WHILE DRIVING MY MERCEDES BENZ 2003 SL500 THE BRAKES BECAME DISABLED WITHOUT WARNING. IT WAS A TERRIFYING EXPERIENCE. THE FIRST MERCEDES DEALER I PHONED TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS NO KNOWN SAFETY RECALLS FOR THE BRAKES. THE SECOND MERCEDES DEALER THAT I CONTACTED INFORMED ME ABOUT 2 RECALLS IN 2004 AND 2005. I PHONED THE MERCEDES …
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WHILE DRIVING MY MERCEDES BENZ 2003 SL500 THE BRAKES BECAME DISABLED WITHOUT WARNING. IT WAS A TERRIFYING EXPERIENCE. THE FIRST MERCEDES DEALER I PHONED TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS NO KNOWN SAFETY RECALLS FOR THE BRAKES. THE SECOND MERCEDES DEALER THAT I CONTACTED INFORMED ME ABOUT 2 RECALLS IN 2004 AND 2005. I PHONED THE MERCEDES BENZ USA HEADQUARTERS AND SPOKE TO A CASE MANAGER WHO TOLD ME THAT MERCEDES' RESPONSIBILITY WITH THIS SAFETY ISSUE EXPIRED IN 2012. HOW CAN A SAFETY ISSUE SUCH AS HAVING NO BRAKES WHILE DRIVING EXPIRE? HOW CAN A CORPORATION BE ALLOWED TO WALK AWAY FROM THIS TYPE OF POTENTIALLY DEADLY SAFETY ISSUE? THIS IS A WELL DOCUMENTED SAFETY ISSUE WITH THIS CAR.
NHTSA ODI #11023809
85,000 miles · Mar 29, 2017
Service Brakes
WHILE DRIVING THE CAR IN TOWN ON CITY STREETS THE SBS BRAKE SYSTEM FAILED AS I CAME TO A TURN LEAVING ME WITH NO BRAKE RESPONSE EVEN THOUGH THE DEALER SAYS IT WAS SUPPOSED TO HAVE HYDRAULIC BACK-UP TO STOP THE CAR. I WAS ABLE TO COAST AND STOP THE CAR ONLY WITH THE EMERGENCY HAND BRAKE. THE SBS SYSTEM HAS BEEN RECALLED TWICE BY…
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WHILE DRIVING THE CAR IN TOWN ON CITY STREETS THE SBS BRAKE SYSTEM FAILED AS I CAME TO A TURN LEAVING ME WITH NO BRAKE RESPONSE EVEN THOUGH THE DEALER SAYS IT WAS SUPPOSED TO HAVE HYDRAULIC BACK-UP TO STOP THE CAR. I WAS ABLE TO COAST AND STOP THE CAR ONLY WITH THE EMERGENCY HAND BRAKE. THE SBS SYSTEM HAS BEEN RECALLED TWICE BY THE FACTORY BUT THERE IS STILL SOMETHING VERY WRONG WHEN A MODERN CAR HAD NO BACK-UP SYSTEM. THESE CARS ARE DANGEROUS! LUCKILY FOR ME THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT AND I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALER AND IT IS BEING REPAIRED.
NHTSA ODI #10969321
86,998 miles · Dec 23, 2015
EngineService BrakesSuspensionFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, SHE SMELLED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABC AND STOP VEHICLE TOO LOW WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SCRAPE THE GROUND. THE CON…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, SHE SMELLED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABC AND STOP VEHICLE TOO LOW WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SCRAPE THE GROUND. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER AND NOTICED THAT IT WAS LEAKING FLUID. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. IT WAS UNKNOWN IF THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BUT THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V263000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, SUSPENSION). THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE ALSO SHOWED FAILURE SIGNS OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN: 05V133000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,998.
NHTSA ODI #10811960
87,000 miles · Dec 18, 2015
Service BrakesSuspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH, THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE LOWERED AND LEAKED FLUIDS AS THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,000.
