Recalls are usually about thousands of vehicles, but sometimes issues in the production line can affect much fewer units. This is the case with the latest recall by Mercedes-Benz in the US, which is about a single example of the S-Class coming with a glass panel that may detach.
According to the announcement on NHTSA’s website, the recall affects a single 2021 Mercedes-Benz S580 4Matic. This vehicle might have an issue with the fixed front glass panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof. There are indications that this elongated panel might not have been properly secured in the factory, and could detach while on the go, potentially becoming a road hazard.
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As described in the official document: “the adhesion of the front fixed panel to the vehicle body might deteriorate gradually over time and could result in the front fixed panel to partially or fully detach from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash and/or injury for other road users”. The cause of the problem is an “incorrect adhesive” which was applied due to “a deviation in the plant rework instruction documentation”. Thankfully this issue was discovered and resolved before affecting more vehicles.
The owner of the car in question will be notified by mail on April 18, but they are also welcome to contact Mercedes’ customer service line earlier than that. A dealer will replace the glass panel free of charge, and the S580 will be as good as new – or actually better than new in this particular case.
This is not the first time the automaker recalls a very small number of vehicles. Earlier this month Mercedes recalled 3 units of the EQS sedan because of an “insufficiently attached” rearview mirror that could fall off. While no one is happy to learn that their car needs some adjustments, it is good to know that automakers are paying attention to the slightest details in production, so accidents can be avoided.
