Recall 96V010000: Hood Latch Safety Catch Defect

IN A MINOR FRONTAL IMPACT, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE HOOD LATCH HOOK TO BE DAMAGED AND NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY AS A SECONDARY SAFETY CATCH. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 113, "HOOD LATCH SYSTEMS."

CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: IF THE HOOD IS DAMAGED AND THE HOOD IS NOT FULLY LATCHED, THE HOOD COULD FLY UP SUDDENLY WHILE THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN. THIS CONDITION CAN REDUCE THE DRIVER'S VIEW OF THE ROAD INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HOOD LATCH SECONDARY HOOK.


SYSTEM: STRUCTURE; HOOD ASSEMBLY; LATCHES.

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.

NOTE: OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME, SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.