Owners of certain 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC SUVs in the United States should be aware of a potential safety issue identified by the manufacturer. During a routine quality control check in June 2023, inspectors discovered unusual sounds emanating from the dashboard of a recently produced vehicle.
Further investigation revealed a critical problem: a bolt securing the front passenger airbag wasn’t tightened to the proper specifications. This alarming discovery triggered a comprehensive inspection, uncovering numerous instances of improperly fastened bolts throughout the dashboard area.
The source of this faulty assembly process was traced back to a single worker during a limited production window. These loose bolts pose a significant risk in the event of a collision. They could hinder the airbag’s deployment or cause dashboard components to detach, potentially leading to serious injuries.
Adding to the concerns are potential problems with loose connections in the 12-volt auxiliary heater. This electrical issue could lead to increased resistance, which in turn could generate excessive heat and create a potential fire hazard.
Fortunately, Mercedes-Benz has taken swift action to address these issues. The company has initiated a rework program at the factory to rectify the faulty assembly process and ensure all bolts are tightened correctly.
Additionally, they’ve issued a recall for affected vehicles. This recall involves inspecting and fixing the auxiliary heater connections, and prioritizing owner safety. Mercedes-Benz has not reported any accidents or injuries related to these problems, but they are proactively addressing the concerns to prevent any potential incidents.
GLC 300 4MATIC owners can contact their local Mercedes-Benz dealership to determine if their vehicle is included in the recall and to schedule any necessary repairs. These repairs will be performed free of charge. A routine quality control inspection in June 2023 identified a potential safety concern with a small batch of 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC SUVs.
The investigation unearthed two distinct issues: improperly tightened bolts near the front passenger airbag and faulty connections in the 12-volt auxiliary heater. These defects could result in airbag malfunction during a collision or an increased risk of fire.
Mercedes-Benz immediately took action, initiating a comprehensive review of production data to pinpoint the affected vehicles. This process involved meticulously examining production records and rework documentation.
Thankfully, the investigation determined no prior faulty models had been released to dealerships. As a result, the recall specifically targets GLC 300 4MATIC units manufactured between March and May of 2023. While Mercedes-Benz hasn’t reported any incidents related to these issues, they’re proactively addressing the problem to ensure customer safety.
