Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE | |||||
| 033008 | 04/24/2008 | SB-03-30-08E | 10022893 | Check engine light on / fault codes fc1200 / fc1208 stored in me-sfi control unit. mercedes-benz model c230, c280, c350, slk280, slk350, clk350, clk550, e350, e550, cls550, s600, and sl550. equipped with m272 engine or m273 engine. *nj | 10/03/2007 |
Investigations
| NHTSA ID | Manufacturer | Date open | Date close | Subject | Recall campaign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE - BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS | ||||||
| PE03058 | MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC. | 12/17/2003 | 04/22/2004 | ENGINE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY FAILURE | ||
| The office of defects investigation (odi) opened this preliminary evaluation to investigate allegations of engine crankshaft pulley harmonic balancer failure that could result in loss of power-steering assist.odi has received a total of 546 non-duplicative reports that allege engine crankshaft pulley harmonic balancer failure on all mercedes-benz vehicles using the subject component.the subject component failures are progressive in nature and only a small percentage of the complaints and warrant claims involved a failure that had progressed far enough to effect power steering performance (6 of 55 odi complaints reference increased steering effort).there have been no crashes or injuries related to the alleged defect.a safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.accordingly, this investigation is closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that a safety-related defect does not exist.the agency will take further action if warranted by the circumstances.see summary report attached for further detail. | ||||||
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | |||
| 08/30/2011 | 72000 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 1999 mercedes benz ml320. while the contact was driving approximately 35 mph, the engine stalled with the illumination of the entire instrument panel. the engine failed to restart and the vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer who stated the failure was contributed to the crank shaft position sensor. the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the problem. the approximate failure mileage was 72,000. | |||
| 08/30/2011 | 72000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 1999 mercedes benz ml320. while the contact was driving approximately 35 mph, the engine stalled with the illumination of the entire instrument panel. the engine failed to restart and the vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer who stated the failure was contributed to the crank shaft position sensor. the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the problem. the approximate failure mileage was 72,000. kmj | |||
| 04/17/2009 | 87000 | 1 | |
| Driving home from work the car's idle went to zero. this happened half-way home. its a 30+ mile drive from work to home. essentially the car just quit operating while merging on the interstate. power steering was lost and this left my 8 month pregnant wife stranded in the middle of the merging lane to the interstate without the capability to restart the car. successive tries to start the car failed. only after 5 minutes the car was able to start and be pulled over to a safe place. tried a 2nd time to drive it home and it left me stranded again without it being able to restart. had to be towed on a flatbed tow truck home the remainder of the drive home. *tr | |||
| 03/31/2004 | 1 | ||
| Fuel gauge does not read correctly/run out of fuel/engine quits loss of control, power brakes and steering may lead to crash/defect *la | |||
| 08/22/2003 | 110000 | 08/15/2001 | |
| I had to replace the harmonic balancer, and the main drive shaft bearing on a 1999 ml mercedes with the v-6 motor vin 4jgab54exxa055878 | |||
| 09/09/2003 | 70190 | 1 | 02/08/2000 |
| The harmonic balancer on my 1999 mercedes ml320 engine type m112 failed and resulted in $4,000 to repair. the part failed with no advanced warning. even the mercedes dealership who performed the power steering recall two weeks prior to the failure did not spot any problem and they knew to be looking. i was lucky the failure occurred in my driveway backing out of the garage in stead of on the freeway with an immediate loss of power steering or destruction of the engine.*ak | |||
| 06/20/2003 | 1 | ||
| While driving the vehicle at 55mph on average, engine misfired. consumer stated has to pull of the road, and restarted the engine, but as soon as reaching high speed, will be the same problem. dealer has not yet notified. vehicle is without warranty.*ak | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE | |||
| 09/01/2007 | 120000 | ||
