Mercedes-Benz is recalling 310,667 vehicles in the U.S. after discovering a defect that could prevent cars from engaging their parking brakes automatically, increasing the risk of a rollaway.
Which models are affected?
The recall covers seven models from the 2019 through 2026 model years. Affected vehicles include:
- 2020-2021 CLA
- 2019-2022 A-Class
- 2022-2023 C-Class
- 2024 CLE
- 2020-2026 GLA and GLB
- 2023-2024 GLC
The problem originates from a microswitch in the driver’s door lock. Recall documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration state the switch’s housing material may allow moisture to seep in, causing corrosion over time.
The problem: A switch that fails
The microswitch does not control the door lock but detects whether the door is open. If it malfunctions, the vehicle’s systems—including the electronic parking brake and Auto Park feature—won’t recognize when the driver’s door opens. As a result, the parking brake may not engage automatically when the driver exits, leaving the car at risk of rolling away.
Mercedes-Benz attributed the defect to a supplier’s error during development. The housing material for the switch did not meet durability standards, making it prone to moisture damage.
Early signs of the issue may include minor glitches, such as the radio remaining on after the vehicle is turned off. The real danger arises if the switch fails completely, disabling safety features without warning.
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For owners, the risk is real. If corrosion occurs, the car could roll even if the driver assumes it is safely parked. While Mercedes-Benz reported no rollaway incidents at the time of filing, the potential hazard prompted the recall.
What happens next?
Mercedes-Benz will notify affected owners starting September 18. Dealers will replace the faulty driver’s door lock with a redesigned switch that meets the automaker’s durability standards. The repair will be free.
Owners can verify if their vehicle is included by entering their VIN on the NHTSA recalls website. The database also provides updates on other active recalls.
This is not the first time the automaker has addressed switch-related issues. In early 2024, high-performance trucks and other models faced recalls over stability control problems that could cause unintended movement.
Small components like a door microswitch can create major safety risks when they fail. For drivers, the solution is simple: a replacement part. However, the situation highlights concerns about automakers’ reliance on suppliers for critical safety systems without adequate oversight. A single production error nearly turned a standard feature into a serious hazard.
Until repairs are made, owners should manually engage the parking brake every time they exit. The automaker has not provided a timeline for the replacement process, but dealers are expected to prioritize the recall once parts arrive.
