Report: NHTSA investigates taillight failures on 250,000 Mercedes-Benz C-Class models
It’s not every day that you hear one that one of the most storied and most established marques in motoring has its foot in its mouth. Mercedes is under investigation for fitting inoperable taillights to one of their higher volume models, the C-Class. The National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration is investigating complaints from 114 C-Class owners over failing and sometimes fiery tail lights.
Though the minutia of most claims is not exciting, one owner reported fire coming from the wires connecting the lights and Mercedes has conceded in accordance with an NHTSA bulletin that the ground wire connecting the lights is prone to corrosion and to overheating. Other owners have simply reported taillight failures and burn marks in the trunk. Due to the unique way that American agencies work, the investigation must proceed to the “Engineering Analysis” phase before an official recall may be issued.
In the meantime, 2008-2011 C-Class owners have the option of taking the bus, getting rear ended, or renting a British car with Lucas electrics while their ‘Merc is in the shop.
– By: Sawyer Sutton
Source: DetroitNews
