Mercedes Recalls 253K C-Class Cars in U.S. to Fix Tail Lights

Daimler AG’s Mercedes-Benz unit said it is calling back nearly 253,000 2008-11 vehicles, including the C300, C350, C63 built from 2007 through mid-2011, in the United States to address tail lights.

Mercedes-Benz said “a poor electrical ground connection may result in the dimming or failure of the tail lights” and that “dimming or failure of the tail lights reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions of stopping or turning, increasing the risk of a crash.”

The automaker will notify owners in June of the recall and then Mercedes-Benz says parts will be available in August or September. Dealers will replace the bulb holders if not previously updated and replace any corroded connectors.

Mercedes-Benz said in 2009 that it had five reports of problems of oxidation causing the tail lights to dim. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation last year and upgraded it to an engineering analysis. After NHTSA sought more information last month, Mercedes-Benz opted to issue the recall.

In December, NHTSA said it had reports of more than 400 complaints, five crashes and one injury. It also said Mercedes-Benz had received more than 23,000 warranty claims related to the issue.