APRIL
As previously communicated Daimler AG, Mercedes-Benz South Africa’s parent company, has determined that on certain A-Class (176 platform), B-Class (242/246 platform), CLA (117 platform), GLA (156 platform), C-Class (205 platform), E-Class (213 platform) and GLC (253 platform) vehicles (produced between February 2014 – February 2017) the starting current limiter could overload under certain unique conditions during the starting procedure. In situations where the vehicle’s engine is damaged and cannot crank/ has seized (e.g. when the engine has hydrolocked), and the customer subsequently repeatedly attempts to start the vehicle, a high electric current can flow through the starting current limiter causing it to overheat.
It is important to note that certain conditions are necessary for the described issue to occur, namely a previous occurrence of serious damage to the vehicle’s engine that leads to a blocked/seized engine (e.g. hydrolocked engine as stated). As the occurrence of such incidents on the engine is very rare, the described issue of the starting current limiter might only occur in very rare cases.
As our top priority is the safety of our customers, Daimler AG will make sure that all affected vehicles will be installed, as a precautionary measure, with an additional fuse in the electric line to the starter. This will be done free of charge wherever vehicles are affected.
Official notification of the start of the recall campaign in South Africa has not been received yet – but the preliminary number of vehicles affected are approximately 5 100. Daimler AG, our parent company, has indicated that the campaign will be rolled out globally – in parallel in affected countries – towards the middle of the year.
We are monitoring the situation as a matter of priority and will be in a position to update all affected parties when more information is available. We ask that customers that do find themselves in a situation where their engine has sustained damage and locked/seized (as would happen when the vehicle is driven through deep water, with water going into the engine chamber and the engine hydrolocking) not to try and continuously start the engine if it does not crank at all. Please call the customer assistance centre on 0800 133 355 for assistance. This issue will not occur when the vehicle is driving and has not sustained any engine damage or when the engine is simply without fuel.
MAY
Control unit code update recall
Daimler AG has determined that on certain vehicles from different models of Mercedes-Benz or smart, which have gotten a control unit coding update in a workshop between December 3, 2016 and December 5, 2016, the coding parameters in different control units might be faulty. A faulty control unit coding might result in different, unexpected vehicle reactions
As our top priority is the safety of our customers, Daimler AG will, as a precautionary measure, update the affected control units on the affected vehicles. This will be done free of charge for any affected vehicles and take approximately 30 minutes.
The campaign has been launched locally and customers are in the process of being contacted to inform them if their vehicles are affected. A total of 13 vehicles are affected in the South African market.
If there are any questions or queries with regards to this matter, please call the customer assistance centre on 0800 133 355 for assistance.
Seat occupancy detection control unit recall
Daimler AG has determined that on some E-Class vehicles (213 platform) with weight sensing system, the seat occupancy detection control unit on the passenger side might be incorrectly installed. Should the seat be in the vicinity of the rearmost and lowest position this could lead to a kinked pressure hose, whereby a misclassification of the front-seat passenger could occur. The front-seat passenger could be falsely identified as a child seat by the dynamic algorithm while driving.
As our top priority is the safety of our customers, Daimler AG will ensure that the routing of the pressure hose of the seat occupancy detection control unit of all affected vehicles is checked, as a precautionary measure. Where necessary the pressure hose and seat occupancy detection mat will be replaced free of charge and will take approximately two and a half hours.
The campaign has been launched locally and customers are in the process of being contacted to inform them if their vehicles are affected. A total of 171 vehicles are affected in the South African market.
If there are any questions or queries with regards to this matter, please call the customer assistance centre on 0800 133 355 for assistance.
JUNE
Electric Motor Power Steering
Daimler AG has become aware that in certain C-Class (205 platform) and E-Class (212 platform) vehicles, the contacts inside the electric motor of the power steering might have been improperly welded. If the pins inside the electric motor would not be welded properly, a permanent electrical connection could not be ensured.
As our top priority is the safety of our customers, Daimler AG, via its Mercedes-Benz service partners, will replace the electric power steering. This will be done free of charge and the expected workshop visit will take approximately four and a half hours.
The campaign has been launched locally and customers are in the process of being contacted to inform them if their vehicles are affected. A total of three C-Class vehicles are affected in the South African market – no E-Class vehicles affected.
