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2003 Mercedes Benz SL500

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

About this comparison →
80Owner complaints

Model-year median: 6

0Recall campaigns

View recall details →

1Investigations

View investigation details →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

Other model years Selected year
2
20003
200180
200345
200419
200513
2006
Compare all SL500 years →

Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

Suspension
34Fuel System, Gasoline
11Electrical System
10Fuel/propulsion System
8Service Brakes
8
All reported categories
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
6Steering
6Electronic Stability Control (esc)
5Air Bags
4Engine And Engine Cooling
4Power Train
4Structure
3Engine
2Equipment
1Fuel System, Other
1Seat Belts
1

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

67 reports with mileage · 13 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Suspension. Review the 34 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 11 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 10 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

2 crash reports3 fire reports1 injury reports

What owners actually said

80 reports
60,000 miles · Mar 30, 2010
Fuel System, Other

I PURCHASED MY SL500 USED, WITH ONLY 29,000 MILES ON IT, DIRECTLY FROM RUSNAK MERCEDES IN ARCADIA, CA. SERVICE HAS BEEN BEYOND POOR SINCE DAY 1. MY CURRENT PROBLEM IS AN OBNOXIOUS BANGING THAT COMES FROM BEHIND THE HEAD. I CALLED RUSNAK ABOUT THIS AND THE LADY WAS VERY FIRM TELLING ME IT'S NOT A RECALL, ALTHOUGH I'D READ LOTS…

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I PURCHASED MY SL500 USED, WITH ONLY 29,000 MILES ON IT, DIRECTLY FROM RUSNAK MERCEDES IN ARCADIA, CA. SERVICE HAS BEEN BEYOND POOR SINCE DAY 1. MY CURRENT PROBLEM IS AN OBNOXIOUS BANGING THAT COMES FROM BEHIND THE HEAD. I CALLED RUSNAK ABOUT THIS AND THE LADY WAS VERY FIRM TELLING ME IT'S NOT A RECALL, ALTHOUGH I'D READ LOTS OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM. SO I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL GARAGE- AFTER A WEEK OF LABOR THEY FIND IT'S A HOLE IN THE GASTANK, $2000 TO REPAIR. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THIS HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED. EVERYTHING I'VE READ HAS SAID THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM, ALL IN 2003 SL500S AROUND 60,000 MILES. HOW CAN MERCEDES IGNORE THIS?

NHTSA ODI #10322806

67,000 miles · Mar 26, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline

1. EVENTS LEADING UP TO FAILURE. DRIVER STARTED NOTICING "SLOSHING" SOUND COMING FROM GAS TANK AREA. NEXT DAY, A RATTLING NOISE STARTING COMING FROM GAS TANK AREA EACH TIME THE CAR WOULD COME TO A STOP. THE NOISE WAS CONSISTENT WITH SOMETHING FLOATING AROUND AND HITTING SOMETHING MENTAL INSIDE. THE SOUND COMES FROM THE GAS …

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1. EVENTS LEADING UP TO FAILURE. DRIVER STARTED NOTICING "SLOSHING" SOUND COMING FROM GAS TANK AREA. NEXT DAY, A RATTLING NOISE STARTING COMING FROM GAS TANK AREA EACH TIME THE CAR WOULD COME TO A STOP. THE NOISE WAS CONSISTENT WITH SOMETHING FLOATING AROUND AND HITTING SOMETHING MENTAL INSIDE. THE SOUND COMES FROM THE GAS TANK AREA, CONSISTENT WITH A LOOSE PIECE OF METAL FLOATING IN THE GAS TANK. 2. UPON INSPECTION, THE BAFFLE WITHIN THE GAS TANK HAD BROKEN OFF AND WAS LOOSE, FLOATING IN THE GAS TANK. EACH TIME THE DRIVER COMES TO A STOP, THE BAFFLE WILL FLOAT AROUND AND BANG ON THE INSIDE OF THE GAS TANK. PRELIMINARY INSPECTION REVEALS THAT SUBSEQUENT MODEL YEAR GAS TANKS ARE DIFFERENTLY DESIGNED TO PREVENT SUCH FAILURE. CONSEQUENCES OF HAVING A LOOSE PIECE OF METAL FLOATING AROUND THE GAS TAKE ARE EXTREMELY SERIOUS. IF NOT TAKEN CARE OF PROMPTLY, THERE IS A POTENTIAL THAT THE METAL PIECE MAY DAMAGE THE GAS TANK AND CAUSE A FIRE OR OTHER HARM. 3. THE ENTIRE GAS TANK MUST BE REMOVED -- A $3000 PROCEDURE. BECAUSE OF THE NATURE OF THE DEFECT, MANY REPAIRS WILL FALL OUTSIDE OF THE WARRANTY PERIOD. THE DEALER PRETENDS AS THOUGH THIS IS AN UNCOMMON ISSUE. INDEPENDENT MERCEDES SHOPS CONFIRM THIS IS A WIDESPREAD ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI #10322241

