Personal Injury Law

Mercedes-Benz Recalls 85,000 Cars Due to Steering Defect

By Paul Napoli

October 9, 2010

Mercedes-Benz USA LLC, part of Daimler AG, has announced a recall of 85,078 2010 Mercedes Benz C-Class and 2010-2011 Mercedes Benz E-Class vehicles because the power steering system in the subject vehicles may fail due to the loss of power steering fluid.

According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), after vehicle owners complained of reduced power steering and loss of power steering fluid, Mercedes-Benz determined that a connection fitting on the high-pressure power steering line at the connection to the pump did not have sufficient torque applied during the production process. Over time, this could cause a loss of power steering fluid and increase the likelihood of a crash.

A document submitted to the NHTSA by Mercedes-Benz projected that 100% of the 85,078 recalled vehicles contain this defect.

The manufacturer will remedy the defect by having dealers check and retorque the connection free of charge. Dealers will also change the O-ring seal as a precautionary measure in all cases where the connection fitting shows evidence of loosening.

Neither Mercedes-Benz nor the NHTSA reported any crashes attributed to this defect.

Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov.

Full post as published by New York City Personal Injury Lawyer on October 09, 2010 (boomark / email).