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2011 MERCEDES-BENZ GLK350

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ GLK350 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 114.

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How this year compares

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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: 31 of 133 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 92 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 20 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Steering. Review the 6 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

4 crash reports2 fire reports1 injury reports

Air Bags complaints

92 reports
Clear category filter
116,000 miles · Apr 23, 2018
Air Bags

MY WARNING INDICATOR IS GOING ON AND OFF STATING THERE IS AN AIRBAG PROBLEM. NOTHING SO FAR HAS HAPPENED OTHER THAN I HAVE THE TAKEDA AIRBAGS IN MY CAR AND AM BECOMING FRIGHTENED. IT STARTED FLASHING THAT WARNING ABOUT ONE OR TWO MONTHS AGO BUT MY DEALER STATES THAT IT IS NOT A PROBLEM AND THEY DON'T HAVE THE PARTS AVAILABLE F…

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MY WARNING INDICATOR IS GOING ON AND OFF STATING THERE IS AN AIRBAG PROBLEM. NOTHING SO FAR HAS HAPPENED OTHER THAN I HAVE THE TAKEDA AIRBAGS IN MY CAR AND AM BECOMING FRIGHTENED. IT STARTED FLASHING THAT WARNING ABOUT ONE OR TWO MONTHS AGO BUT MY DEALER STATES THAT IT IS NOT A PROBLEM AND THEY DON'T HAVE THE PARTS AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REPLACEMENT. I AM CONCERNED. IT HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS STATIONARY FROM WHAT I RECALL.

NHTSA ODI #11089750

Mileage unknown · Apr 23, 2018
Air Bags

TAKATA RECALL. I HAVE YET TO RECEIVE INFORMATION TELLING ME HOW TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE. AS IT STANDS TODAY, THE PREVIOUS SEARCH INDICATES THAT THE PROBLEM REMAINS UNSOLVED. ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT SAFETY FEATURES OF MY CAR ISN'T WORKING AND THE COMPANY THAT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR CORRECTING THIS ISSUE SEEMS TO BE UNMOTIVATED. S…

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TAKATA RECALL. I HAVE YET TO RECEIVE INFORMATION TELLING ME HOW TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE. AS IT STANDS TODAY, THE PREVIOUS SEARCH INDICATES THAT THE PROBLEM REMAINS UNSOLVED. ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT SAFETY FEATURES OF MY CAR ISN'T WORKING AND THE COMPANY THAT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR CORRECTING THIS ISSUE SEEMS TO BE UNMOTIVATED. SOMEONE NEEDS TO MOTIVATE THEM BEFORE MORE PEOPLE ARE INJURED OR DIE DUE TO THEIR NEGLIGENCE.

NHTSA ODI #11089636

Mileage unknown · Apr 18, 2018
Air Bags

DEALERSHIP ADVISED, AT THIS TIME THERE IS NO PARTS AVAILABLE OR INFORMATION FROM MERCEDES TO FIX THIS. I HAVE TRIED FOR MONTHS TO CALL TO SET UP GETTING THIS RESOLVED, AND NO ONE HAS A TIME OR DATE OF WHEN THIS CAN BE FIXED. THIS HAS BECOME A SAFETY ISSUE, AND I NEED A RESOLUTION QUICK. NOT THE DEALERSHIPS FAULT, AS THEY ARE JUS…

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DEALERSHIP ADVISED, AT THIS TIME THERE IS NO PARTS AVAILABLE OR INFORMATION FROM MERCEDES TO FIX THIS. I HAVE TRIED FOR MONTHS TO CALL TO SET UP GETTING THIS RESOLVED, AND NO ONE HAS A TIME OR DATE OF WHEN THIS CAN BE FIXED. THIS HAS BECOME A SAFETY ISSUE, AND I NEED A RESOLUTION QUICK. NOT THE DEALERSHIPS FAULT, AS THEY ARE JUST FOLLOWING THE INFORMATION THEY HAVE AVAILABLE TO THEM

NHTSA ODI #11088866

Mileage unknown · Apr 18, 2018
Air Bags

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ GLK350. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCAL D…

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TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ GLK350. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCAL DEALER (MERCEDES-BENZ OF NATICK, 253 N MAIN ST. NATICK, MA 01760, (508) 655-5350) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #11088847

