It is suspected that a problem with the steering systems pump could lead to a loss of fluid. According to the NHTSA announcement on its website, should this problem surface the owners may not have sufficient control of the vehicle in places like parking lots, where maximum power steering is required, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash, though the Daimler spokesman assured that drivers did retain control of the car even in the event of a power steering failure.
According to the NHTSA, Mercedes plans to fix the problem in 2010 and 2011 models this month by re-tightening a faulty fitting. This recall includes 2010 Mercedes-Benz C-Class and E-Class models together with 2010 and 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet models manufactured between June 1st , 2009 and February 28th , 2010. The giant motor company reported to the regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, that it was possible the steering may fail due to the loss of power steering fluid. Mercedes added that if that happened a crash could occur if drivers lost control of the vehicle. The company’s advice to its customers is to return any of the vehicles concerned in the recall to dealers where a free check on the power steering system will be carried out.
Owners may ask their dealers to check the steering systems for free. Repair would only take 30 minutes according to Mercedes-Benz UK spokesman. Daimler, the Mercedes Benz parent company, says a connection fitting wasn’t adequately tightened that could lead to fluid leakage.
Auto recalls have increased this year in the wake of the Toyota gas pedal defects that had reportedly caused more than 50 deaths in the US. Toyota paid $16.4 million in settlement claims for the gas pedal defects.
The latest auto recalls were of the Hyundai Sonata and BMW. On October 1st, Daimlers German rival BMW said that it would recall 350,800 high-powered BMW and Rolls-Royce automobiles worldwide because of brake problems. A BMW spokesman however emphasized the brake problems were not so dangerous.