Mercedes-Benz has initiated a recall following an internal investigation that spanned several years, prompted by an IIHS test. The recall affects 15,502 GLC models produced between 2019 and 2022, targeting misaligned headlights. Despite the scope of the recall, Mercedes has stated that only a single warranty claim related to the issue has been reported.
As a part of their testing, the IIHS checks on headlight performance. If a model is available with more than one kind of headlight it’ll check all applicable variations. In 2021, it provided a rating for the GLC that Mercedes took issue with. In fact, the rating caused the automaker to believe that the headlights in question weren’t aligned properly.
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As such, it launched an investigation and found that while they were misaligned according to its own standards, they were still technically within the FMVSS 108 statute for headlight alignment. It found two production lines where issues with headlight alignment might have popped up. By January of this year it found that in some instances, the headlight angle could slightly exceed the tolerance requirements of FMVSS 108.
It also reviewed field claims and found only a single one from October 2021. Nevertheless, it’s now recalling 15,502 GLC units including the AMG GLC43 from 2020-2022, the GLC300 from 2019-2022, and the GLC350E from 2020. The issue affects both headlights and Mercedes says that it expects to find it on all of the recall population. Additionally, there are no warning signs to alert drivers if they’re behind the wheel of one of these misaligned pairs of headlights.
Dealers are finding out about the problem on the 9th of February and owners will get a notice on or before March 1st, 2024. Those concerned about whether they own an affected Mercedes GLC product can contact their local dealer or search for their VIN on NHTSA.gov. The recall number is 24V-070.