70,739 miles · Mar 11, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline

MERCEDES-BENZ BUILT BAFFLES INSIDE THE FUEL TANK TO PREVENT FUEL SLOSHING NOISE DURING STOP AND GO MOTION. THESE BAFFLES WERE POORLY DESIGNED AND WEAKLY WELDED INTO PLACE RESULTING IN THEM COMING LOOSE AND BANGING AROUND INSIDE THE FUEL TANK. BEING A SMALL CONVERTIBLE AND GIVEN THAT FUEL TANK IS IMMEDIATELY BEHIND PASSENGER COMP…

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MERCEDES-BENZ BUILT BAFFLES INSIDE THE FUEL TANK TO PREVENT FUEL SLOSHING NOISE DURING STOP AND GO MOTION. THESE BAFFLES WERE POORLY DESIGNED AND WEAKLY WELDED INTO PLACE RESULTING IN THEM COMING LOOSE AND BANGING AROUND INSIDE THE FUEL TANK. BEING A SMALL CONVERTIBLE AND GIVEN THAT FUEL TANK IS IMMEDIATELY BEHIND PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, END RESULT IS A VERY LOUD BANGING NOISE MAKING DRIVING A SLOW TORTURE. ASIDE FROM IRRITATING LOUD BANGING NOISE THERE IS ALSO A POTENTIAL OF EXPLOSION SINCE THIS IS A MOVING METAL PART INSIDE A METAL FUEL TANK CONTAINING GASOLINE AS BOTH LIQUID AND FUMES. THERE ARE ALSO MANY REPORTED INSTANCES OF THIS DESIGN FLAW WITH SOME DEALERS REPORTING 10 FUEL TANKS REPLACED IN 1 WEEK. PLEASE VISIT HTTP://WWW.BENZWORLD.ORG/FORUMS/R230-SL-CLASS/1295215-SL500-NOISE-REAR-INTERIOR-WALL-GAS.HTML AND HTTP://FORUMS.MERCEDESCLUB.ORG.UK/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=57846&PAGE=2 I BELIEVE THERE ARE ENOUGH OF THESE COMPLAINTS TO WARRANT A CLASS ACTION SUIT. BOTH MERCEDES DEALER AND MERCEDES CORPORATE (SUPERVISOR MR. MARIANO) HAVE REFUSED TO FIX THIS ISSUE INSISTING CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY, AND THERE IS NO OPEN RECALL ON THIS ISSUE. DEALERSHIP QUOTED $2400 TO REPLACE FUEL TANK. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10318907

49,820 miles · Jun 3, 2009
Suspension

2003 MERCEDES BENZ 500SL DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE CAR JUST DROPPED DOWN , THE ACTIVE BODY CONTROL SYSTEM FAILED IT RUINED THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF THE VEHICLE THE CAR DOES NOT EVEN HAVE 50,000 MILES ON IT. IT'S HARD TO GET IT TOWED. IT IS VERY LOW AND IT CAN CAUSE A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT , THE FUNNY THING WAS THE NEXT DAY…

