If you drive a Mercedes-Benz GLA, GLB, C-Class, or GLC, you might have received a recall notice in the mail. 

The NHTSA Recall 26V481 involves a potential problem with the driver’s door lock that could prevent the vehicle from properly detecting when the driver’s door has been opened. If the system is faulty, the vehicle’s electronic parking brake or Auto-Park function might not engage automatically. That could lead to a potential rollaway risk.

Mercedes-Benz is providing a recall repair at no cost to affected owners. Do GLA, GLB, C-Class, and GLC owners have a Lemon Law claim? Here is what you will want to know. 

What Is the Mercedes-Benz Rollaway Recall?

Recall 26V481 affects certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles. This includes some GLA, GLB, C-Class, GLC, and other models.

The problem centers around a microswitch located inside the driver’s door lock. The switch can corrode and fail. When that happens, the vehicle may not recognize that the driver’s door has been opened.

Unfortunately, that is a major safety flaw. Mercedes-Benz vehicles use electronic systems to see whether the vehicle is properly secured when the driver exits. If the system does not receive the correct signal, the electronic parking brake or Auto-Park function may not engage as intended.

That means a vehicle could roll away when the driver believes it is secured.

Does a Recall Automatically Make a Mercedes-Benz a Lemon?

This is not always the case. A vehicle recall means the manufacturer has identified a safety defect and must provide a remedy. On the other hand, a Lemon Law claim involves a vehicle with a qualifying defect that the manufacturer has been unable to repair after a legally sufficient number of attempts.

No, receiving a recall notice doesn’t automatically mean Mercedes-Benz has to buy back your vehicle. However, the recall can become part of the bigger picture if your vehicle continues to have problems.

What If the Recall Repair Doesn’t Fix the Problem?

If Mercedes-Benz performs the recall repair and everything works properly, there may not be a Lemon Law claim because the vehicle was recalled. But what if it doesn’t remedy the situation?

If you’ve taken your Mercedes-Benz to the dealership multiple times for the same problem, if the repair has not corrected the issue, or if your vehicle has spent a significant amount of time in the shop, your case might be different. 

You want to keep your repair orders, invoices, recall paperwork, warranty documents, and communications with the dealership. This paperwork can help establish what went wrong, when you reported it, what the dealership attempted to do, and whether the problem continued afterward.

What Should You Do If Your Mercedes-Benz Is Recalled?

First, you don’t want to ignore the recall. Make sure to check your VIN to see whether your Mercedes-Benz is affected. After that, you can contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership to arrange the recall repair.

And if the problem continues after the recall repair, don’t think there’s nothing you can do because Mercedes-Benz performed the recall service. A California Lemon Law attorney can look at the history of your vehicle and see if your situation meets your state’s requirements.

Could Your Mercedes-Benz Be a Lemon?

The Mercedes-Benz rollaway recall is a serious safety issue. However, the recall does not automatically make every affected vehicle a lemon.

But if your GLA, GLB, C-Class, GLC, or another affected Mercedes-Benz continues to experience the defect with repeated unsuccessful repairs or has spent substantial time in the dealership’s service department, you may have a Lemon Law case.

At BLVD Law, we can take a look at your situation. A review of your repair history, purchase information, warranty coverage, and state laws can help with the next steps. Reach out for a consultation today.