NHTSA ODI #10811199
51,500 miles · Oct 6, 2015
Service Brakes
I HAVE A 2003 MERCEDES SL500 WITH 52000 MILES ON IT AND SUDDENLY THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT CAME UP AND THE INVESTIGATION LINKED IT TO THE SBC HYDRAULIC RECALL (2005070007). MERCEDES HAD EXTENDED THE WARRANTY ON SBS UNIT FOR 10 YEARS AND MY CAR IS NOW OUT OF THAT EXTENDED WARRANTY PERIOD. THE SBC ISSUE DID NOT OCCUR UNTIL THE CAR H…
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I HAVE A 2003 MERCEDES SL500 WITH 52000 MILES ON IT AND SUDDENLY THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT CAME UP AND THE INVESTIGATION LINKED IT TO THE SBC HYDRAULIC RECALL (2005070007). MERCEDES HAD EXTENDED THE WARRANTY ON SBS UNIT FOR 10 YEARS AND MY CAR IS NOW OUT OF THAT EXTENDED WARRANTY PERIOD. THE SBC ISSUE DID NOT OCCUR UNTIL THE CAR HAD OVER 51000 MILES. I REACHED OUT TO MERCEDES BENZ CUSTOMER CARE AND THEY WANTED ME TO TAKE THE CAR TO THE AUTHORIZED DEALER WHICH I DID AND THE DEALER'S REPORT CLEARLY STATES THAT THEY COULD NOT CONNECT TO THE SBC PUMP AND IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED IMMEDIATELY. MERCEDES BENZ CUSTOMER CARE CALLED ME BACK STATING THAT THE CAR IS OUT OF THE 10 YEAR WARRANTY PERIOD AND DOES NOT QUALIFY FOR THE REPLACEMENT. AS A MATTER OF FACT, I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE ENTIRE SBC PUMP AND ALSO STATED THAT IT WAS ONLY ON THE INSTALLATION OF BRACKET, WHICH HAPPENS TO BE ANOTHER RECALL ON THE SBC UNIT (2005110001). THE VEHICLE DOES NOT ADEQUATELY STOP DUE TO THIS FAILURE AND THE REPAIR COST TO REPLACE THE SBC UNIT AS STATED BY THE DEALER IS $1939.75. THIS IS CLEARLY A SAFETY RECALL THAT IS A CONCERN AND SO WOULD LIKE TO REQUEST NHSTA TO ADVISE.
NHTSA ODI #10780144
224,679 miles · May 6, 2014
Service Brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, HE ATTEMPTED TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES BUT THE PEDAL SANK TO THE FLOORBOARD ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE LINES NEEDED TO BE BLED AND THE BRAKE FLUID NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ALS…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, HE ATTEMPTED TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES BUT THE PEDAL SANK TO THE FLOORBOARD ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE LINES NEEDED TO BE BLED AND THE BRAKE FLUID NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ALSO, THEY ADVISED THAT THE BRAKE HYDRAULIC UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 224,679.
NHTSA ODI #10586788
96,935 miles · May 5, 2014
Service Brakes
WHILE DRIVING AT APPROX. 20-35MPH I PRESSED THE BRAKE AND ALMOST WENT TO THE FLOOR WITH NO RESISTANCE. DASHBOARD INDICATES RED WARNING "STOP" BRAKE DEFECTIVE, STOP VEHICLE WITH YELLOW ABS WARNING LIGHT. AFTER I PULLED OVER, PARKED THE CAR AND SHUTTING DOWN THE ENGINE... WARNING LIGHTS, RED EMERGENCY "BRAKE" ILLUMINATED. AS WELL …
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WHILE DRIVING AT APPROX. 20-35MPH I PRESSED THE BRAKE AND ALMOST WENT TO THE FLOOR WITH NO RESISTANCE. DASHBOARD INDICATES RED WARNING "STOP" BRAKE DEFECTIVE, STOP VEHICLE WITH YELLOW ABS WARNING LIGHT. AFTER I PULLED OVER, PARKED THE CAR AND SHUTTING DOWN THE ENGINE... WARNING LIGHTS, RED EMERGENCY "BRAKE" ILLUMINATED. AS WELL AS, REDUCED BRAKE EFFECT, START ENGINE AND FOLLOWED BY INCR BRAKING DISTANCE, START ENGINE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10586487
47,000 miles · Jan 28, 2014
Electrical SystemService Brakes
WHILE DRIVING TO WORK, I WAS GOING ABOUT 35 MPH WHEN THE DASH LIGHTS UP RED SAYING "SERVICE BRAKES, STOP VEHICLE, ETC". MY MECHANIC LOOKED OVER EVERYTHING TO DO WITH BRAKES AND COULD NOT FIX IT. HE CALLED MERCEDES OF TALLAHASSEE AND WAS TOLD IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE THAT WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. IT DID HAVE A…