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2003 MERCEDES BENZ 500SL DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE CAR JUST DROPPED DOWN , THE ACTIVE BODY CONTROL SYSTEM FAILED IT RUINED THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF THE VEHICLE THE CAR DOES NOT EVEN HAVE 50,000 MILES ON IT. IT'S HARD TO GET IT TOWED. IT IS VERY LOW AND IT CAN CAUSE A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT , THE FUNNY THING WAS THE NEXT DAY STARTED THE CAR UP THE CAR CAME UP BUT KNOWING MY UNDERCARRIAGE IS DESTROYED . I HAD COUPLE INCIDENTS HAPPEN TO MEN LUCK I WAS NOT ON THE FREEWAY. IT ALSO THROWS YOUR ALIGNMENT OUT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10272790

65,000 miles · Sep 4, 2008
Fuel System, Gasoline

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE CONTACT HEARD A RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM THE TRUNK. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE BAFFLES IN THE GAS TANK FAILED, WHICH CAUSED THE RATTLING IN THE GAS TANK. THE GAS TANK NEEDS TO BE REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE DEALER REF…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE CONTACT HEARD A RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM THE TRUNK. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE BAFFLES IN THE GAS TANK FAILED, WHICH CAUSED THE RATTLING IN THE GAS TANK. THE GAS TANK NEEDS TO BE REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE DEALER REFUSES TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE REPAIR. THROUGH ONLINE RESEARCH, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FOR THE SAME FAILURE. HE BELIEVES A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 65,000.

NHTSA ODI #10240914

21,123 miles · Sep 1, 2008
Electrical System

IGNITION FAILURE, NO KEYS WORK TO START THE VEHICLE (IT DOESN'T RECOGNIZE THE KEYS) CAR HAD TO BE PUT ON A FLATBED TRUCK AND SENT TO DEALER FOR REPAID. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10240547

25,000 miles · Jun 17, 2008
Structure

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500. WHENEVER THE CONTACT ATTEMPTS TO USE THE TRUNK, THE TRUNK LID FALLS IMMEDIATELY BACK DOWN. THIS PREVENTS HIM FROM BEING ABLE TO USE THE TRUNK AT ALL. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE TRUNK LID WOULD SLIGHTLY FALL WHEN PLACED IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION. THE VEHICL…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500. WHENEVER THE CONTACT ATTEMPTS TO USE THE TRUNK, THE TRUNK LID FALLS IMMEDIATELY BACK DOWN. THIS PREVENTS HIM FROM BEING ABLE TO USE THE TRUNK AT ALL. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE TRUNK LID WOULD SLIGHTLY FALL WHEN PLACED IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 35,300 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000.

NHTSA ODI #10231312

44,000 miles · Apr 30, 2008
Fuel System, Gasoline

2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500 - BAFFLE BREAKS FREE WITHIN GAS TANK SEEMINGLY CAUSING A SAFETY HAZARD. MERCEDES DOES NOT REPLACE THE TANK FOR FREE IN ALL CASES. GAS TANK NEEDED REPLACED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10226101

17,889 miles · Oct 3, 2007
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. WHEN THE BRAKES FINALLY BEGAN TO OPERATE, THE ABS, COOLANT, AND ESP LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, BUT NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 17,889.

NHTSA ODI #10204788

51,200 miles · Jul 7, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling

VEHICLE HAS BEEN DRIVEN LESS THAN 52,000 MILES AND BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS HAVE REQUIRED REPLACEMENT APPROXIMATELY 2 MONTHS APART. RETRACTABLE HOOD HAS NOW FAILED. CONCERNED THAT FAULTY DESIGN IN CATALYTIC CONVERTERS WILL CAUSEREPEAT FAILURES IN FUTURE. CONCERNED THAT RETRACTABLE HOOD FAILURE IS SIGN…

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VEHICLE HAS BEEN DRIVEN LESS THAN 52,000 MILES AND BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS HAVE REQUIRED REPLACEMENT APPROXIMATELY 2 MONTHS APART. RETRACTABLE HOOD HAS NOW FAILED. CONCERNED THAT FAULTY DESIGN IN CATALYTIC CONVERTERS WILL CAUSEREPEAT FAILURES IN FUTURE. CONCERNED THAT RETRACTABLE HOOD FAILURE IS SIGN OF ADDITIONAL DESIGN FLAWS WITH THIS VEHICLE.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10195548

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.

Suspension:front:springs:air Suspension: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.

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.

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.