If there are any questions or queries with regards to this matter, please call the customer assistance centre on 0800 133 355 for assistance.
ESP Software
Daimler AG has determined that on certain SLK and SLC vehicles (172 platform) the software of the Electronic stability program (ESP) is faulty. In case a driver assistance system (e. g. adaptive cruise control) initiates an automatic braking and aborts it again during a very early stage of brake pressure increase, a low residual pressure could remain locked in the hydraulic brake system.
As a result the brakes could remain applied slightly and may heat up while driving.
This issue may only occur in a very small time slot (<100ms) after an automatic braking has been initiated by a driver assist system.
If the driver actuates the brake pedal afterwards, the desired brake pressure is applied as intended and reduced completely after the brake pedal has been released. This includes the previously locked-in residual pressure.
As our top priority is the safety of our customers, Daimler AG, via its Mercedes-Benz service partners, will update the software of the ESP of affected vehicles. This will be done free of charge and the expected workshop visit will take approximately 30 minutes.
The campaign has been launched locally and customers are in the process of being contacted to inform them if their vehicles are affected. A total of 140 vehicles are affected in the South African market.
If there are any questions or queries with regards to this matter, please call the customer assistance centre on 0800 133 355 for assistance.
Mix ratio airbag igniters window airbag - CLA
Daimler AG was made aware that on certain models (only one affected vehicle in South Africa – CLA 117 platform) the propellant mix ratio in certain airbag igniters might not meet the specification, ex works of the supplier. Faulty igniters may lead to improper deployments in situations where the passenger window airbag is being activated in case of a crash. In case of a crash with activation of the passenger window airbag without deployment of the appropriate igniter, the restraint function of these airbags may not be warranted. This could increase the risk of injury to the occupants.
As our top priority is the safety of our customers, Daimler AG, via its Mercedes-Benz service partners, will replace the airbag module of the affected vehicle. This will be done free of charge and the expected workshop visit will take approximately 4 hours.
The campaign has been launched locally and the customer is being contacted. Only one vehicle affected locally.
If there are any questions or queries with regards to this matter, please call the customer assistance centre on 0800 133 355 for assistance.
Steering coupling
Daimler AG has determined that on certain G-Class vehicles (463 platform), insufficient tightening torque at the steering coupling could lead to excessive wear of the steering coupling interlock during increased force application.
As our top priority is the safety of our customers, Daimler AG, via its Mercedes-Benz service partners, will replace the steering coupling on the affected vehicles. This will be done free of charge and the expected workshop visit will take approximately two hours.
The campaign has been launched locally and customers are in the process of being contacted to inform them if their vehicles are affected. A total of 436 vehicles are affected in the South African market.
If there are any questions or queries with regards to this matter, please call the customer assistance centre on 0800 133 355 for assistance.
JULY
Replacement of Drive Shaft on Actros 934.241 (sales code AX6)
Despite all the diligence in the development and testing of vehicles, it has now come to light that on vehicles of the Actros 93x model equipped with the drive shaft A974 410 1902 and sales code AX6 (ring gear 440), the high combination weights and the large articulation angles dictated by the design may result in increased loads on the drive shaft and consequently may create favourable conditions for sustaining damage to the drive shaft.
When the vehicle is driven, the rotation of the drive shaft leads to thermal overstress on the U-joint journals. The tolerances increase with the vehicle mileage, which can lead to the development of noises and vibrations. If the early warning signs are ignored, the bearing bush or the U-joint spider can come unseated, and fragments of the drive shaft may be scattered by the vehicle.
Furthermore, the affected drive shafts are manufactured from modular elements, a process that involves welding the drive shaft tube to the flange yoke. In the case of the affected drive shaft, the welding seam lies in the most highly stressed area of the drive shaft and may potentially tear. This was demonstrated in accelerated testing and computer calculations. If the welding seam completely fails, the drive shaft will break and the drive shaft tube can - like a propeller - damage or destroy the surrounding areas, including air hoses, wiring harnesses etc. Dropping components and thus endangerment of other road users cannot be ruled out.
