Check Installation of Air Conditioning Drain Hoses – 2020-2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, GLS-Class

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April 23, 2021 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V288000

Water Intrusion from AC Drain Hose May Cause Short

Water intrusion into the driver and passenger side foot wells may cause corrosion and/or short circuits to electrical components, increasing the risk of fire. In addition, the emergency call (eCall) feature may be disabled and the doors may not unlock, increasing the risk of injury. Also, the engine may not start or may enter a limp-home mode, increasing the risk of a crash.

 

NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V288

Manufacturer Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Components EQUIPMENT

Potential Number of Units Affected 6,331

 

Summary

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 AMG GLE 53, 2020 GLE350, GLE450, GLE580, GLS450, and GLS580 vehicles. The air conditioner drain hoses may have been incorrectly installed, causing water to drain into the passenger compartment.

 

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and correct the air conditioner drain hoses, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA’s number for this recall is 2021040024.

 

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

 

Check if your Mercedes-Benz has a Recall

 


TO: Mercedes-Benz Dealer Principals, General Managers, Sales Managers, Service Managers, Parts Managers FROM:  Gregory Gunther, Department Manager, Vehicle Compliance and Analysis, Engineering Services
RE: Recall Campaign Initial Notification
Check Installation of Air Conditioning Drain Hoses
MY20-21 167 (GLE-Class, GLS-Class)
DATE: April 30, 2021

 

IMPORTANT RECALL CAMPAIGN INFORMATION

 

Please see the attached documents related to the campaign listed above.

 

 

Please note that all customer inquiries should be directed to the Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-FORMERCEDES.

 

Sincerely,

Gregory Gunther

Department Manager, Vehicle Compliance & Analysis

 


Campaign No. :  NHTSA ID Campaign Desc. : Check Installation of Air Conditioning Drain Hoses
TBA 21V288 21P2197386
This is to notify you of a new Recall Campaign to check the installation of the air conditioning drain hoses in 6,331  Model Year (“MY”) 20202021 GLE-Class, GLS-Class (167 platform) vehicles.  The recall campaign will be visible on the www.safercar.gov website and may generate questions from customers.  Affected VINs will be flagged in VMI as “PENDING” on April 30, 2021.

Background

Issue Mercedes-Benz AG (“MBAG”), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain Model Year (“MY”) 2020-2021 GLE-Class and GLS-Class (167 platform) vehicles, the air conditioning drain hoses might be incorrectly installed in the vehicle. In this case, condensation water from the air conditioning might enter the passenger compartment.  If a significant volume of condensation water enters the driver and passenger side footwells, it is possible that corrosion and/or short circuits to the electrical components installed in this area could occur, which could increase the risk of fire. In addition, the performance of other features of the vehicle could be affected. For example, the automatic emergency call (eCall) might not be available, the vehicle might not be able to be unlocked and/or started; and the engine limp-home mode might be activated during driving. The impact on these features could increase the potential risk of injury or a crash. The customer might observe wet carpets in the front footwells, and fogged windows.
What We’re Doing MBUSA will conduct a voluntary recall.  An authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will check the air conditioning drain hoses and correct their installation, if necessary.
Parts Remedy is not available at this time. An additional notification will be sent once the remedy is available.

Vehicles Affected

Vehicle Model Year(s) 2020-2021
Vehicle Model GLE-Class, GLS-Class

Vehicle Populations

Total Recall Population 6,331
Total Vehicles in Dealer Inventory 12
Given this notice, it is a violation of Federal law for a dealer to sell or lease any new MY20-21 GLE-Class, GLS-Class vehicles in dealer inventory covered by this notification until the vehicle has been repaired.  Once the remedy is available, the vehicles will be flagged as “OPEN” and Work Instructions will be available in Star TekInfo.  Once the repair is complete the vehicle may be sold or leased.

 

Loaner and demonstrator vehicles may continue to be driven, but must not be retailed until repaired.  As a matter of normal service process, please check for other repair measures which might be applicable to the vehicle(s)

 

Additionally, given this notice, it is a violation of Federal Law for car rental companies to rent new MY20-21 GLE-Class, GLS-Class vehicles covered by this notification until the vehicle has been repaired.

