Mercedes-Benz has recently commenced production of its 2025 E-Class, but a safety concern has already emerged, prompting a recall of a limited number of vehicles in the United States. This isn't a minor software glitch that can be fixed remotely; these cars require physical repairs at a dealership, and Mercedes is urging owners to cease driving them immediately.
The issue lies with the welds connecting the camber strut brackets to the rear axle carrier. These welds may not adhere to the manufacturer's strict standards, potentially compromising vehicle safety. The concern is that these weakened welds may not withstand the stresses encountered during driving, potentially leading to the detachment of the camber strut brackets from the rear axle. This critical failure could severely impair vehicle control, significantly increasing the risk of a collision. This manufacturing defect has been attributed to a deviation from the established production process.
The recall encompasses 17 vehicles in the US, specifically 2025 Mercedes-Benz E350, E350 4Matic, E450 4Matic, and E450 4Matic Station Wagon models produced between August 12, 2024, and September 6, 2024.
Mercedes-Benz initiated an investigation into a potential welding issue on December 9th after discovering an improper weld at one of its assembly plants. Importantly, there have been no reported warranty claims, field service reports, or incidents related to this specific welding defect.
To proactively address this safety issue before any accidents occur, Mercedes-Benz USA has issued a critical stop-drive warning to all affected vehicle owners. The MBUSA Customer Care Center will facilitate the free towing of recalled vehicles to authorized dealerships. To minimize inconvenience, Mercedes-Benz will also provide owners with loaner vehicles or alternative transportation options during the repair process.
Dealerships have been instructed to replace the rear axle carriers on the recalled vehicles. However, the precise timeline for commencing these repairs remains uncertain at this time.
This recall highlights the importance of rigorous quality control measures in automotive manufacturing. While the number of affected vehicles is relatively small, the potential safety implications of this welding defect warranted immediate action, including the issuance of a stop-drive warning. Mercedes-Benz's prompt response to this issue demonstrates their commitment to customer safety and their proactive approach to addressing potential manufacturing defects.