As our top priority is the safety of our customers, Daimler AG, via its service partners, will replace the drive shaft on the affected vehicles. This will be done free of charge and the expected workshop visit will take approximately two hours.
The campaign has been launched locally and customers are in the process of being contacted to inform them if their vehicles are affected. A total of 1 979 vehicles are affected in the South African market.
If there are any questions or queries with regards to this matter, please call the customer assistance centre on 0800 133 355 for assistance.
Front bottom engine compartment lining (CLS)
It has been determined that a front bottom engine compartment lining variant may have been installed in the vehicle that may not meet the specifications. Consequently, the installed engine compartment lining may not form a positive connection with the front bumper. This connection between bumper and engine compartment lining is required to guarantee a sufficient amount of bumper support in the event of a collision with a pedestrian. If this connection is not available, the pedestrian protection requirements may not be complied with. The risk of injury for pedestrians would consequently increase in the event of an accident.
As our top priority is the safety of our customers, Daimler AG, via its Mercedes-Benz service partners, will check the front bottom engine compartment lining in the vehicle as a precautionary measure and replace it if necessary. This will be done free of charge and the expected workshop visit will take approximately 30 minutes.
Only one vehicle is affected in the South African market. The customer is being contacted.
Connection piece of the vacuum line for the brake booster
Daimler AG has determined that on certain A-Class (176 platform), B-Class (246 platform) and CLA (117 platform) vehicles with gasoline engine M270 (LHD/RHD) and Diesel engine OM651 (LHD), the supplied connection piece of the vacuum line to the brake booster might break. Should the connection piece break, the brake booster would not be supplied with vacuum any longer. As a result the brake force support would decrease gradually and the brake pedal would need to be applied with higher force after a few brake actions.
As our top priority is the safety of our customers, Daimler AG, via its Mercedes-Benz service partners, will exchange the vacuum line of the brake booster on the affected vehicles. This will be done free of charge and the expected workshop visit will take approximately one hour.
The campaign has been launched locally and customers are in the process of being contacted to inform them if their vehicles are affected. A total 1620 vehicles are affected in the local market.
If there are any questions or queries with regards to this matter, please call the customer assistance centre on 0800 133 355 for assistance.
Propellant mixing ration – left window airbag
It has been determined that the propellant mixing ratio in the squid of the left window airbag in your vehicle may not meet the specifications. In the event of an accident triggering the window airbag, it may not be able to be deployed. As a result, the restraint effect of the window airbag would not be guaranteed. This could increase the risk of injury to the occupants.
As our top priority is the safety of our customers, Daimler AG, via its Mercedes-Benz service partners, will replace the left window airbag on the affected vehicles as a precautionary measure. The required work for this will take approx. 4 hours and will be done free of charge.
The campaign has been launched locally and customers are in the process of being contacted to inform them if their vehicles are affected. A total of 5 vehicles are affected in the South African market.
If there are any questions or queries with regards to this matter, please call the customer assistance centre on 0800 133 355 for assistance.
AUGUST
Passenger airbag squid ratio
Daimler AG has determined that in some GLA, CLA, A-Class and B-Class models the propellant mixing ratio in the squid of the front passenger airbag in the vehicles may not meet the specifications. In the event of an accident triggering a front passenger airbag, this may not be deployed or only partially so.
As our top priority is the safety of our customers, Daimler AG, via its service partners, replace the airbag in the affected vehicles as a precautionary measure. The required work for this will take approx. 1.5 hours and will be done free of charge.
The campaign has been launched locally and customers are in the process of being contacted to inform them if their vehicles are affected.
If there are any questions or queries with regards to this matter, please call the customer assistance centre on 0800 133 355 for assistance.
Plug housing for electric power steering
Daimler AG has determined that on certain affected vehicles the plug housing for the electric power steering may not be leak tight in the vehicles. In this case, moisture may penetrate the electric power steering control unit. This may interfere with signal transmission in the control unit and cause the steering power assistance to fail.
Depending on the traffic situation this may increase the accident risk. As our customer's safety is our top priority, Daimler AG, through its service partners, will replace the plug housing of the electric power steering in your vehicle as a precautionary measure within the context of a recall. The required work will take approx. 1 hour and will be done free of charge.
