Mercedes-Benz recalls 33,456 vehicles due to sunroof detachment

Mercedes-Benz is recalling 33,456 older luxury vehicles because the glass sunroof panels may not be properly secured.

The recall encompasses many vehicles with different model years from 2001-2011, including the CLK-Class coupe, E-Class sedan and wagon, CLS-Class sedan, and compact Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan, coupe and wagon body styles.

According to NHTSA, the supplier may not have applied the adhesive to the glass panels correctly or failed to allow the required adhesive to properly vent. As a result, the adhesive could degrade over time, causing the glass panels to peel away from the vehicle and cause a traffic accident.

If the adhesive fails, drivers may notice partially detached panels and excessive wind noise around the sunroof while driving, the NHTSA noted. Mercedes told NHTSA that it is not aware of any accidents, injuries, fatalities, or property damage in the United States due to this problem.

Remedial actions include an inspection and, if necessary, replacement of the affected sunroof panel, which dealers will do free of charge. Mercedes will mail an owner notification letter on January 18, 2025. Owners may also call the automaker's customer service department at 1-800-367-6372. The Mercedes reference number for this recall is 22V-954.

The current versions of the E-Class and C-Class are still in production and have evolved significantly from the previous generation involved in this recall; the CLS-Class helped create the “four-door coupe” niche, but it has no staying power and is discontinued for the 2023 model year; the CLK's role is now essentially carried by the CLE, in the form of the AMG CLE 53, a finalist in the Motor Authority Best Car To Buy 2025.