AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
2015 Mercedes-Benz Redundant C63 AMG
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Overview
Our database contains no NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz Redundant C63 AMG. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; and 59 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Safety recalls
1 campaign cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govRecent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
No owner complaints recorded for this model year
Either none have been filed with NHTSA, or this vehicle is too new for reports to have accumulated.
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Complaint 1. General Diagnostic Tips 2. One or More PARK Sensor Activations 3. Red Ring Around Vehicle 4. "Active Parking and Parking Assist Inoperative" on Instrument Cluster 5. Cameras 6. Other Park Topics Cause Various root causes Remedy See attached diagnostic guide.
POWER TRAIN
Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse (and vice versa). 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 micromovement in the connection 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 and must be tightened to the specified torque. Remedy Coat contact surface of side shaft with wheel bearing with Molykote paint. To do this, proceed as follows: 1. Remove outboard side shafts (extract outer joint gearing from wheel hub) 2. Clean contact surface A (see picture 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") using Molykote and leave to dry for one hour in removed condition 4. Reinstall side shafts Note: Before using the antifriction coating (Molykote), stir or shake it well (for at least 1 minute).
SUSPENSION; WHEELS
Complaint Crackling and cracking noise from the outer wheel on the front axle when cornering Cause The noise is generated by a micromovement on the contact surface between the rim and the brake disk (wheel bolt group) and may be intensified by potential soiling. The more lightweight rim (AMG forged rim) transmits the noise louder; in the case of cast rims, the noise is generally not perceptible. This is not a technical defect, but rather a complaint concerning comfort. Safe operation of the vehicle is ensured at all times. Remedy Important note: The operations described below do not represent a permanent remedy in every case. The noise may reoccur again after an indefinite period of time; sanding the rims with abrasive media multiple times is not permissible. Only cleaning using the Hazet tool 4960-160 (recommendation) can be performed without any concerns each time the wheel is changed or if the complaint reoccurs. Replacing the parts (rim, wheel bolts, wheel bearings, wheel hub, brake disk) is not expedient in the event of this complaint. Clean the components of the wheel bolt connection according to the WIS instructions Sand down the rim and brake disk bowl by performing the following steps: • Manually sand rim (old design only) in area of water drain bores (Figure 1; item A), approx. 1.5 cm left and right of water drain bore (Figure 2) Note: Use abrasive paper with grit size 80. The grooving in this area should no longer be visible (sand down approx. 0.1-0.2mm) • Also sand brake disk bowl using emery cloth or abrasive paper with a grain size of 120 • For vehicles equipped with the AMG ceramic brake system (B07), abrasive paper may not be used for cleaning on the brake disk side Note: Do not use any cleaning agent when cleaning on the rim side. Cleaning using abrasive paper with a grain size of 80 will suffice. Do not apply any grease, lubricant or paste after cleaning The brake disk bowl should be "bare metal" in the area of the imprints made by the hole (Figure 3)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Complaint The result from the XENTRY battery test does not match the current state of the battery. Cause The XENTRY battery tester uses the stored on-board electrical system data in the SAM module to access the health of the 12 volt battery. The XENTRY battery test may not take into account a single discharge event because the SAM or EZS cannot record the data if the battery is discharged. Note: A discharged battery does not necessarily need to be replaced. A discharged battery may be recovered with no permanent damage. Remedy 1) If the battery is discharged, charge the battery. Review WS54.00-P-0037B for minimum charger specifications. • Note the amperage difference between trickle (maintainer) chargers of at least 16A and quick chargers of at least 30A. • Review AP54.10-P-5449U. Note when battery is sufficiently charged the charger current is less 5A. 2) While charging the battery, analyze the vehicle data to determine root cause of discharge using the following data points: • NOTE: For guidance on use of the on-board electrical data please review the AKUBIS video titled "New onboard electrical system diagnosis shown on BR 166". The video can be accessed through