Mercedes-Benz Recall Issued Due to Risk of Front Axle Corrosion and Failure

Nearly 40,000 Mercedes-Benz cars and SUV's are recalled over defects which may cause complete loss of steering control.

A recall has been issued for several models of Mercedes-Benz cars and SUV’s, which may experience premature wear of the front axel carrier and a fracture risk, potentially resulting in sudden loss of steering control.

The U.S. National highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the Mercedes-Benz recall on January 4, warning owners of certain SUV’s and cars about the risk of front axle corrosion and failure.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC  first learned of the issue in May 2020, after internal endurance testing determined the front axle carrier supplied for certain Mercedes SUV’s and cars may weaken prematurely. An investigation revealed the root cause of the problem was due to a manufacturing defect in which the parts did not receive proper corrosion protection.

While Mercedes officials stated they have not received any reports of crashes or injuries arising from corroding integral carrier components, the investigation determined the defect poses a safety risk to owners.

Officials warn affected owners that in the event of a front axle carrier failure, drivers may experience a complete loss of steering control which could result in a crash and serious injury.

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The recall affects an estimated 38,312 model year 2019 through 2020 A220, 2021 AMG GLB35 and 2020 GLB250 modes distributed for sale throughout the U.S. at licensed Mercedes-Benz dealers.

The automaker plans to notify owners with a mailed notice of the defect by February 15, which will include instructions on how to schedule a free repair at their local dealer, where dealers will be instructed to inspect and replace the integral carrier, as necessary.

Customers with additional questions or concerns surrounding the recall are encouraged to contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372, and to report any incident reports to the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

Image Credit: Image via Bocman1973 / Shutterstock.com

3 Comments

  • NicoleAugust 24, 2022 at 1:56 pm

    I agree with the Carolyn who asked why are we just NOW being notified. I share the same frustration that I was just notified in Aug 2022, when I purchased my A220 in Feb of 2022. This is UNACCEPTABLE as a Mercedes Benz owner. Especially since MB has always prided themselves on Image, and High quality of all of their vehicles. This is not winning any points with me as a MB owner. Very unhappy wi[Show More]I agree with the Carolyn who asked why are we just NOW being notified. I share the same frustration that I was just notified in Aug 2022, when I purchased my A220 in Feb of 2022. This is UNACCEPTABLE as a Mercedes Benz owner. Especially since MB has always prided themselves on Image, and High quality of all of their vehicles. This is not winning any points with me as a MB owner. Very unhappy with MB.

  • CarolynAugust 2, 2022 at 11:50 am

    Why is it the recall was recognized in JAN 2022 and here it is AUG 2022 and I am now being notified?

  • ElianeJune 29, 2022 at 3:00 pm

    A month after purchasing my Mercedes Benz 2021 MLB in the Coral Gables FL Dealership, (this week) while going at around 5 miles an hour after a speed bump and a yield sign before going thru a roundabout (so a low speed even) I heard a very loud and scary crunching sound then hit the side of the curb. I did not understand what had happened and why the car would not move. Apparently the axle brok[Show More]A month after purchasing my Mercedes Benz 2021 MLB in the Coral Gables FL Dealership, (this week) while going at around 5 miles an hour after a speed bump and a yield sign before going thru a roundabout (so a low speed even) I heard a very loud and scary crunching sound then hit the side of the curb. I did not understand what had happened and why the car would not move. Apparently the axle broke! The worst part of this story is that the dealership who sold me the car was trying to cover this up! I did not know about the recall, and they never mentioned it! Everyone I spoke to try to get some help...The salesperson who sold me the car, the dealership manager, the service representative, the service department manager, all were disregarding me, ignoring me, blatantly lying to me, trying to avoid me, and trying to put the blame and responsibility on me saying I hit the curb and thats what the problem was. They disputed that it was the axle that broke, even though they did not even look at the car! They had the tow truck take it immediately to the body shop and refused my requests for them to look into the car to check what the defect was on the axle, but instead telling me to have my insurance pay for the body work. I would not accept that the axle would just break so easily, especially on a month old purchased car, and especially a Mercedes! But I just became aware of this recall TODAY, and this has furthered my anger at their unprofessional, unethical and disregard of my safety and my years long business with them. They sold me the car knowing of the defect and the recall on my car, and when I got into an accident...they treated me horribly and still avoided knowledge of the defect and recall! They never mentioned the recall and then tried to turn it on me KNOWING it was due to the axle recall problem. So although I have some injuries and problems due to this accident, thankfully this did not happen on a highway or I would not be here to write about it. They didn't care about my safety as a valued customer. They are unprofessional, unethical, dishonest and corrupt. What a terrible reflection on Mercedes Benz. If you should purchase a 2021 MLB, please be aware of this horrible defect and recall.

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