Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latch (Mercedes Benz)
Vehicle recall 96V-010. NHTSA received MERCEDES-BENZ USA, INC.’s report on Jan 15, 1996.
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The short answer
NHTSA received MERCEDES-BENZ USA, INC.’s report on Jan 15, 1996. Copied from NHTSA on Oct 24, 2026.
Every line below is in NHTSA’s own words, with its source beside it.
What’s wrong with it?
CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: IF THE HOOD IS DAMAGED AND THE HOOD IS NOT FULLY LATCHED, THE HOOD COULD FLY UP SUDDENLY WHILE THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN. THIS CONDITION CAN REDUCE THE DRIVER’S VIEW OF THE ROAD INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
IN A MINOR FRONTAL IMPACT, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE HOOD LATCH HOOK TO BE DAMAGED AND NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY AS A SECONDARY SAFETY CATCH.
THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 113, “HOOD LATCH SYSTEMS.”
NHTSA, Recalls flat file before 2010. Released Oct 24, 2026. Updated daily.
- NHTSA’s part: Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latch.
What should you do?
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HOOD LATCH SECONDARY HOOK.
NHTSA, Recalls flat file before 2010. Released Oct 24, 2026. Updated daily.
- How to reach the firm: SYSTEM: STRUCTURE; HOOD ASSEMBLY; LATCHES.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.NOTE: 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 1-800-424-9393.
- Check a vehicle by its VIN at NHTSA: the recalls still open on it are listed there.
Which ones are recalled?
NHTSA counts 44,114 vehicles potentially involved, across everything this recall names.
NHTSA, Recalls flat file before 2010. Released Oct 24, 2026. Updated daily.
- Mercedes Benz 202and 1996, before the model years listed here
Who is recalling it?
- Made by MERCEDES-BENZ USA, INC..
NHTSA, Recalls flat file before 2010. Released Oct 24, 2026. Updated daily.
What the record doesn’t say
- NHTSA’s recall file doesn’t say whether anyone was hurt.
- Whether one vehicle or seat has been fixed: only its maker, or NHTSA’s lookup with a VIN, can say.
- This recall names only model years before 2015, which have no pages here. Your VIN, at NHTSA, says which recalls are open on a vehicle.
- How many have been returned or fixed isn’t in the notice.
Hearth Record wrote these lines.
Sources
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National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Recalls flat file before 2010 (FLAT_RCL_PRE_2010).
Released Oct 24, 2026 and checked Oct 24, 2026. Updated daily. Public domain (U.S. Government work).
Vehicle, car seat, tire and vehicle equipment recalls, owner complaints and crash ratings are from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Copied on Oct 24, 2026.