Improperly Welded Drivetrain Gear – 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB

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OMB Control No.: 2127-0004
Part 573 Safety Recall Report 24V-331
The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573
Manufacturer Name : Submission Date :
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC MAY 10, 2024 NHTSA Recall No. : 24V-331 Manufacturer Recall No. : 2024MMNNNN Manufacturer Information :
Manufacturer Name : Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC Address : 13470 International Parkway
Jacksonville FL 32218
Company phone : 1-877-496-3691
Population :
Number of potentially involved : 283 Estimated percentage with defect : 100 %
Vehicle Information :
Vehicle 1 : 2022-2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB 300 Vehicle Type : LIGHT VEHICLES Body Style : SUV Power Train : NR
Descriptive Information : Mercedes-Benz 2022 EQB 300 183 Vehicles. The recall population was determined through production records.
For vehicles outside of the recall population, the welded spur gear within the front axle electric drivetrain meet current production specifications. Production Dates : FEB 18, 2022 – JAN 23, 2023
VIN Range 1 : Begin : NR End : NR Not sequential Vehicle 2 : 2022-2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB 350 Vehicle Type : LIGHT VEHICLES Body Style : SUV Power Train : NR
Descriptive Information : Mercedes-Benz 2022 EQB 350 100 Vehicles. The recall population was determined through production records.
For vehicles outside of the recall population, the welded spur gear within the front axle electric drivetrain meet current production specifications.
Production Dates : FEB 18, 2022 – JAN 23, 2023
VIN Range 1 : Begin : NR End : NR Not sequential Part 573 Safety Recall Report 24V-331 Page 2 Description of Noncompliance : Description of the Noncompliance : Mercedes-Benz AG (“MBAG”), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain Model Year (“MY”) 2022 EQB (243 platform) 4MATIC vehicles, the welded spur gear within the front axle electric drivetrain might not meet current production specifications. FMVSS 1 : 114 – Theft protection FMVSS 2 : NR
Description of the Safety Risk : In this case, the weld might fail, which would allow the differential spur gear to rotate freely from the differential assembly within the front axle electric drivetrain. As a result, the park pawl located in the front drivetrain might not function as specified. If the parking brake is engaged, the vehicle will remain stationary even if the park pawl malfunctions. The parking brake is automatically activated by switching off the vehicle or opening the driver-side door. In the event of a weld failure, when the parking brake or service brake are not engaged, the vehicle might not be secured against rollaway even if the gear selector is in the “Park” position, thus increasing the risk of a crash.
Description of the Cause : Due to a production deviation at a supplier, the cast material of the spur gear within the electric drivetrain might not meet the specified material requirements. Identification of Any Warning
that can Occur : Before the issue occurs, the driver will not receive a warning due to the nature of the failure mechanism.
When the issue occurs, the driver might notice loud and clearly perceptible rattling noises during driving or while changing gears. Involved Components : Component Name 1 : Front Axle Electric Drive Train Component Description : Front Axle Electric Drive Train Component Part Number : A2433400302 Supplier Identification : Component Manufacturer Name : ZF Group Electrified Powertrain Technolo The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 Part 573 Safety Recall Report 24V-331 Page 3 Address : Röntgenstraße 6
Schweinfurt Foreign States 97424 Country : Germany Chronology :
In June 2022, MBAG launched investigations based on individual field reports from outside the US describing instances of noises or vibrations related to the electric drivetrain. In the course of the analysis, it was determined that in the subject cases the weld on the spur gear within the electric drivetrain was broken due to excessive material hardness.
In parallel, potential consequences were evaluated. Those analyses determined loss of vehicle propulsion can be ruled out, as propulsion would still be maintained by the separate rear axle electric drivetrain, which is not affected by loss of front drivetrain function. This evaluation did not identify a safety concern or FMVSS non- compliance.
In November 2023, MBAG’s ongoing evaluation and field monitoring identified the possibility that in certain vehicles, a park pawl malfunction could be associated with a potential weld failure. Therefore, MBAG conducted further investigation and analysis to determine whether such a park pawl malfunction might occur, potential safety consequences, and which vehicles might be affected.
On May 3, 2024, MBAG determined that the potential parking pawl malfunction constitutes a non-compliance with FMVSS 114, requiring a recall. MBAG is currently aware of 5 warranty claims/field reports/service reports received on September 9, 2022, September 13, 2022, October 10, 2022, October 20, 2022, and November 10, 2022. MBAG is not aware of any reports of property damage, fatalities, crashes, or injury related to this FMVSS non-compliance. Description of Remedy :
Description of Remedy Program : An authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership will replace the front axle
electric drivetrain on the affected vehicles. Pursuant to 49 C.F.R. § 577.11(e), MBUSA does not plan to provide notice about pre-notice reimbursement to owners since none of the involved vehicles would have been previously subject to the condition described and all remain covered under the new vehicle warranty. How Remedy Component Differs from Recalled Component : Identify How/When Recall Condition was Corrected in Production : The welded spur gear within the front axle electric drivetrain are according to current production specifications.
Front Axle Electric Drive Train: A2433408902
A change in the production procedure of our supplier ensures that this issue can no longer occur from January 24, 2023 onwards. The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 Part 573 Safety Recall Report 24V-331
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The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573
Recall Schedule :
Description of Recall Schedule : Dealers will be notified of the pending voluntary recall campaign on May
17, 2024. Owners will be notified of the voluntary recall campaign before July 9, 2024. A copy of all communications will be provided when available.
Planned Dealer Notification Date : MAY 17, 2024 – NR Planned Owner Notification Date : JUL 09, 2024 – NR
* NR – Not Reported

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