A multitude of Mercedes-Benz GLE and ML models have been recalled in the United States because water could accumulate in the spare wheel well.
The car manufacturer says that if water is to accumulate in the spare wheel well, it could intermittently contact the fuel pump control unit. If this is to occur, the fuel supply to the engine could be interrupted, leading to a loss of propulsion without warning and increasing the risk of a crash.
The issue could be triggered due to a development deviation and changes in production tolerances. The act of customers loading and unloading items from the rear hatch could also play a role in causing the problem. Owners of vehicles with the issue may notice a damp carpet in the rear or may hear water sloshing in the spare tire wheel well.
Read: Mercedes-Benz Recalls 161,000 GLE And GLS Models For A Rear Window Fix
No less than 323,963 vehicles are involved in the recall. They consist of 2016 GLE 300, 2016 GLE 350, 2016-2018 GLE 350, 2016-2019 GLE 400, 2017-2019 AMG GLE 43, 2016 GLE 450, 2016-2018 GLE 550, 2016-2020 AMG GLE 63, 2015 ML 250, 2012-2014 ML 350, 2015 ML 350, 2015 ML 400, 2012-2014 ML 550, and 2012-2015 ML 63 models.
Authorized Mercedes-Benz dealerships have been instructed to install a water drain plug in the spare wheel well on the affected vehicles and will also check for water infiltration into the spare wheel well and if necessary, replace the fuel pump control unit.
Dealers were notified of the recall on January 3 while owners will be alerted to it before February 23.
