE CAR "GO LIMP" W…

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BLUE TEC SYSTEM FOR DIESEL FUEL EMISSIONS IN MY 2014 MERCEDES BENZ GLK250 MODEL IS INHERENTLY FLAWED WITH REPEATED FAILURES THAT CAUSE THE CAR TO "GO LIMP" (UNABLE TO START AFTER 10 OR LESS STARTS WHEN THERE IS A FAILURE IN THE BLUE TEC SYSTEM.) AS A RESULT, THE CAR IS NOT ONLY UNRELIABLE, IT IS UNSAFE SHOULD THE CAR "GO LIMP" WHEN NEEDED FOR EMERGENCY OR ON A ROAD TRIP OR UNABLE TO DRIVE OUT OF AN UNSAFE AREA, ETC., SINCE ONLY A MERCEDES BENZ DEALER CAN RE-SET THE SYSTEM AFTER REPAIRS SO THAT THE CAR WILL START AGAIN. TO DATE (5/16/19) MY 2014 GLK250 HAS 28,388 MILES AND HAS BEEN RETURNED TO THE DEALER 6 TIMES (FIRST TIME, DEC. 6, 2014 AND 5 MORE TIMES SINCE) DUE TO THE ELECTRONIC WARNING MESSAGE "10 REMAINING STARTS/ADD BLUE" WHICH HAS ALWAYS TURNED OUT TO BE AN ELECTRONIC FAILURE IN THE BLUE TEC SYSTEM. THE MESSAGE MAY APPEAR WHEN THE CAR IS PARKED AND THE IGNITION IS TURNED ON OR WHILE DRIVING. SOMETIMES, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT MAY FIRST APPEAR FOLLOWED BY THE "REMAINING STARTS" MESSAGE A FEW DAYS LATER. THERE IS NO LOGIC OR SET SEQUENCE. AND WHEN IT APPEARS, THERE IS NO ALTERNATIVE BUT TO IMMEDIATELY GO TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS AND TO RE-SET THE COMPUTER SO THE COUNT DOWN STOPS AND THE CAR CAN BE STARTED. THE REASON THIS IS NOT A WIDELY KNOWN PROBLEM IS THAT THERE WERE NOT MANY GLK 250 BLUE TEC CARS SOLD IN THE U.S. AND MERCEDES BENZ NO LONGER BUILDS THIS MODEL AND HAS STOPPED OFFERING DIESEL PASSENGER CARS IN THE U.S. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON COMPLAINTS, SEE LINK.: HTTPS://MBWORLD.ORG/FORUMS/GLK-CLASS-X204/517220-2014-GLK250-CONTINUED-ISSUES-BEWARE.HTML NOTE: THE DATE BELOW IS THE START DATE OF THE BLUE TEC PROBLEM FOR MY CAR AND THE MILAGE BELOW WAS FOR THE FIRST TIME THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO FIX THE PROBLEM FOLLOWED BY 5 MORE TIMES AFTERWARDS SINCE 12/6/14

NHTSA ODI #11208049

Mileage unknown · Apr 16, 2019
Air Bags

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 MERCEDES-BENZ GLK250. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V010000 (AIR BAGS). MERCEDES-BENZ OF FORT MYERS (15461 S TAMIAMI TRAIL, FORT MYERS, FL 33908, (800) 351-7403) WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO ORDER THE PART AND RECEIVE IT FROM THE MANUF…

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TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 MERCEDES-BENZ GLK250. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V010000 (AIR BAGS). MERCEDES-BENZ OF FORT MYERS (15461 S TAMIAMI TRAIL, FORT MYERS, FL 33908, (800) 351-7403) WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO ORDER THE PART AND RECEIVE IT FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED TO ADDRESS PART AVAILABILITY. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #11196729

Official recalls

5

19V787000 · Communication

Nov 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.