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WHILE DRIVING TO WORK, I WAS GOING ABOUT 35 MPH WHEN THE DASH LIGHTS UP RED SAYING "SERVICE BRAKES, STOP VEHICLE, ETC". MY MECHANIC LOOKED OVER EVERYTHING TO DO WITH BRAKES AND COULD NOT FIX IT. HE CALLED MERCEDES OF TALLAHASSEE AND WAS TOLD IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE THAT WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. IT DID HAVE A RECALL ON IT, BUT IT EXPIRED IN JULY LAST YEAR, JUST MY LUCK. SO I GOOGLED IT AND HAVE NOW FOUND TONS OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME EXPERIENCE! HOW CAN THE VEHICLE SAFETY ADMINISTRATION LEGALLY ALLOW MERCEDES BENZ TO CONTINUE LETTING THIS HAPPEN TO PEOPLE? HOW MANY ACCIDENTS MUST TAKE PLACE, OR GOD FORBID DEATHS BEFORE SOMETHING IS DONE? I HAVE NO OPTION BUT TO PAY OUT OF POCKET TO HAVE THIS PIECE OF $100K JUNK FIXED AND PRAY IT NEVER HAPPENS AGAIN! MERCEDES BENZ AND THE VEHICLE SAFETY ADMINISTRATION BETTER PRAY THIS DOESN'T CAUSE AN ACCIDENT OR I WILL SUE THE [XXX] OUT OF BOTH! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10561822
Official recalls
0
No recalls in this snapshot.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1
PE07042 · Air Suspension System Failure
Opened Aug 14, 2007 · Closed Nov 20, 2007
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension; Suspension:front:springs:air Suspension System; Suspension:front:springs:air Suspension:lines And Fittings; Suspension:front:springs:air Suspension:springs/bags; Suspension:rear; Suspension:rear:springs:air Suspension System; Suspension:rear:springs:air Suspension System:lines And Fittings; Suspension:rear:springs:air Suspension System:springs/bags
THE SUBJECT S-CLASS VEHICLES CONTAIN A COMPRESSED AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM THAT USES AIR STRUTS ON EACH OF THE FOUR WHEELS IN LIEU OF TRADITIONAL SPRINGS AND SHOCK ABSORBERS.THESE AIR STRUTS USE COMPRESSED AIR TO SUPPORT THE WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE AND CONTROL RIDE HEIGHT.IN THE EVENT OF THE LOSS OF AIR FROM THE SYSTEM, AN ALERT WILL FLASH ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WARNING THE DRIVER TO EITHER DRIVE CAREFULLY OR TO STOP THE VEHICLE.THE VEHICLE RIDE HEIGHT CAN BE REDUCED BY AS MUCH AS 105 MM BELOW NORMAL RIDE HEIGHT BEFORE THE FULL LOAD OF THE VEHICLE FOR THAT WHEEL COMES TO REST ON A STEEL ROD, WITH A RUBBER STOP ON THE END, LOCATED IN THE SHOCK ABSORBER.THIS REST-STOP CONDITION IS DESIGNED SUCH THAT THERE IS NO IMPACT ON VEHICLE CONTROL.MERCEDES-BENZ (MBUSA) SUPPLIED VIDEO SHOWING A VEHICLE IN THIS CONDITION OPERATING UNDER SEVERAL DIFFERENT SITUATIONS INCLUDING EVASIVE MANEUVERS DEMONSTRATING THE ABILITY OF THE VEHICLE TO BE CONTROLLED EFFECTIVELY WITH A RIDE HEIGHT REDUCED TO THE MINIMUM.ONLY THOSE COMPLAINTS TO ODI AND MBUSA THAT ALLEGED A STEERING INTERFERENCE DURING A REDUCED RIDE HEIGHT CONDITION WERE COUNTED IN THIS RESUME FAILURE REPORT.SOME COMPLAINTS ALLEGED THAT WITH A REDUCED RIDE HEIGHT AND A STOP NOW WARNING MESSAGE THERE WAS A RUBBING NOISE WHEN TURNING, BUT THE ABILITY TO STEER THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COMPROMISED.A SAMPLING OF WARRANTY CLAIMS SUBMITTED BY MBUSA DID NOT REVEAL ANY INDICATING A LOSS OF CONTROL DUE TO AN AIRMATIC SYSTEM FAILURE.THERE WAS ONE CRASH REPORTED BY MBUSA TO ODI BUT THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE INDICATED THAT IT RELATED TO SUSPENSION SYSTEMS AND IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO VERIFY THAT THE INCIDENT WAS RELATED TO AN AIRMATIC SYSTEM FAILURE. FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES IN THIS MATTER DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND OTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION IS CLOSED.
