- Mercedes-Benz is recalling 136,751 2000-'02 M-Class and 2000-'04 M-Class AMG vehicles because the cruise control may not disengage, according to NHTSA.
- Mercedes-Benz said the recall was prompted by an unspecified number of consumer complaints that excessive braking force was needed to disengage the cruise control.
- The recall is not expected to begin until September.
WASHINGTON — Mercedes-Benz is recalling 136,751 2000-'02 M-Class and 2000-'04 M-Class AMG SUVs because the cruise control may not disengage, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Mercedes-Benz said the recall was prompted by an unspecified number of consumer complaints that excessive braking force was needed to disengage the cruise control, according to documentation filed with the federal government.
One owner of a 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML500 submitted the following complaint about the vehicle speed control on his or her vehicle in February 2010: "While driving at 70 mph, cruise control failed to disengage when brake pedal pushed to slow vehicle, causing engine to race, forcing vehicle to speed up almost crashing into vehicle ahead. Cruise control could only be disengaged by putting transmission into neutral and depressing brake. Dealer replaced stop lamp switch, recommended replacing brake pressure sensor and BAS release switch at a cost to me over $1,000. I believe this is a serious safety matter."
NHTSA explained that there are several ways to disengage the cruise control on these vehicles, including tapping the brake pedal, using the cruise control stalk or "braking the vehicle enough to reach a certain rate of deceleration."
"Mercedes-Benz has determined that under certain circumstances, use of the brake pedal may not automatically disengage cruise control as expected by the driver, although the other means of deactivating cruise control remain fully operative" said NHTSA in its recalls summary of the problem. "Specifically, where the driver pumps the brakes rather than applying consistent pedal force, the level of force required may be unusually high. Difficulty or delay in disengaging cruise control can increase the risk of a crash."
Mercedes-Benz dealers will replace the brake lamp switch "to remediate the potential need for excessive brake pedal force to disengage the cruise control," said the automaker. The recall is expected to begin in September. Owners can contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
Inside Line says: If you own the aforementioned Mercedes-Benz M-Class, be aware that a recall is in the works. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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