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Mercedes-Benz C 300 Recall 18V725: Battery Cable Cover May Short Circuit in a Crash, Risking Fire

NHTSA campaign 18V725, reported October 15, 2018, 4,073 vehicles potentially affected.

What this recall means for you

On certain 2018 Mercedes-Benz C 300 and E 300 vehicles, the cover for the starter battery may not fully cover the live positive electrical wire. In certain crashes, the vehicle's strut brace may deform and short circuit the battery.

If the battery is shorted, the emergency door unlocking feature may be deactivated for an outside responder, such as a rescuer trying to reach occupants. The short circuit could also increase the risk of a fire.

Mercedes-Benz USA will notify owners, and authorized dealers will replace the positive pole cover free of charge. Owners can contact Mercedes-Benz USA customer service at 1-800-367-6372, referencing recall number 2018110002, and should check their VIN for open recalls.

Check whether this recall is open on your vehicle

The repair is normally free at an authorized dealer.

Official recall notice

Safety recall 18V725Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
Component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
Problem
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 Mercedes-Benz C300 4Matic Coupe, C300 4Matic Cabrio, E300, E300 4Matic, C300, C300 4Matic, C300 Coupe and C300 Cabrio vehicles. The cover for the starter battery may not cover the live positive electrical wire, and in certain crashes, the vehicle's strut brace may deform and short circuit the battery.
Risk
If the battery is shorted, the emergency door unlocking would be deactivated for an outside responder and the short circuit could increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive pole cover, free of charge. The recall began November 27, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018110002.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Affected vehicles

Mercedes-Benz C 3002018
Mercedes-Benz E 3002018