20P2197230 – Switch Illumination – 2020-2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class

February 14, 2020 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V089000

Interior Switches May Not Illuminate/FMVSS 101

If the interior switches are not illuminated, they may be more difficult to find and operate, increasing the risk of a crash.

 

NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V089

Manufacturer Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

Components ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Potential Number of Units Affected 2,101

 

Summary

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 CLA250, CLA250 4MATIC and CLA35 AMG 4MATIC, 2020-2021 GLE350, GLE350 4MATIC, GLE450 4MATIC, GLS450 4MATIC and GLS580 4MATIC and 2021 GLE53 AMG Coupe, GLE63S AMG 4MATIC, GLS63 AMG 4MATIC and Maybach GLS600 4MATIC vehicles. The instrument cluster software may deactivate the illumination of certain interior switches (switch bar, overhead control unit, steering wheel) if the hazard lights are turned on and the ignition switch is in the ‘off’ position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, “Control and Displays.”

 

Remedy

MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA’s number for this recall is 2020030019.

 

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

 

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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 Switch Illumination MY20-21 118, 167, X167 (CLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class)	Date: February 21, 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.

 

 

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Campaign No. :	NHTSA ID	Campaign Desc. :	Switch Illumination
TBD	20V089	20P2197230
This is to notify you of a new Recall Safety Campaign regarding the instrument cluster software in 2101 Model Year (“MY”) 2020- 2021  CLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class (118, 167, X167 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 February 21, 2020.
Background
Issue		Mercedes-Benz AG, (“MBAG”), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that in certain Model Year (“MY”) 2020-2021 CLA-Class (118 platform), GLE-Class (167 platform) and GLS-Class (X167 platform) vehicles, the instrument cluster software might not meet current production specifications. If the driver were to activate the hazard lights while the ignition is switched off, the hazard light switch would continue to flash as intended, but the illumination of the additional switches in the vehicle (e.g. switch bar, overhead control unit, steering wheel, etc.) might be deactivated. If the driver were to switch off the hazard lights during this ignition-off, the switch illumination would be activated again throughout the vehicle as soon as the ignition is switched on. However, if the driver were to start the engine while the hazard lights are still switched on, the illumination of the vehicle interior switches would stay deactivated until the hazard lights are switched off and a new ignition cycle initiated. If the interior light switches are not illuminated, they may be more difficult to find and operate, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, the switch illumination might not comply with all the requirements of FMVSS 101 5.3.1.  The functions of the hazard lights and the overhead control unit as well as all switches would not be affected. All interior cabin lighting remains fully functional.
What We’re Doing		An authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will update the instrument cluster software on the affected vehicles.
Parts		Parts are not required for repair. However, the current 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		CLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class
Vehicle Populations
Total Recall Population		2101
Total Vehicles in Dealer Inventory		1109
Given this notice, it is a violation of Federal law for a dealer to sell or lease any new MY20-21 CLA-Class, 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 CLA-Class, 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.

 

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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 Interior Switch Illumination MY20-21 118, 167, X167 (CLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class)	DATE: March 26, 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

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Recall Campaign Launch Notification			March 26, 2020
Campaign No. :	NHTSA ID	Campaign Desc. :	Interior Switch Illumination
2020030019	20V089	20P5493102
This is to notify you of a Recall Campaign Launch regarding the instrument cluster software in 2,101 Model Year (“MY”) 2020-2021 CLA-Class, GLE-Class, and GLS-Class (118, 167, X167 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 March 26, 2020.
Background
Issue		Mercedes-Benz AG, (“MBAG”), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that in certain Model Year (“MY”) 2020-2021 CLA-Class (118 platform), GLE-Class (167 platform) and GLS-Class (X167 platform) vehicles, the instrument cluster software might not meet current production specifications. If the driver were to activate the hazard lights while the ignition is switched off, the hazard light switch would continue to flash as intended, but the illumination of the additional switches in the vehicle (e.g. switch bar, overhead control unit, steering wheel, etc.) might be deactivated. If the driver were to switch off the hazard lights during this ignition-off, the switch illumination would be activated again throughout the vehicle as soon as the ignition is switched on. However, if the driver were to start the engine while the hazard lights are still switched on, the illumination of the vehicle interior switches would stay deactivated until the hazard lights are switched off and a new ignition cycle initiated. If the interior light switches are not illuminated, they may be more difficult to find and operate, increasing the risk of a crash. The functions of the hazard lights and the overhead control unit as well as all switches would not be affected. All interior cabin lighting remains fully functional.
What We’re Doing		MBUSA will conduct a voluntary recall. An authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will update the instrument cluster software on the affected vehicles.
Parts		The remedy is available and can be performed.
Vehicles Affected
Vehicle Model Year(s)		2020-2021
Vehicle Model		CLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class
Vehicle Populations
Total Recall Population		2,101
Total Vehicles in Dealer Inventory		865
Given this notice, it is a violation of Federal law for a dealer to sell or lease any new MY20-21 CLA-Class, GLE-Class, and 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.  Additionally, given this notice, it is a violation of Federal Law for car rental companies to rent MY20-21 CLA-Class, GLE-Class, and GLS-Class vehicles covered by this notification until the vehicle has been repaired.
Next Steps/Notes
Customer Notification Timeline		Customer letters will be mailed 3/31/2020.
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.

