Components: POWER TRAIN
May 26, 2015
TBD
Condition
Run & Drive
Damage
Collision
Title
Salvage
| Dynamic Head Restraints | Standard |
|---|---|
| Head Restraint | Not Available |
| Advanced Belt Feature | Not Available |
| Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage | Not Available |
| Seat Belt Reminder System | Not Available |
| Frontal Air Bag | Driver, Front Passenger |
|---|---|
| Curtain | Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat |
| Torso | Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat |
| Knee | Not Available |
| Additional Air Bags | Not Available |
| Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements | Not Available |
| LATCH Locations | Not Available |
|---|---|
| Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) | Not Available |
| Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations | Not Available |
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10731759 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | MEMPHIS, TN |
| VIN: | WDBNG70J03A**** |
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ S430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER SEIZED AND WAS UNABLE TO MOVE TO ANOTHER GEAR. THE CONTACT HAD TO PULL AND JERK THE SHIFTER IN ORDER FOR IT TO MOVE INTO ANOTHER GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000.
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10715495 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | EL MONTE, CA |
| VIN: | WDBNG70J03A**** |
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FLICKER WHEN STOPPED AT LIGHT.
| NHTSA ID Number: | 11326090 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | ANTIOCH, CA |
| VIN: | WDBNG75J53A**** |
DURING HOT WEATHER THE SEAT BELT GETS STUCK AND YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO USE THE SEAT BELT AT ALL. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD NOT HAPPEN. THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS PARKED UNDER HOT WEATHER. THIS IS IN THE DRIVERS SIDE. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR THE LAST 1 YEAR.*DT CONSUMER STATED SEAT BELT GETS JAMMED WHEN TEMPERATURE GOES OVER 90 DEGREES AND IS UNABLE TO USE SEAT BELTS AS WELL AS PARK THE CAR OUTSIDE FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME. CONSUMER HAS REPLACED THE SEAT BELTS BUT MALFUNCTIONING.*JB
| NHTSA ID Number: | 11181622 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | LOUISBURG, KS |
| VIN: | WDBNG70JX3A**** |
SRS CODES IS BEING THROWN. IF YOU MOVE A LITTLE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT IT TRIGGERS CODE TO BE THROWN. STARTED THROWING IT OUT OF NOW WHERE.
| NHTSA ID Number: | 11154667 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | LITHONIA, GA |
| VIN: | WDBNG70JX3A**** |
ELECTRICAL/FUSE/CLUSTER PANEL LIGHTS ARE OUT IN DASH VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY
| NHTSA ID Number: | 11153939 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | ANTIOCH, CA |
| VIN: | WDBNG75J53A**** |
THE PASSENGER FRONT SEAT BELT WILL NOT RETRACT. ALSO, THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING MAKING IT VERY HARD TO SEE SPEED/FUEL/GEAR SELECTION. THESE ARE BOTH SAFETY CONCERNS THAT SHOULD BE RECALLED. WE CAN SEND YOU A PICTURE OF THE DEAD DASH IF NEEDED. ALSO VIDEO OF A STUCK SEAT BELT. THANKS, KURT.
