Feds Tell Mercedes: Brake Glitch? Nah, No Recall Needed
Published Date: 3/3/2025
Notice
Summary
Mercedes-Benz found a small brake system issue in about 27,375 of their 2019-2020 CLA, A, GLA, and GLB models. They told the government and asked for a pass, saying it’s not a big safety deal. The government agreed, so no recalls or fixes are needed, and owners won’t have to spend a dime or wait around.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
No owner notification or free remedy
If you own one of about 27,375 model year 2019–2020 Mercedes‑Benz CLA, A, GLA, or GLB vehicles manufactured between August 20, 2018 and January 16, 2020, NHTSA granted Mercedes‑Benz’s petition and exempted the company from notifying owners or providing a free remedy under 49 U.S.C. 30118 and 30120. The noncompliance concerns braking telltale letter height between 2.92 mm and 3.17 mm versus the 3.2 mm minimum.
Dealers still prohibited from selling noncompliant stock
Vehicle distributors and dealers remain prohibited from selling, offering for sale, or introducing into interstate commerce any of the affected noncompliant vehicles that were under their control after Mercedes‑Benz notified them the noncompliance existed. The affected vehicles are the listed 2019–2020 A220/A35/CLA/GLA/GLB variants manufactured August 20, 2018 to January 16, 2020.
NHTSA found telltale size difference inconsequential
NHTSA evaluated the issue and found the brake telltale letter height (2.92–3.17 mm versus the 3.2 mm requirement) to be inconsequential to motor vehicle safety because adjacent ABS and Parking Brake symbols exceed 3.2 mm, the telltales are in the driver’s direct view, supplemental messages display, and functionality is unaffected.
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Key Dates
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