WIS by following the path WSM--> content by model series --> passenger cars --> ML-Class --> Model 166 --> group 54 --> New onboard electrical system diagnosis. • Refer to the March 2023 PCTT for the video walkthrough of analysis as well as the attachment of the slides to this Li. • Review GF54.10-P-1012A regarding what can cause deep discharge protection to not end a battery draw. • Review SI54.10-P-0024A for proper maintenance of the vehicle. For Star 2 vehicles: -Review FSAM on-board electrical data conspicuous records • NOTE: This data can be found via FSAM N10/6 -> Actual Values -> On-board electrical system -> On-board electrical system data For Star 3 vehicles: -Review N73/3 EZS on-board electrical data conspicuous records • NOTE: This data can be found via EZS N73/3 -> Actual Values -> On-board electrical system -> On-board electrical system data 3) Determine if root cause is due to: • vehicle technical issue? • customer behavior? NOTE: Recommend using battery analysis sheet found in XiW -> Local Contents -> Diagnostic info -> Battery Discharge Worksheet 4) If battery still does not accept charge AND the vehicle does not fall within the parameters of improper maintenance, then create a TIPS case. *IMPORTANT* - If the improper maintenance/use is found during diagnosis, DO NOT open a TIPS case. If a TIPS case is opened, it will be marked 1 star and directed to your assigned FSE for review. TIPS Case must include with the case: • Amperage setting of charger and time battery was on charger • XENTRY Battery Tester results • Voltage of battery taken with multimeter: Do not connect charger while taking measurements • N10/6 FSAM, (N73 or N73/3) and (N73*1 or N73/3*1) • Workshop analysis of conspicuous data • Root cause analysis for battery discharge based on the above documents (technical, customer, etc.) • NOTE: For expedited results when creating a case write customer complaint as "XENTRY Battery Tester implausible".
SERVICE BRAKES
Complaint Noises/ squealing from the service brake in various driving situations and ambient conditions. Cause Frictional vibrations Remedy The intent of this document is to reduce or eliminate noise from high performance AMG brakes. AMG brakes are designed for performance under high load and in certain scenarios, can emit noise. Some of the scenarios are: • Driving style • Brake pressure and application style (stop-and-go traffic with consistent low brake pressure “riding brakes” where the brakes cannot cool sufficiently between applications). • Ambient temperatures 1. Beginning Diagnostics: a) Check whether the complaint can be reproduced and at which axle or side the noises occur (ideally together with the customer while driving). b) Check the affected system for component wear, mechanical damage or localized overheating damage. Replace damaged components as necessary. c) Assess condition of brake rotors and pads per WIS and visually (i.e. long periods of stagnation, etc...). d) Clean brake components free of brake dust and debris. d) Secure vehicle on a lift. 1. Start the engine and depress the brake pedal 3-4 times. 2. Check each wheel to see if they turn freely by hand. 3. If a wheel is not turning freely by hand, this needs to be addressed prior to re-assessing the noise concern. e) Check whether, apart from this document, an additional document exists for the specific model in question, and if so, work through it and then continue. 2. Specific Axle Work: NOTE: If the brake pad has a metal backing plate, there is no need to affix the adhesive film. Continue with applying chamfer and Molykote as instructed below. IMPORTANT: Be absolutely certain to not allow paste between friction surfaces of the pad and disc! a) If the noises are coming from the front axle. 1. Remove brake linings of front axle. 2. Clean all contact points on brake lining backing plate, including the brake lining guide pins and brake caliper/carrier. 3. Clean bonding surface (where pistons contact back of brake pad). Apply adhesive film to the backplate of the piston-side brake lining where the piston contacts the pad backing plate. See picture "Adhesive and Paste Application Area". 4. Be sure to remove both brown paper backing sides of the adhesive film, it is double sided adhesive film. 5. If adhesive is already installed on backing plate where pistons contact the back of the pad, you may gently scrape off and re-apply a new adhesive or Molykote. Must not apply the Molykote on top of the adhesive. 6. Chamfer edges (gently round off sharp leading edges) on brake pads. Some pads have vertical grooves, these can be gently chamfered with a triangular file as well. See picture "Chamfering Technique". 7. Apply Molykote to the sides of the backing plate. See picture "Adhesive and Paste Application Area". 8. After installing the brake linings, actuate the brake for 30 seconds. b) If the noises are coming from the rear axle. 1. Remove brake pads of rear axle. 2. Clean all contact points on brake lining backing plate and brake caliper/carrier. 