The campaign has been launched locally and customers are in the process of being contacted to inform them if their vehicles are affected. A total of 1414 vehicles are affected in the South African market.
If there are any questions or queries with regards to this matter, please call the customer assistance centre on 0800 133 355 for assistance.
Oil feed line
Daimler AG has determined that on certain E-Class vehicles, the oil feed line for the exhaust gas turbochargers may not be leak-tight.
This could result in oil leaking from the oil feed line. It cannot be ruled out that this oil may come into contact with hot component parts while the vehicle is in operation.
As the safety of our customers is our top priority, Daimler AG, through its service partners, will replace the oil feed line of the exhaust gas turbochargers on the vehicles as a precautionary measure. The work required for this will take approx. 2 hours and will be done free of charged.
The campaign has been launched locally and customers are in the process of being contacted to inform them if their vehicles are affected. A total of 26 vehicles are affected in the South African market.
If there are any questions or queries with regards to this matter, please call the customer assistance centre on 0800 133 355 for assistance.
Propellant mix ratio for seat belts
Daimler AG has determined that on certain affected models - E-Class (213 platform), GLC Class (253 platform), S-Class (222 and 238 platform), the propellant mixing ratio of certain seat belt tensioner squibs in the vehicles may not meet specifications. In the event of an accident triggering the front left seat belt tensioner, it may not be able to be deployed.
As our top priority is the safety of our customers, Daimler AG, via its service partners, will replace the front left seat belt on the vehicle as a precautionary measure.
The campaign has been launched locally and customers are in the process of being contacted to inform them if their vehicles are affected.
If there are any questions or queries with regards to this matter, please call the customer assistance centre on 0800 133 355 for assistance.
Power supply on S-Class (Model 222)
Daimler AG has determined that on some S-Class vehicles (model 222), the supply of power to the vehicle interior could largely be shut off in the event of an accident. As a result, functions that are supposed to automatically activate in the event of an accident would no longer be available. An automatic emergency call would not be placed, the vehicle doors would not automatically unlock, and the hazard warning flasher would not activate automatically. It would still be possible to unlock the vehicle doors by operating the interior door handles. Airbags and emergency tensioning retractors would still be triggered.
As our top priority is the safety of our customers, Daimler AG, via its service partners, will adjust a fuse box in the affected vehicles to ensure the vehicle interior maintains its power supply in the event of a crash as a precautionary measure. The required work will take approx. 1 hour and will be done free of charge to the customer.
The campaign has been launched locally and customers are in the process of being contacted to inform them if their vehicles are affected. A total of 11 vehicles are affected in the South African market.
If there are any questions or queries with regards to this matter, please call the customer assistance centre on 0800 133 355 for assistance.
Catch bolts
Daimler AG has determined that on certain Actros 93x, Axor 94x, Econic 956, Actros 963, Antos 963 and Arocs 964 model vehicles the screw/bolt in the range group catch bolts may come loose. This would reduce the distance of the catch bolt, potentially limiting it so far that it is no longer possible to change the range group. Depending on the extent of the damage, this would result in shifting complaints up to failure of the gearshift system.
As a precaution, Daimler AG has decided, through its service partners, to check the range group catch bolts installed in potentially affected vehicles and, if necessary, to replace them with catch bolts with a status prior to the series production change in October 2016.
The campaign has been launched locally and customers are in the process of being contacted to inform them if their vehicles are affected. A total of 1083 vehicles are affected in the South African market.
If there are any questions or queries with regards to this matter, please call the customer assistance centre on 0800 133 355 for assistance.
OCTOBER
Replace brake hoses of steered axle
Daimler AG has determined that on your vehicle the crimp connection joining the brake hose to the connection fitting of the service brake or the additionally installed parking brake cylinder on the front axle (vehicles with special equipment) could come loose when pressure builds up in the brake hose to the steered axles. This could affect the brake hoses at steered front axles and steered leading/trailing axles in the area of the rear axle. As a precaution, we will replace the affected brake hoses on your vehicle with properly manufactured brake hoses.