Mileage unknown · Feb 20, 2018
Air Bags

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ GLK350. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER MERCEDES-BENZ OF SCOTTSDALE (4725 N SCOTTSDALE RD, SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85…

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TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ GLK350. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER MERCEDES-BENZ OF SCOTTSDALE (4725 N SCOTTSDALE RD, SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85251, (480) 409-0409) DID NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE FOR WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE AS WELL AS THE INTERIM NOTICE FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED TO DETERMINE WHEN THE PART WOULD BE SUPPLIED TO THE DEALER TO RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT WAS NOT EXPERIENCING A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #11073802

Mileage unknown · Feb 2, 2018
Air Bags

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ GLK350. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS) AND 16V363000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. ME…

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TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ GLK350. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS) AND 16V363000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. MERCEDES-BENZ OF DAYTONA BEACH (1188 N TOMOKA FARMS RD, DAYTONA BEACH, FL) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS) AND 16V363000 (AIR BAGS).

NHTSA ODI #11066637

Mileage unknown · Jan 11, 2018
Air Bags

TAKATA RECALL -- SINCE BEING NOTIFIED OF THE RECALL I HAVE TRIED SEVERAL TIMES TO GET THE AIRBAGS REPLACED BUT ALL SERVICE PROVIDERS HAVE SAID THAT NO PARTS HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY TAKATA AND NO ONE CAN EVER GIVE ME AN ESTIMATE OF WHEN THE PARTS WILL BE COME AVAILABLE. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT MY SAFETY IN A VEHICLE WITH AIRBAGS THAT …

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TAKATA RECALL -- SINCE BEING NOTIFIED OF THE RECALL I HAVE TRIED SEVERAL TIMES TO GET THE AIRBAGS REPLACED BUT ALL SERVICE PROVIDERS HAVE SAID THAT NO PARTS HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY TAKATA AND NO ONE CAN EVER GIVE ME AN ESTIMATE OF WHEN THE PARTS WILL BE COME AVAILABLE. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT MY SAFETY IN A VEHICLE WITH AIRBAGS THAT HAVE BEEN RECALLED.

NHTSA ODI #11062110

131,287 miles · Jan 3, 2018
Air BagsPower Train

TAKATA INFLATORS HAVE NOT BEEN REPAIRED TOLD BY DEALERS THAT THESE AIRBAGS ARE DANGEROUS AND COULD CAUSE SEVERE INJURY TO PASSENGERS. TORK CONTROL UNIT OR TRANSMISSION IS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY FAULTY TRANS ON THE CAR PER DEALER HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED TOLD THERE WAS SEVERAL 2011 GLK 350 WITH THIS CONCERN MERCEDES IS TO REPAIR B…

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TAKATA INFLATORS HAVE NOT BEEN REPAIRED TOLD BY DEALERS THAT THESE AIRBAGS ARE DANGEROUS AND COULD CAUSE SEVERE INJURY TO PASSENGERS. TORK CONTROL UNIT OR TRANSMISSION IS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY FAULTY TRANS ON THE CAR PER DEALER HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED TOLD THERE WAS SEVERAL 2011 GLK 350 WITH THIS CONCERN MERCEDES IS TO REPAIR BUT HAS NOT.CAR IN MOTION WHEN OCCURS

NHTSA ODI #11058174

Mileage unknown · Dec 27, 2017
Air Bags

TAKATA RECALL: NHTSA RECALL # 16V-081 THE MANUFACTURER, MERCEDES-BENZ, IS UNABLE TO REMEDY THE SAFETY RECALL FOR MY CAR. IT HAS BEEN OVER A YEAR SINCE I RECEIVED THE FIRST RECALL NOTICE FOR THE DRIVER-SIDE AIRBAGS AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE. I CONTACTED MERCEDES-BENZ SEVERAL TIMES. THEY DO NOT HAVE THE PARTS TO REPAIR THE AIR BA…