| Continuing problems with power steering. taken to the dealer for inquiry over 3 years ago; no resolution presented. problems have persisted and gotten progressively worse. only when researching, was i made aware of the recall. no notification from manufacture or dealer. substantial costs incurred and vehicle continues to leak after numerous repairs. moonroof unable to close 100% - taken to dealership. advised the problem was seen routinely with this particular moonroof. advised to fore-go repair due to cost. upon extensive research, this problem is quite customary and unsure as to why the vehicle was not recalled or repairs made by the manufacturer. would like a written response outlining options and resources to remedy these issues. | |||
| 08/14/2006 | 78446 | 1 | 01/30/1999 |
| I and my 7 year old daughter and her friend were entering my driveway on aug 14,2006, paused to open my garage door from the car and i was slowly moving in. all of a sudden car went out of my control in a flash that i did not even have time to react. it went and hit our other parked car in the garage with such a huge force that the second car literally went and tore the bedroom wall. our second car is badly damaged on the front, back and one side (scraping a pole in garage) and wall needs fixing too. i truly suspect there is some mechanical problem for the sudden/unintended acceleration that led to this unexpected behavior. so far we found the ignition got jammed (could not start and had to be towed in), other than the bumper/front damages. car is still in the body shop for repairs, once finished it will be taken to the dealer for further analysis and check up. *nm | |||
| 08/23/2004 | 87000 | 1 | 06/10/1999 |
| While driving a loud noise came from the front of the engine. i took the car to the dealer and the crankshft pulley has failed making a hole in the oil pan. the pulley and the oil pan were replaced and found out that this kind of premature failures has happened with this model. the dealer will not pick up the full cost for repairs since the car had 85000 miles. i think mb realizes that they have an issue with this type of failures but will not do a recall. *jb | |||
| 05/07/2004 | 65000 | 1 | |
| While driving 30 mph the vehicle's engine stalled without warning. please provide additional information. *jb | |||
| 10/08/2003 | 79120 | 1 | 05/01/1999 |
| 1999 mercedes benz ml320 - harmonic balancer failure resulting in loss of power steering, overheating, damage to fan, and oil pan. *la | |||
| 03/04/2003 | 68500 | 1 | 02/05/2001 |
| Harmonic balancer seal came loose and caused extensive engine damage. this happened while driving on a congested highway at ~60 mph! the local mercedes dealer(regal nissan/mercedes, huntsville, al, ph #256726-0077) claimed this was a unique failure as faras they were concerned. the fix including replacement of the oil pan was ~$900. upon subsequent research i've discovered that this is an extremely common problem.*ak | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE | |||
| Vehicle has experienced a no start condition. dealer has replaced fuel pump twice, but defect still occurs. *ak | |||
| 6 | |||
| The vehicle stalls on highway and does not restart due to unknown cause. yh | |||
| 4 | 08/01/1999 | ||
| The car's engine dies while driving. i have taken it to the dealer three times. however, they seem to never fix it. my wife will not drive the car because she is worried that it will crash. *ak | |||
| 02/20/2000 | 4 | 08/01/1999 | |
| Engine has died four times while driving. dealer has tried to repair the engine twice but has failed. door locks do not lock when using key fob or the lock button. rather, they pop up and down. *ak | |||
| 02/18/2000 | 3 | 02/01/1999 | |
| The engine runs for about 10,000 miles before it begins to stall out at unexpected times.this problem has been diagnosed as a problem with the maf sensor . this sensor(mass air flow) has failed 3 times in less than a year in heavy traffic conditions. the vehicle simply shuts down and is hard to restart . this occurence has happened at all speeds and so far i have avoided an accident . i feel that it is a matter of time before the failure of the maf will cause a serious accident. *ak | |||
| The vehicles engine cuts off without warning while driving. has happened 3 times with owner, and 3 times with dealer. dealer cant find a solution. *ak | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE - BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS | |||
| 10/10/2004 | 73000 | 1 | 03/31/1999 |
| Failure of harmonic balancer, an event that has occurred on many mercedes with this design for the harmonic balancer. new cover, oil pan. and balancer needed. *ak | |||
| 09/06/2004 | 93000 | 1 | 12/30/1998 |
