Mercedes-Benz recalls vehicles with start-up issue

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) is recalling 354,434 model year 2015-2017 C300 4Matic, C300, CLA250, CLA250 4Matic and CLA45 AMG vehicles; 2017 C300 4Matic Cabrio, C300 4Matic Coupe, C300 Cabrio, C300 Coupe, E300, E300 4Matic, E400 4Matic Wagon, E43 AMG 4Matic, GLA250, GLA250 4Matic and GLC300 4Matic Coupe vehicles; and 2016 C350e and GLC300 vehicles and 2016-2017 C450 4Matic AMG Sport and GLC300 4Matic vehicles.

In the event that the engine or transmission cannot turn over, the starting current limiter may overheat from the repeated attempts of the starter motor attempting to start the vehicle.

If the starting current limiter overheats, the surrounding components can melt, increasing the risk of a fire.

What to do

MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional fuse in the electrical line to the starter, free of charge. Parts to remedy the vehicles are not currently available. Owners will be notified of the recall beginning in late March 2017. Owners will be mailed a follow up notice when remedy parts are available, currently expected to be in July 2017.

Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.