Additional source detail variants (8)
Suspension:front:springs:air Suspension:lines And Fittings
THE SUBJECT S-CLASS VEHICLES CONTAIN A COMPRESSED AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM THAT USES AIR STRUTS ON EACH OF THE FOUR WHEELS IN LIEU OF TRADITIONAL SPRINGS AND SHOCK ABSORBERS.THESE AIR STRUTS USE COMPRESSED AIR TO SUPPORT THE WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE AND CONTROL RIDE HEIGHT.IN THE EVENT OF THE LOSS OF AIR FROM THE SYSTEM, AN ALERT WILL FLASH ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WARNING THE DRIVER TO EITHER DRIVE CAREFULLY OR TO STOP THE VEHICLE.THE VEHICLE RIDE HEIGHT CAN BE REDUCED BY AS MUCH AS 105 MM BELOW NORMAL RIDE HEIGHT BEFORE THE FULL LOAD OF THE VEHICLE FOR THAT WHEEL COMES TO REST ON A STEEL ROD, WITH A RUBBER STOP ON THE END, LOCATED IN THE SHOCK ABSORBER.THIS REST-STOP CONDITION IS DESIGNED SUCH THAT THERE IS NO IMPACT ON VEHICLE CONTROL.MERCEDES-BENZ (MBUSA) SUPPLIED VIDEO SHOWING A VEHICLE IN THIS CONDITION OPERATING UNDER SEVERAL DIFFERENT SITUATIONS INCLUDING EVASIVE MANEUVERS DEMONSTRATING THE ABILITY OF THE VEHICLE TO BE CONTROLLED EFFECTIVELY WITH A RIDE HEIGHT REDUCED TO THE MINIMUM.ONLY THOSE COMPLAINTS TO ODI AND MBUSA THAT ALLEGED A STEERING INTERFERENCE DURING A REDUCED RIDE HEIGHT CONDITION WERE COUNTED IN THIS RESUME FAILURE REPORT.SOME COMPLAINTS ALLEGED THAT WITH A REDUCED RIDE HEIGHT AND A STOP NOW WARNING MESSAGE THERE WAS A RUBBING NOISE WHEN TURNING, BUT THE ABILITY TO STEER THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COMPROMISED.A SAMPLING OF WARRANTY CLAIMS SUBMITTED BY MBUSA DID NOT REVEAL ANY INDICATING A LOSS OF CONTROL DUE TO AN AIRMATIC SYSTEM FAILURE.THERE WAS ONE CRASH REPORTED BY MBUSA TO ODI BUT THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE INDICATED THAT IT RELATED TO SUSPENSION SYSTEMS AND IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO VERIFY THAT THE INCIDENT WAS RELATED TO AN AIRMATIC SYSTEM FAILURE. FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES IN THIS MATTER DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND OTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION IS CLOSED.
THE SUBJECT S-CLASS VEHICLES CONTAIN A COMPRESSED AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM THAT USES AIR STRUTS ON EACH OF THE FOUR WHEELS IN LIEU OF TRADITIONAL SPRINGS AND SHOCK ABSORBERS.THESE AIR STRUTS USE COMPRESSED AIR TO SUPPORT THE WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE AND CONTROL RIDE HEIGHT.IN THE EVENT OF THE LOSS OF AIR FROM THE SYSTEM, AN ALERT WILL FLASH ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WARNING THE DRIVER TO EITHER DRIVE CAREFULLY OR TO STOP THE VEHICLE.THE VEHICLE RIDE HEIGHT CAN BE REDUCED BY AS MUCH AS 105 MM BELOW NORMAL RIDE HEIGHT BEFORE THE FULL LOAD OF THE VEHICLE FOR THAT WHEEL COMES TO REST ON A STEEL ROD, WITH A RUBBER STOP ON THE END, LOCATED IN THE SHOCK ABSORBER.THIS REST-STOP CONDITION IS DESIGNED SUCH THAT THERE IS NO IMPACT ON VEHICLE CONTROL.MERCEDES-BENZ (MBUSA) SUPPLIED VIDEO SHOWING A VEHICLE IN THIS CONDITION OPERATING UNDER SEVERAL DIFFERENT SITUATIONS INCLUDING EVASIVE MANEUVERS DEMONSTRATING THE ABILITY OF THE VEHICLE TO BE CONTROLLED EFFECTIVELY WITH A RIDE HEIGHT REDUCED TO THE MINIMUM.ONLY THOSE COMPLAINTS TO ODI AND MBUSA THAT ALLEGED A STEERING INTERFERENCE DURING A REDUCED RIDE HEIGHT CONDITION WERE COUNTED IN THIS RESUME FAILURE REPORT.SOME COMPLAINTS ALLEGED THAT WITH A REDUCED RIDE HEIGHT AND A STOP NOW WARNING MESSAGE THERE WAS A RUBBING NOISE WHEN TURNING, BUT THE ABILITY TO STEER THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COMPROMISED.A SAMPLING OF WARRANTY CLAIMS SUBMITTED BY MBUSA DID NOT REVEAL ANY INDICATING A LOSS OF CONTROL DUE TO AN AIRMATIC SYSTEM FAILURE.THERE WAS ONE CRASH REPORTED BY MBUSA TO ODI BUT THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE INDICATED THAT IT RELATED TO SUSPENSION SYSTEMS AND IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO VERIFY THAT THE INCIDENT WAS RELATED TO AN AIRMATIC SYSTEM FAILURE. FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES IN THIS MATTER DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND OTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION IS CLOSED.
