Rear Shock Absorbers May Wear Prematurely – 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class & GLS-Class

June 5, 2020 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V329000

Rear Shock Absorbers May Wear Prematurely

Worn-out rear shock absorbers can affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.

 

NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V329

Manufacturer Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

Components SUSPENSION

Potential Number of Units Affected 38

 

Summary

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLE450, GLS450, and GLS580 vehicles. The seal in the rear shock absorber piston chambers may leak and allow the rear shock absorbers to fail prematurely.

 

Remedy

MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front strut assemblies and rear shock absorbers, free of charge. Owners were notified of the safety risk with an interim letter July 24, 2020. A second letter will be sent once the remedy is available. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

 

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 Replace Front Struts and Rear Shock Absorbers MY20 167, X167 (GLE-Class, GLS-Class)	Date: June 12, 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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Campaign No. :	NHTSA ID	Campaign Desc. :	Replace Front Struts and Rear Shock Absorbers
TBD	20V329	20P2197258
This is to notify you of a new Recall Campaign regarding the piston seals on the front struts and rear shock absorbers in 38 Model Year MY20 167 (GLE-Class) and X167 (GLS-Class) 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 June 12, 2020.
Background
Issue		Mercedes-Benz AG (“MBAG”), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain Model Year (“MY”) 2020 GLE-Class (167 platform) and GLS-Class (X167 platform) vehicles, the piston seals on the front struts and rear shock absorbers might not meet current production specifications. A piston seal that does not meet specification could, over time, lead to premature wear of the front strut or rear shock absorber. If the vehicle continues to be driven and the progressive wear were to remain unnoticed, the vehicle’s handling capabilities could be affected.  A vehicle that is carrying the maximum amount of payload and which quickly enters a turn might potentially tip, increasing the risk of a crash.
What We’re Doing		An authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will replace the front struts and the rear shock absorbers on the affected vehicles.
Parts		Parts are 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
Vehicle Model		GLE-Class, GLS-Class
Vehicle Populations
Total Recall Population		38
Total Vehicles in Dealer Inventory		11
Given this notice, it is a violation of Federal law for a dealer to sell or lease any new MY20 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 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.

 

A Mercedes-Benz AG Company

 

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IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL
This INTERIM notice applies to your vehicle, VIN:
Sealing of Shock Absorber
NHTSA Recall # 20V329

July, 2020

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 GLE-Class, GLS-Class vehicles. Our records indicate that your vehicle is included in the affected population of vehicles.

 

What is the Concern?

Mercedes-Benz AG (“MBAG”), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain Model Year (“MY”) 2020 GLE-Class and GLS-Class vehicles, the piston seals on the front struts and rear shock absorbers might not meet current product specifications. A piston seal could leak over time, leading to premature wear of the front strut or rear shock absorber. If this occurs and the vehicle continues to be driven, it could affect the vehicle’s handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.

To remedy this issue, an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will replace the shock absorbers on the affected vehicles.
Unfortunately, the parts to remedy this issue are currently not yet available.

We are working to obtain the necessary parts to correct this condition as quickly as possible. As the 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, 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 http:/ /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.

 

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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 Replace Front Struts and Rear Shock Absorbers MY20 167(GLE-Class, GLS-Class)	Date: October 16, 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

A Mercedes-Benz AG Company

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Campaign No. :	NHTSA ID		Campaign Desc. :	Replace Front Struts and Rear Shock Absorbers
2020090001	20V329		20P3290201
This is to notify you of a Recall Campaign launch regarding Sealing of Shock Absorber on 53 Model Year  MY2020 167 (GLE-Class, GLS-Class) 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 October 16, 2020.
Background
Issue		Mercedes-Benz AG (“MBAG”), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain Model Year (“MY”) 2020 GLE-Class (167 platform) and GLS-Class (X167 platform) vehicles, the piston seals on the front struts and rear shock absorbers might not meet current production specifications. A piston seal that does not meet specification could, over time, lead to premature wear of the front strut or rear shock absorber. If the vehicle continues to be driven and the progressive wear were to remain unnoticed, the vehicle’s handling capabilities could be affected.  A vehicle that is carrying the maximum amount of payload and which quickly enters a turn might potentially tip, increasing the risk of a crash.
What We’re Doing		An authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will replace the shock absorbers on the affected vehicles.
Parts		Parts are available and can be ordered as necessary.
Vehicles Affected
Vehicle Model Year(s)		2020
Vehicle Model		GLE-Class, GLS-Class
Vehicle Populations
Total Recall Population		38
Total Vehicles in Dealer Inventory		11
Given this notice, it is a violation of Federal law for a dealer to sell or lease any new MY20 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 Xentry. 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 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 October 23, 2020 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.