3. Clean bonding surface (where pistons contact back of brake pad). Apply adhesive film to the backplate of the piston-side brake lining. 4. Chamfer edges (round off sharp leading edges) on brake pads. See picture "Chamfering Technique". 5. Grease contact points (red areas on attachment "Rear Pad Grease Area") between brake lining and guide of brake caliper with Molykote. 3. Brake Bedding Process: a) Before trip, the mileage incurred must be clarified with the customer (approx. 30 miles). b) Select a suitable route so speeds of approximately 65 MPH can be achieved. c) If the vehicle is an AMG P3 Hybrid, switch off recouperation prior to bedding in brakes. d) Brake the vehicle 15 times with a brake pressure of approx. 30 bar (have the passenger read it out using XENTRY) from 62 MPH to 30 MPH (no emergency stops and no braking in the ESP control range). Maintain a cooling distance of approx. 1 mile between brake application
SERVICE BRAKES
Complaint Noises/ squealing from the service brake in various driving situations and ambient conditions. Cause Frictional vibrations Remedy The intent of this document is to reduce or eliminate noise from high performance AMG brakes. AMG brakes are designed for performance under high load and in certain scenarios, can emit noise. Some of the scenarios are: • Driving style • Brake pressure and application style (stop-and-go traffic with consistent low brake pressure “riding brakes” where the brakes cannot cool sufficiently between applications). • Ambient temperatures 1. Beginning Diagnostics: a) Check whether the complaint can be reproduced and at which axle or side the noises occur (ideally together with the customer while driving). b) Check the affected system for component wear, mechanical damage or localized overheating damage. Replace damaged components as necessary. c) Assess condition of brake rotors and pads per WIS and visually (i.e. long periods of stagnation, etc...). d) Clean brake components free of brake dust and debris. d) Secure vehicle on a lift. 1. Start the engine and depress the brake pedal 3-4 times. 2. Check each wheel to see if they turn freely by hand. 3. If a wheel is not turning freely by hand, this needs to be addressed prior to re-assessing the noise concern. e) Check whether, apart from this document, an additional document exists for the specific model in question, and if so, work through it and then continue. 2. Specific Axle Work: NOTE: If the brake pad has a metal backing plate, there is no need to affix the adhesive film. Continue with applying chamfer and brake paste as instructed below. IMPORTANT: Be absolutely certain to not allow paste between friction surfaces of the pad and disc! a) If the noises are coming from the front axle. 1. Remove brake linings of front axle. 2. Clean all contact points on brake lining backing plate, including the brake lining guide pins and brake caliper/carrier. 3. Clean bonding surface (where pistons contact back of brake pad). Apply adhesive film to the backplate of the piston-side brake lining where the piston contacts the pad backing plate. See picture "Adhesive and Paste Application Area". If adhesive is already installed on backing plate, you may gently scrape off and re-apply a new adhesive. In some instances the adhesive may be very carefully removed and Molykote applied instead. 4. Chamfer edges (gently round off sharp leading edges) on brake pads. Some pads have vertical grooves, these can be gently chamfered with a triangular file as well. See picture "Chamfering Technique". 5. Apply Molykote to the sides of the backing plate. See picture "Adhesive and Paste Application Area". 6. After installing the brake linings, actuate the brake for 30 seconds. b) If the noises are coming from the rear axle. 1. Remove brake pads of rear axle. 2. Clean all contact points on brake lining backing plate and brake caliper/carrier. 3. Clean bonding surface (where pistons contact back of brake pad). Apply adhesive film to the backplate of the piston-side brake lining. 4. Chamfer edges (round off sharp leading edges) on brake pads. See picture "Chamfering Technique". 5. Grease contact points (red areas on attachment "Rear Pad Grease Area") between brake lining and guide of brake caliper with Molykote. 3. Brake Bedding Process: a) Before trip, the mileage incurred must be clarified with the customer (approx. 30 miles). b) Select a suitable route so speeds of approximately 65 MPH can be achieved. c) If the vehicle is an AMG P3 Hybrid, switch off recouperation prior to bedding in brakes. d) Brake the vehicle 15 times with a brake pressure of approx. 30 bar (have the passenger read it out using XENTRY) from 62 MPH to 30 MPH (no emergency stops and no braking in the ESP control range). Maintain a cooling distance of approx. 1 mile between brake applications. e) Finally drive approx. 3 miles to allow the system to cool. f) Reassess noise.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.