| NHTSA ID Number: | 11078449 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | CHARLOTTE, NC |
| VIN: | WDBNG70JX3A**** |
I HAVE A 2003 MERCEDES S430. THE OTHER DAY MY WIFE WAS GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH WHEN IT JUST SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. HOW DO WE ALLOW A VEHICLE TO OPERATE ON THE HIGHWAY THAT WOULD JUST CUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT AT LEAST GIVING YOU A CHANCE TO GET OUT OF THE ROAD. THANKS
| NHTSA ID Number: | 11065514 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | FREEPORT, NY |
| VIN: | WDBNG70J93A**** |
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WENT BLANK NOTHING WORKS IN CLUSTER.DRIVINGHOUR OR TWO WENT BLANK NO REASON
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10945906 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | LANDOVER, MD |
| VIN: | WDBNG83J73A**** |
THE SUSPENSION ON MY 2003 S 430 4-MATIC IS STATING STOP, TOO CLOSE. IT WILL NOT LIFT UP. IS THIS A RECALL ISSUE? PLEASE CONTACT ME AT [XXX]. THANK YOU [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10897883 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | BROCKTON, MA |
| VIN: | WDBNG70J23A**** |
WHILE DRIVING GETTING READY TO ENTER THE HIGHWAY MY 2003 MERCEDES S430 INSTRUMENT PANEL WENT OUT. THE GAUGES GOT STUCK ON WHAT THEY WERE WHILE DRIVING. I WASN'T ABLE TO SEE ANYTHING ON THE PANEL. I TOOK IT TO THE NEAREST SHOP AND THEY CHANGED THE FUSE, HOWEVER THE FUSE BLEW RIGHT BACK OUT EACH TIME THEY CHANGED IT. THE CAR WAS STILL DRIVABLE. I HAVEN'T HAD THIS CAR FOR 1 YEAR YET AND I AM LOST AT WHAT TO DO. THE SHOP SAID THE INSTRUMENT CHAISE WILL WORK BUT SOMETHING IS BLEWING THE FUSE. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THE ALUMINATOR IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL IS FAULTY AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. ANY HELP WITH THIS ISSUE IS HELPFUL.. PLEASE HELP AS THIS CAR HAS BECOME A NIGHTMARE (INSTRUMENT PANEL, DOORS DON'T LOCK, PASSENDER SEAT MOVES AT WIERD TIMES, AND THE AIR STRUT BUSTED) INSTEAD OF A GOOD DREAM. I HAVE READ A NUMBER OF ISSUES WITH THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILURE IN THESE CARS. I WISH I WOULD OF SEEN THIS BEFORE I PURCHASED IT. MERCEDES NEEDS TO COVER THE COST IN FIXING THIS ISSUE.
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10893718 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | NEW YORK, NY |
| VIN: | **** |
HEATER AND AIR CONDITIONER FAN MOTOR FAILED ON MY 2003 S430. WHICH IS DANGEROUS IN SEASONAL CLIMATE CONDITIONS I'VE HAD TO REPLACE THIS PART 2X AT 700.00 ON BOTH OCCURANCES AT MY OWN EXPENSE WHICH I DONT UNDERSTAND WHEN THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS SAME ISSUE FOR PREVIOUS YEARS 2000,2001.. RECALL#2004 070010. I'VE ALSO HAD TO CHANGE MY SHIFTER GEAR BOX WHICH JAMS IN THE PARK POSITION AND DOESN'T ALLOW YOU TO DRIVE THE VECHICLE THIS IS CAUSED BY A PLASTIC PIECE THAT IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO BREAK WITHIN THE GEAR BOX THIS ISSUE IS ALSO EXPENSIVE FOR JUST 1 FAULTY TRANS SHIFTER PIECE THAT CAN TOTALLY LEAVE YOUR CAR INOPERABLE.
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10862040 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | SEATTLE, WA |
| VIN: | WDBNG74J13A**** |
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES-BENZ S55. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED OF FLAMES UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10809693 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | SIMPSONVILLE, SC |
| VIN: | WDBNG84J73A**** |
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ S500. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKING A RIGHT OR LEFT TURN, AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE WAS PERSISTENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 147,000.
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10784966 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | FLETCHER, NC |
| VIN: | WDBNG83J73A**** |
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ S430. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO TURN THE KEY TO THE ON POSITION, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BECAME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 06V028000 (INTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 81,563.
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10780704 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | KENSINGTON, MD |
| VIN: | WDBNG76J03A**** |
WHILE MY DAUGHTER DRIVING MY CAR ABC LIGHT CAME ON AND SUDDENLY LOST CONTROL AND HAD ACCIDENT. CAR WENT OVER THE CENTER LINE, CLIMBED OVER BARRICADE AND DESTROYED THE CAR. INSURANCE COMPANY TOTLALED THE CAR BECAUSE IT WAS TOO EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR. WHILE DRIVING A HIGH PRESSURE HOSE BLEW UP AND CAR WENT ALL THE WAY DOWN TO BOTTOM OF THE SUSPENSION, MERCEDES DOES NOT TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILTY FOR THIS PROBLEM AND WHEN I SEARCHED THE INTERNET I FOUND THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINS FOR THE INCIDENTS LIKE THIS.