Suspension:front:springs:air Suspension System
THE SUBJECT S-CLASS VEHICLES CONTAIN A COMPRESSED AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM THAT USES AIR STRUTS ON EACH OF THE FOUR WHEELS IN LIEU OF TRADITIONAL SPRINGS AND SHOCK ABSORBERS.THESE AIR STRUTS USE COMPRESSED AIR TO SUPPORT THE WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE AND CONTROL RIDE HEIGHT.IN THE EVENT OF THE LOSS OF AIR FROM THE SYSTEM, AN ALERT WILL FLASH ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WARNING THE DRIVER TO EITHER DRIVE CAREFULLY OR TO STOP THE VEHICLE.THE VEHICLE RIDE HEIGHT CAN BE REDUCED BY AS MUCH AS 105 MM BELOW NORMAL RIDE HEIGHT BEFORE THE FULL LOAD OF THE VEHICLE FOR THAT WHEEL COMES TO REST ON A STEEL ROD, WITH A RUBBER STOP ON THE END, LOCATED IN THE SHOCK ABSORBER.THIS REST-STOP CONDITION IS DESIGNED SUCH THAT THERE IS NO IMPACT ON VEHICLE CONTROL.MERCEDES-BENZ (MBUSA) SUPPLIED VIDEO SHOWING A VEHICLE IN THIS CONDITION OPERATING UNDER SEVERAL DIFFERENT SITUATIONS INCLUDING EVASIVE MANEUVERS DEMONSTRATING THE ABILITY OF THE VEHICLE TO BE CONTROLLED EFFECTIVELY WITH A RIDE HEIGHT REDUCED TO THE MINIMUM.ONLY THOSE COMPLAINTS TO ODI AND MBUSA THAT ALLEGED A STEERING INTERFERENCE DURING A REDUCED RIDE HEIGHT CONDITION WERE COUNTED IN THIS RESUME FAILURE REPORT.SOME COMPLAINTS ALLEGED THAT WITH A REDUCED RIDE HEIGHT AND A STOP NOW WARNING MESSAGE THERE WAS A RUBBING NOISE WHEN TURNING, BUT THE ABILITY TO STEER THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COMPROMISED.A SAMPLING OF WARRANTY CLAIMS SUBMITTED BY MBUSA DID NOT REVEAL ANY INDICATING A LOSS OF CONTROL DUE TO AN AIRMATIC SYSTEM FAILURE.THERE WAS ONE CRASH REPORTED BY MBUSA TO ODI BUT THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE INDICATED THAT IT RELATED TO SUSPENSION SYSTEMS AND IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO VERIFY THAT THE INCIDENT WAS RELATED TO AN AIRMATIC SYSTEM FAILURE. FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES IN THIS MATTER DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND OTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION IS CLOSED.