 

Next Steps/Notes

Customer Notification Timeline Customer letters will be mailed approximately one week after the remedy becomes available.
AOMS/SOMS AOMs – This recall may generate questions from your dealers. Please forward this notice to your dealers ASAP.
Rental Fleet Partners This recall may affect vehicles in your fleet. Please contact your respective MBUSA fleet representative for further information and next steps. For repairs, please contact your preferred MBUSA dealer.
While we regret any inconvenience this may cause, MBUSA is determined to maintain a high level of vehicle quality and customer satisfaction. Please refer all customer inquiries to the Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-FOR-MERCEDES.

 


TO: Mercedes-Benz Dealer Principals, General Managers, Sales Managers, Service Managers, Parts Managers FROM: Gregory Gunther, Department Manager, Vehicle Compliance and Analysis, Engineering Services
RE: Recall Campaign Launch Notification
Check Installation of Air Conditioning Drain Hoses
MY20-21 167 (GLS-Class, GLE-Class)
DATE:  May 21, 2021

 

IMPORTANT RECALL CAMPAIGN UPDATE

 

Please see the attached documents related to the campaign listed above.

 

 

Please note that all customer inquiries should be directed to the Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-FORMERCEDES.

 

Sincerely,

Gregory Gunther

Department Manager, Vehicle Compliance & Analysis

 


Recall Campaign Launch Notification May 21, 2021
Campaign No. : NHTSA ID Campaign Desc. : Check Installation of Air Conditioning Drain Hoses
2021040024 21V288 21P8391106
This is to notify you of the Recall Campaign Launch to check the installation of the air conditioning drain hoses in 6,331 Model Year (“MY”) 2020-2021 GLE-Class, GLS-Class (167 platform) vehicles. The recall campaign will be visible on the www.safercar.gov website and may generate questions from customers. Affected VINs will be flagged in VMI as “OPEN” on May 21, 2021.
Background
Issue Mercedes-Benz AG (“MBAG”), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain Model Year (“MY”) 2020-2021 GLE-Class and GLS-Class (167 platform) vehicles, the air conditioning drain hoses might be incorrectly installed in the vehicle. In this case, condensation water from the air conditioning might enter the passenger compartment. If a significant volume of condensation water enters the driver and passenger side footwells, it is possible that corrosion and/or short circuits to the electrical components installed in this area could occur, which could increase the risk of fire. In addition, the performance of other features of the vehicle could be affected. For example, the automatic emergency call (eCall) might not be available, the vehicle might  not  be  able  to  be  unlocked  and/or  started;  and  the  engine  limp-home  mode  might  be activated during driving. The impact on these features could increase the potential risk of injury or a crash. The customer might observe wet carpets in the front footwells, and fogged windows.
What We’re Doing MBUSA will conduct a voluntary recall. An authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will check the air conditioning drain hoses and correct their installation, if necessary.
Parts The remedy is available and can be performed.
Vehicles Affected
Vehicle Model Year(s) 2020-2021
Vehicle Model GLE-Class, GLS-Class
Vehicle Populations
Total Recall Population 6,331
Total Vehicles in Dealer Inventory 8
Given this notice, it is a violation of Federal law for a dealer to sell or lease any new MY20-21 GLE-Class, GLS-Class vehicles in dealer inventory covered by this notification until the vehicle has been repaired. Once the remedy is available, the vehicles will be flagged as “OPEN” and Work Instructions will be available in Star TekInfo. Once the repair is complete the vehicle may be sold or leased.

 

Loaner and demonstrator vehicles may continue to be driven, but must not be retailed until repaired. As a matter of normal service process, please check for other repair measures which might be applicable to the vehicle(s)

 

Additionally, given this notice, it is a violation of Federal Law for car rental companies to rent new MY20-21 GLE-Class, GLS-Class vehicles covered by this notification until the vehicle has been repaired.

 

Next Steps/Notes
Customer Notification Timeline Customer letters will be mailed on June 4, 2021.
AOMS/SOMS AOMs – This recall may generate questions from your dealers. Please forward this notice to your dealers ASAP.
Rental Fleet Partners This recall may affect vehicles in your fleet. Please contact your respective MBUSA fleet representative for further information and next steps. For repairs, please contact your preferred MBUSA dealer.
While we regret any inconvenience this may cause, MBUSA is determined to maintain a high level of vehicle quality and customer satisfaction.

