Mercedes Recalling 310K Cars Over Roll-Away RiskMercedes-Benz AG – Communications & MarketingSometimes, the smallest parts create the biggest headaches. Mercedes-Benz is recalling 310,667 vehicles because a tiny microswitch inside the driver's door lock can fail after prolonged exposure to moisture. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall report, the defect could prevent the vehicle from recognizing an open driver's door; as a result, it may stop the electronic parking brake or Auto-Park feature from engaging automatically. If this happens, the vehicle may roll away, and increase the risk of a crash.Mercedes-Benz first became aware of the potential issue five years ago, but it wasn't because vehicles were rolling away; it was because the radio wouldn't turn off after the driver got out of the car. The automaker says it was receiving field reports of radios and lights staying on in vehicles even after the driver exited. Mercedes-Benz investigated the complaints, but at the time there was no safety concern.That changed in May 2025, when the company got a report of a vehicle from outside of the U.S. that shed additional light on the situation. Mercedes-Benz performed additional testing and analysis, and found that, in high humidity and high temperature conditions, condensation could form and reach the electrical contact surfaces on the door-latch microswitch. If this should occur, the switch might not be able to detect when the door is open. Not only will that keep the lights and radio on, but the vehicle might not automatically engage the parking brake. Due to this potential safety risk, the recall was issued.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe recall covers a broad range of models built from the 2019 to the 2026 model years. This includes MY20-21 CLA-Class, MY19-22 A-Class, MY22-23 C-Class, MY24 CLE-Class, MY20-26 GLA-Class and GLB-Class, and MY23-24 GLC-Class vehicles. Mercedes-Benz has received 176 reports of failed microswitches in the United States, but says none of those have resulted in a vehicle roll-away situation.To correct the fault, dealers will install a new driver door lock. Dealers are expected to be notified by the end of this month. Owner notification is set for September 18, 2026.You Might Also LikeIf You Can Only Own One Car, Make It One of TheseThese Are the Most Popular Cars by State