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10778800 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | MIZPAH, NJ |
| VIN: | WDBNG75J43A**** |
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ S500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE SPEEDOMETER LIGHTS FLASHED AND THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL BURNING ODOR COMING FROM THE FRONT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED HE WAS MECHANIC AND THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 162,000.
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10660963 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | ROCKY MOUNT, NC |
| VIN: | **** |
I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH MY VEHICLE GETTING STUCK IN "PARK" AFTER MULTIPLE TRIES (SOMETIMES IN EXCESS OF 30 MINUTES) IT WILL RELEASE ALLOWING ME TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE OR DRIVE. I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DRIVE MY CAR FOR THE LAST FEW WEEKS BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE, ONCE AFTER GETTING IT TO SHIFT GEARS I DROVE AROUND THE CORNER FROM MY HOME AND PUT IT IN PARK AT THE STOP SIGN (PRIOR TO TAKING A TRIP FAR AWAY FROM HOME) IT BECAME STUCK AGAIN (OBSTRUCTING TRAFFIC) AND IT TOOK ME OVER 30 MINUTES (AGAIN) TO GET IT TO SHIFT AGAIN, I DROVE BACK HOME! THE PSE PUMP THAT OPERATES THE TRUNK FAILED AND THE TRUNK AUTO RELEASES AND BECAUSE IT WORKS BY HYDRAULICS IT IS DIFFICULT TO OPEN (AND HOLD UP) WHILE ATTEMPTING TO LOAD SOMETHING IN THE TRUNK. THE SUPERCHARGER BEARING WAS FAULTY AND CAUSED IT TO SMELL LIKE SOMETHING WAS BURNING AND I HAVE SPENT IN EXCESS OF $14,000 HAVING REPAIRS DONE ON THIS VEHICLE AND I'VE ONLY OWNED IT FOR NEARLY THREE YEARS. THIS IS MAKING MY "DREAM CAR" DREAM A TOTAL NIGHTMARE!!!!!! *TR
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10637753 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | CARMEL, CA |
| VIN: | WDBNG75J03A**** |
THE SEAT BELTS WILL PERIODICALLY NOT EXTEND. *TR
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10628732 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | LEECHBURG, PA |
| VIN: | WDBNG83J43A**** |
STARTED VEHICLE IN MY DRIVEWAY, SHIFTED INTO DRIVE AND INSTRUMENT CLUSTER GOES DARK. NO POWER MIRRORS, SEATS, NO RADIO, NO AIR. *TR
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10628755 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | LEECHBURG, PA |
| VIN: | WDBNG83J43A**** |
STARTED CAR IN MY DRIVEWAY, DASH GOES DARK. NO POWER WINDOWS, LOCKS, RADIO, AIR, SEATS. *TR
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10621368 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | ANAHEIM, CA |
| VIN: | WDBNG75J13A**** |
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ S500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETRACT. DURING WARMER OUTSIDE TEMPERATURES, THE FAILURE WOULD WORSEN. THE FAILURE OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,000.
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10604565 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | Unknown |
| VIN: | WDBNG76J33A**** |
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ S-600. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WENT BLANK AND THE CONTACT WAS NOT ABLE TO SEE NEITHER THE FUEL GAUGE NOR THE SPEEDOMETER. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT DUE TO THE FAILURE HE RAN OUT OF FUEL. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10587676 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | SAN DIEGO, CA |
| VIN: | WDBNG74J33A**** |
