Timing Chain Idler Gear – 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

November 15, 2019 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V821000

Idler Gear May Detach Causing Engine Stall

A detached idler gear can damage the engine, resulting in a stall and increasing the risk of a crash.

 

NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V821

Manufacturer Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

Components ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Potential Number of Units Affected 6

 

Summary

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 S560, S560 Cabriolet, and S560 4MATIC vehicles equipped with 8-cylinder gasoline engines. The threaded connection between the camshaft idler gear and the crankcase may be improperly tightened, possibly causing the idler gear to detach from the crankcase.

 

Remedy

MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine, free of charge. The recall began February 21, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA’s number for this recall is 2020020013.

 

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 Launch Notification Timing Chain Idler Gear MY18-19 217 222 (S-Class)	DATE: February 14, 2020

 

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-FOR-MERCEDES.

 

Sincerely,

Gregory Gunther

Department Manager, Vehicle Compliance & Analysis

---

Recall Campaign Launch Notification				February 14, 2020
Campaign No. :	NHTSA ID	Campaign Desc. :		Timing Chain Idler Gear
2020020013	19V821	19P0591014
This is to notify you of a Recall Campaign Launch regarding the threaded connection of the timing chain idler gear in 6 Model Year (“MY”) 18-19 S-Class (222 platform) and S-Class Cabrio (217 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 February 14, 2020.
Background
Issue		Mercedes-Benz AG (“MBAG”) the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain Model Year (“MY”) 2018-2019 S-Class (222 platform) and S-Class Cabrio (217 platform) vehicles equipped with an 8-cylinder gasoline engine (M176), the threaded connection of the timing chain idler gear to the crankcase might not meet current production specifications.  A threaded connection that does not meet current production specifications could result in the idler gear detaching from the crankcase. This could lead to contact between the engine valves and pistons, damaging the engine and leading to a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
What We’re Doing		MBUSA will conduct a voluntary recall. An authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will replace the engine on the affected vehicles.
Parts		The remedy is available and can be performed.
Vehicles Affected
Vehicle Model Year(s)		2018-2019
Vehicle Model		S-Class
Vehicle Populations
Total Recall Population		6
Total Vehicles in Dealer Inventory		0
Given this notice, it is a violation of Federal law for a dealer to sell or lease any new MY18-19 S-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 MY18-19 S-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.

 

---

Campaign No. 2020020013, February 2020

 

TO:	ALL MERCEDES-BENZ CENTERS
SUBJECT:	Model S-Class (222 platform) and S-Class Cabrio (217 platform) Model Year 2018-2019 Threaded Connection Chain Wheel

 

Mercedes-Benz AG (“MBAG”) the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain Model Year (“MY”) 2018-2019 S-Class (222 platform) and S-Class Cabrio (217 platform)  vehicles equipped with an 8-cylinder gasoline engine (M176), the threaded connection of the timing chain idler gear to the crankcase might not meet current production specifications. A threaded connection that does not meet current production specifications could result in the idler gear detaching from the crankcase. This could lead to contact between the engine valves and pistons, damaging the engine and leading to a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash. An authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will replace the engine on the affected vehicles.

 

Prior to performing this Recall Campaign:

• Please check VMI to determine if the vehicle is involved in the Campaign and if it has been previously repaired. Always Check VMI for any open campaigns, and perform accordingly.
• 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 vehicles are involved.

 

 

Order No. P-RC-2020020013

This bulletin has been created and maintained in accordance with MBUSA-SLP S423QH001, Document and Data Control, and MBUSA-SLP S424HH001, Control of Quality Records.

 

---

 

Procedure

 

1. Remove engine with front axle carrier
   • For basic data of model 217 and 222, see10-P-2500MNL

 

2. Remove engine from front axle carrier
   • For basic data of model 217 and 222, see10-P-2510MNL

 

3. Replace engine.
   • Determine engine item number from data card in XENTRY Portal.

 

4. Assemble in reverse order.

 

Primary Parts Information

Qty.	Part Name	Part Number
1	Engine	*

 

* Determine engine item number from data card in XENTRY Portal.

Small parts such as screws/bolts, lock nuts, sealing rings, cable ties, fluids, sealant etc. are not listed in the parts list. The required small parts are taken into account in the budgeting.

 

Warranty Information

Operation: Replace engine (02-1398)

Damage Code	Operation Number	Labor Time (hrs.)
05 910 14 7	02-1398	ZM

 

Note

Operation Number labor times are subject to change.

 

P-RC-2020020013

 

---

IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL 2020020013
This notice applies to your vehicle, VIN:
Timing Chain Idler Gear
NHTSA Recall #19V821

February, 2020

 

• 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”) 2018-2019 S-Class vehicles.  Our records indicate that your vehicle is included in the affected population of vehicles.

What is the CONCERN?	MBAG has determined that on certain MY 18-19 Sequipped with an 8-cylinder gasoline engine (M176), the threaded connection of the idler gear timing chain to the -Class (222 platform) and S-Class Cabrio (217 platform) vehicles crankcase might not be tightened properly.  An improperly tightened threaded connection could result in the idler gear detaching from the crankcase.  This detachment could lead to contact between the engine valves and the pistons, which could damage the engine and lead to a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
What will your DEALER DO?	An authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will replace the engine on the affected vehicles.  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 15 hours, 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 which 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 MercedesBenz dealer at your earliest convenience.  To locate authorized dealers see www.MBUSA.com/recall. Please mention you are scheduling an appointment to have the engine replaced under Recall Campaign  # 2020020013. 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.
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.

