Vehicle recall 01V366000 · December 4, 2001
1998-1999 Mercedes-Benz C Class
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with hoppecke batteries.
Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.
- Summary
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with hoppecke batteries. The battery maintenance schedule could be less than needed to maintain proper electrolyte levels.
- Consequence
- The low electrolyte levels result in accelerated battery grid growth, increased potential for inter-cell rupture and sparking, and the potential for a battery explosion.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the batteries, including fluid levels. Some batteries may be replaced if necessary, on a case by case basis. In addition to the battery inspection, the addition of labels in the vehicle owner's manual and engine compartment will be included to conspicuously remind owners as well as dealer and service personnel of the need to perform battery maintenance. Owner notification began February 20, 2002. 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.
- Notes
- Also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
Recall details
- NHTSA campaign
- 01V366000
- Reported to NHTSA
- December 4, 2001
- Filed by
- MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC.
- Owner notification
- February 20, 2002
- Vehicles potentially affected
- 65,731
- Initiated by
- NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation
- Components
- Electrical system › 12V/24V/48V battery
Vehicles covered
As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.
- Mercedes-Benz C Class (1998-1999): 1999, 1998
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