It cannot be ruled out that the crimp connection joining the brake hose to the connection fitting of the service brake on the front axle could come loose, resulting in a loss of pressure in the brake line and possibly causing the vehicle to pull to one side when braking. This may consequently result in the partial loss of braking effect in the service brakes depending on which of the vehicle's steered axles is affected. The legally required deceleration rate is nonetheless achieved. Should the front axle service brake fail on one side only, the vehicle will be pulled to the side during braking, with the strength of the yaw torque being directly related to the intensity of braking. This could increase the risk of an accident.
A failure of the crimp joining the brake hose to the connection fitting of the parking brake cylinder on the front axle (vehicles with special equipment) can, should the fault occur, be expected to happen when the parking brake is released. Should this crimp fail when the parking brake has been released, the parking brake may without warning brake one of the front wheels enough to block its rotation. This could increase the risk of an accident.
As our top priority is the safety of our customers, Daimler AG, via its service partners, will check and replace the brake hoses of all affected vehicles where necessary. This will be done free of charge.
The campaign has been launched locally and customers are in the process of being contacted to inform them if their vehicles are affected. A total of 68 vehicles are affected in the South African market.
If there are any questions or queries with regards to this matter, please call the customer assistance centre on 0800 133 355 for assistance.
Belt Tensioner Squibs (C-Class, GLC, E-Class and S-Class)
Daimler AG has determined that in the certain affected C-Class, GLC, S-Class and E-Class vehicles, the propellant mixing ratio in certain belt tensioner squibs may not meet the specifications. In the event of an accident triggering the front right belt tensioner, it may not be able to be deployed. Consequently the retaining effect of this belt tensioner would not be guaranteed. This could increase the risk of injury to the occupants.
As our top priority is the safety of our customers, Daimler AG, via its service partners, will replace the seat belt for the right front seat in all affected vehicles as a precautionary measure. The required work for this will take approx. 1.5 hours and will be conducted free of charge to the customer.
The campaign has been launched locally and customers are in the process of being contacted to inform them if their vehicles are affected. A total of 171 vehicles are affected in the South African market.
If there are any questions or queries with regards to this matter, please call the customer assistance centre on 0800 133 355 for assistance.
Cavity Steering Knuckle left front axle - smart fortwo and forfour
Daimler AG has determined that on certain smart fortwo and smart forfour vehicles (453 platform) the left front axle steering knuckle might not meet the specifications due to cavities, which might have been caused by deviations in the casting process of the supplier. These cavities could potentially reduce the strength of the steering knuckle. As a result, in case of increased load (e.g. while parking the vehicle) the front left axle steering knuckle may break.
As our top priority is the safety of our customers, Daimler AG, via its service partners, will check and replace the left front steering knuckle if necessary in all affected vehicles. The required work for this will take approx. 3 hours and will be conducted free of charge to the customer.
The campaign has been launched locally and customers are in the process of being contacted to inform them if their vehicles are affected. Only one vehicle is affected in the South African market.
If there are any questions or queries with regards to this matter, please call the customer assistance centre on 0800 133 355 for assistance.
Rear axle visual inspection
Daimler AG has determined that at the rear axles on certain vehicles of the models Actros 93x, Axor 94x, Axor 95x, Actros 963, Antos 963 and Arocs 964 possibly minor oil leakages up to fracture of axle housings could happen. An axle housing fracture could increase the risk of an accident occurring.
As our top priority is the safety of our customers, Daimler AG, asks that customers with affected vehicles perform a visual check and bring the vehicle into the service partner workshops for repair if necessary.
The campaign has been launched locally and customers are in the process of being contacted to inform them if their vehicles are affected. A total of 739 vehicles are affected in the South African market.
If there are any questions or queries with regards to this matter, please call the customer assistance centre on 0800 133 355 for assistance.
Exchange rear axle tandem unit
Daimler AG has determined that on the rear axles of certain Axor vehicles with model designation 94x and Arocs with model designation 964 minor oil leaks up to and including breaking axle housings may occur.
As our top priority is the safety of our customers, Daimler AG, via its service partners, will inspect and repair all affected vehicles. This will be done free of charge.
The campaign has been launched locally and customers are in the process of being contacted to inform them if their vehicles are affected. A total of 27 vehicles are affected in the South African market.
If there are any questions or queries with regards to this matter, please call the customer assistance centre on 0800 133 355 for assistance.
