Mercedes Recalls Nearly 11,000 Vehicles For Loss Of Steering Issue
Unlike many car makers, Mercedes-Benz has been relatively unscathed during 2014’s recallapalooza. That changed today when the car manufacturer recalled nearly 11,000 compact cars for steering issues.
According to a notice [PDF] from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Mercedes-Benz recalled 10,509 model year 2015 C300 and C400 vehicles in the United States because they may lose steering power while traveling at low speeds.
Officials with Mercedes say the recall was initiated after two incidents from outside the U.S. alleging loss of steering.
It was determined that the vehicle’s sliding shaft, which is part of the steering column, could become disengaged from the steering coupling socket due to vibrations, steering thrust, or load feedback from the road surface. If the shaft disengages, the vehicle may lose steering control, which could increase the risk of a crash.
The issue was traced back to the vehicles’ production where a steering component was improperly installed on some models equipped with four-wheel drive.
Owners of the affected cars will be notified and dealers will repair the steering issue.
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