The problem
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
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.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 01V-247 (01V247000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC |
| Component | Exterior lighting › Headlights › Switch |
| Report date | August 1, 2001 |
| Owners notified | October 15, 2001 |
| Vehicles affected | 613 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the lights
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 01V-247 repair free?
Yes. Mercedes-Benz dealers will fix the problem at no cost: 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…
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 613 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.