Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Has A 12V Grounding Fault In The US

Regardless of how expensive and luxurious a new car may be, there’s a potential that it could be hit with a recall shortly after launching. Case in point, a new recall issued by Mercedes-Benz for the 2022 and 2023 S-Class related to an issue with a 12-volt ground connection in the trunk that may not meet specifications.
 

A total of 73 Mercedes-Maybach models are involved in the recall. These consist of 57 examples of the 2022-2023 Mercedes-Maybach S 580 built between August 27, 2021 and October 20, 2022, as well as 16 units of the 2022-2023 Mercedes-Maybach S 680 assembled between the same dates. Vehicles produced outside these dates have a properly grounded 12-volt connection.
 
A recall notice issued by the car manufacturer reveals that the sound-deadening material used in the side wall of the trunk may be clamped between the ground connection cable lug and the side wall. Over time, the 12-volt ground connection could loosen and the electric resistance at the connection could increase. This could trigger functions like the ESP to deactivate and could increase the temperature of the connection, increasing the risk of a fire.
 
Owners of impacted models may be alerted to the issue through a warning message in the instrument cluster.
 
Mercedes-Benz started investigating the connection issue in October 2022 when it found one Maybach model with sound-deadening material clamped between the grounding connecting cable lug and the side wall. It has decided to issue a recall despite not receiving any warranty claims related to the fault.
 
Owners will be contacted on or before October 3 and instructed to bring their vehicle to a Mercedes-Benz dealer where, if necessary, the 12-volt ground connection will be repaired.