WHEN I START S55 AMG AFTER THE CAR HAD BEEN SITTING OVER NIGHT, I FIND DIFFICULT TO MOVE THE GEAR LEVER FROM P TO R; AFTER A FEW TRIES ONLY IT MOVES FROM PARK POSITION TO REVERSE. THIS PROBLEM DOES NOT APPEAR AFTER DRIVING, UNTIL THE NEXT DAY. NOW I AM SCARED TO DRIVE MY CAR THINKING I'LL GET STUCK WITH THIS GEAR LEVER MOVING PROBLEM, OR SOME UNFORESEEN ACCIDENT MAY OCCUR AS A RESULT GEAR GETTING STUCK. ON GOOGLE SEARCH, I READ SEVERAL MERCEDES OWNERS COMPLAINING ON THIS MATTER, STUCK-PARK-PROBLEM. FEDERAL SAFETY STANDARD REQUIRES YOU TO PRESS ON THE BRAKE TO SHIFT THE CAR OUT OF PARK. IT IS PROBABLY LEFT OVER FROM THE AUDI "UNINTENDED ACCELERATION" DAYS, BUT IT IS HERE IN MY MERCEDES BENZ. ADDING TO THE COMPLICATION IS THE FACT THAT THE SHIFTER IS SUPPOSED TO REMAIN LOCKED IN PARK UNLESS THE PROPER KEY IS IN THE IGNITION. I AM HAVING A HARD TIME GETTING MY CAR OUT OF PARK FROM TIME. ACCORDING TO GOOGLE SEARCH THIS HAPPENS DUE TO A CHEAP PLASTIC BRACKET INSTALLED BY MERCEDES TO LOCK THE GEAR IN PARK POSITION, EITHER BROKEN OR DETERIORATION. THOUGH THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE ABOUT 2001 & OWNERS HAVE BEEN COMPLAINING, MERCEDES HAS NOT VOLUNTARILY FIXED THE PROBLEM. DEALER MAY CHARGE CLOSE TO $1,200 TO FIX THIS MANUFACTURING DEFECT; I HAVE ALREADY SPENT $238.05 ABOUT A WEEK AGO FOR DEALER TO REPLACED AND FIX TRANSMISSION ELECTRICAL BUSHING LEAKS, THINKING IT WOULD FIX MY GEAR SHIFT PROBLEM. UNFORTUNATELY, IT HAD NOT FIXED MY PROBLEM. I APPRECIATE VERY MUCH IF YOUR AGENCY TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION TO GET MERCEDES TO RECALL THEIR VEHICLES AND FIX FREE. I THINK THIS PROBLEM IS VERY SIMILAR TO THE GM'S IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEM, AND IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE A CAR WITH THIS KIND OF PROBLEM. *TR
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10576261 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | VALLEY STREAM, NY |
| VIN: | WDBNG84J53A**** |
THE SRS SYSTEM (AIRBAGS) HAVE BEEN DEEMED INOPERABLE BY THE DEALER AND MAY EITHER DEPLOY AT ANY TIME OR NOT DEPLOY AT ALL IN A COLLISION. THIS IS DUE TO A DEFECTIVE SEATBELT BUCKLE AND A DEFECTIVE PASSENGER RECOGNITION SENSOR PAD LOCATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WHICH DISABLES/ENABLES THE AIRBAGS FUNCTIONALITY. BOTH A VERY COMMON DEFECT IN THE 2000 TO 2006 MODEL YEAR MERCEDES BENZ S CLASS VEHICLES. THE SEATBELT BUCKLE CONTAINS A SENSOR THAT EVENTUALLY FAILS FOR NO APPARENT REASON OR WARNING WHICH COMPROMISES THE AIR BAG'S FUNCTIONALITY. THE PASSENGER RECOGNITION SENSOR PAD LOCATED IN THE SEAT EVENTUALLY MALFUNCTIONS DUE TO FATIGUE.THIS ALSO DISABLES THE FUNCTIONALITY OF THE SRS SYSTEM.THIS MALFUNCTION HAS RECENTLY BEEN ADDRESSED AND RECALLED BY BMW FOR THE SAME ISSUES BUT MERCEDES BENZ HAS YET TO ISSUE A RECALL CAMPAIGN ALSO THE GEAR SHIFTER IS STUCK IN PARK AND CAN NOT BE SHIFTED IN REVERSE. THIS IS DUE TO A SMALL PLASTIC PART LOCATED IN THE SHIFTING MECHANISM WHICH IS RELEASED BY A SOLENOID WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED. THE PLASTIC PART EVENTUALLY CRACKS AND RENDERS THE CAR INOPERABLE.THE PART IS NOT AVAILABLE NOR PRODUCED BY MERCEDES BENZ AND THE ENTIRE MECHANISM MUST BE REPLACED BY THE DEALER AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. THE CRACKED PART CAN ALSO AFFECT THE SAFETY OF THE DRIVER AND PEDESTRIANS. IF IT CRACKS WHILE THE CAR IS IN DRIVE, THE SHIFTER CAN NOT BE MOVED FORWARD TO NEUTRAL OR PARK AND WILL REMAIN STUCK IN DRIVE DUE TO A BROKEN PIECE OF PLASTIC BLOCKING THE SHIFTER FROM MOVING.THIS IS ANOTHER EXTREMELY COMMON AND DANGEROUS DEFECT IN THE MODEL YEAR 2000 TO 2006 S CLASS AND HAS AFFECTED AND LEFT THOUSANDS OF MOTORISTS STRANDED. MERCEDES BENZ HAS THE LOWEST RECALL RATE IN THE UNITED STATES ACCORDING TO THE FOLLOWING HTTP://WWW.REUTERS.COM/ARTICLE/2014/03/27/US-AUTOS-RECALLS-STUDY-IDUSBREA2Q1ZQ20140327. THEY SHOULD NOT IGNORE SAFETY ISSUES. *TR
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10547686 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | SPRINGFIELD, VA |
| VIN: | WDBNG75J13A**** |
