2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Complaint Log

I am filing this safety complaint regarding my 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE 300, VIN [XXX] , license plate [XXX] . My vehicle is currently affected by an active safety recall: NHTSA Recall 26V281 / Mercedes-Benz recall campaign 2025060014. The recall concerns the instrument cluster / infotainment control unit software. According to the recall information, the instrument cluster display may briefly interrupt, reset, remain blank, or otherwise fail to display important driving-related information, which can increase the risk of a crash. I attempted in good faith to resolve this issue through authorized Mercedes-Benz dealerships, including Mercedes-Benz of [XXX] Downtown LA, Mercedes-Benz of Beverly Hills, and Mercedes-Benz / Calstar Motors in Glendale. However, the dealerships refused or failed to accept the vehicle for recall service, failed to provide a repair order, and/or failed to provide a clear written explanation or remedy timeline. This creates a serious safety and consumer problem. I am left with a vehicle that is subject to an active safety recall, but the authorized dealers are not providing a practical repair path. The vehicle’s use, value, and safety are materially affected. I also use the vehicle for car-sharing/business purposes, and an open safety recall prevents or restricts the vehicle from being used for that purpose. I am requesting that NHTSA document this complaint and review Mercedes-Benz USA’s handling of this recall, including the lack of available remedy, the refusal or failure of authorized dealers to accept the vehicle for recall service, and the lack of clear written guidance to the consumer. I am also requesting that Mercedes-Benz USA provide an immediate remedy, written safety instructions, a repair timeline, and appropriate accommodation, replacement, or repurchase review if the recall cannot be corrected within a reasonable time. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE 300. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V688000 (Park Brake, Back Over Prevention, Equipment). The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped in traffic, the vehicle behind him ran into the rear end of the vehicle, causing him to be pushed into the vehicle in front of him. The contact stated that he applied the parking brake, but the vehicle did not stop as intended. There were no injuries and no medical attention needed. All vehicle involved sustained damage. There was no police report taken. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 11,000.

The contact owns a 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE300. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where unknown repairs were performed. The vehicle was repaired, and the contact was informed by the dealer that the vehicle could be picked up; however, the check engine warning light was still illuminated. The dealer kept the vehicle. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with an unknown sensor failure. The contact then went to fuel the vehicle. The next time the contact was able to drive the vehicle, while driving 65 MPH, the accelerator was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond, and the contact was almost in a crash. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and drove 30 MPH to the job. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the dealer diagnosed the vehicle with a contaminated fuel system. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 4,900.

The rise in the use of cell phones (texting,etc) while driving has been responsible for thousands of accidents all over the country. They create distractions for drivers but that is the sole responsibility of the driver. The problem with my car is one that is programed by Mercedes and involves the Sirius radio they installed in my car. The radio allows you to identify your favorite channels for easy access. However, the programming they have installed requires the driver to push 2 separate buttons to change a channel rather than a single button. This may seem petty on the surface, however, when you are traveling at 40-60 mph on a highway or busy local street with traffic lights looking for that second button on a touch screen with about 20 buttons, it does divert the driver’s attention for at least 3-4 seconds. No different than texting except that this is what Mercedes has programmed into the car. Very dangerous as I have already experienced. My car is one month old and this problem is a new feature. I know this because I also have another 2024 Mercedes that is 3 months old and is not programmed the same way. It requires only a single touch button to change the channel. Much safer. I am not aware of any other car on the road (ever built) that requires the pushing of 2 buttons to change the channel. I have brought this to the attention of my dealership and Mercedes directly. I was blown off by both as nothing is being planned by Mercedes to correct this. To me it seems to be a simple reprogramming of the radio system to what they had before. The danger should not be underestimated. To answer the questions posed on this site: my car is available for inspection; already explained the safety risk to myself and others; problem has been confirmed by the dealer and Mercedes directly; there are no warning lights for this problem until there is a collision due to driver distraction. Then I am sure all sorts of lights will come on. Problem needs to be corrected.

Audio no longer works continuously hearing static and sparking through speakers

The contact owns a 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE300. The contact stated after purchasing the vehicle and leaving the dealer, while driving 40 MPH, the Low Tire Pressure warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence and restarted, and the "Inoperative, See Owner Manual", "Blind spot assistance Inoperative", and "Risk of the vehicle rolling away apply a parking brake when parking" messages were displayed. The contact stated that the engine would not start but the electronic features were functioning. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed but no failures were found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.