Mercedes-Benz is recalling 310,667 vehicles in the United States due to a faulty driver's door microswitch that can corrode and fail to detect when the door is open. The defect poses a safety risk by potentially preventing the electronic parking brake, known as Auto-Park, from engaging automatically, which could allow the vehicle to roll away.
The issue stems from a supplier development error that allowed moisture to enter the switch housing under certain climatic conditions. Humidity, heat, and condensation increase the likelihood of corrosion. Mercedes-Benz initially treated complaints related to the microswitch as a quality failure rather than a safety issue before further investigation led to the recall.
Affected models and scope
The recall covers specific model years of the A-Class (2019-2022), CLA (2020-2021), C-Class (2022-2023), CLE (2024), GLA (2020-2026), GLB (2020-2026), and GLC (2023-2024), including AMG and 4Matic variants. Not all production years or variants of these models are included; owners must verify their vehicle's status using the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Vehicles built from May 20, 2026, onward are not affected due to supplier production changes.
The 2020-2026 GLB 250 4Matic accounts for 71,696 of the recalled units, while the front-drive GLB 250 from the same period accounts for 56,879. Only one 2024 AMG CLE 53 Coupe is included in the campaign. Some sources approximate the total at 311,000 vehicles, likely a rounded figure.
Symptoms and reported incidents
Mercedes-Benz recorded 176 field cases in the US related to the defect. These cases involved comfort-function symptoms, such as interior lights or radios failing to turn off after occupants exited, which can drain the battery. The company stated that the driver's door still locks and unlocks normally despite the faulty microswitch, and the defect does not affect engine operation, steering, or braking performance while driving.
The physical replacement of the driver's door lock is required to fix the issue, as it cannot be resolved with a software update. Dealers will perform this replacement free of charge. Mercedes-Benz advises owners to ensure the parking brake is engaged and to park on level ground until the repair is completed.
Notification letters will be sent to affected owners on or before September 18, at which time the repair will be available. The company stated that some vehicles had already been repaired outside of warranty and will provide instructions for owners to seek reimbursement. Owners can check if their vehicle is affected by entering their VIN on the Mercedes-Benz recall page or the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website.
The recall currently applies only to the US market, and no separate recall has been announced for Turkey. Mercedes-Benz stated it will monitor whether to extend the campaign to other countries and will determine a notification timeline for those regions.