Recall 12V478000: A/C Refrigerant And A/C Line Replacement

VEHICLE MAKE/MODEL: MODEL YEAR(S):

Mercedes Benz/SL-Class 2013

MANUFACTURER: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

REPORT RECEIPT DATE: October 01, 2012

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V478000

NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: N/A

COMPONENT: Equipment: Air Conditioner

POTENTIAL NUMBER OF UNITS AFFECTED: 432

SUMMARY:
Mercedes-Benz is recalling certain model year 2013 SL-Class vehicles manufactured from December 19, 2011, through May 31, 2012 originally equipped with R1234yf refrigerant. Daimler AG (DAG), the parent company of Mercedes-Benz, conducted product testing of a vehicle, not sold in the US, but equipped with the same refrigerant. According to Mercedes-Benz, the testing was designed to replicate worst-case conditions expected in a severe frontal crash that would cause a rupture of the air conditioner refrigerant line. A rupture of a refrigerant line will result in a gaseous mixture of refrigerant being released into the engine compartment.

CONSEQUENCE:
The testing conducted by DAG determined that the escaping R1234yf refrigerant may ignite under specific conditions. The resulting fire could spread to additional combustible materials.

REMEDY:
Mercedes-Benz will notify owners, and dealers will replace the R1234yf refrigerant with R134a along with new refrigerant lines (hoses) designed specifically for R134a. The remedy will be provided free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during October 2012. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

NOTES:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.safercar.gov.