2014 Mercedes-Benz GLK350

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

Subject: Serious Safety Complaint – Cracked Fuel Pump and Gasoline Leakage – 2014 Mercedes-Benz GLK **1. The fuel pump developed a crack that allowed gasoline to leak and accumulate on top of the fuel tank, underneath the rear seat of the vehicle. The problem was diagnosed by an independent automotive repair shop in Missoula, Montana, after an initial inspection at an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership was unsuccessful in identifying or resolving the problem. The failed fuel pump and vehicle should be made available for inspection upon request, subject to confirmation of the component's current availability. 2. This is an extremely dangerous safety issue. Gasoline was leaking from the cracked fuel pump and pooling on top of the fuel tank underneath the rear seat. The presence of gasoline and gasoline vapors creates a serious risk of fire or explosion. Even a small ignition source could potentially ignite the gasoline vapors. For example, operating an electrical device such as a garage door opener in close proximity to the vehicle could create a potentially dangerous situation. This defect presents a substantial risk to the driver, passengers, other occupants of the home, and anyone in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle. A fuel-system failure of this nature should be treated as a serious safety hazard, not simply an emissions or maintenance issue. 3. I initially took the vehicle to an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership in Missoula, Montana, after noticing an increasingly strong gasoline odor. Unfortunately, the dealership was not helpful in identifying or resolving the issue. I subsequently took the vehicle to an independent automotive repair shop in Missoula, Montana. That shop diagnosed a cracked fuel pump that could start a fire.

NHTSA ID

11776815

Incident

Oct 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz GLK350. The contact stated that after reversing out of the garage, there was a large rust puddle near the rear passenger’s side of the vehicle. While the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormally loud clunking sound. The driver returned to the residence, and the contact also noticed the clunking sound as the driver was pulling into the driveway. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that the rear coil spring had fractured in half. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was determined that the fractured rear coil spring had damaged the shock absorbers and other components. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered to schedule an appointment. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000. The VIN was unavailable.

NHTSA ID

11755258

Incident

Aug 5, 2026

Mileage

82,000 mi

The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz GLK350. The contact stated that there was an abnormal fuel odor inside and outside vehicle. The check engine, TPMS, and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ID

11750586

Incident

Jul 11, 2026

Mileage

100,000 mi

The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes Benz GLK. The contact stated he heating element burned through the front driver side seat. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with an internal fault in the driver seat back heater; however the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

NHTSA ID

11740866

Incident

Apr 20, 2026

Mileage

120,000 mi

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID

11693897

Incident

Sep 4, 2025

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? -The entire electrical system failed and the power steering, SRS, and ABS systems malfunctioned. Yes, it’s available for inspection. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? -Last night around 9 pm CST we crank the car and started to drive, (no warning light at that time) and all of a sudden the car had a warning message to start the engine or the vehicle would turn off the engine although we were already driving. The car started to show all the lights and the brakes got harder to press while we were driving about 40 miles per hour. We couldn’t stop completely at the traffic light and the SRS light came on in the dashboard. After we got off the main road, the power steering locked up as we were trying to turn into a parking lot to safely park. Even after removing the key, the engine remained on and the headlights. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? -No, a dealer has not confirmed electrical problems for this specific VIN, although there has been a “blanket recall” on the models in this class. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? -No, not to my knowledge. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? -The battery light turned on around 9 am when I was driving my son to his appointment. Then the light went off. Later on in the day, I was able to drive approximately 30-40 miles before going home. In the evening, when driving to the grocery store, the battery light came back on and went off. After leaving grocery store, this is when the car malfunctioned. The ABS and SRS were prominent during the malfunction.

NHTSA ID

11666040

Incident

Jun 9, 2025

On 1/17/25, I was on my commute to my office when I noted a very strong and unpleasant odor. Thinking it was from a truck in front of me, I passed the truck, cracked my passenger window and continued the short distance to my office. After work, when I returned to my car, I noted a hole burned through my driver's side leather seat. I didn't make the connection to the odor from that morning until I arrived home and did some online research. It turns out that my front seat warmer had malfunctioned, burning all the way through the leather. This problem is well documented online in various forums in my year, make and model. In some cases I read about, driver's clothing burned. In one case I found, a child was burned. This is also a well documented problem that occurred in earlier models of Mercedes, resulting in a lawsuit and a recall. My car is currently at the dealer for repair of the faulty seat warmer, replacement of the burned foam cushion, and replacement of the leather seat cover. This could have been so much worse had I been earlier in my commute, or on a highway where I could not have pulled over. It seems like this problem should prompt a recall.

NHTSA ID

11638529

Incident

Jan 17, 2025

On January 01, 2025, I started my wife's car after adding coolant. I just want to warm it up since we did not use it in a couple of days. I activated the heated seat on the driver side where I was seated and was just looking at the dashboard. I felt something on back right side and thought that there was an insect bite. When I turned and look, I discovered a dime size red small flame and smoke on the seat and realized that it is possibly and part of the heated seat heating element that burned through the seat material and burned my sweater a little bit. I turned off the heated seat immediately and shut off the car and made sure the burning stop or was out. I was thankful that this happen while I was just warming out the car and stationary and that it did not happen while my wife was driving the car. This could have produced a dangerous situation, a bigger fire while driving and could have cause an accident. I called the Mercedes Benz service department which was possibly closed but I got a call back the following day and they said that there is no open recall on this vehicle on anything. I ask what is my option and the answer was to get it checked at the service dept. and that it would cost $351.00 just to find out what was wrong with it. I schedule service for Jan 14, 2025 at 3:30 pm. No police or insurance inspection was done. There has been no warning lamp or message to warn me of the problem. Jan 01, 2025 is the first time it happened. I told my wife not to use the heated seat and put a note on the car to inform anyone that will be in the car even though it is just my wife and I that drives the car.

