Mercedes-Benz R-Class suffers two recalls
Consumer Affairs just posted two recalls issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA). The first involves a nut on a seat belt buckle for the SUV's second row seating. The nut is missing some
threads which could result in a weakened seat belt connection. 2,500 units are affected.The second recall involves the starter wiring harness. The crossover's electrical system could fail due to the problem. 7,500 R-Class owners can expect a notice in the mail.
Mercedes-Benz will inspect any vehicle and make any necessary corrections. Other recalls reported at the post include the Buick Lucerne and the Mazda MX-5.
[Source: NHTSA via Consumer Affairs]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Razib Ahmed 4:27PM (4/16/2006)
Very bad news for Mercedes-Benz. These cars are very expensive and even middle class people can never dream of buying such a car. Mercedes-Benz will inspect any vehicle and make any necessary corrections- this is good work done by the company. Just yesterday, DaimlerChrysler announced that it was doing very well in India (http://www.southasiabiz.com/2006/04/daimlerchrysler_moving_in_top.html ) and last year it sold more than 2000 cars in the Indian market.
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Dr. Woo 5:24PM (4/16/2006)
Not surprising, really. R-Class is an entirely new type of vehicle for the three-pointer. Quirks are going to be there and kudos to them for stepping up to make sure they're taken care of.
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cmcbruin 5:43PM (4/16/2006)
Not surprising that a car that looks like a hearse (and drives like one) is being recalled. This thing should go the way of the edsel. It is impractical, overpriced, and does not have many of the luxury features one would expect. (i.e. no DVD player until recently. It can't be selling very well, since MBZ has already had to offer an incentive lease.
I think they should just recall the model.
I test drove one recently, and then went down the street and bought an Infiniti FX35, loaded, for less than they wanted for the R. I am happy with my crossover SUV. It is sporty, spirited, good-looking, and functional. I can't say any of those words apply to the R.
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Kumar 7:04PM (4/16/2006)
Yet another reason why they should've brought the B class first. Does it make sense, no. Do I want a B with a diesel engine, you betcha.
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Udayan Tripathi 8:00PM (4/16/2006)
I guess it is impressive that standards have reached a level where missing threads call for a recall. Surely this development is cause for congratulations to MB, and not condemnation - after all it took rollovers and exploding tyres for Ford/Firestone to get their act together.
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weatherman 8:26PM (4/16/2006)
SUV? It's a mini-van, plain and simple.
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MNJ 8:53PM (4/16/2006)
Their commercial is hilarious. They call it a grand sports tourer or some crap. What a joke. It IS a minivan in denial.
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Finished.Barber.College 9:00PM (4/16/2006)
Not terribly surprising considering MB's abysmal dependability ratings. Even Hyundai's, Pontiac's, Jags and Nissans have better dependability than the terrible cars MB is tossing out these days. They keep talking about how they're getting these problems under control but so far the evidence doesn't support this.
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ChaoZ 1:34PM (4/17/2006)
Please tell me I'm not the only one who thinks the R-class is ugly as sin. Honking wide rear coupled with an uninspired bulbous front. That goes for the B-class as well. Unattractive cars at any angle.
Say what you will about Chris Bangle, at least BMWs have style (whether you like it or not is another question).
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Andy 9:35PM (5/08/2006)
Ya but for how ugly the car is it drives well and its very comfortable. They gave me an unbelievable deal which basically was a car swap for a 2001 Acura MDX with 98,000 miles which already had the transmission replaced at (go figure) 70,000 miles. Acura did nothing to help on that one. Hay for the price I paid I will drive the over priced $64,000 plus car.
You got own one to like it. And not many people give it a chance. The look will grow on you like an old uncle.
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e. tonner 9:11PM (5/15/2006)
I love my new MB R class. It is fun to drive, fits a crowd very well, and the look grows on you. I've driven a MB E320 wagon for 12 years and the R class is a fun change. It works well for my family. It is a huge step-up from any minivan I've ever been in. So, people should stop the minivan jokes and give it a try. They will love it.
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