Many outlets are reporting a certain schadenfreude-inducing recall of 2020 Mercedes SUVs, not including the older GLS pictured above, but hey this was the best picture of a GLS or GLE with a lighted star I could find. Per the NHTSA...
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLE 350, GLE 450, GLE 580, GLS 450, GLS 580 vehicles equipped with an optional illuminated Mercedes-Benz star logo in the front grill. The star logo’s electrical ground connection may not be installed properly, potentially affecting the function of other components that share the same ground connection, such as the power steering control unit, wiper motor, and/or the left headlight.
Oh, and the recall notice starts with this little piece of “no shit, really?”:
If the power steering, wiper motor, or left headlight malfunction, there could be an increased risk of a crash.
Go ahead everyone, enjoy your little bit of schadenfreude.
UPDATE: Multiple of you have pointed out the lighted star is not compatible with Mercedes’ Distronic active cruise control. I played around with the GLS configurator to figure this out. Y’all are right.
So basically the silly lighted star is only available if you forego active cruise, which came standard on my $26k Civic Si, but is part of a $1,950 option package on the $76k GLS 450. Uh huh. Mmm’K.