Mercedes-Benz E350, BMW X5 and X6 recalled

Mercedes-Benz E350 Suspension Problems
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced that Mercedes-Benz USA is recalling E350 sedans and wagons produced from July 1, 2006 to April 30, 2009 (model years 2007-2009) for rear suspension issues. The rear connecting rod for the load leveling system may fail, causing the vehicle to become unsafe.

The connecting rod for the load leveling rear suspension can break, causing the rear suspension self-leveling system to no longer level the rear of the car, causing handling issues and reduced vehicle control. The problem affects E350 4MATIC vehicles for a potential of about 3,613 cars on U.S. roads.

Mercedes is notifying owners and will begin a full recall in August 2012. The units will be inspected and replaced free of charge. The NHTSA recall notice can be found at this link.

BMW X5 and X6 Power Steering Leaks
BMW of North America is recalling about 2,642 of its X5 and X6 sport utilities, the NHTSA has announced. Some models of the 2012 BMW X5 with a diesel engine and all models of the 2013 X5 and X6 SUVs may leak power steering fluid. Since this fluid is flammable, it can ignite under the hood, causing an engine fire.

The leaking fluid is blamed on a machining error in the steering gear surface at the production plant. BMW will begin notifying owners in July 2012 for this safety recall. Vehicles will be inspected and, if they have the defective parts, have the steering gear replaced free of charge.

The NHTSA recall notice can be found at this link.