| 1999 mercedes ml320 harmonic balancer. i was aware of the investigation being performed and had mercedes check the balancer in january. they said it's fine. on 9/6/04, it failed causing $1500 in damage. i was not injured because i knew not to drive the vehicle after failure. mercedes needs to recall the harmonic balancer. it is failing on most vehicles and causing extensive damage.*ak | |||
| 08/10/2004 | 66000 | 1 | 08/06/1999 |
| Faulty harmonic balancer in fly wheel 1999 ml 320, 66,000 miles nhtsa action no.pe03058. *ak | |||
| 04/25/2004 | 1 | ||
| The vehicle vibrated uncontrollably while driving. the driver had difficulty to maintain control of the vehicle. however, the driver was able to pull over and the vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection. the mechanic informed the driver that the pulley assembly needed to be replaced. please provide further details. *la | |||
| 07/10/2004 | 61230 | 1 | 07/10/2004 |
| (1)vehicle was making a left hand turn and became almost impossible to turn steering wheel. (2) crankshaft dampener became separated at point of rubber vulcanized and caused serpentine belt to come loose leaving power steering to stop working along with all other pulleys run by the same belt. (3) dampener and belt were replaced. (old parts are available) this is an extremely dangerous situation that my local dealership says is happening very frequently. new types of replacement dampeners have been changed six (6) times in the last five (5) years in the parts book. several local mechanics say it's a very common problem and they wonder why a recall has not been ordered. it would be very easy to find out how many crankshaft dampeners have been ordered and replaced by both dealers and parts sales. again, let me say this is a very dangerous situation that is very common. my primary worry is that a small person would not be able to turn the steering wheel if the power steering goes out as in these broken dampener cases. i'm a 225 lb man and i could barely bring the car to a safe stop at only 25 miles per hour. what would have happened on a mountain road? please investigate this problem for everyone's safety. thank you!! *la | |||
| 11/25/2003 | 104500 | 1 | 10/15/1999 |
| Harmonic balancer failure. *ak | |||
| 10/20/2003 | 47800 | 1 | 03/15/1999 |
| Crankshaft pulley failure. *ak | |||
| 08/25/2003 | 98000 | 3 | 08/01/1998 |
| Crank shaft pulley wheel flew off. *la | |||
| 10/21/2003 | 67000 | 1 | 07/01/2003 |
| I have been an owner of a 1999 mercedes benz ml320, bought used about 6 months ago. recently, something went wrong on this vehicle and it started wobbling and making external engine noise. soon, i discovered that there was a non-metallic part, a ring, the size of a palm was found in my engine bay. i took it to my local mb dealer, mercedes benz of cincinnati ohio and received a quote of $3700.00. the dealer's service manager told me its not a problem commonly seen but it sounded like awfully too popular as they knew exactly what it was when i described on the phone. the mercedes e320 engine (supposedly 1998 through mid 2000) called m112 as well as the same engine or substantially similar engine on c280, ml320, e430 etc., has a harmonic balancer, a rubber ring sandwiched between 2 metal pulley to isolate the engine vibration from the rest of the pulleys being driven by the engine. this is what the serpentine belt rotates on.over time, the poorly designed harmonic balancer pulley fails, the rubber ring cracks, breaks or falls off, depending on the temperature of the vehicle driving conditions and stress/load. it is typically seen on ml320 in the range of 40,000 miles, but is not as commonly reported as typically it is still under warranty. on e320, it tends to be around 60 ,000 miles though, often it could be as low as 25000 miles. the issue is, when this part fails, the engine timing belt cover , oil pan etc get seriously gouged by the rotating pulley. in my case the dealership, mercedes benz of cincinnati is charging $3700.00 for the repairs. often dealer profess innocence or lack of similar failure (common across board, every user in my group mentions that the dealer said 'never heard of it'.) . the issue become more dangerous and expensive as well, when less mechanically inclined people just keep driving until something smells or makes terrible noise etc., often resulting in a middle of the road complete breakdown and seize of the engine. *la | |||
| 09/03/2003 | 61000 | 1 | 11/22/1999 |
| 1999 m-b ml320 - harmonic balancer failed, rendering power steering and all other serpentine belt driven accessories inoperative while in motion. damaged engine front cover, timing cover, oil pan and associated parts.*ak | |||
| 94000 | 1 | 02/16/2003 | |
