Mercedes-Benz has announced the recall of 33,456 older luxury vehicles due to potential issues with their glass sunroof panels that may not be securely attached.
This recall affects several models manufactured during model years 2001 to 2011, including CLK-Class coupes, E-Class sedans and wagons, CLS-Class sedans, as well as various sedan, coupe, and wagon variants of the compact Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
According to the NHTSA, a supplier may have applied adhesive improperly, either by using an incorrect quantity or failing to let a necessary bonding agent ventilate adequately. This could result in the adhesive bond deteriorating over time, increasing the risk of glass panels detaching from vehicles, which poses a road safety concern.
If the bond weakens, drivers may observe a panel that is partially detached, alongside heightened wind noise near the sunroof while driving, as indicated by the NHTSA. Mercedes reported to the agency that it has no knowledge of any crashes, injuries, fatalities, or property damage in the U.S. stemming from this issue.
2005 Mercedes-Benz C320 Sport
The solution involves inspecting and, when necessary, replacing the affected sunroof panels, a service that dealers will provide at no cost to owners. Mercedes plans to send out owner notification letters on January 18, 2025. Owners can also reach out to the automaker’s customer service department at 1-800-367-6372, with the reference number for this recall being 22V-954.
The latest iterations of the E-Class and C-Class continue to be in production but have significantly evolved compared to the older models recalled. The CLS-Class, which pioneered the “four-door coupe” segment, was discontinued after the 2023 model year due to its lack of sustained popularity. The role of the CLK has now effectively been taken over by the CLE, which in AMG CLE 53 form, is a contender for Motor Authority’s Best Car To Buy 2025 award.
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