Mercedes is recalling a total of six S-Class sedan from the 2021 model year due to a leak that could lead to a pretty serious safety issue. So far, the measure is a precautionary one, and the solution should be simple, if not necessarily easy to accomplish.
The problem affects a total of six Mercedes in the U.S., two S 580s, and four S 580 Maybachs. Owners may be tipped off to the existence of an issue if they notice damp carpets in the front footwell or foggy windows. A warning message in the infotainment system may also present itself.
The source of the fault is the sealant in the front bulkhead, which doesn’t meet the specifications for water tightness. As a result, liquid could get through it and into the vehicle’s cabin, which could lead to all kinds of trouble.
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Mercedes is most concerned about the possibility of electrical contacts shorting and leading to some PreSafe systems not working properly. In that scenario, things like the seatbelt tightening and the seat adjustment might not work as intended in the event of an accident, leading to an increased risk of injury.
That’s the primary safety concern, but electrical shorts could lead to other problems, too. In fact, it could cause the car to be unable to restart, which would likely be very inconvenient for the owner.
Mercedes first became aware of this issue in July 2020, and determined in its investigation that a deviation in the development process led to specifications for water resistance in the primary bulkhead potentially not being met.
Currently, the automaker is not aware of any injuries, accidents, or warranty claims relating to the problem, but since it cannot completely rule out a potential safety issue, it is launching a recall campaign.
Mercedes plans to start getting in touch with all six owners on May 23, and they will be asked to return their vehicle to an authorized dealership, where the sealant will be reworked.
