I understand pounce's point of view on "deserving a full set of tires". To be honest, I don't know how many of us even "deserve" such a nice and awesome vehicle (even though we pay for it). In most cases a simpler and cheaper vehicle would get us from point A to B. Every time I drive my van I'm always so appreciative to drive it. I've driven lots of nicer rental vehicles but the Metris is awesome.

I also understand that some rules and regulations that are created aren't always logical or truly applicable. It's probably like that with many car manufacturer recalls. In this case it is the government and the auto manufacturer that have agreed upon a set of "play" rules. And just like every entity it/us are trying to do what maximizes our benefit or profit. Whether it is weight/load rate or the subpar tire composition, in this recall it is Mercedes and the NHTSA that have agreed to check the door tire label but also informed us consumers that in the event the tires mounted do not match the rating, Mercedes will switch the set of tires.

I doubt there are many who would say no thank you to that. There's also an environmental impact to this recall (often forgotten). Those tires that come off how ever many vans have to go somewhere, and more than likely in this society they will end up in the recycle bin. Depending on how many miles the tires have at that point it could also be a shameful waste or not. My tires still have a lot of thread so I'm not in a hurry and it is a consideration.

I read somewhere that car recalls generally are valid for 15 years since they are issued however for tires it is between 60 to 180 days of notice (I don't know the true number of days and need to find out through NHTSA). With that in mind, when Mercedes issues a solution, one has limited time to schedule the repair, or the manufacturer may skip your vehicle.

I'm hoping a recall like this will motivate Mercedes and other manufacturers to do more diligence when selecting tires/components for their vehicles. But I understand it cannot always be top of the line. No matter whether I receive a set or not, I'd like to know at least when, so I can make an informed decision regarding the upkeep of my vehicle. I'm pretty sure I somehow will end up paying for it all anyway, that much the auto manufacturers have calculated.

@pounce yes I received the recall letter. Mine is a 2019 but manufacture date is end of 2018 which is I guess within the dates of the recall.

 

I detreaded a tire last summer while on a heavily loaded road trip and bought new mazama reputation 97 load index tires in a pinch, just before getting recall notification. I plan on maxing out weight on an upcoming trip and have pressed the dealership + MB customer care for resolution today. I’ll spare you all of the frustrating details but what I have concluded is this:

1. MB currently specs 101 load index tires (I got them to print a written quote). They were not able to tell me what came originally on the van or a safe operating weight.
2. Recall is still “pending” due to “parts not being available” it’s not totally clear but I got some verbal acknowledgment that the parts needed are new tires and not simply a sticker to reduce GVWR
3. Recall repair cost is reimbursable if you go out of pocket. Reimbursement decision comes 60 days after requesting through dealership w/ receipts. Recall campaign needs to be “open” before requesting reimbursement.
4. I had MB customer care put me on a email+text notification list to get immediate notification when recall changes from “pending” to “open”.

I plan to get tires upgraded, save my receipts and pursue reimbursement. Not sure yet if I’ll go through the dealership for tires or elsewhere.I’m probably going to go to les Schwab just because they are much more convenient and easier to deal with. Les Schwab also sold me the wrong weight rated tire so I’m hopeful that they’ll take some responsibility for that. I recommend that everyone who reads this puts pressure on MB customer care and seeks reimbursement for new tires with a load index of 101.

 

I thought we originally had a load index of 101H, which now turns out not to be sufficient for the stated GVWR. Wouldn't we have to go for a higher load index (would be my choice) or reduce the GVWR? Or are you saying that if you had got 101s as replacement tires, they are inadequate and MB should reimburse you? (I'm not holding my breath)

 

my sticker only says 225/55/17 with no load rating

 

Check inside the gas door

 

Did anyone managed to complete this "Tire Load" Recall #2022080008?
MB is telling me it's not "open" (I guess it means not ready to be performed).
What did they exactly do? Sticker only? or tires?
Did anyone contacted NHTSA yet as mentioned above in May '23?
(I am completely paranoid about completing any work at the local MB dealer and their lack of knowledge on the phone just reinforces this feeling of avoiding them.
Please refrain to add judgement calls on what we deserve or not to the technical information: It makes this helpful thread more difficult to read)

 

(I am completely paranoid about completing any work at the local MB dealer and their lack of knowledge on the phone just reinforces this feeling of avoiding them.
Please refrain to add judgement calls on what we deserve or not to the technical information: It makes this helpful thread more difficult to read)

This is a discussion forum. As long as the terms are not violated, members can and should contribute in any way they prefer. You suggesting otherwise interferes with their right to enjoy this website and would be a violation of the terms of use.

 

Interesting...Doesn't XL stand
for Extra Load?

 

How can Mercedes still have this in a “pending” status for 2 years now for a simple sticker?

 

Rhetorical?

 

As of today, the tire recall is still pending. They do have one open for my 2017 regarding fuel lines. They say the tire recall involves replacing the stickers and "inspection" of the tires. They didn't mention anything else.

 

According to the recall notice, they are supposed to replace tires and reimburse if you had to come out pocket to replace. Correct me if I’m wrong.

 

Please lets not circle the drain.

 

I'd like a new set of tires, though whether or not I'll be given them is another matter. Telling us we can't rely on the listed tire ratings and then delaying releasing the new sticker is at least an inconvenience or worse. At some point the tires on my vehicle will have to be replaced by someone even if that's me, and when those tires are replaced I'm going to need to know I'm getting the right tires.

 

This is a non issue for the vast majority of van owners.

 

I suspect Mercedes knows they will need to replace the tires and hence are delaying as much as possible. Businesses always do what's in their best interest (as do consumers often). I don't need new tires right now, so I will wait for a better time. If you are concerned about your safety and/or need new tires, I would call Mercedes or talk to your dealer. A formal complaint to NHTSA would also be proper considering how long they are dragging their feet.

 

I'm considering locking this thread since it seems to go in circles.