Mercedes-Benz has just issued a recall for 6,700 C-Class cars in the U.S. The reason is water leaks in the trunk are causing fires. So, to get this straight, water is causing fires. How’s that for a puzzle? But it is occurring in 2022 C-Class models. But once you know the result of the leaks, it makes sense.

The leaks enter a specific part of the trunk. There is a “signal acquisition and actuation module there that when it gets wet, can result in a potential short circuit. That, in turn, can cause sparks, which can ignite a fire. 

The signal acquisition and actuation module (SAM) receives data from switches, controllers, and sensors. It then activates certain components and monitor systems, like turn signals. If it shorts out it can cause functions like exterior lights and unintentional folded seatback warnings to stop functioning, among other functions.

All of the affected cars were built between June 24, 2021, and May 13, 2022. Essentially, all of the 2022 model year C-Class cars. Until your car is looked at by a dealership, it is recommending not to open the trunk in wet weather. Run-off collects in channels around the trunk opening, directing water down and out the lower parts of the car. 

Since 2019 there have been 28 recalls for the C-Class. For a luxury brand, that seems excessive. Of those, 12 have been related to electrical issues or software problems. The first to require a recall in 2019 was for software errors related to the software glitch causing the Active Brake Assist to fail. 

On the heels of that was a recall in August 2019 for loose batteries, which could dislodge in a crash. The next two were for problems with the Emergency Call System or eCall, not functioning correctly. Electronic Stability Control issues to non-functioning warning lights caused still more recalls in 2020. 

Most of the recalls have been over minor electrical issues. But the accumulation of almost 30 recalls in less than three years does not bode well for “The Best or Nothing.” There appears to be a middle ground between best and nothing Mercedes isn’t fessing up to. 

The Mercedes C-Class has been through five generations with the latest out this year. Each of those generations has received a facelift three or four years after its introduction. Each generation has lasted seven years. The previous W205 C-Class came out in 2015 and saw a facelift in 2019. 

So far, there have been 42 warranty claims about this issue from owners. Notices will go out before November 11, 2022. For more information, you can visit the Mercedes-Benz Recall Center.