2000 Mercedes-Benz CL500 Recall: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES

The defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." WHEN THE LOW BEAM HEADLAMPS ARE ACTIVATED, THE XENON LAMPS ARE AIMED TO ILLUMINATE THE ROAD SURFACE. IN THE HIGH BEAM MODE THE LIGHT FROM THE XENON BULBS ARE REDIRECTED AND ADDITIONAL HALOGEN BULBS ALSO ILLUMINATE WHEN THE HIGH BEAMS ARE ACTIVATED. WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE COMBINATION OF XENON BULB AND HALOGEN BULB EXCEED THE PERMITTED LIGHT OUTPUT.

The risk

DRIVERS IN INCOMING VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE INCREASED GLARE FROM THE HIGH BEAM LIGHTING WHICH COULD RESULT IN THE POTENTIAL FOR A CRASH.

The fix — what to do

DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE AIM OF THE HALOGEN HEADLAMP BULBS IN THE HIGH BEAM MODE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 15, 2001. 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 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).