SPECIAL ACQUISITION MODULE (SAM) MY CAR WOULD NOT START THE MERCEDES ROADSIDE CAME OUT AND STARTED THE CAR AND I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR DIAGNOSTIC. UPON REVIEW THE DEALER STATED THE SAM MODULE PLASTIC COVER HAD WATER DROPS ON IT. THEY ALSO STATED THE MALE AND FEMALE CONNECTORS TO THE MODULE WAS CORRODED, AND I WOULD NEED A NEW SPECIAL ACQUISITION MODULE (SAM) AT THE COST OF $1590.00. THEY ASK IF I HAD LEFT THE WINDOWS DOWN, BUT I HAD NOT THE INSIDE OF THE CAR HAS NEVER BEEN WET, BUT I DID NOTICE EVERYTIME I WENT TO THE CAR WASH THE INFORMATION SYSTEM WAS SHOWING ALERTS I DIDN'T RECOGNIZE. MY CONCERN IS EVEN WITH A NEW MODULE IF THE OLD ONE GOT WET AND IT IS CLEAR THE WATER IS COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE CAR WHAT WILL KEEP THE NEW MODULE (SAM) FROM GETTING WET. SOMETHING IS ALLOWING THE (SAM) MODULE TO GET WET FROM UNDER THE CAR. *TR
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10510806 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | ONTARIO, CA |
| VIN: | **** |
I WAS ON THE FREEWAY WHEN THE VEHICLE LOST COMPLETE CONTROL SPINNING OUT OF CONTROL. HAPPENED 3 TIMES. TIRES MICHELIN WITH 30000 MILES ON TIRE BUT STILL WITHIN TREAD GUIDELINES. *TR
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10509561 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | ARLINGTON, TX |
| VIN: | **** |
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ S55. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RETRACT PROPERLY WHENEVER THERE WERE WARMER TEMPERATURES. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER AND THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE FAILURE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRUNK LID WOULD EITHER BECOME RESISTANT WHEN ATTEMPTING TO CLOSE THE HATCH, OR IT WOULD CLOSE INDEPENDENTLY. ON ONE OCCASION, THE TRUNK LID CLOSED UNEXPECTEDLY ON THE CONTACT AS SHE ATTEMPTED TO REMOVE ITEMS FROM THE TRUNK AREA. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CONTUSION TO THE RIGHT LEG. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE KEY FOB FAILED TO ENGAGE THE TRUNK LID. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V285000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES: TRUNK LID SPRINGS). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10509583 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | ARLINGTON, TX |
| VIN: | WDBNG74J13A**** |
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ S55. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRUNK AUTOMATIC PUSH BUTTON FAILED, CAUSING THE TRUNK TO CLOSE ON INDEPENDENTLY. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT AND REAR SUSPENSION WOULD DROP NUMEROUS TIMES, CAUSING THE TIRES TO WEAR PREMATURELY AND THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR TO FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR THE SUSPENSION FAILURE SEVERAL TIMES; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT DID NOT KNOW WHAT PART THE DEALER REPLACED FOR THE SUSPENSION FAILURE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE MANUFACTURE WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10494993 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | HAGERSTOWN, MD |
| VIN: | WDBNG83J23A**** |
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ S430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, HE NOTICED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS SITTING ABNORMALLY LOW. THE CONTACT PROCEEDED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOWEVER, ONCE HE REACHED 60 MPH A WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED, INDICATING THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TOO LOW. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER BUT DID THE CONTACT DID NOT HAVE A DIAGNOSTIC TEST PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V263000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 113,000.