19V010000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Jan 9, 2019

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2014 C250, C300 4Matic, C350, C63 AMG, E350 4Matic Coupe, E350 Cabrio, E350 Coupe, SLS AMG Cabrio, SLS AMG Coupe, 2014-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 4Matic Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, GLK 350, GLK250 BlueTec 4Matic, GLK350 RWD, 2015-2017 E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabrio, E400 Coupe, 2014-2017 E550 Cabrio, and 2014-2016 E550 Coupe vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP, and VI or "Zone A." Additionally, MBUSA is recalling certain 2012-2014 C250, E350 4Matic Coupe, SLS AMG Cabrio, 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 4Matic Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, 2011 C300, 2011-2014 C300 4Matic, C350, C63 AMG, E350 Cabrio, E350 Coupe, SLS AMG Coupe, 2015-2016 E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabrio, E400 Coupe, 2011-2016 E550 Cabrio, E550 Coupe, 2011-2015 GLK350 4Matic, GLK350 RWD, and 2013-2015 GLK250 BlueTec 4Matic vehicles ever registered in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or "Zone B." MBUSA is also recalling certain 2012-2014 C250, E350 4Matic Coupe, SLS AMG Cabrio 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 4Matic Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, 2010-2011 C300, 2010-2014 C300 4Matic, C350, C63 AMG, E350 Coupe, 2011-2014 E350 Cabrio, SLS AMG Coupe, 2015-2016 E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabrio, E400 Coupe, 2016-2017 E550 Cabrio, 2010-2016 E550 Coupe, 2010-2015 GLK350 4Matic, GLK350 RWD, and 2013-2015 GLK250 BlueTec 4Matic vehicles ever registered in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MO, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began March 29, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

17V627000 · Air Bags:frontal

Oct 6, 2017

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling these vehicles: 2014-2018 CLA250, CLA250 4Matic, CLA45 AMG 4Matic, 2015-2018 GLA250, GLA250 4Matic, GLA45 AMG 4Matic, C300 4Matic, C63S AMG, 2012-2014 C250, C350, C300 4Matic, E550 4Matic, 2013-2014 C63 AMG, 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, 2013-2015 C350 4Matic Coupe, GLK250 4Matic BlueTec, GLK350, GLK350 4Matic, 2016-2017 C350e, C43 AMG, 2015 C400 4Matic, 2016-2018 C63 AMG, GLC300, GLC300 4Matic, 2017-2018 C300 Coupe, C300 4Matic Coupe, C43 AMG, C63 AMG Coupe, C63S AMG Coupe, C300 Cabriolet, C300 4Matic Cabriolet, C43 AMG Cabriolet, C63 AMG Cabriolet, C63S AMG Cabriolet, GLC300 4Matic Coupe, GLC43 AMG, GLC43 AMG Coupe, 2014 E350 Coupe, E350 4Matic Coupe, E350 Cabriolet, E400 Hybrid, 2015-2017 E400 Coupe, E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabriolet, 2014-2017 E550 Coupe, E550 Cabriolet, B250e, 2014-2016 E250 BlueTec, E63 AMG 4Matic Wagon, 2012-2013 E350 BlueTec, 2012-2016 E350, E350 4Matic, 2015-2016 E400, E400 4Matic, 2012 E63 AMG, 2014-2015 E250 4Matic BlueTec, 2013-2016 E350 Wagon, 2017 GLC300d 4Matic, and 2018 GLC350e 4Matic. The driver's air bag may unexpectedly deploy due to insufficient grounding of the steering components if an electrostatic discharge occurs and the air bag clockspring is broken.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the driver air bag inadvertently deploys, it can increase the risk of injury and a crash.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will add sufficient grounding to the steering components, free of charge. The recall began in December 6, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691.

17V252000 · Steering

Apr 12, 2017

Mercedes-Benz USA LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2014 C250, C300 4MATIC, GLK250 4MATIC BLUETEC and GLK350 vehicles, 2013 C250 Coupe, C350, C350 4MATIC Coupe, C350 Coupe and C63 AMG Coupe vehicles, and 2013-2015 GLK350 4MATIC vehicles. The steering coupling connecting bolt may have been insufficiently tightened, possibly resulting in a loss of steering.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A loss of steering can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the steering coupling connecting bolt, tightening it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

14V762000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:diesel

Dec 1, 2014

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (Mercedes) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 E250 BlueTec, E250 BlueTec 4Matic, GLK250 4Matic BlueTec, and 2015 ML250 4Matic BlueTec vehicles manufactured February 28, 2014, to November 10, 2014. In the affected vehicles, oil may leak from around the chain tensioner gasket area.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Leaking oil may drip onto a hot engine surface, increasing the risk of a fire. Additionally, the leaking oil may be a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Mercedes will notify owners, and dealers will replace the chain tensioner gasket, free of charge. The recall began on December 19, 2014. Owners may contact Mercedes customer service at 1-800-367-6372. Mercedes' number for this recall is 2014120002.

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

1

EA21002 · 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.