Certain 2008-2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class vehicles could experience taillight failure as a result of an electrical problem with the tail light ground pin connector. The automobile manufacturer and the NHTSA launched an investigation into the lighting problem in August 2013 after receiving twenty one complaints from customers who say they experienced a loss of one or more rear lamp assemblies and experienced melted connectors that resulted in smoke and fires in the trunk.
According to reports filed with the NHTSA, oxidation on the ground pin connector for the rear tail lamps of these vehicles can result in a dimming or complete loss of the tail lights. The loss of rear tail lamps will reduce the rearward visibility of the vehicle, especially with respect to turn signal illumination. The illumination of the lights could be reduced below the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards potentially increasing the chance of an accident.
The vehicles involved in this recall include:
Mercedes will be notifying owners to take their vehicles to a manufacturer approved repair facility to have the bulb holders and any corroded connectors replaced free of charge. For more information about the problem, owners can call Mercedes at 1-800-367-6372.