 

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Campaign No. 2020030019, March 2020

TO:	ALL MERCEDES-BENZ CENTERS
SUBJECT:	Model CLA-Class, GLE-Class, and GLS-Class (118, 167, and X167 platform) Model Year 2020-2021 Interior Switch Illumination

 

Mercedes-Benz AG, (“MBAG”), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that in certain Model Year (“MY”) 2020-2021 CLA-Class (118 platform), GLE-Class (167 platform) and GLSClass (X167 platform) vehicles, the instrument cluster software might not meet current production specifications. If the driver were to activate the hazard lights while the ignition is switched off, the hazard light switch would continue to flash as intended, but the illumination of the additional switches in the vehicle (e.g. switch bar, overhead control unit, steering wheel, etc.) might be deactivated. If the driver were to switch off the hazard lights during this ignition-off, the switch illumination would be activated again throughout the vehicle as soon as the ignition is switched on. However, if the driver were to start the engine while the hazard lights are still switched on, the illumination of the vehicle interior switches would stay deactivated until the hazard lights are switched off and a new ignition cycle initiated. If the interior light switches are not illuminated, they may be more difficult to find and operate, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, the switch illumination might not comply with all the requirements of FMVSS 101 5.3.1.  The functions of the hazard lights and the overhead control unit as well as all switches would not be affected. All interior cabin lighting remains fully functional. An authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will update the instrument cluster software on the affected vehicles.

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 2,101 vehicles are involved.

Order No. P-RC-2020030019

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 Note:

• Use Xentry 01/20 with all associated patches or higher.
• Follow the steps exactly as described in Xentry.
• Connect battery charger (battery voltage >12.5V).
• Ensure all electrical consumers are switched-off.
• In the event of software/SCN update issues, contact Star Diagnosis User Help Desk via. XSF ticket.
• Refer to Star Diagnosis System (SDS) Best Practices Guide.

 

Work procedure 

1. Connect XENTRY Diagnosis.
2. Update N133/1 instrument cluster control unit software.

• To do this, select menu item “Quick test view N133/1 Instrument cluster (IC) Adaptations  Control unit update  Update of control unit software”.
• Then follow the user guidance in XENTRY Diagnosis. 

3. Disconnect XENTRY Diagnosis.

 

Warranty Information

Operation: Connect/disconnect battery charger (02-5058)

Star Diagnosis System (SDS), Connect/disconnect (02-4762)

Update instrument cluster control unit software (02-9334)

Damage Code	Operation Number	Labor Time (hrs.)
54 931 02 8	02-5058*	0.1
	02-4762*	0.1
	02-9334	0.1

 

*Operation item may be invoiced only once for each work order.

 

Note

Operation Number labor times are subject to change

 

P-RC-2020030019

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IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL 2020030019
This notice applies to your vehicle, VIN:
Interior Switch Illumination
NHTSA Recall #20V089

March, 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 certain Model Year (“MY”) 2020-2021 CLA-Class (118 platform), GLE-Class (167 platform) and GLS-Class (X167 platform) vehicles fail to conform with the airbag warning label requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101 “Controls and Displays.” Our records indicate that your vehicle is included in the affected population of vehicles.

 

What is the CONCERN?	MBAG has determined that the instrument cluster software might not meet current production specifications. If the driver were to activate the hazard lights while the ignition is switched off, the hazard light switch would continue to flash as intended, but the illumination of the additional switches in the vehicle (e.g. switch bar, overhead control unit, steering wheel, etc.) might be deactivated.  If the interior light switches are not illuminated, they may be more difficult to find and operate, increasing the risk of a crash. The functions of the hazard lights and the overhead control unit as well as all switches would not be affected.  All interior cabin lighting remains fully functional.
What will your DEALER DO?	An authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will update the instrument cluster software 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 one 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 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 Mercedes-Benz dealer at your earliest convenience.  To locate authorized dealers see  www.MBUSA.com/recall.  Please mention you are scheduling an appointment to update the instrument cluster software under Recall Campaign # 2020030019. 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. 

