The defect
Mercedes-Benz is recalling certain model year 2013 SL-Class vehicles manufactured from December 19, 2011, through May 31, 2012 originally equipped with R1234yf refrigerant. Daimler AG (DAG), the parent company of Mercedes-Benz, conducted product testing of a vehicle, not sold in the US, but equipped with the same refrigerant. According to Mercedes-Benz, the testing was designed to replicate worst-case conditions expected in a severe frontal crash that would cause a rupture of the air conditioner refrigerant line. A rupture of a refrigerant line will result in a gaseous mixture of refrigerant being released into the engine compartment.
The risk
The testing conducted by DAG determined that the escaping R1234yf refrigerant may ignite under specific conditions. The resulting fire could spread to additional combustible materials.
The remedy
Mercedes-Benz will notify owners, and dealers will replace the R1234yf refrigerant with R134a along with new refrigerant lines (hoses) designed specifically for R134a. The remedy will be provided free of charge. The safety recall began on November 8, 2012. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
NHTSA's own wording · initiated by MFR
Vehicles covered
| Model | Model years |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz SL-Class | 2013 |
Components: EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
Model years in this recall
NHTSA complaints and the number of recall campaigns for each model year this recall covers.
| Model | Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz SL-Class | 2013 | 0 | 1 |
Other equipment recalls in 2012
128 of the 583 recall campaigns reported to NHTSA in 2012 concerned the equipment; MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC. filed 55 campaigns in all.
| 12V599000 21 Dec 2012 | KEYSTONE RV COMPANY |
| 12V601000 21 Dec 2012 | Daimler Trucks North America |
| 12V598000 20 Dec 2012 | Jerr-Dan Corporation |
| 12V593000 18 Dec 2012 | Champion Bus, Inc. |
| 12V584000 12 Dec 2012 | Creative Bus Sales, Inc. |
| 12V592000 11 Dec 2012 | TRIUMPH MOTORCYCLES AMERICA LTD |
| 12V580000 10 Dec 2012 | Glaval Bus Division |
| 12V575000 10 Dec 2012 | Winnebago Industries Inc. |
NHTSA recalls (public domain) · all recalls of 2012