2022 MERCEDES-BENZ Gle 350

I was told by the investigators that the fire was caused by an electrical component under the passenger seat that Mercedes is well aware of. My life was placed in danger because of the Inhalation of forever chemicals and lung damaging smoke and super heated air. Problem confirmed by dozens of owners who experienced and documented the very some accounts, some who have reported contacting the NHTSA years prior to my experience but nothing was done to save lives or prevent losses. The American Freedom insurance investigator told me in writing what caused the fire. Nothing gave any indication that my life was in danger not a light, an alarm nor the monthly Connect service I paid for every month. Nothing gave me an indication that something like this was going to happen.

For approximately two years, I reported recurring moisture/condensation inside the RIGHT headlamp assembly of my 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 to Mercedes-Benz. I was repeatedly advised that the condensation was normal. The condition progressively worsened. The vehicle is now displaying headlamp warning messages and the RIGHT TURN SIGNAL associated with the affected headlamp is no longer functioning. I am also receiving repeated warning messages related to the headlamp/turn-signal malfunction. The loss of the turn signal creates a safety concern because I cannot reliably signal my intention to turn or change lanes to other motorists. Mercedes-Benz has now advised that the headlamp assembly requires replacement. The affected component is the RIGHT headlamp. For completeness, the vehicle previously sustained an unrelated sideswipe on the LEFT side, during which the LEFT headlamp was scuffed and replaced through insurance. There was no frontal collision, and the present moisture intrusion and signal failure are occurring in the RIGHT headlamp on the opposite side of the vehicle. I am reporting this to NHTSA because a condition Mercedes-Benz previously characterized as normal has progressed from condensation inside the headlamp to warning messages and failure of a safety-related signaling function. I am concerned that similar moisture intrusion in this headlamp assembly could affect other vehicles.

Check engine warning light came on. Called dealership and they could not do a remote diagnostic so they made plans to pick up the car which was about 2 weeks after the problem was alerted. See attached repair invoice. The problem was a known issue with the cylinder head compression leakage. “Removed cylinder head and disassembled to find excessive play in exhaust valve guides and abnormally worn exhaust value seats. Replaced cylinder head.” This issue impacted engine performance, including vibration and lack of acceleration. See attached letter to Mercedes which we have received no response.

The contact owns a 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated that after his wife placed the key fob in the interior of the vehicle and closed the door, the vehicle inadvertently locked the doors. As a result, the contact stated that his young child was locked inside the vehicle with no way for his wife to remove him from the vehicle. The contact’s wife was able to instruct the toddler how to unlock the vehicle using the key fob. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 7,600.