Suspension
THE SUBJECT S-CLASS VEHICLES CONTAIN A COMPRESSED AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM THAT USES AIR STRUTS ON EACH OF THE FOUR WHEELS IN LIEU OF TRADITIONAL SPRINGS AND SHOCK ABSORBERS.THESE AIR STRUTS USE COMPRESSED AIR TO SUPPORT THE WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE AND CONTROL RIDE HEIGHT.IN THE EVENT OF THE LOSS OF AIR FROM THE SYSTEM, AN ALERT WILL FLASH ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WARNING THE DRIVER TO EITHER DRIVE CAREFULLY OR TO STOP THE VEHICLE.THE VEHICLE RIDE HEIGHT CAN BE REDUCED BY AS MUCH AS 105 MM BELOW NORMAL RIDE HEIGHT BEFORE THE FULL LOAD OF THE VEHICLE FOR THAT WHEEL COMES TO REST ON A STEEL ROD, WITH A RUBBER STOP ON THE END, LOCATED IN THE SHOCK ABSORBER.THIS REST-STOP CONDITION IS DESIGNED SUCH THAT THERE IS NO IMPACT ON VEHICLE CONTROL.MERCEDES-BENZ (MBUSA) SUPPLIED VIDEO SHOWING A VEHICLE IN THIS CONDITION OPERATING UNDER SEVERAL DIFFERENT SITUATIONS INCLUDING EVASIVE MANEUVERS DEMONSTRATING THE ABILITY OF THE VEHICLE TO BE CONTROLLED EFFECTIVELY WITH A RIDE HEIGHT REDUCED TO THE MINIMUM.ONLY THOSE COMPLAINTS TO ODI AND MBUSA THAT ALLEGED A STEERING INTERFERENCE DURING A REDUCED RIDE HEIGHT CONDITION WERE COUNTED IN THIS RESUME FAILURE REPORT.SOME COMPLAINTS ALLEGED THAT WITH A REDUCED RIDE HEIGHT AND A STOP NOW WARNING MESSAGE THERE WAS A RUBBING NOISE WHEN TURNING, BUT THE ABILITY TO STEER THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COMPROMISED.A SAMPLING OF WARRANTY CLAIMS SUBMITTED BY MBUSA DID NOT REVEAL ANY INDICATING A LOSS OF CONTROL DUE TO AN AIRMATIC SYSTEM FAILURE.THERE WAS ONE CRASH REPORTED BY MBUSA TO ODI BUT THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE INDICATED THAT IT RELATED TO SUSPENSION SYSTEMS AND IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO VERIFY THAT THE INCIDENT WAS RELATED TO AN AIRMATIC SYSTEM FAILURE. FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES IN THIS MATTER DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND OTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION IS CLOSED.
Suspension:rear
THE SUBJECT S-CLASS VEHICLES CONTAIN A COMPRESSED AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM THAT USES AIR STRUTS ON EACH OF THE FOUR WHEELS IN LIEU OF TRADITIONAL SPRINGS AND SHOCK ABSORBERS.THESE AIR STRUTS USE COMPRESSED AIR TO SUPPORT THE WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE AND CONTROL RIDE HEIGHT.IN THE EVENT OF THE LOSS OF AIR FROM THE SYSTEM, AN ALERT WILL FLASH ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WARNING THE DRIVER TO EITHER DRIVE CAREFULLY OR TO STOP THE VEHICLE.THE VEHICLE RIDE HEIGHT CAN BE REDUCED BY AS MUCH AS 105 MM BELOW NORMAL RIDE HEIGHT BEFORE THE FULL LOAD OF THE VEHICLE FOR THAT WHEEL COMES TO REST ON A STEEL ROD, WITH A RUBBER STOP ON THE END, LOCATED IN THE SHOCK ABSORBER.THIS REST-STOP CONDITION IS DESIGNED SUCH THAT THERE IS NO IMPACT ON VEHICLE CONTROL.MERCEDES-BENZ (MBUSA) SUPPLIED VIDEO SHOWING A VEHICLE IN THIS CONDITION OPERATING UNDER SEVERAL DIFFERENT SITUATIONS INCLUDING EVASIVE MANEUVERS DEMONSTRATING THE ABILITY OF THE VEHICLE TO BE CONTROLLED EFFECTIVELY WITH A RIDE HEIGHT REDUCED TO THE MINIMUM.ONLY THOSE COMPLAINTS TO ODI AND MBUSA THAT ALLEGED A STEERING INTERFERENCE DURING A REDUCED RIDE HEIGHT CONDITION WERE COUNTED IN THIS RESUME FAILURE REPORT.SOME COMPLAINTS ALLEGED THAT WITH A REDUCED RIDE HEIGHT AND A STOP NOW WARNING MESSAGE THERE WAS A RUBBING NOISE WHEN TURNING, BUT THE ABILITY TO STEER THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COMPROMISED.A SAMPLING OF WARRANTY CLAIMS SUBMITTED BY MBUSA DID NOT REVEAL ANY INDICATING A LOSS OF CONTROL DUE TO AN AIRMATIC SYSTEM FAILURE.THERE WAS ONE CRASH REPORTED BY MBUSA TO ODI BUT THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE INDICATED THAT IT RELATED TO SUSPENSION SYSTEMS AND IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO VERIFY THAT THE INCIDENT WAS RELATED TO AN AIRMATIC SYSTEM FAILURE. FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES IN THIS MATTER DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND OTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION IS CLOSED.
