Brake lamp failure

An NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation into Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Closed 2 December 2005.

Investigation
PE05051
Type
Preliminary Evaluation
Opened
22 September 2005
Closed
2 December 2005

What NHTSA investigated

In its letter dated october 28, 2005, mercedes-benz USA stated that it would conduct a safety recall to remedy defective brake lamp assemblies in model year 1998 through 2004 mercedes benz slk vehicles.the base of the brake lamp socket can be subject to thermal deformation over time.this deformation can cause movement in the socket-to-bulb connection, which may lead to a loosening of the electrical contacts in the socket, and failure of the bulb to illuminate.all rear lamp modules (which contain brake, turn signal, tail and backup lamps) will be replaced with redesigned rear lamp modules with a more heat resistant material and enhanced socket holder design to withstand the heat inside the rear lamp module.see NHTSA recall no. 05V505 for more information.

The recall that followed

  1. Mercedes-Benz — Exterior Lighting: Brake Lights05V5050001 November 200569,278 vehicles

Vehicles covered

MakeModelModel years
Mercedes-BenzSLK2001–2004
Mercedes-BenzSLK2301998–2004

Source

From NHTSA’s investigation file, rebuilt daily. To report a problem with your own vehicle, go to nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem. All open investigations.