Mercedes-Benz recall 26V481 covers 310,667 U.S. vehicles across selected 2019 through 2026 A-Class, CLA, C-Class, CLE, GLA, GLB and GLC variants. Moisture can corrode a microswitch in the driver-door lock, preventing the electronic parking brake or Auto-Park from engaging automatically when the door opens.
The resulting rollaway risk makes the campaign relevant to service scheduling, trade appraisal, used-inventory control and customer handoff—not only warranty administration. Mercedes-Benz reported 176 U.S. comfort-function cases but no known U.S. rollaway case.
Timing matters
Mercedes-Benz made its safety decision on July 17 and submitted the manufacturer report to NHTSA on July 24. Dealer notification and VIN-search availability were scheduled for July 31, while owner letters are due by September 18. Stores may therefore receive questions, appraisals and service visits before every owner has a letter.
Dealer response
Mercedes-Benz retailers and independent used operations should query each VIN rather than trying to manage the recall from a broad model list. Appraisal and delivery forms should capture the open-campaign result, while advisors should avoid describing the remedy until the current manufacturer instruction is available.
A rollaway risk also warrants precise customer communication: explain the identified condition and the official interim guidance without inventing precautions not contained in the manufacturer or NHTSA record.
Exact model and VIN coverage is controlled by NHTSA and Mercedes-Benz campaign records.
Cited references
- NHTSA Part 573 report 26V481 — Official recall filing
- Reuters recall report — Independent reporting