Suspension:rear:springs:air Suspension System:lines And Fittings
THE SUBJECT S-CLASS VEHICLES CONTAIN A COMPRESSED AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM THAT USES AIR STRUTS ON EACH OF THE FOUR WHEELS IN LIEU OF TRADITIONAL SPRINGS AND SHOCK ABSORBERS.THESE AIR STRUTS USE COMPRESSED AIR TO SUPPORT THE WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE AND CONTROL RIDE HEIGHT.IN THE EVENT OF THE LOSS OF AIR FROM THE SYSTEM, AN ALERT WILL FLASH ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WARNING THE DRIVER TO EITHER DRIVE CAREFULLY OR TO STOP THE VEHICLE.THE VEHICLE RIDE HEIGHT CAN BE REDUCED BY AS MUCH AS 105 MM BELOW NORMAL RIDE HEIGHT BEFORE THE FULL LOAD OF THE VEHICLE FOR THAT WHEEL COMES TO REST ON A STEEL ROD, WITH A RUBBER STOP ON THE END, LOCATED IN THE SHOCK ABSORBER.THIS REST-STOP CONDITION IS DESIGNED SUCH THAT THERE IS NO IMPACT ON VEHICLE CONTROL.MERCEDES-BENZ (MBUSA) SUPPLIED VIDEO SHOWING A VEHICLE IN THIS CONDITION OPERATING UNDER SEVERAL DIFFERENT SITUATIONS INCLUDING EVASIVE MANEUVERS DEMONSTRATING THE ABILITY OF THE VEHICLE TO BE CONTROLLED EFFECTIVELY WITH A RIDE HEIGHT REDUCED TO THE MINIMUM.ONLY THOSE COMPLAINTS TO ODI AND MBUSA THAT ALLEGED A STEERING INTERFERENCE DURING A REDUCED RIDE HEIGHT CONDITION WERE COUNTED IN THIS RESUME FAILURE REPORT.SOME COMPLAINTS ALLEGED THAT WITH A REDUCED RIDE HEIGHT AND A STOP NOW WARNING MESSAGE THERE WAS A RUBBING NOISE WHEN TURNING, BUT THE ABILITY TO STEER THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COMPROMISED.A SAMPLING OF WARRANTY CLAIMS SUBMITTED BY MBUSA DID NOT REVEAL ANY INDICATING A LOSS OF CONTROL DUE TO AN AIRMATIC SYSTEM FAILURE.THERE WAS ONE CRASH REPORTED BY MBUSA TO ODI BUT THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE INDICATED THAT IT RELATED TO SUSPENSION SYSTEMS AND IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO VERIFY THAT THE INCIDENT WAS RELATED TO AN AIRMATIC SYSTEM FAILURE. FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES IN THIS MATTER DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND OTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION IS CLOSED.
