Mercedes Recalls Certain G 550 and G 63 SUVs to Address Flammable Refrigerant Issue
Mercedes-Benz has issued a recall for specific G 550 and G 63 SUV models due to concerns regarding the refrigerant used in their HVAC systems. The vehicles were filled with an incorrect refrigerant, posing an increased risk of fire in the event of a crash.
Approximately 30 years ago, R134a replaced R12 refrigerant due to environmental concerns related to ozone layer depletion. More recently, certain automakers, including Mercedes-Benz, transitioned to R1234yf, a more environmentally friendly refrigerant. However, R1234yf is flammable, prompting safety concerns.
Although Mercedes-Benz USA’s safety recall report does not explicitly mention R1234yf, the remedy for this issue involves filling the air conditioning system with R134a refrigerant. The discrepancy in refrigerants was discovered during a quality audit at the assembly plant in mid-2023.
The G-Class SUVs affected by this recall were assembled by Magna Steyr in Austria, which also manufactures vehicles for other brands like Jaguar, BMW, Toyota, Fisker, and W Motors. The discrepancy in refrigerants was attributed to a data mismatch during the production process, resulting in the use of the incorrect refrigerant.
Following thorough analysis and review, Mercedes-Benz determined that a recall was necessary to address the safety risk associated with the flammable refrigerant. Despite the discrepancy, there have been no reports of underhood fires or related incidents involving the affected vehicles.
Owners of the affected G 550 and G 63 SUVs will be notified via mail and instructed to bring their vehicles to authorized dealerships for inspection and, if necessary, replacement of the refrigerant. The incorrect refrigerant, identified by part number A0009890448, will be replaced with R134a refrigerant (part number A0009890348).
The affected vehicles were assembled for the 2022 and 2023 model years between June 28, 2022, and April 20, 2023. The recall affects a total of nine vehicles in the US market, comprising four units of the G 550 and five units of the G 63.
As of reporting, the G-Class SUVs retail for $143,000 (G 550) and $179,000 (G 63), excluding destination freight charges. Owners are encouraged to contact their authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership for further information and to schedule an inspection as part of the recall process.
Photo: Mercedes