 

To find the most convenient authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer from your smartphone, scan the QR code to the left.

 

A VIN-based recall lookup tool on our MBUSA.com website now 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, LLC
A Mercedes-Benz AG Company
One Mercedes-Benz Drive
Sandy Springs, GA  30328
Phone (770) 705-0600

 

IMPORTANT VIN:

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. 

 

---

IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL
This INTERIM notice applies to your vehicle, VIN:
Timing Chain Idler Gear
NHTSA Recall #19V821  

 

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”) 2018-2019 S-Class vehicles.  Our records indicate that your vehicle is included in the affected population of vehicles.

 

What is the Concern?

MBAG has determined that on certain MY 18-19 S-Class (222 platform) and S-Class Cabrio (217 platform) vehicles equipped with an 8-cylinder gasoline engine (M176), the threaded connection of the idler gear timing chain to the crankcase might not meet current production specifications.  A threaded connection that does not meet current production specifications could result in the idler gear detaching from the crankcase.  This detachment could lead to contact between the engine valves and the pistons, damaging the engine and leading to a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

To remedy this issue, as a precautionary measure, an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will replace the engine on the affected vehicles.  Unfortunately, the parts to remedy this are currently not yet available.

We are working to obtain the necessary parts to correct this condition as quickly as possible.  As parts become available, we will send you another letter asking you to take your vehicle to an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer to have the recall completed free of charge.

Should you have any concerns or questions regarding your vehicle before you receive the next recall letter when parts are available, 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 1-800-367-6372.  A new vehicle identification number (VIN)-based recall lookup tool, on our MBUSA.com website, now offers a search function that will indicate whether a vehicle has been subject to a safety recall, and whether that vehicle has had the free remedy performed. Please visit www.MBUSA.com/recall.

If you are no longer the vehicle owner, or have a change of address, please complete the reverse side of this letter and return the complete letter 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 days to comply with federal regulations.

If a 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 regret any inconvenience this situation may cause you.

Sincerely,

 

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

A Mercedes-Benz AG Company
One Mercedes-Benz Drive
Sandy Springs, GA  30328
Phone (770) 705-0600

 

IMPORTANT VIN:

               

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.

 

---

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 Timing Chain Idler Gear MY18-19 217 222 (S-Class)	DATE: November 22, 2019

 

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. :	Timing Chain Idler Gear
TBA	19V821	PEND IDLR GEAR
This is to notify you of a new Recall Campaign regarding the threaded connection of the timing chain idler gear in 6 Model Year (“MY”) 18-19 S-Class (222 platform) and S-Class Cabrio (217 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 November 22, 2019.
Background
Issue		Mercedes-Benz AG (“MBAG”) the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain Model Year (“MY”) 2018-2019 S-Class (222 platform) and S-Class Cabrio (217 platform)  vehicles equipped with an 8-cylinder gasoline engine (M176), the threaded connection of the timing chain idler gear to the crankcase might not meet current production specifications.  A threaded connection that does not meet current production specifications could result in the idler gear detaching from the crankcase. This could lead to contact between the engine valves and pistons, damaging the engine and leading to a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
What We’re Doing		MBUSA will conduct a voluntary recall. An authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will replace the engine on the affected vehicles.
Parts		A remedy is not yet available. An additional notification will be sent once a remedy is available.
Vehicles Affected
Vehicle Model Year(s)		2018-2019
Vehicle Model		S-Class
Vehicle Populations
Total Recall Population		6
Total Vehicles in Dealer Inventory		0
Given this notice, it is a violation of Federal law for a dealer to sell or lease any new MY18-19 S-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.  Additionally, given this notice, it is a violation of Federal Law for car rental companies to rent MY18-19 S-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.

 

---

2 Affected Products

Vehicle

MAKE	MODEL	YEAR
MERCEDES BENZ	S560	2018-2019

 

---

12 Associated Document

ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RCONL-19V821-9103.pdf 174.085KB

 

---

Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)- Recall Campaign Initial Notification eCall Hardware not Working

RCMN-19V821-8930.pdf 345.133KB

 

---

Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-19V821-1325.pdf 159.751KB

 

---

Recall Quarterly Report #1, 2020-1

RCLQRT-19V821-3861.PDF 211.141KB

 

---

Recall 573 Report – Amendment 2

RCLRPT-19V821-4256.PDF 216.328KB

 

---

Recall Quarterly Report #2, 2020-2

RCLQRT-19V821-3998.PDF 211.239KB

 

---

Recall 573 Report – Amendment 1

RCLRPT-19V821-2110.PDF 216.376KB

 

---

ISSUED Interim Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RIONL-19V821-8682.pdf 155.173KB

 

---

Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)- Recall Campaign Initial Notification Timing Chain Idler Gear MY18-19 217 222 (S-Class)

RCMN-19V821-7275.pdf 168.675KB

 

---

Recall Acknowledgement

RCAK-19V821-8892.pdf 244.794KB

 

---

Defect Notice 573 Report

RCLRPT-19V821-8092.PDF 216.337KB

 

---

Recall Quarterly Report #3, 2020-3

RCLQRT-19V821-9399.PDF 211.318KB

 

---

Latest Recalls Documents

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/documentList.xhtml?docId=19V821&docType=RCL

 

---

 

Last update on 2025-04-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

---

 

This product presentation was made with AAWP plugin.