Check adjusting nut of parking brake, replace if necessary
Daimler AG has determined that the travel of the hand brake lever of your vehicle may gradually lengthen by way of actuation due to a loosening lock nut of the hand brake cable. If the travel of the hand brake lever lengthens, it may be possible that the parking brake does not exert the force required to sufficiently secure the vehicle in all situations.
Subsequently, the vehicle could start to move unintentionally on a downward slope in the event of a fault. This could increase the risk of an accident occurring.
As our top priority is the safety of our customers, Daimler AG, via its Mercedes-Benz service partners, check the adjusting nut of the parking brake on your vehicle as a precautionary measure and replace it if necessary. This will be done free of charge and the required work for this will take approx. 0.5 hours.
The campaign has been launched locally and customers are in the process of being contacted to inform them if their vehicles are affected. A total of 5 vehicles are affected in the South African market.
If there are any questions or queries with regards to this matter, please call the customer assistance centre on 0800 133 355 for assistance.
NOVEMBER
Electric Power Steering
Daimler AG has determined that in certain E-Class (213 platform) vehicles, the contacts inside the electric power steering control unit might not have been properly welded, in which case a permanent electrical connection could not be ensured. In case the pins completely lose contact, this could result in a malfunction of the electric power steering. The customer would be made aware of this possible malfunction if it occurs by a warning message in the instrument cluster and an acoustical warning signal.
As our top priority is the safety of our customers, Daimler AG, via its Mercedes-Benz service partners, will replace the electric power steering. This will be done free of charge and the expected workshop visit will take approximately three and a half hours.
Only one vehicle is affected in South African market and this customer will be contacted to be informed of the campaign.
If there are any questions or queries with regards to this matter, please call the customer assistance centre on 0800 133 355 for assistance.
DECEMBER
Electric Power Steering
Daimler AG has determined that in certain E-Class (213 platform) vehicles, the contacts inside the electric power steering control unit might not have been properly welded, in which case a permanent electrical connection could not be ensured. In case the pins completely lose contact, this could result in a malfunction of the electric power steering. The customer would be made aware of this possible malfunction if it occurs by a warning message in the instrument cluster and an acoustical warning signal.
As our top priority is the safety of our customers, Daimler AG, via its Mercedes-Benz service partners, will replace the electric power steering. This will be done free of charge and the expected workshop visit will take approximately three and a half hours.
Only one vehicle is affected in South African market and this customer will be contacted to be informed of the campaign.
If there are any questions or queries with regards to this matter, please call the customer assistance centre on 0800 133 355 for assistance.
Replacement of left and right seat belt in rear
Daimler AG has determined that on certain Model 213 – E-Classes, the propellant mixing ratio of certain seat belt tensioner squibs in the affected vehicles may not meet specifications. In an accident with activation of the left and right seat belt tensioner in the rear, this might not be triggered. As a result, these seat belt tensioners may not provide the intended restraint effect. This may increase the risk of injury to the occupants.
As a result, the restraint effect of this seat belt tensioner would not be ensured. This may increase the risk of injury to the occupants.
As our top priority is the safety of our customers, Daimler AG, via its Mercedes-Benz service partners, will replace the potentially affected seat belts on your vehicle as a precautionary measure. The required work for this will take approx. 2.5 hours.
The campaign has been launched locally and affected customers are in the process of being contacted to inform them about the campaign. A total of 156 vehicles are affected in the South African market.
If there are any questions or queries with regards to this matter, please call the customer assistance centre on 0800 133 355 for assistance.
Check retaining rings of left and right front axle wheel bearings
Daimler AG has determined that the retaining rings of the wheel bearings on the front axle may not be correctly engaged in certain Mercedes-Benz V-Class/Vito vehicles. The wheel bearing may move in its press fit, while the brake disk is retained by the brake caliper. The retaining rings may partially be outside the steering knuckles and it cannot be excluded that these may drift. In the case of a fault, it can be assumed that an ABS sensor fault will trigger a warning display in the cockpit and the driver is also warned by noises from the service brake. A short-term occurrence of the fault is not expected. If the indicated early warning signs are disregarded, wheel loss can in the most unfavourable case not be excluded. This may increase the risk of accident and thus the risk of injury for the occupants.
