Mercedes Brakes Fail Safety Standard? NHTSA Says No Biggie!
Published Date: 7/31/2026
Notice
Summary
Mercedes-Benz AG (MBAG) and Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) (collectively, "Mercedes-Benz") has determined that certain model year (MY) 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class, A-Class, GLA-Class, and GLB-Class motor vehicles do not fully comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 135, Light Vehicle Brake Systems. Mercedes- Benz filed a noncompliance report dated January 27, 2020, and subsequently petitioned NHTSA on February 10, 2020, for a decision that the subject noncompliance is inconsequential as it relates to motor vehicle safety. This notice announces the grant of Mercedes-Benz's petition.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
No Recall Notice or Free Fix for 27,375 Cars
If you own one of about 27,375 model year 2019–2020 Mercedes‑Benz A‑Class, CLA‑Class, GLA‑Class, or GLB‑Class vehicles built between August 20, 2018 and January 16, 2020, NHTSA has agreed the slightly undersized brake‑indicator text is "inconsequential" and Mercedes‑Benz is not required to notify owners or provide a free remedy. The decision covers the listed models and exempts Mercedes‑Benz from the notification and remedy duties under 49 U.S.C. 30118 and 30120.
Dealers Still Barred From Selling Affected Cars
If you are a vehicle distributor or dealer and you had affected vehicles under your control after Mercedes‑Benz notified you of the noncompliance, you remain prohibited from selling, offering for sale, or introducing those noncompliant vehicles into interstate commerce. The grant of the petition does not remove these prohibitions for distributors and dealers.
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Key Dates
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