Here's a story I'm sure Mercedes execs are loving a day before the launch of their new E-Class...

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is recalling 2,500 model year 2006 Mercedes R-Class, because the thread in a nut used to secure the seat belt buckle in a limited number of second row seats may be missing. As a result, the missing threads may cause an incomplete connection of the buckle to seat, which in the event of an accident could increase the risk of personal injury.

As if that wasn't enough, the NHTSA is also issuing a second recall of 7,000 model year 2006 R-Class models because the starter wiring harness may be routed incorrectly.  The problem could result in chafing of the protective sleeve covering the wiring harness, which over time could result in either a drop in voltage or the loss of the vehicle's electrical system.

If you're an R-Class owner, both problems can be inspected and/or repaired at your local MB dealership.

For more info, you can read the NHTSA's full report of either the seat belt buckle recall or the wiring harness recall.