As our top priority is the safety of our customers, Daimler AG, via its service partners, will check the retaining rings on the wheel bearings of the front axle for correct positioning and if necessary correct the position. The required work will be conducted free of charge to the customer.
The campaign has been launched locally and customers are in the process of being contacted to inform them if their vehicles are affected.
If there are any questions or queries with regards to this matter, please call the customer assistance centre on 0800 133 355 for assistance.
Update software of ESP control units and if necessary suspension control unit
Daimler AG has determined that on a certain Model 205 - C-Classes torque peaks may arise in the drivetrain in the vehicle under extreme pulling-away manoeuvres on a wet roadway that may lead to failure of the drive shaft. This may result in a loss of propulsion, which would in turn increase the risk of an accident.
As a result, the restraint effect of this seat belt tensioner would not be ensured. This may increase the risk of injury to the occupants. As our top priority is the safety of our customers, Daimler AG, via its Mercedes-Benz service partners in South Africa, will update the software of the ESP control units and if necessary the suspension control unit in your vehicle as a precautionary measure. The required work will take approximately 1 hour.
The campaign has been launched locally and affected customers are in the process of being contacted to inform them about the campaign. A total of 734 vehicles are affected in the South African market.
If there are any questions or queries with regards to this matter, please call the customer assistance centre on 0800 133 355 for assistance.
Update ESP control unit software
Daimler AG has determined that on certain G-Class vehicles (463 platform) the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) the software does not correspond to the specifications. The engine drive torque may thus be continuously maintained in the case of a failure of the communication between DISTRONIC PLUS and the ESP control unit during vehicle operation with activated DISTRONIC PLUS. Depending on the driving situation, this may also lead to a temporary increase in the speed.
As a result, it would only be possible to bring the vehicle - where necessary - to a standstill with a significantly increased brake force effect or by engaging the "N" transmission stage. As a result, the braking and stopping distance (and thus the risk of accident) may increase.
As our top priority is the safety of our customers, Daimler AG, via its Mercedes-Benz service partners, will thus update the software of the ESP control unit in your vehicle as a precautionary measure. The required work for this will take approx. 0.5 hours.
Replacement of left and right seat belt in rear
Daimler AG has determined that on certain Model 213 – E-Classes, the propellant mixing ratio of certain seat belt tensioner squibs in the affected vehicles may not meet specifications. In an accident with activation of the left and right seat belt tensioner in the rear, this might not be triggered. As a result, these seat belt tensioners may not provide the intended restraint effect. This may increase the risk of injury to the occupants.
As a result, the restraint effect of this seat belt tensioner would not be ensured. This may increase the risk of injury to the occupants.
As our top priority is the safety of our customers, Daimler AG, via its Mercedes-Benz service partners, will replace the potentially affected seat belts on your vehicle as a precautionary measure. The required work for this will take approx. 2.5 hours.
The campaign has been launched locally and affected customers are in the process of being contacted to inform them about the campaign. A total of 156 vehicles are affected in the South African market.
If there are any questions or queries with regards to this matter, please call the customer assistance centre on 0800 133 355 for assistance.
Check retaining rings of left and right front axle wheel bearings
Daimler AG has determined that the retaining rings of the wheel bearings on the front axle may not be correctly engaged in certain Mercedes-Benz V-Class/Vito vehicles. The wheel bearing may move in its press fit, while the brake disk is retained by the brake caliper. The retaining rings may partially be outside the steering knuckles and it cannot be excluded that these may drift. In the case of a fault, it can be assumed that an ABS sensor fault will trigger a warning display in the cockpit and the driver is also warned by noises from the service brake. A short-term occurrence of the fault is not expected.
If the indicated early warning signs are disregarded, wheel loss can in the most unfavourable case not be excluded. This may increase the risk of accident and thus the risk of injury for the occupants.
As our top priority is the safety of our customers, Daimler AG, via its service partners, will check the retaining rings on the wheel bearings of the front axle for correct positioning and if necessary correct the position. The required work will be conducted free of charge to the customer.
The campaign has been launched locally and customers are in the process of being contacted to inform them if their vehicles are affected.
If there are any questions or queries with regards to this matter, please call the customer assistance centre on 0800 133 355 for assistance.