Daimler Vans USA will recall more than 12,000 vans containing potentially leaky fuel hoses.
The manufacturer’s Jacksonville, Florida-based branch sent the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) a safety recall report stating they will recall 12,383 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz Metris vans built between March 2, 2015 and March 15, 2017.
The affected vehicles contain engine compartment fuel hoses that can leak at the lower connecting point of the transition hose between the underbody fuel line and the Schrader valve, and/or where the fuel line connects to the fuel pump. Cold start conditions can also create fuel “weeping” in the fuel line’s upper connection.
Leaked fuel could strike an ignition source within the engine compartment, increasing fire risk.
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Daimler AG initiated its investigation after receiving fuel odor complaints from the Russian market and other cold climate markets. Daimler AG’s engineers identified the fuel hose as the leak’s culprit.
The NHTSA requested information about fuel leakage in 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris vehicles on March 15, 2018 and Daimler Vans USA provided responses on May 9 and May 24, 2018. The company continued its investigation to verify its initial technical assessment, focusing on the suspect fuel line’s upper connection to the fuel pump. This testing eventually reproduced conditions described by customers, including the fuel smell.
Daimler AG decided to initiate a recall on Nov. 21, 2018.
Daimler Vans USA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected hose and clamp, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Daimler Vans USA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. Owners can also visit the NHTSA’s website and enter their VIN to see if their vehicle is included in any recalls.
Your vehicle’s manufacturer is legally required to fix any recalled problems for free. If the dealership refuses to fix the part or tries to charge you for the repair, contact the manufacturer immediately. The Highway Safety Act of 1970, which created the NHTSA, requires car manufacturers to pay for the recall and replacement of a defective part.
If the manufacturer fails to repair, replace, repurchase, or provide your recalled vehicle’s loss value, they are violating the warranty and a lawyer may be able to help you. Lemon law attorneys help their clients by dealing directly with the manufacturer on the clients’ behalf, working to promptly resolve the issue and get their clients back on the road. Thanks to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, attorneys can seek their fees directly from the manufacturer, meaning a client can obtain legal counsel without having to pay attorneys’ fees directly out of pocket.