WASHINGTON—Mercedes-Benz U.S.A. L.L.C. has petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for a decision of inconsequential noncompliance in connection with Mercedes vehicles that have incorrect tire placards.
The petition involves 6,678 Mercedes-Benz CLS 400 and CLS 400 4MATIC cars, model years 2015 and 2016, manufactured between May 23, 2014 and April 21, 2016, NHTSA said in its Dec. 20, 2016, Federal Register notice on the petition.
The vehicles have tire and loading information placards that incorrectly identify the maximum combined weight of passengers and cargo, the agency said.
The CLS 400 has a placard identifying its maximum combined weight as 420 kilograms (926 pounds) and the CLS 400 4MATIC bears a placard identifying its maximum combined weight as 355 kilograms (783 pounds). The correct figures, according to NHTSA, are 315 kilograms (694 pounds) and 325 kilograms (717 pounds).
Mercedes told NHTSA the noncompliance was inconsequential as to vehicle safety, because the original equipment tires at the recommended pressure are able to carry the additional weight.
If NHTSA grants the petition, Mercedes will be excused from carrying out a formal recall of the vehicles to correct the noncompliance.
Interested parties have until Jan. 19 to comment on Mercedes' petition. The notice can be found online.