| Consumer complained about having problems with the pulleys making a hole in the oil pan. manufacturer was not notified at the time of this call.*ak the vehicle had an oil leak. the technician stated the leak was caused by a pulley which was hitting against the oil pan. the technician stated that if the oil pan was replaced the pulley will still hit the oil pan and cause a leak. the check engine light illuminated. the dealer replaced the mass air flow sensor. *ph *nlm | |||
| 1 | 07/01/2001 | ||
| The failure of the center pulley resulted in the engine belt coming loose. it resulted in all power mechanisms (power steering, power brakes failing). the steering was very hard to turn. the belt got ripped by the fan while it was working. the fan also stopped working and elevated the engine temperature. no visible indication of this on the dash panel. when i opened the hood, the metal pulley was sitting loose against the engine block. if the pulley had fallen down or hit the fuel line, it could have caused a serious accident. mercedes dealership told me they have seen this problem before and it happens in hot weather. mercedes has fixed this problem in later models but not letting owners of previous models know about this potentially serious problem. ph *jb **dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut over to artemis**768016 | |||
| 12/19/2002 | 36000 | 0 | 01/31/1999 |
| 1999 mercedes-benz ml320 suv. on thursday, december 19, my wife was driving the vehicle when suddenly the harmonic balancer failed (became detached), causing a complete loss of power to the vehicle, resulting in a disabled vehicle and leaving my wife and family stranded. the harmonic balancer is the main pulley wheel which is attached to the crankshaft. this pulley wheel in turn drives all other belt-driven items, such as power steering pump, ac, alternator, water pump, etc. first, this item should be so resilient that failure is nearly impossible, and second, both the tow truck driver and the dealer who is repairing it stated that this type of failure is not at all surprising or uncommon on the mb ml320 suv. while no injuries or deaths occurred in this case, it seems that if this critical component were to fail at highway speeds, the resulting loss of power could cause a loss of control of the car. i will also add that we have very carefully followed all of the routine maintenance recommended by the manufacturer. if this critical component is subject to failure, a check should be part of the scheduled maintenance. but to be direct, the design of the harmonic balancer is faulty, and clearly should be recalled. the repairs are expensive (upwards of $1500) and the results are potentially deadly. let's not wait for an injury or death to result before some action is taken on this! ts | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM | |||
| 94000 | 1 | 02/16/2003 | |
| Consumer complained about having problems with the pulleys making a hole in the oil pan. manufacturer was not notified at the time of this call.*ak the vehicle had an oil leak. the technician stated the leak was caused by a pulley which was hitting against the oil pan. the technician stated that if the oil pan was replaced the pulley will still hit the oil pan and cause a leak. the check engine light illuminated. the dealer replaced the mass air flow sensor. *ph *nlm | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL | |||
| 02/17/2000 | 2 | 08/01/1999 | |
| Vehicle stalled due to a bad oxygen sensor and a bad mass air flow sensor. *yh | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL - CATALYTIC CONVERTOR | |||
| 12/24/2007 | 139000 | 1 | 12/06/2002 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 1999 mercedes benz ml320. while the contact's spouse was driving approximately 35 mph, the vehicle completely shut off without warning. the vehicle had to be restarted and was driven to a mechanic. the mechanic discovered that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. the vin was unknown. the current mileage was 150,000 and failure mileage was 139,000. | |||
| 12/26/2006 | 129926 | 1 | |
| Tl * - the contact received recall 03v121000. the contact took vehicle to mercedez benz of palm beach january 3, 2007, and was denied arecall repair. the contact would like the repairs to be done under the recall. the contact stated that he received the same recall last year and chose not to address it at that time. the vehicle has had several failures , and was now being denied repair service. *ak the cosumer took the vehicle to the dealer and they statedthere was nothing wrog with the vehicle. the consumer sated while driving, the the exhaust broke in half at the weld. updated 01/22/07. *jb | |||
| 08/23/2005 | 72000 | 1 | 01/15/2005 |
| Dt: the contact stated that the catalytic converter cracked along the weld that attaches to the exhaust pipe. this problem can not be corrected due to a lack of parts. there was a temporary weld performed, but it has not corrected the problem. *ak | |||