Mercedes-Benz has announced the recall of 2012 model year CLS-Class four-door-coupes built between December 1, 2011 and December 13, 2011. At issue are the bolts holding the hood’s secondary latch striker, which may not have been torqued to the proper value.

As a result, the bolts can loosen over time, increasing the chance of the hood accidentally opening if the primary locking mechanism should fail, or if the hood is not properly closed. According to Mercedes-Benz, some 23 vehicles are affected, and the recall includes both CLS550 and CLS550 4Matic models.

The production error was caused by inaccurate technical documentation on the assembly line, where an improper torque value was defined in the assembly instructions.

There is little risk to owners, as the bolts have the potential to vibrate loose in extreme cases only. Mercedes-Benz also equips its cars with a hood position sensor; were the hood not properly closed, the driver would receive a warning message on the dashboard.

Mercedes-Benz will contact owners of affected vehicles, and dealers will check and tighten secondary latch striker bolts as required. The recall is expected to begin next month, and owners with questions or concerns can contact Mercedes-Benz customer service at (800) 367-6372, or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at (888) 327-4236.