All Investigations » Investigation PE05051

  Defect Investigation of Brake Lamp Failure

Investigation of Brake Lamp Failure

Subject: Brake lamp failure
Components covered:
  • Brake lights
Investigations Summary: This investigation was opened on Sep. 22, 2005. It was closed on Dec. 2, 2005. Note: this investigation has resulted in a vehicle safety recall.
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.
Vehicles Affected by this investigation:
  • 2001 Mercedes Benz SLK
  • 2002 Mercedes Benz SLK
  • 2003 Mercedes Benz SLK
  • 2004 Mercedes Benz SLK
  • 1998 Mercedes Benz SLK230
  • 1999 Mercedes Benz SLK230
  • 2000 Mercedes Benz SLK230
  • 2001 Mercedes Benz SLK230
  • 2004 Mercedes Benz SLK230

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