Please refer all customer inquiries to the Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-FOR-MERCEDES.

 


 

Campaign No. 2021040024, May 2021

 

TO: ALL MERCEDES-BENZ CENTERS
SUBJECT: Model GLE-Class and GLS-Class (167 platform)
Model Year 2020-2021
Check Installation of Air Conditioning Drain Hoses

 

Mercedes-Benz AG (“MBAG”), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain Model Year (“MY”) 2020-2021 vehicles, the air conditioning drain hoses might be incorrectly installed in the vehicle. In this case, condensation water from the air conditioning might enter the passenger compartment. If a significant volume of condensation water enters the driver and passenger side footwells, it is possible that corrosion and/or short circuits to the electrical components installed in this area could occur, which could increase the risk of fire. In addition, the performance of other features of the vehicle could be affected. For example, the automatic emergency call (eCall) might not be available, the vehicle might not be able to be unlocked and/or started; and the engine limp-home mode might be activated during driving. The impact on these features could increase the potential risk of injury or a crash. The customer might observe wet carpets in the front footwells, and fogged windows. An authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will check the air conditioning drain hoses and correct their installation, if necessary.

 

Prior to performing this Recall Campaign:

  • VMI must always be checked before performing campaigns to verify that the campaign is required on a specific vehicle. Always check for any other open campaigns, and perform accordingly.
  • Please review the entire Recall Campaign bulletin and follow the repair procedure exactly as described.

 

Please note that Recall Campaigns do not expire and may also be performed on a vehicle with a vehicle status indicator.

 

Approximately 6,331 vehicles are involved.

 

Order No. P-RC-2021040024

 


Check/test procedure A

 

1. Release floor covering in footwell on driver’s and front passenger side and check condensation drain hose at right and left of air conditioning system (Figure 1).

The condensation drain hose must be installed without creases, in proper contact, and inserted correctly on the heater box or tunnel (C, Figure 1).

The cutout (B, Figure 1) must be positioned correctly on the fitting of the heater box.

There must not be any visible or noticeable traces of water.

 

a. Condensation drain hose not fastened correctly: Carry out check/test procedure B.

b. Condensation drain hose fastened correctly: End measure.

  

The findings from the check/test procedure must be recorded on the work order.

 

Check/test procedure B

 

1. Remove front floor covering and covers above the electrical assemblies in the footwell of the incorrectly mounted drain hose.

Remove corresponding driver’s seat and/or front passenger seat.

For basic data on removing the floor covering on the front passenger side,  see AR68.80-P-0008ME.

For basic data on removing the floor covering on the front driver’s side,  see AR68.80-P-0007ME.

 

2. Check accessible electrical connections in the moist area for moisture and corrosion.

 

a. Condensation drain hose not fastened correctly and minor traces of water present: Carry out work procedure A.

b. Condensation drain hose not fastened correctly and major traces of water present: Carry out work procedure B.

 

The findings from the check/test procedure must be recorded on the work order.

 

Work procedure A

1. In case of slight dampness and no visible traces of condensation: Perform Xentry Quick Test and document results.

2. Dry footwell, electrical connectors, and floor covering.

3. Reinstall footwell trim

 

Work procedure B

 

1. In case of major water entry and/or filled up floor recesses: Perform Xentry Quick Test and document results

2. Take informative pictures of the affected, exposed footwell.

3. Create PTSS Case and attach Xentry quick test. Please be sure to include pictures of: water ingress in footwell, the electrical pins on the connectors, harness, and control unit(s).

Send via PTSS case to Engineering for review. PTSS will advise regarding further action(s).

 

Warranty Information 

Check

Operation: Inspection of condensation drain hose at right and left of air conditioning system (02-0531) 

Damage Code Operation Number Labor Time (hrs.)
83 911 06 8 02-0531 0.1

 

Check and Rework

Operation: Inspection of condensation drain hose at right and left of air conditioning system (02-0531)

Expose footwell (after check) (02-0532)*

Includes: Fasten condensation drain hose correctly  Dry footwell (footwell exposed) (02-0533)*

Replace affected parts (footwell exposed) (02-0534) 

Damage Code Operation Number Labor Time (hrs.)
83 911 06 8 02-0531 0.1
02-0532* 1.3
02-0533* ZM
02-0534 ZM

 

* The operation item is to be repeated as often as necessary.

