Mercedes-Benz Recall Issued Over Engine Fire Risk

Almost 150,000 Mercedes Benz vehicles have been recalled due to problems with a rubber seal at the back of the engine that may dislodge and fall into the engine compartment, potentially posing a fire risk if the seal come in contact with parts of the exhaust system. 

The Mercedes Benz recall was announced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on February 9, following internal reports from the automaker that indicated under adverse circumstances the rubber seal on the secondary bulkhead in the engine compartment may detach and become lodged in other compartments of the engine.

Mercedes Benz announced that due to a cosmetic design change, the rubber seal may detach and stick to the hood when raised. When the hood is shut the detached rubber seal may come loose andfall into parts of the exhaust system including the catalytic converter, which if sufficiently hot enough could cause a fire risk. To date, no fires have been reported.

The recall includes 2015 Mercedes Benz CLS400, 2013 through 2015 CLS550, 2013 through 2015 CLS63, 2013 through 2015 E350, 2015, E400, 2013 through 2015 E400 Hybrid, 2013 through 2014 E550, and 2013 through 2015 E63 models. According to the NHTSA, the recall includes 147,224 vehicles likely affected by the design defect. For a full list of recalled vehicles and production dates please visit the NHTSA recall announcement.

The NHTSA announced that Mercedes Benz will begin notifying owners by mail with instructions on how to schedule a free repair at a licensed dealer. The dealers will attach four additional retaining clips to the rubber seal. The recall is anticipated to begin by mid-March 2015. Owners with further questions may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-201-573-5339 and refer to the recall number 2015020001.