More than 61,000 Mercedes-Benz GLE and GLS models are being recalled in the United States due to the risk of corrosion and/or potential short circuits to select electrical components.
A recall notice reveals that the air conditioning drain hoses of 2020-2021 GLE and GLS vehicles might be incorrectly installed in the vehicle. If this is the case then condensation water from the air conditioning might enter the passenger compartment. If enough water is to enter the driver and passenger side footwells then it could result in corrosion and short circuits of localized electrical components, increasing the risk of a fire.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) notes that other vehicle features could be affected, such as the automatic emergency call (eCall) system. Additionally, vehicles may be impossible to unlock and/or start and the engine limp-home mode could activate while driving, increasing the risk of injury or a crash.
Read: Mercedes Must Recall 26,000 G-Classes Over Braking Concerns
Mercedes-Benz says the issue has been triggered by a deviation in the assembly process where the air conditioning hoses might not have been installed according to current production specifications. Owners of GLE and GLS models with the issue may notice wet carpets in the front footwells and fogged windows.
The recall involves a total of 61,450 vehicles, all of which were manufactured between November 1, 2018 and November 30, 2020. They consist of the GLE 350, GLE 450, GLE 53, GLE 580, AMG GLE 63, GLS 450, GLS 580, Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600, and the AMG GLS 63.
Owners of impacted models will be alerted to the recall on or before May 16, 2023 and instructed to bring their vehicle to an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership. There, the air conditioning drain hoses will be inspected and fixed if necessary.
