2008 Mercedes-Benz CL, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S Recall: Visibility

The defect

MERCEDES-BENZ IS RECALLING 3,283 MY 2008 S-CLASS AND CL-CLASS PASSENGER VEHICLES. A MALFUNCTION MAY OCCUR ON THE SIGNAL ACQUISITION AND ACTUATION MODULE-FRONT (SAM-F) TRANSISTORS. THE SAM-F IS A DOUBLE TRANSISTOR THAT HELPS CONTROL VEHICLE FUNCTIONS AND THE LIGHTING OF THE CENTER CONSOLE. INCORRECT STORAGE OF THE TRANSISTORS LED THE TRANSISTORS TO BE EXPOSED TO EXCESS HUMIDITY.

The risk

THE PRESENCE OF THIS MOISTURE IN COMBINATION WITH THE THERMAL STRESS DURING THE "REFLOW SOLDERING" MAY DAMAGE THE TRANSISTORS AND PREVENT THEM FROM PROPERLY FUNCTIONING WHICH WILL INCREASE THE RISK OF CRASH.

The fix — what to do

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE ALL POTENTIALLY AFFECTED SAM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 2, 2008. OWNER MAY CONTACT MERCEDES BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.

MERCEDES-BENZ RECALL NO. 2008030005.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.