Mercedes-Benz is recalling a small number of 2012 CLS550 and CLS550 4Matics in the United States because the engine hood could open while driving. The German automaker states in a filing to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the recall affects 23 examples of the aforementioned models built from December 01, 2011 through December 13, 2011.

“The bolts that hold the hood’s secondary latch striker may have been insufficiently tightened,” read the document on NHTSA’s website.

“The reduced torque of the striker bolts might lead to a loosening of the bolts. If two of the four bolts securing the striker became loose, the secondary hood latch function would become ineffective. If this problem combines with a failure of the primary hood lock or if the hood is not properly closed, the hood could open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.”

Mercedes expects the safety recall to begin in December 2012, with the company’s dealers to check and if necessary, re-tighten the bolts on the hood. Image courtesy of XpressCenter