Vehicle owners, particularly those with Mercedes-Benz models such as the 2023 C400, should be aware of a significant recall issued by Daimler, the parent company of Mercedes-Benz. This recall, announced in July 2023, impacts 164,054 passenger cars and commercial vans across various model lines due to a potential fuel pump failure. The issue, stemming from a supplier error, could lead to engine stalling, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries.
The recall affects a wide range of Mercedes-Benz vehicles from model years 2021 to 2023, including popular AMG and standard models. While the 2023 C400 isn’t explicitly listed, it’s important for owners of similar models within the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and related lines from these years to pay close attention to this announcement. The affected models officially listed are:
- 2021 – 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG C43
- 2021 – 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S
- 2022 – 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53
- 2021 – 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG G53
- 2021 – 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC43
- 2022 – 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG SL55
- 2021 – 2023 Mercedes-Benz C300
- 2021 – 2023 Mercedes-Benz E350
- 2022 – 2023 Mercedes-Benz S500
- 2022 – 2023 Mercedes-Benz S550
- 2021 – 2023 Mercedes-Maybach S580
- 2021 – 2022 Mercedes-Benz Metris
- 2021 – 2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500
- 2021 – 2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500
- 2021 Freightliner Sprinter 1500
- 2021 Freightliner Sprinter 2500
Understanding the Fuel Pump Impeller Issue
The heart of this recall lies in a component called the fuel pump impeller. This plastic disk is crucial for maintaining fuel pressure and flow to the engine. A supplier-related defect may cause this impeller to deform in the affected vehicles. This deformation can lead to a critical malfunction: the fuel pump may shut down, resulting in the engine stalling unexpectedly. For drivers of models like the Mercedes-Benz C400 2023 and other listed vehicles, this potential for sudden engine stall is a serious safety concern.
Alt text: Close-up of a fuel pump, highlighting the component at the center of the Mercedes-Benz 2023 recall for potential engine stall.
Safety Risks Associated with Fuel Pump Failure
An engine stall, particularly without warning, presents significant safety risks. A vehicle that stalls unexpectedly, especially in traffic, can become a hazard. There’s an increased risk of collisions with oncoming vehicles, potentially leading to injuries for both the occupants of the recalled vehicle and other drivers on the road. This is why Mercedes-Benz is proactively addressing this issue through a large-scale recall.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Mercedes-Benz owners may experience certain warning signs that could indicate a problem with their fuel pump. These signs include a “malfunction warning message” appearing on the dashboard. Additionally, drivers might notice the engine running roughly or experiencing unusual performance issues prior to a complete stall. If you own a Mercedes-Benz C400 2023 or another model from the affected years and experience these symptoms, it’s crucial to take it seriously and check if your vehicle is part of the recall.
Prior Mercedes-Benz Recalls and Commitment to Safety
It’s worth noting that Mercedes-Benz has addressed other potential safety concerns through recalls in the recent past. Some of the vans included in this fuel pump recall were also part of a November 2022 recall related to rollaway risks. Furthermore, in January 2023, another significant Mercedes-Benz recall was initiated due to the risk of engine stall caused by water damage. These previous actions, alongside this current fuel pump recall, demonstrate Mercedes-Benz’s ongoing efforts to identify and rectify potential issues to ensure vehicle safety.
The Repair Solution: Free Fuel Pump Replacement
To resolve the fuel pump impeller issue, Mercedes-Benz dealerships will perform a free repair for all affected vehicle owners. The repair involves replacing the potentially defective fuel pump with an upgraded version. This service will be provided at no cost to the owners, as is standard practice with safety recalls. Mercedes-Benz plans to notify affected owners starting on July 28, 2023. This notification will provide instructions on how to schedule a service appointment with their local dealership.
Determining if Your Mercedes-Benz C400 2023 is Affected
With over 160,000 vehicles involved in this Mercedes-Benz fuel pump recall, it’s essential for owners to determine if their specific vehicle is affected. For owners of a Mercedes-Benz C400 2023 or any other potentially impacted model, a free vehicle lookup tool is available. By using this tool, owners can input their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to check if their car is included in this recall. This simple step can provide peace of mind and ensure that necessary repairs are carried out to maintain vehicle safety and performance. You can use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool to check your vehicle.