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10467696 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | SNELLVILLE, GA |
| VIN: | WDBNG70J13A**** |
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ S430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT BELT SEIZED AND WOULD NOT RETRACT OR PULL OUT FURTHER FROM ITS PRETENSIONER. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS OR WARRANTIES ADDRESSING THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR AN INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10464097 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | BARRINGTON, IL |
| VIN: | **** |
THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY DURING HOT WEATHER. MORE PARTICULARLY, THE BELT WILL NOT EXTEND. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PULL THE BELT OUT ENOUGH TO FASTEN IT. THUS, THE ONLY WAY THE CAR CAN BE DRIVEN IN HOT WEATHER IS WITHOUT THE DRIVER WEARING A SEAT BELT. THE BELT WORKS PROPERLY IN THE MORNING WHEN LEAVING OUR AIR-CONDITIONED GARAGE, BUT WHEN RETURNING TO THE CAR WHILE IT HAS BEEN PARKED OUTSIDE IN HOT WEATHER THE SEAT BELT DOES NOT WORK. *JS
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10456481 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | SNELLVILLE, GA |
| VIN: | WDBNG70J13A**** |
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ S430 EQUIPPED WITH MICHELIN MXV4 225/55/R17 TIRES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL THE TIRES LOST PRESSURE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE TIRES WERE NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10456334 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | FORT LAUDERDALE, FL |
| VIN: | WDBNG70J73A**** |
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ S430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EMITTING SMOKE OUT OF THE TRUNK AND HE COULD SMELL BURNING PLASTIC. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE A PSE PUMP CONTINUED TO RUN AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF, CAUSING IT TO OVER HEAT AND MELT THE WIRING HARNESS. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAD TO DISCONNECT THE PUMP FROM THE WIRING HARNESS IN ORDER TO STOP THE SMOKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRICAL RELAY PUMP MALFUNCTIONED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 78,000.
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10415380 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | MINNETONKA, MN |
| VIN: | WDBNG83JX3A**** |
A FEW DAYS BEFORE THE MAIN INCIDENT, MY 2003 MERCEDES S430 WOULD STALL FOR NO APPARENT REASON. I CALLED MERCEDES ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE, AND THEY TOLD ME THAT I SHOULD LET THE CAR RESET, AND THIS WOULD FIX THE PROBLEM. THIS HAPPENED TWO TIMES AND BOTH TIMES THERE WAS A TEMPORARY FIX AFTER THE CAR RESET. A DAY AFTER THE SECOND RESET, MY CAR COMPLETELY STALLED AND ENGINE SHUT OFF COMPLETELY WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY CAUSING ME TO ALMOST GET INTO A FEW CRASHES. MERCEDES ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE CALLED THE TOW COMPANY, AND THEY TOOK OVER AN HOUR AND A HALF TO GET THERE. IT WAS A VERY HOT DAY, AND I FELT VERY SICK FROM THE HEAT. THE CAR WAS TOWED, AND IT TURNS OUT THAT THE CRANK SENSOR WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE DID NOT TELL ME IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, BUT JUST TO LET THE CAR RESET. THERE WAS NO WARNING THAT THE SENSOR WAS FAULTY. THERE WERE NO LIGHTS THAT CAME ON THE DASHBOARD THAT THE SENSOR WAS FAULTY. THIS IS AN INHERENTLY DANGEROUS DEFECT, THAT A SENSOR GOES BAD WITH NO WARNING, AND THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF. THE SENSOR WAS REPLACED BY MERCEDES FOR $433.16. I AM TRAUMATIZED BY THE INCIDENT, AND I AM SCARED TO DRIVE A DANGEROUS CAR THAT CAN SHUT OFF WITH NO WARNING WHILE DRIVING FOR SOMETHING AS SMALL AS A BAD SENSOR. FURTHER, I WAS MISLED BY MERCEDES ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE THAT THE PART NEEDED TO RESET, RATHER THAN BE REPLACED. *TR
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10380786 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | Unknown |
| VIN: | WDBNG84J03A**** |
WHEN VEHICLE GETS COLD( OUTSIDE TEMP BELOW 17 F), THE CAR WILL LOWER, AND AIROMATIC WARNING MESSAGE COMES ON SAYING AIROMATIC VEHICLE TOO LOW STOP VISIT SHOP. *TR
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10380101 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | ORINDA, CA |
| VIN: | WDBNG76J43A**** |
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ S600. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE DISTRIBUTION HOSE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT INQUIRED ABOUT NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 07V263000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) BUT HIS ADVISED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS THEN CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER RECALL AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,988.
