Mercedes-Benz faces federal investigation over recall notifications

The NHTSA has raised concerns over the company's process for making recall decisions.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched an investigation into Mercedes-Benz' recall practices.

The agency says it has uncovered "recurrent recall reporting and execution lapses" that may have violated several regulations.

The German automaker allegedly waited too long to sent out recall notification letters and failed to send copies to the NHTSA in a timely manner. The investigation notice also says the company's database does not supply "responsive information" to the NHTSA's VIN lookup tool, potentially preventing owners from accessing information about open safety recalls.

"[The NHTSA's Recall Management Division] also has questions concerning the company's process and cadence for making recall decisions and notifying NHTSA about them," the agency says.

Mercedes-Benz could face fines if the investigation leads to an enforcement action.