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 | 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 | |||
| What We’re Doing | MBUSA will conduct a voluntary recall. An authorized Mercedes-Benz | |||
| 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 | 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 | ||
| What We’re Doing | MBUSA will conduct a voluntary recall. An authorized Mercedes-Benz | ||
| 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 |
| 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.
SEOCONTENT-START
June, 2021
• A remedy is available for your vehicle.
• Schedule an appointment with your authorized
Mercedes-Benz
dealer as soon as possible.
• This repair will be provided free of charge.
Dear Mercedes-Benz
Owner:
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
Mercedes-Benz
AG (“MBAG”), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz
vehicles, has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in
certain Model Year (“MY”) 2020-2021 GLE-Class and GLS-Class vehicles. Our records indicate that your vehicle is included in the affected population
of vehicles.
What is the CONCERN? In certain MY 2020-2021 GLE-Class and GLS-Class 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 risk of injury or a crash. Vehicle occupants might observe wet carpets in the front footwells,
and fogged windows.
What will your DEALER DO? An authorized Mercedes-Benz
dealer will check the air conditioning drain hoses and correct their installation, if
necessary. This service will be provided free of charge. We are dedicated to always delivering the best customer
experience, and respect for your time is a top priority. While the minimum repair time can be less than an hour,
your dealer can provide you with a better estimate of the overall time for this service visit. As a matter of normal
service process, an authorized Mercedes-Benz
dealer will also check for other repair measures that might be
applicable to your vehicle which may increase the required working time.
What should YOU DO? For additional information and to schedule an appointment, please contact your preferred authorized Mercedes-
Benz dealer at your earliest convenience. To locate authorized dealers see www.MBUSA.com/recall.
Please mention you are scheduling an appointment to check the air conditioning drain hoses under Recall
Campaign # 2021040024. You may be asked for your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) which for
your convenience is located above your name at the top of this letter.
Impacts from COVID-19: Your health and safety remain our top priority. The Mercedes-Benz
dealerships remaining
open for recall repairs and service are closely following the guidelines set forth by the CDC. Free Mobile Repair
at your home or business as well as vehicle pick-up and delivery may be available. Your preferred authorized
Mercedes-Benz
dealer can confirm availability.
Information for Owners In the event that you are no longer the vehicle owner, or have had a change of address, please complete the
reverse side and return the updated information in the enclosed envelope.
If this is a leased vehicle and the lessor and registered owner receive this notice, please forward this information
by first class mail to the lessee within 10 business days to comply with Federal Regulations.
A VIN-based recall lookup tool on our MBUSA.com website offers a search feature that will indicate whether a vehicle has been subject to a safety
recall, and whether that vehicle has had the free remedy performed. See www.mbusa.com/recall. Should you have any questions or encounter any
difficulty regarding this Recall Campaign, please contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
dealer. If for any reason a dealer is unable to remedy your
situation, we are always happy to hear from you. Please contact us at 1-(800) FOR-MERCEDES (1-800-367-6372).
If an authorized Mercedes-Benz
dealer for any reason is unable to remedy the situation without charge, or within a reasonable amount of time, pursuant
to law 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301, you may submit a complaint to the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue, S.E., Washington, D.C. 20590 or call the toll-free Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153); or go to
https://www.safercar.gov.
We apologize for any inconvenience this situation may cause you.
Sincerely,
Mercedes-Benz
USA
To find the most
convenient
authorized
Mercedes-Benz![]()
dealer from your
smartphone, scan
the QR code to
the left.
IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL 2021040024
This notice applies to your vehicle, VIN:
Check Installation of Air Conditioning Drain Hoses
NHTSA Recall #21V288
2021040024
IMPORTANT
If for any reason YOU NO LONGER OWN THIS VEHICLE OR have a CHANGE OF ADDRESS, please COMPLETE THE SECTION BELOW, place in
the ENCLOSED ENVELOPE, and DROP IN ANY MAIL BOX. If possible, provide the name and address of the present owner so that we may
contact them.
EXPORTED
LEASE, VEHICLE RETURNED
SCRAPPED
SOLD
STOLEN
OTHER
NEW OWNER INFORMATION MY NEW NAME OR ADDRESS IS:
Last Name, First Name
Street Apt
City State ZIP
Email Address
Phone (numbers only) Mobile (numbers only)
———————————————– ———————————————————————————-
Date Signature
**** PLEASE DO NOT DETACH. RETURN COMPLETE LETTER ****
DO NOT USE THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE FOR OTHER CORRESPONDENCE
VIN:
SEOCONTENT-END
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
Recall 573 Report – Amendment 2
RCLRPT-21V288-5027.PDF 216.388KB
Remedy Instructions and TSB
RCRIT-21V288-5461.pdf 720.795KB
Recall Quarterly Report #1, 2021-2
RCLQRT-21V288-8395.PDF 211.151KB
ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)
RCONL-21V288-3874.pdf 195.02KB
Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)- Recall Campaign Initial Notification Check Installation of Air Conditioning Drain Hoses
RCMN-21V288-1057.pdf 191.908KB
Recall 573 Report – AMENDMENT 3
RCLRPT-21V288-7732.PDF 216.386KB
Recall 573 Report – Amendment 1
RCLRPT-21V288-5887.PDF 216.381KB
Defect Notice 573 Report
RCLRPT-21V288-3873.PDF 216.374KB
Recall Acknowledgement
RCAK-21V288-1686.pdf 646.021KB
Chronology
RMISC-21V288-3437.pdf 67.689KB
Recall Quarterly Report #3, 2021-4
RCLQRT-21V288-6289.PDF 211.342KB
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