 

 Note: Operation labor times are subject to change.

 


Mercedes-Benz Part 573 Submission
Original Submitted to Portal April 23, 2021
Chronology-Only section
Supplement to Original Submission

 

Chronology of Defect/Noncompliance Determination

At the end of May 2019, MBAG launched initial investigations based on several individual reports from the field describing varying instances in which customers described water ingress into the passenger compartment. Upon analysis of the vehicles in the workshops, loose air conditioning drain hoses were found.

 

In June 2019, analyses in the vehicle assembly plant were conducted in order to identify whether there were any vehicles at the plant that may have loose drain hoses as well as to determine potential root causes for the loose drain hoses observed in the field. In parallel, the potentially affected vehicles were determined.

 

In July 2019, MBAG conducted an analysis of the potential effects of water ingress into the passenger compartment due to the manner in which the drain hoses were installed in the vehicles MBAG observed.

 

In the beginning of August 2019, MBAG determined that a potential safety risk cannot be ruled out and decided to conduct safety recall 19V587.

 

In May 2020, MBAG launched new investigations after isolated reports from the field were received that described instances of water ingress into the passenger compartment on vehicles which were not part of the aforementioned recall measure.

 

In the course of these investigations starting in summer 2020, it was determined that the subject vehicles were not part of the recall measure in the field because these vehicles had been checked in the scope of a respective plant action before delivery to the market. Accordingly, the investigations focused on the scope and methods of this plant action in the vehicle assembly plant and various rework locations in the vehicle logistics process. These investigations could not identify a clear root cause which would explain the occurrence of cases in the field, despite the subject vehicles having been checked and reworked at an earlier point in time. Therefore, it was concluded that the check in the scope of the plant campaign was not performed according to the work instructions.

 

From November 2020, additional analyses were conducted to identify causes for different complaint rates depending on the different locations where the vehicles had been checked and reworked.

 

In March 2021, further analyses of the field situation were conducted in order to identify potential early-defect mechanisms of this issue.

 

On April 16, 2021, MBAG determined that a safety risk cannot be ruled out and decided to conduct a safety recall.

 



6 Affected Products

Vehicles

MAKE MODEL YEAR
MERCEDES-BENZ AMG GLE53 2021
MERCEDES-BENZ GLE350 2020
MERCEDES-BENZ GLE450 2020
MERCEDES-BENZ GLE580 2020
MERCEDES-BENZ GLS450 2020
MERCEDES-BENZ GLS580 2020

 


12 Associated Documents

Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)- Recall Campaign Launch Notification Check Installation of Air Conditioning Drain Hoses MY20-21 167 (GLS-Class, GLE-Class)

RCMN-21V288-0681.pdf 879.211KB

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Recall 573 Report – Amendment 2

RCLRPT-21V288-5027.PDF 216.388KB

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Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-21V288-5461.pdf 720.795KB

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Recall Quarterly Report #1, 2021-2

RCLQRT-21V288-8395.PDF 211.151KB

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ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RCONL-21V288-3874.pdf 195.02KB

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Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)- Recall Campaign Initial Notification Check Installation of Air Conditioning Drain Hoses

RCMN-21V288-1057.pdf 191.908KB

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Recall 573 Report – AMENDMENT 3

RCLRPT-21V288-7732.PDF 216.386KB

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Recall 573 Report – Amendment 1

RCLRPT-21V288-5887.PDF 216.381KB

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Defect Notice 573 Report

RCLRPT-21V288-3873.PDF 216.374KB

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Recall Acknowledgement

RCAK-21V288-1686.pdf 646.021KB

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Chronology

RMISC-21V288-3437.pdf 67.689KB

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Recall Quarterly Report #3, 2021-4

RCLQRT-21V288-6289.PDF 211.342KB

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Latest Recalls Documents

For the Latest and Most Recent Recalls Information Visit the link below…

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/documentList.xhtml?docId=21V288&docType=RCL

 


 

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