 

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14 Affected Products

Vehicles

MAKE	MODEL	YEAR
MERCEDES-BENZ	AMG CLA35	2020
MERCEDES-BENZ	AMG GLE53	2021
MERCEDES-BENZ	AMG GLE63S	2021
MERCEDES-BENZ	AMG GLS63	2021
MERCEDES-BENZ	CLA250	2020
MERCEDES-BENZ	GLE350	2020-2021
MERCEDES-BENZ	GLE450	2020-2021
MERCEDES-BENZ	GLS450	2020-2021
MERCEDES-BENZ	GLS580	2020-2021
MERCEDES-BENZ	MAYBACH GLS600	2021

 

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12 Associated Documents

Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc) – Recall Campaign Initial Notification Switch Illumination

RCMN-20V089-7146.pdf 253.191KB

 

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Non-Compliance Notice 573 Report

RCLRPT-20V089-2777.PDF 220.304KB

 

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Recall Acknowledgement

RCAK-20V089-5515.pdf 307.422KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #1, 2020-1

RCLQRT-20V089-7433.PDF 211.15KB

 

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Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)- RE: Recall Campaign Launch Notification Interior Switch Illumination

RCMN-20V089-6822.pdf 610.125KB

 

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Recall 573 Report – Amendment 2

RCLRPT-20V089-1940.PDF 221.384KB

 

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ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RCONL-20V089-7504.pdf 218.79KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #2, 2020-2

RCLQRT-20V089-6099.PDF 211.254KB

 

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Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-20V089-0164.pdf 157.286KB

 

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Recall 573 Report – Amendment 1

RCLRPT-20V089-3404.PDF 221.391KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #3, 2020-3

RCLQRT-20V089-1319.PDF 211.337KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #4, 2020-4

RCLQRT-20V089-2478.PDF 211.453KB

 

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Latest Recalls Documents

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/documentList.xhtml?docId=20V089&docType=RCL

 

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Mercedes-Benz Reprogramming

J2534 Pass-Thru

All information in regard to Mercedes-Benz J2534 compliant software is available free of charge and found under the MB Workshop Resources tab on the home page of www.startekinfo.com

J2534 complaint software for Mercedes-Benz vehicles is available for purchase from Mercedes-Benz USA.

In order to use the J2534 complaint software for Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the purchaser must furnish their own:

• Windows based PC or laptop^*

• J2534 compliant interface box^*1*

^*Must be purchased from a third party company and are not available from Mercedes-Benz USA LLC.

^*1* suggested listing of J2534 interface boxes is located within the J2534 Pass-Thru User’s Manual which is posted for view without cost under the MB Workshop Resources tab on the home page of www.startekinfo.com

 

Vehicle Coverage

J2534 complaint software for Mercedes-Benz vehicles has coverage for all required functions associated to reprogramming, initialization, and fault clearing of emission control modules (engine and transmission) fitted to vehicles 2004 Model Year and newer. Additionally all access and functionality required in regard the configuration via SCN Coding and/or CVN Coding is covered.

J2534 complaint software for Mercedes-Benz vehicles is delivered via DVD media which is delivered monthly for the license term of one year upon purchase.

• All control unit software (reprogramming calibrations) is contained within J2534 DVD media.

 

Terms and conditions

J2534 complaint software for Mercedes-Benz vehicles is purchased in 1-year license increments. During that license term the user will receive an initial software package, license key, SCN/CVN Coding information/access as well as monthly updates via DVD media.

• Additional updates of software after the 1st year can be purchased at additional cost, however are not required for the system to continue functioning.

For pricing and additional information via the internet, please refer to the information at the beginning of this section.

 

	CarDAQ-Plus - PassThru J2534 Vehicle Reflash Hardware
	CarDAQ-M Modular PassThru J2534 Vehicle Reflash Hardware
	CarDAQ-Plus 3
	Bosch Automotive Tools MTECH2 Mastertech II J2534
	Autel (AULMF2534) MaxiFlash Pro
	Drew Technologies (DRWCDPLUSKIT) CarDAQ-Plus J2534 Flash Reprogramming Kit
	RAP2 OEM J2534 Remote Reprogramming Tool
	Autel MaxiFlash Elite VCI J2534 Pass-Thru ECU Programming Tool
	BOSCH Automotive Tools MTECH2 Mastertech II J2534 VCI
	Autel MaxiFlash VCI Vehicle Communication Interface J2534 PassThru ECU Programming Device Bluetooth Connection Internet Update Support CAN FD, 4 CAN Channels, DoIP, D-PDU Works with PC or Autel MS909
	GODIAG J2534

 

www.startekinfo.com

 

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

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