My vehicle is subject to NHTSA Recall 26V216 involving the drive shaft universal joint. In March 2025, before the recall was announced, Mercedes-Benz of Carlsbad diagnosed my vehicle with a front driveline/drive shaft problem. I later paid $2,575 to have the drive shaft replaced using genuine Mercedes-Benz parts. Mercedes-Benz later sent me a recall notice stating that customers who already paid to correct the recall condition may be eligible for reimbursement. On May 27, 2026, I started the reimbursement process through Mercedes-Benz of Carlsbad. I submitted everything Mercedes requested, including the repair invoice, proof of payment, and documentation showing genuine Mercedes-Benz parts were used. When additional documentation was requested, I provided it. I was told I had submitted all required documents. However, Mercedes-Benz will not enter my claim into the reimbursement review process because the recall campaign is not yet “open” and the remedy is not yet available. Mercedes-Benz Star Support told the dealer: “Reimbursement can be claimed after campaign is in open status.” I escalated the issue with Mercedes-Benz USA and received the same answer. My concern is that this prevents the 60-day review process from even starting. 49 C.F.R. §573.13(g)(1) states: “The manufacturer shall act upon a claim for reimbursement within 60 days of its receipt.” If a claim is incomplete, §573.13 also requires the manufacturer to identify the missing documentation within 60 days. I was told I submitted everything required. I am not asking NHTSA to determine whether I am entitled to reimbursement or the amount. I am asking NHTSA to review whether Mercedes-Benz can accept all required claim documents but refuse to process the claim until the campaign becomes “open,” effectively postponing the 60-day process indefinitely. I do not need a future recall repair. I already paid to have my drive shaft replaced. My concern is that Mercedes-Benz has all the requested reimbursement
- NHTSA ID
- 11761158
- Incident
- Mar 25, 2025