Mercedes GLB SUV Recalled Over Potentially Damaged Tires

Mercedes-Benz USA is recalling GLB 250 and GLB 35 vehicles due to potential tire sidewall damage to the passenger-side front and rear tires. Affected crossovers have been produced for the 2025 model year in the period from June 17, 2024 through July 19, 2024.
 

For the US market and much of the world, the GLB comes from the German automaker’s Mexico-based COMPAS production facility. In addition to the compact-sized utility vehicle with three-row seating, Cooperation Manufacturing Plant Aguascalientes further manufactures the Infiniti QX50 and QX55.
 
It should be noted that Mercedes and the Renault-Nissan Alliance partnered up back in 2010, aiming to share development costs and make optimal use of available production capacities. Over in Europe, the 1.3-liter turbo inline-four engine known as H5Ht in Renault vernacular, HR13DDT in Nissan talk, and M282 in Mercedes applications is one of the best examples of this strategic partnership.
 
Documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reveal that potentially damaged tires may be damaged on the inboard surface of the sidewall. This condition will ultimately lead to a leak, and Mercedes cannot rule out a sudden loss of air pressure. Recall documentation lists no fewer than 15 part numbers for the suspect rubber, yet – for some reason or another – Mercedes-Benz does not mention the supplier’s name.
 
Be that as it may, we do know – from searching on available stock – that 2025 models for the US market come standard with Continentals. The German automaker became aware of the described problem back in early August 2024. The subsequent investigation revealed a conveyor system problem that was fixed on August 8, 2024.
 

As you might have guessed by now, dealers have been instructed to inspect all tires produced in the suspect period. All damaged tires will be replaced at no charge to affected customers. Owner notification letters are to be mailed no later than December 20, 2024.
 
For 2025, the Mercedes-Benz GLB starts at $45,800 stateside, sans destination and optional extras. The GLB 250 SUV is front-wheel drive, whereas 2,000 additional bucks get you 4MATIC all-wheel drive. Curiously, both the front-drive and 4MATIC-equipped 250s are listed with a 0-60 time of 6.9 seconds, 60 miles per hour being 97 kilometers per hour in the metric system. Their 2.0-liter turbo inline-four mill feature mild-hybrid oomph.
 
At full chatter, the M260 engine develops a very respectable 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet (350 Newton-meters) of torque, with peak torque produced from 1,800 through 4,000 revolutions per minute. Stepping up to the AMG-branded GLB 35 SUV means $60,100 from the outset and 302 hybridized ponies from a slightly punchier M260.
 
Indeed, this AMG does not feature a hand-assembled engine. Peak torque is 295 pound-feet (400 Newton-meters) at 3,000 to 4,000 revolutions per minute, and 60 miles per hour takes 5.4 seconds. Not bad, yet not good enough either, especially if you remember that the GLC 43 rocks a proper AMG inline-four turbo with 416 horsepower and 369 pound-feet (500 Newton-meters) to its name.