Vehicle recall 96V175000 · September 19, 1996
Mercedes-Benz 500, 300 and 3 more models
If one of the headlamp wiper arms becomes misaligned, the wiper balde can lodge in the groove under the headlamp.
Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.
- Summary
- If one of the headlamp wiper arms becomes misaligned, the wiper balde can lodge in the groove under the headlamp. If the washers are activated with the wiper blade in the misaligned and lodged position, the washer pump will run continuously expelling all available fluid.
- Consequence
- Pump operation in the absence of fluid can cause the pump to overheat and cause a vehicle fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the headlamp washer pump on these vehicles.
- Notes
- Owner notification:owner notification began November 18, 1996. 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.
Recall details
- NHTSA campaign
- 96V175000
- Reported to NHTSA
- September 19, 1996
- Filed by
- MERCEDES-BENZ USA, INC.
- Owner notification
- November 15, 1996
- Vehicles potentially affected
- 28,874
- Initiated by
- the manufacturer
- Components
- Visibility
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 300 (1991-1993): 1993, 1992, 1991
- Mercedes-Benz 320 (1994): 1994
- Mercedes-Benz 500 (1990-1994): 1994, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1990
- Mercedes-Benz 600 (1993-1994): 1994, 1993
- Mercedes-Benz SL Class (1996): 1996
Has your Mercedes-Benz been repaired?
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