NHTSA ID

11633753

Incident

Jan 1, 2025

Complaint Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is similar to a tire or wheel vibration, it is usually readily noticeable that it is distinctly different if it happens at all times or only while braking. Cause Although the cause of the vibration is most likely due to excessive lateral runout on the rotor or hub/wheel bearing, the system as a whole needs to be checked for other possible contributors. 1. Prior collision damage. 2. Excessive vehicle sitting times without rotating components. 3. Wheel bearing/hub lateral runout. 4. Wheel mating interface has been overtightened (did not follow WIS torque procedures). 5. Mating interfaces have been excessively modified (painted, gouged, bent, etc...). Remedy Read through the entire attached worksheet prior to performing. After performing, please review the final page and perform work accordingly. NOTE: This document is not pre‑authorization or otherwise dealing with warranty. This is intended for diagnostic purposes only. If there are any questions on how to proceed OR The work sheet has been performed and the vehicle has returned with the same concern. Please perform the measurements as seen in the worksheet again and open a TIPS case to the Body, Chassis, and Entertainment team.

Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • If the noise continues to occur even with the door trim removed, then continue the diagnosis working towards the speaker and if necessary, create a TIPS case with an informative video as an attachment. Note: Please refer to this document in the warranty claim and, once diagnosis is completed, select the damage code depending on the component part that is causing the issue. • If the noise stops when the door trim is removed, please proceed in accordance with LI72.10‑P‑067691. Information: In this case, do not use a damage code for the speakers in the warranty claim!

Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • If the noise continues to occur even with the door trim removed, then continue the diagnosis working towards the speaker and if necessary, create a TIPS case with an informative video as an attachment. Information: Please refer to this document in the warranty claim and, after completing diagnosis, select the damage code corresponding to the component part that caused the problem. • If the noise stops when the door trim is removed, please proceed in accordance with LI72.10-P-067691. Information: In this case, do not use a damage code for the speakers in the warranty claim!

Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. Note: Sound file in attachment Cause If the complaint is eliminated by experimentally loosening the outboard collar nut (by 1 turn), the problem is due to cracking of the microweld between the wheel bearing inner race and the joint housing of the side shaft. Note: The collar nut must always be replaced after being loosened. See also LI33.20-P-078406 Remedy Coat contact surface of side shaft with wheel bearing with Molykote paint. To do this, proceed as follows: 1. Remove side shafts 2. Clean contact surface A (see image file in attachment "Outer joint housing before") before coating with Molykote, using "spirit" (free of dust and grease) 3. Coat contact surface A (see image file in attachment "Outer joint housing after") with Molykote and leave to dry for "one hour" in removed condition 4. Reinstall side shafts Note: Before using the antifriction coating (Molykote), stir it or shake it thoroughly for (at least 1 minute).

Complaint Potential corrosion on the rear axle carrier Cause Due to market-specific conditions such as moisture, ingress of dirt and/or environmental influences, corrosion can occur on the rear axle carrier Remedy In the event of a complaint, the optimized repair method must be used when replacing the rear axle carrier. The repair method for the respective model series can be found in the attachment. Repair packages are available in Xentry Repair Packages for the special processing of rear axle carriers Note: Please utilize flexible wand (319-SAT1058826) along with the Cavity Preservation Gun (W 000 588 03 72 00) for cavity wax application to improve coverage and reduces labor efforts. The flexible wand may be obtained through the Mercedes-Benz Standard Service Equipment Program website.

Complaint Creaking noise, in irregular sequence when driving slowly in combination with slight steering movements and/or Creaking/crackling noises from the area of the wheel bearing on the front axle when cornering/ maneuvering. Sound file attached for comparison. MUST match noise for proper diagnosis. NOTE: Steering functionality is not affected. Cause Contact area between wheel bearing and steering knuckle. See also: LI35.30-P-058566 (Throttle Lift-Off Noise - Rear) LI33.30-P-056665 (Throttle Lift-Off Noise - Front) LI40.10-P-059248 (Wheel cracking noise when cornering) Remedy 1. Perform Operation A and evaluate by testing vehicle. 2. If noise is still present after re-testing: • If 192/232 chassis, verify FIN is in the listed range below in "Operation B" and perform. • If not 192/232 chassis or vehicle is a 192/232 not in the listed FIN range, additional verifications of where the noise is coming from are needed. Use multiple channel NVH method to narrow down location. Verify the LI's listed above were completed or if there are other similar noises associated with the chassis (Example: 192/232 also has under panel noises and an associated LI). Operation A: 1. Clean contact surfaces of wheel bearing and steering knuckle with brake cleaner (see areas marked blue in pictures "2.jpg" and "3.jpg"). NOTE: The front area of the wheel bearing and the seals must not come into contact with the cleaner, otherwise, the sealing rings will be damaged. 2. Clean threads of wheel bearing mounting. 3. Thinly coat contact surfaces of wheel bearing, steering knuckle, and axle mating face with Molykote (annular joint grease) (see areas marked blue in pictures "2.jpg" and "3.jpg"). NOTE: Axle mating face greasing is also covered in LI35.30-P-058566 and LI33.30-P-056665. Operation B (Only applies to 192 and 232 in listed FIN range): Only affects vehicles up to FIN end number: • Model series 192: xxx xxx xx 002 876 • Model series 232: xxx xxx xx 022 312 1. Replace steering knuckle. 2. Wheel bearings do not need to be replaced.