Mercedes-Benz Recalls Over 310,000 Vehicles Due to Rollaway Risk

According to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Mercedes-Benz is issuing a recall for 310,667 vehicles due to a potential rollaway risk. The recall impacts seven distinct models across the 2020 through 2026 model years.

NHTSA paperwork reveals that the specific models covered in the recall include a subset of 2020-2021 CLA, 2019-2022 A-class, 2022-2023 C-class, 2024 CLE, 2020-2026 GLA and GLB, and 2023-2024 GLC vehicles.

The Cause Behind the Recall

The issue originates from a microswitch located inside the doors. The recall documents show that a deviation in a supplier's development process led to housing material that fails to meet robustness requirements. Over time, this housing material could allow moisture to enter, leading to corrosion and eventual failure of the switch.

While the microswitch does not affect the operation of the door lock itself, a failed switch may cause the system to fail to detect when a door has been opened. If this failure happens in the driver's door, the electronic parking brake and the "Auto Park" feature—both of which rely on the door opening—might not engage automatically. This failure increases the overall risk of a vehicle rollaway.

Early Warning Signs and Remediation

Drivers might receive an early warning of the issue through unexpected behavior with certain comfort functions. According to the filed paperwork, one potential indicator is the car radio remaining on after the driver leaves the vehicle. At the time the recall was filed, Mercedes-Benz reported that it was not aware of any actual vehicle rollaways related to this defect.

Mercedes-Benz plans to officially notify affected vehicle owners on or before September 18. Owners will be instructed to bring their vehicles to a local Mercedes dealership, where technicians will replace the driver's door lock with an updated microswitch that satisfies all robustness standards. Concerned vehicle owners can also check the official NHTSA recalls website to see if their specific vehicle is included in the recall.