 

A Mercedes-Benz AG Company

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Campaign No. 2020090001, September 2020

 

TO:	ALL MERCEDES-BENZ CENTERS
SUBJECT:	Model GLE-Class and GLS-Class (167 and X167 platform) Model Year 2020 Sealing of Shock Absorbers

 

Mercedes-Benz AG (“MBAG”), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain Model Year (“MY”) 2020 GLE-Class (167 platform) and GLS-Class (X167 platform) vehicles, the piston seals on the front struts and rear shock absorbers might not meet current production specifications. A piston seal that does not meet specification could, over time, lead to premature wear of the front strut or rear shock absorber. If the vehicle continues to be driven and the progressive wear were to remain unnoticed, the vehicle’s handling capabilities could be affected. A vehicle that is carrying the maximum amount of payload and which quickly enters a turn might potentially tip, increasing the risk of a crash. An authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will replace the front struts and the rear shock absorbers 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 38 vehicles are involved.

 

Order No. P-RC-2020090001

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Code 490 corresponds to electrohydraulic suspension.

 

Work procedure 

1. Replace all suspension struts of front axle and rear axle.

For basic data, see AR32.25-P-1017MEH for the front axle.

For basic data, see AR32.25-P-0110MEH for the rear axle.

Filling unit W 000 588 03 82 00 required. (WS32.00-P-0032B)

The pressure of the electrohydraulic suspension must be released in accordance with the AR document AR32.50-P-0042ME.

The hydraulic lines must be depressurized one after the other.

 

Primary Parts Information

Qty.	Part Name	Part Number
2	Complete front axle suspension strut ZB	A 167 320 60 04
1	Complete LH rear axle shock absorbers	A 167 320 61 04
1	Complete RH rear axle shock absorbers	A 167 320 62 04
4	bolt	N 000000 008957
2	bolt	A 000 990 47 03
2	nut	A 005 990 47 50 64
2	nut	N 000000 008267

 

Warranty Information

Operation: Replace all suspension struts of the electrohydraulic suspension (02-1647)*

Perform wheel alignment check (02-9785)

Connect/disconnect diagnostic system (02-4762)

Connect/disconnect starter battery charge (02-5058)

Damage Code	Operation Number	Labor Time (hrs.)
32 902 01 7	02-1647*	6.2
	02-9785	0.9
	02-4762	0.1
	02-5058	0.1

 

*Includes: Perform quick test, remove/install 4 wheel and tire assemblies; Extra work for: Remove/install 4 wheel and tire assemblies with wheels-free jack; Extra work for: Remove/install 2 shock absorbers of front axle in veh. with code 490; Extra work for: Remove/install 2 shock absorbers of rear axle in veh. with code 490

 

Note

Operation Number labor times are subject to change.

 

Special Tools

W 000 588 03 82 00

 

P-RC-2020090001

 

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IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL 2020090001
This notice applies to your vehicle, VIN:
Replace Shock Absorbers
NHTSA Recall #20V329

 

October, 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 2020 GLE-Class and GLS-Class vehicles.  Our records indicate that your vehicle is included in the affected population of vehicles.

What is the CONCERN?	On certain Model Year (“MY”) 2020 GLE-Class and GLS-Class vehicles, the piston seals on the front struts and rear shock absorbers might not meet current production specifications.  A piston seal could leak over time, leading to premature wear of the front strut or rear shock absorber. If this occurs and the vehicle continues to be driven, it could affect the vehicle’s handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
What will your DEALER DO?	An authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will replace the shock absorbers 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 7.5 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 and this 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 replace the shock absorbers on the affected vehicles under Recall Campaign # 2020090001.  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.

 

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 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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3 Affected Products

Vehicles

MAKE	MODEL	YEAR
MERCEDES-BENZ	GLE450	2020
MERCEDES-BENZ	GLS450	2020
MERCEDES-BENZ	GLS580	2020

 

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14 Associated Documents

Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)- Recall Campaign Initial Notification Replace Front Struts and Rear Shock Absorbers

RCMN-20V329-3584.pdf 100.319KB

 

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Recall 573 Report – Amendment 1

RCLRPT-20V329-7548.PDF 216.453KB

 

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Recall Acknowledgement

RCAK-20V329-8526.pdf 578.434KB

 

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Defect Notice 573 Report

RCLRPT-20V329-9399.PDF 216.445KB

 

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ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RCONL-20V329-4678.pdf 213.425KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #1, 2020-4

RCLQRT-20V329-9820.PDF 211.142KB

 

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Recall 573 Report – Amendment 4

RCLRPT-20V329-2754.PDF 216.469KB

 

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Recall 573 Report – Amendment 2

RCLRPT-20V329-9151.PDF 216.462KB

 

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ISSUED Interim Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RIONL-20V329-8435.pdf 455.209KB

 

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Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-20V329-6534.pdf 173.009KB

 

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Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)- Recall Campaign Launch Notification Replace Front Struts and Rear Shock Absorbers MY20 167(GLE-Class, GLS-Class)

RCMN-20V329-6906.pdf 418.55KB

 

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Recall 573 Report – Amendment 3

RCLRPT-20V329-2019.PDF 216.466KB

 

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Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-20V329-8669.pdf 300.249KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #2, 2021-1

RCLQRT-20V329-5578.PDF 211.241KB

 

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Latest Recalls Documents

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/documentList.xhtml?docId=20V329&docType=RCL

 

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