MB Medic Mercedes-Benz Repair Guides, Service, How To DIY
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In this guide (5 sections)
This page contains essential links, such as how to look up Recalls on your Mercedes-Benz, Technical Service Bulletins (TSB), and Vehicle History Reports. A link to report safety concerns to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is also included.
How to check for RECALLS
A recall is issued when the car manufacturer, in this case, Mercedes-Benz, or NHTSA, determines that a specific model of a Mercedes-Benz has a safety defect or does not meet the federal safety standard. If there is a recall on your Mercedes-Benz, the manufacturer is responsible for replacing or repairing the defective item at no cost. If a recall is issued for a specific car model, the manufacturer must send you a letter to notify you. Safety recalls should be repaired as soon as possible. Recall remedies are normally provided at no charge, although federal free remedy requirements have an age limit and manufacturers may provide additional coverage for older vehicles.
How do you check for recalls on your Mercedes-Benz?
Check for Open Mercedes-Benz Recalls by VIN.
Want to be notified when new recalls are issued?
Subscribe to NHTSA Recall Alerts by Email.
Check for Technical Service Bulletins
A Technical Service Bulletin, or TSB, provides technicians with information on known conditions, diagnostic procedures, updated parts, repair methods, and service procedures. The manufacturer can also issue a TSB to notify your local dealer of procedures, modifications required, or parts impacted by the TSB. A TSB is not a recall and does not automatically make the repair free. Coverage depends on the vehicle warranty, any warranty extension or service campaign, and the specific repair. If the car is outside of the warranty period, in most cases, you will have to pay for the repair. Sometimes, the dealer offers to complete the TSB repairs for free. They are not mandatory repairs like recalls.
To actually find the bulletins for your car, NHTSA publishes the manufacturer communications it receives, and they are searchable by vehicle alongside recalls and complaints in the same NHTSA recall tool. Those records are summaries rather than the full dealer document, so a dealer service advisor or a paid subscription service is still the way to read a bulletin in full. Quote the bulletin number when you call: it moves the conversation along faster than describing the symptom.
Check Vehicle History Report by VIN
If you want to check a vehicle’s history, a vehicle history report can provide useful information about reported accidents, salvage or title issues, insurance records, and the last reported mileage. This can be especially helpful when evaluating a used Mercedes-Benz before buying it. AutoCheck and CarFax both sell them. Vehicle history report prices change, so check each provider for current pricing. Services such as AutoCheck, CARFAX, and VinAudit can provide title, odometer, salvage, accident, and other vehicle history information, although available data varies by provider. The best deal on history reports is VinAudit.com.
File a Safety Complaint
You can report a suspected vehicle safety problem to NHTSA. NHTSA reviews every complaint along with other information to identify possible safety defect trends. There is no set number of complaints required before an investigation can begin. If you report a problem, and so do a lot of other owners, then NHTSA may initiate an investigation. If you believe your vehicle has a safety-related defect, file a complaint with NHTSA.
Report a Vehicle Safety Problem to NHTSA.
Other Related Links
- Child safety seat recalls
- Tire recalls
- NHTSA compliance assistance, which is aimed at manufacturers rather than owners by FMVSS/NHTSA
(Vehicle testing to ensure compliance with Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Tests from 1994 to present.) - Defect Investigations
(Search for current and past NHTSA investigations of vehicles, tires, and equipment.)
Before you buy parts, scan every control module, not just the engine. It shows the root fault behind the warning lights and tells you whether the problem is still active. See how to do a full health check.