Suspension:rear:springs:air Suspension System
THE SUBJECT S-CLASS VEHICLES CONTAIN A COMPRESSED AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM THAT USES AIR STRUTS ON EACH OF THE FOUR WHEELS IN LIEU OF TRADITIONAL SPRINGS AND SHOCK ABSORBERS.THESE AIR STRUTS USE COMPRESSED AIR TO SUPPORT THE WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE AND CONTROL RIDE HEIGHT.IN THE EVENT OF THE LOSS OF AIR FROM THE SYSTEM, AN ALERT WILL FLASH ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WARNING THE DRIVER TO EITHER DRIVE CAREFULLY OR TO STOP THE VEHICLE.THE VEHICLE RIDE HEIGHT CAN BE REDUCED BY AS MUCH AS 105 MM BELOW NORMAL RIDE HEIGHT BEFORE THE FULL LOAD OF THE VEHICLE FOR THAT WHEEL COMES TO REST ON A STEEL ROD, WITH A RUBBER STOP ON THE END, LOCATED IN THE SHOCK ABSORBER.THIS REST-STOP CONDITION IS DESIGNED SUCH THAT THERE IS NO IMPACT ON VEHICLE CONTROL.MERCEDES-BENZ (MBUSA) SUPPLIED VIDEO SHOWING A VEHICLE IN THIS CONDITION OPERATING UNDER SEVERAL DIFFERENT SITUATIONS INCLUDING EVASIVE MANEUVERS DEMONSTRATING THE ABILITY OF THE VEHICLE TO BE CONTROLLED EFFECTIVELY WITH A RIDE HEIGHT REDUCED TO THE MINIMUM.ONLY THOSE COMPLAINTS TO ODI AND MBUSA THAT ALLEGED A STEERING INTERFERENCE DURING A REDUCED RIDE HEIGHT CONDITION WERE COUNTED IN THIS RESUME FAILURE REPORT.SOME COMPLAINTS ALLEGED THAT WITH A REDUCED RIDE HEIGHT AND A STOP NOW WARNING MESSAGE THERE WAS A RUBBING NOISE WHEN TURNING, BUT THE ABILITY TO STEER THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COMPROMISED.A SAMPLING OF WARRANTY CLAIMS SUBMITTED BY MBUSA DID NOT REVEAL ANY INDICATING A LOSS OF CONTROL DUE TO AN AIRMATIC SYSTEM FAILURE.THERE WAS ONE CRASH REPORTED BY MBUSA TO ODI BUT THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE INDICATED THAT IT RELATED TO SUSPENSION SYSTEMS AND IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO VERIFY THAT THE INCIDENT WAS RELATED TO AN AIRMATIC SYSTEM FAILURE. FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES IN THIS MATTER DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND OTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION IS CLOSED.
THE SUBJECT S-CLASS VEHICLES CONTAIN A COMPRESSED AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM THAT USES AIR STRUTS ON EACH OF THE FOUR WHEELS IN LIEU OF TRADITIONAL SPRINGS AND SHOCK ABSORBERS.THESE AIR STRUTS USE COMPRESSED AIR TO SUPPORT THE WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE AND CONTROL RIDE HEIGHT.IN THE EVENT OF THE LOSS OF AIR FROM THE SYSTEM, AN ALERT WILL FLASH ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WARNING THE DRIVER TO EITHER DRIVE CAREFULLY OR TO STOP THE VEHICLE.THE VEHICLE RIDE HEIGHT CAN BE REDUCED BY AS MUCH AS 105 MM BELOW NORMAL RIDE HEIGHT BEFORE THE FULL LOAD OF THE VEHICLE FOR THAT WHEEL COMES TO REST ON A STEEL ROD, WITH A RUBBER STOP ON THE END, LOCATED IN THE SHOCK ABSORBER.THIS REST-STOP CONDITION IS DESIGNED SUCH THAT THERE IS NO IMPACT ON VEHICLE CONTROL.MERCEDES-BENZ (MBUSA) SUPPLIED VIDEO SHOWING A VEHICLE IN THIS CONDITION OPERATING UNDER SEVERAL DIFFERENT SITUATIONS INCLUDING EVASIVE MANEUVERS DEMONSTRATING THE ABILITY OF THE VEHICLE TO BE CONTROLLED EFFECTIVELY WITH A RIDE HEIGHT REDUCED TO THE MINIMUM.ONLY THOSE COMPLAINTS TO ODI AND MBUSA THAT ALLEGED A STEERING INTERFERENCE DURING A REDUCED RIDE HEIGHT CONDITION WERE COUNTED IN THIS RESUME FAILURE REPORT.SOME COMPLAINTS ALLEGED THAT WITH A REDUCED RIDE HEIGHT AND A STOP NOW WARNING MESSAGE THERE WAS A RUBBING NOISE WHEN TURNING, BUT THE ABILITY TO STEER THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COMPROMISED.A SAMPLING OF WARRANTY CLAIMS SUBMITTED BY MBUSA DID NOT REVEAL ANY INDICATING A LOSS OF CONTROL DUE TO AN AIRMATIC SYSTEM FAILURE.THERE WAS ONE CRASH REPORTED BY MBUSA TO ODI BUT THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE INDICATED THAT IT RELATED TO SUSPENSION SYSTEMS AND IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO VERIFY THAT THE INCIDENT WAS RELATED TO AN AIRMATIC SYSTEM FAILURE. FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES IN THIS MATTER DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND OTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION IS CLOSED.
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