In a recent recall notice reported by Consumer Reports, the consumer safety resource explained that Mercedes-Benz has instigated a recall of 6,872 vehicles due to a fuel filter that may leak near the area where the heating component sits. This fuel leak could lead to a potentially lethal fire, due to its presence near a possiblel source of ignition.
However, consumer Reports explains that this leak could also “create the potential for a crash” if fuel made its way onto the roadway. The news source explains this recall includes “models from the 2011 E-, GL-, ML- and R-Class lines, as well as the 2012 S-Class.”
The Family Car Guide explains that this mid-October “safety recall involves 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class models built from July 2010 through February 2011, 2011 R-Class built from April 2010 through April 2011, 2011 ML-Class built from January 2010 through March 2011, 2011 GL-Class built from March 2010 through March 2011, and 2012 model year S-Class vehicles.”
The auto resource goes on to explain that the auto manufacturer will “contact owners of affected vehicles and dealers will inspect and replace the diesel fuel filter, if replacement is necessary, free of charge.” However, the article explains that until this takes place, “owners of 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, R-Class, ML-Class, and GL-Class vehicles, or 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class vehicles equipped with diesel engines with any questions or concerns may contact” the auto company directly. The report explains that this safety recall is expected to begin this month.
The Mercedes recall is not the only auto maker to recall vehicles due to a potential fuel leak that could lead to fire. Last month, Consumer Reports explained that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced a recall of “159,884 Volkswagen Jetta TDI sedans and SportWagens manufactured from May 2008 through September 2011 and Volkswagen Golf TDIs manufactured from May 2009 through September 2011.” In addition, a later recall notice explained that the 2010-2012 Audi A3 TDI is also part of this recall, bringing the total number of recalled vehicles to 168,275.
The Consumer Reports’ article explains that “In the common-rail diesel engine, the fuel injection pulses could coincide with the natural frequency of an injector line, causing stress during certain driving conditions.” The news source explains that the second injector line can eventually develop small cracks which can then leak fuel.
This recall is also expected to begin this month. Both Audi and Volkswagen will contact owners of these vehicles about the recall, and “dealerships will install an improved fuel line for the injector at risk and a damper to quell the vibrations,” Consumer Reports explains.
If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a fuel leak in one of the affected Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, or Audi models, contact Newsome Law Firm and fill out a case evaluation form today. Our team of attorneys has experience specific to complications associated with automobile recalls. Not only can they give you the legal guidance you need, they can help you get the compensation you deserve.
References:
Bartlett, Jeff. (October 7, 2011) “Audi A3 joins Volkswagen Golf, Jetta in TDI recall for fire risk.” Retrieved on November 4, 2011 from Consumer Reports.
Kane, Suzanne. (October 17, 2011) “2011-2012 Mercedes-Benz Diesel Vehicles: Recall Alert.” Retrieved on November 4, 2011 from Family Car Guide.
Shader, Maggie. (October 17, 2011) “Recall: Mercedes-Benz-Diesel fuel filter may leak.” Retrieved on November 4, 2011 from Consumer Reports.