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TAKATA RECALL: NHTSA RECALL # 16V-081 THE MANUFACTURER, MERCEDES-BENZ, IS UNABLE TO REMEDY THE SAFETY RECALL FOR MY CAR. IT HAS BEEN OVER A YEAR SINCE I RECEIVED THE FIRST RECALL NOTICE FOR THE DRIVER-SIDE AIRBAGS AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE. I CONTACTED MERCEDES-BENZ SEVERAL TIMES. THEY DO NOT HAVE THE PARTS TO REPAIR THE AIR BAGS YET THEY HAVE THE TIME, RESOURCES AND TECHNOLOGIES TO DEVELOP AND PRODUCE NEW CARS. KNOWING THAT I AM DRIVING A CAR WITH DEFECTIVE AIR BAGS THAT COULD INJURE OR KILL IS CAUSING ME A LOT OF STRESS AND ANXIETY. I BOUGHT THIS CAR SEVERAL YEAR AGO WITH THE IDEA THAT MY SON WOULD DRIVE IT. THIS CAR IS UNSAFE AND DEADLY. THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG CAN RESULT IN METAL FRAGMENTS STRIKING THE DRIVER OR PASSENGERS. IT IS UNACCEPTABLE THAT, ALMOST 2 YEARS AFTER THE TAKATA RECALL, NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE BY MERCEDES-BENZ AND THAT I AM LEFT WITH A CAR THAT IS HAZARDOUS.

NHTSA ODI #11056856

Mileage unknown · Dec 13, 2017
Air Bags

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ GLK350. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS) AND 16V363000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER (AUTOBAHN MOTORS, 700 ISLAND PKWY, BELMONT, CA 94002, 844…

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TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ GLK350. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS) AND 16V363000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER (AUTOBAHN MOTORS, 700 ISLAND PKWY, BELMONT, CA 94002, 844-896-1944) DID NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE FOR WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND COULD NOT PROVIDE A REASONABLE DATE FOR WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT WAS NOT EXPERIENCING A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #11054570

Official recalls

4

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.

16V363000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

May 26, 2016

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 C300 Sedan, C300 4matic Sedan, C350 Sedan, C63 AMG Sedan vehicles, 2010-2011 GLK350, GLK350 4-Matic and E350 Coupe vehicles, 2011 SLS AMG, E350 Convertible, E550 Coupe and E550 Convertible vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, MBUSA is recalling certain model year 2008 C300 Sedan, C350 Sedan, C63 AMG Sedan and C300 4-Matic Sedan vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Vehicles not originally sold or ever registered in either Zones A or B are not subject to this safety recall. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag modules, free of charge. Owners were sent an interim notification October 2016. A second notice will be mailed when remedy parts are available. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691.

16V081000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Feb 11, 2016

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 ML320 BlueTec 4Matic, GL320 BlueTec 4Matic and R320 CDI 4Matic, 2011 E350 Cabriolet and E550 Cabriolet, 2009-2011 ML350, ML350 4Matic, ML550 4Matic, ML63 AMG, and C63 AMG, 2010-2011 ML450 4Matic Hybrid, E350 Coupe, E350 4Matic, E550 Coupe, E550 4Matic, and E63 AMG, 2011-2012 GL350 BlueTec 4Matic and R350 BlueTec 4Matic, 2009-2012 GL450 4Matic, GL550 4Matic and R350 4Matic, 2007-2008 SLK280, SLK350, and SLK55 AMG, 2011-2014 SLS AMG Coupe, 2012 SLS AMG Cabriolet, 2013-2014 SLS AMG GT and SLS AMG GT Cabriolet, 2005 C230 Kompressor and C320, 2006-2007 C230, 2006-2011 C350, 2008-2011 C300 and C300 4Matic, 2010-2012 GLK350 and GLK350 4Matic and 2007-2008 Chrysler Crossfire vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: MBUSA will their notify owners, and Fiat Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler owners. Dealers for the respective brands will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. This recall began November 2016. Mercedes-Benz owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372 and Chrysler owners may contact Fiat Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.

12V557000 · Fuel System, Gasoline

Dec 3, 2012

Mercedes-Benz is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 S400, S550, S550 4Matic, S63 AMG, C300, C300 4Matic, E350, GLK350, GLK350 4Matic, CL550 4Matic, and CL63 AMG vehicles manufactured from April 18, 2011, through July 12, 2011. Due to an irregularity stemming from the molding process of the fuel filter flange, the fuel filter flange may crack when operated in high temperatures.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the fuel filter flange cracks, it will leak fuel which may lead to a fire if an external ignition source is present.

Remedy: Mercedes-Benz will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel filter, free of charge. The recall campaign is expected to begin in February 2013. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

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.