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10378528 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | NEW ALBIN, IA |
| VIN: | **** |
WHEN TEMPERATURE FALLS BELOW 17 DEGREES F, THE VEHICLE DROP TO UNSAFE LEVEL, AND MESSAGE SAYS AIRMATIC STOP CAR VEHICLE TOO LOW. THE TIRES WILL START RUBBING ON LINER. CALLED DEALER THEY SAID TEMPERATURE IN GERMANY DOES NOT GO THAT LOW, WELL THIS CAR IS SOLD IN US, AND THEY NEED TO MAKE IT WORK. *TR
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10373607 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | WEBSTER, NY |
| VIN: | WDBNG83J83A**** |
AIR BAG-DRIVERS SIDE, STEERING WHEEL. I RECENTLY BECAME AWARE OF YOUR SITE AND THOUGHT IT APPROPRIATE TO INFORM YOU OF THIS ISSUE. THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND THE DEALER CLEARED THE FAULT CODE. THIS LASTED ONE WEEK AND THEN THE WARNING REAPPEARED. THEY DID NOT KNOW IF THIS CONDITION WOULD RESULT IN A DEPLOYMENT WHETHER WARRANTED OR NOT. IT SEEMED TO US THAT IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE REGARDLESS. THEN, DESPITE THE 7 YEAR ,100,000 MILE WARRANTY, THEY SAID AIR BAGS ARE NOT COVERED. WE THEN INCURRED AN EXPENSE OF $1,841 TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE UNIT. IT SEEMED THE MANUFACTURER TRIED TO AVOID ANY AND ALL COMPLAINTS ABOUT AIR BAGS BEING PROBLEMATIC. *TR
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10366571 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | DURHAM, NC |
| VIN: | WDBNG75J23A**** |
SHIFTER STUCK IN PARK. THERE ARE PROBABLY HUNDREDS, POSSIBLY EVEN THOUSANDS OF MERCEDES OWNERS THAT HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM. FOR NO APPARENT REASON AND WITHOUT ANY WARNING THE SHIFTER LOCKS IN PARK. YOU TURN THE CAR ON AND IT WILL NOT MOVE EVEN IF USING A 16 POUND RUBBER MALLET TO BANG THE SHIFTER. I WOULD CONSIDER THIS AS A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION IF THE PERSON WAS OUT IN THE WILDERNESS OR A MOTHER TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN IN THE CAR. THIS PROBLEM IS WELL DOCUMENTED AT HTTP://WWW.MBWORLD.ORG THIS PARTICULAR FORUM IS A GREAT SOURCE FOR PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH MERCEDES BENZ. IT IS CAUSED BY A $4 PIECE OF PLASTIC LOCATED INSIDE THE SHIFTER BOX THAT MOVES BACK AND FORTH TO ACTIVATE THE SOLENOID.. ONCE THE PLASTIC PIECE BREAKS IT LOCKS THE SHIFTER IN PLACE. MERCEDES COULD EASILY FIX THIS PROBLEM BY USING MORE DURABLE MATERIALS. INSTEAD, THEY CHARGE YOU UP TO $1500 TO REPLACE THE SHIFTER BOX. I KNOW BECAUSE IT HAPPENED TO ME AND SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE I PERSONALLY KNOW. THE CAR LITERALLY CAN NOT BE MOVED AND HAS TO BE DRAGGED ON A FLAT BED TRUCK AND TAKEN TO THE REPAIR SHOP. FOR A CAR THIS EXPENSIVE, IT IS TOTALLY RIDICULOUS. *TR
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10363647 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | WEST HAVEN, CT |
| VIN: | WDBNG70J23A**** |
ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH S-CLASS MERCEDES BENZ NAVIGATION SYSTEM SHUTDOWNS AND ALOT OF ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS FAILURES. *TR
