Recalls
| Campaign | Manufacturer | Manufacturing date | Type | # of units affected | Date Owner notified Mfg | Recall Initiated by | Manufacturers of recalled vehicles/products | Report Recieved Date | Record Creation Date | Regulation Part Number | FMVSS Number | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUSPENSION | ||||||||||||||||
| 07V263000 | MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC. | V (Vehicle) | 19924 | 07/02/2007 | MFR | MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC. | 06/12/2007 | 06/25/2007 | ||||||||
| Defect Summary | On certain vehicles, corrosion may occur in the inner steel portions of the active body control's (abc) high pressure distribution hose due to extensive exposure to humidity causing deterioration of the hose. | |||||||||||||||
| Consequence Summary | This may result in abc hydraulic fluid leakage near the catalytic converter. leaking fluid may come in contact with hot engine components and lead to a possible fire. | |||||||||||||||
| Corrective Summary | Dealers will install new corrosion resistant abc high pressure distribution hose. the recall began on july 2, 2007. owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372. | |||||||||||||||
| Notes | Mercedes-benz recall no. 207060002.customers may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration | |||||||||||||||
Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUSPENSION | |||||
| 010104 | 08/31/2004 | 10009985 | The high pressure hydraulic distribution hose of the active body control (abc) may deteriorate over time due to excessive exposure to humidity and high temperatures. voluntary recall campaign of active body control (abc) (12 cylinder only) | 11/03/2004 | |
Investigations
| NHTSA ID | Manufacturer | Date open | Date close | Subject | Recall campaign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUSPENSION | ||||||
| PE07042 | MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC. | 08/14/2007 | 11/20/2007 | AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM FAILURE | ||
| 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 - LINES AND FITTINGS | ||||||
| PE07042 | MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC. | 08/14/2007 | 11/20/2007 | AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM FAILURE | ||
| 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 | ||||||
| PE07042 | MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC. | 08/14/2007 | 11/20/2007 | AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM FAILURE | ||
| 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 | ||||||
| PE07042 | MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC. | 08/14/2007 | 11/20/2007 | AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM FAILURE | ||
| 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 | ||||||
| PE07042 | MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC. | 08/14/2007 | 11/20/2007 | AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM FAILURE | ||
| 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 | ||||||
| PE07042 | MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC. | 08/14/2007 | 11/20/2007 | AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM FAILURE | ||
| 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 | ||||||
| PE07042 | MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC. | 08/14/2007 | 11/20/2007 | AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM FAILURE | ||
| 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 | ||||||
| PE07042 | MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC. | 08/14/2007 | 11/20/2007 | AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM FAILURE | ||
| 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. | ||||||
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUSPENSION | |||
| 09/24/2009 | 71268 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz s430. while driving approximately 65 mph, the abc suspension failed as a result the vehicle automatically lowered in a downward motion towards the road. the contact was able to maneuver to the side of the road. the vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer where the fuse link, airmatic pump relay and airmatic compressor were replaced. there was a recall related to the failure under nhtsa campaign id number 07v263000 (suspension). the vin was not included in the recall. the approximate failure mileage was 71,268. rvk | |||
| 09/24/2009 | 71268 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz s430. while driving approximately 65 mph, the abc suspension failed as a result to the vehicle automatically lowering in a downward motion towards the road. the contact was able to maneuver to the side of the road. the vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer where the fuse link, airmatic pump relay and airmatic compressor were replaced. there was a recall related to the failure under nhtsa campaign id number 07v263000 (suspension). the vin was not included in the recall. the approximate failure mileage was 71,268. js | |||
| 01/01/2011 | 99000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz s55. the contact stated while driving approximately 30 mph the active body control light illuminated on the instrument panel and the vehicle began to decelerate. the suspension system on the passenger side of the vehicle also failed, causing the vehicle to collapse. after coasting to a stop, the vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the suspension pump was leaking. the vehicle was repaired. approximately six months later the failure recurred. the failure mileage was 99,000 and the current mileage was 101,000. rk | |||
| 01/01/2011 | 99000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz s55. the contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph the active body control light illuminated on the instrument panel and the vehicle began to decelerate. the suspension system on the passenger side of the vehicle also failed, causing the vehicle to collapse. after coasting to a stop, the vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that a suspension pump was leaking. the vehicle was repaired. approximately six months later the failure recurred. the failure mileage was 99,000 and the current mileage was 101,000. sm. | |||
| 02/23/2011 | 160000 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz s430. while driving approximately 60 mph, the airmatic suspension system warning indicator illuminated and immediately, the vehicle dropped towards the ground. the contact was able to continue driving with extreme caution. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired for the failure. the failure mileage was approximately 160,000. | |||
| 02/23/2011 | 160000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz s430. while driving approximately 60 mph, the airmatic suspense system warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel; and immediately the vehicle lowered towards the ground. the contact was able to continue driving with extreme caution. the vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. the failure mileage was approximately 160,000. js | |||
| 12/31/2010 | 140000 | ||
| Tl. the contact owns a mercedes benz s 430. the contact stated while driving 30 mph the rear suspension malfunctioned causing the vehicle to drop to the ground. the contact had the vehicle towed to a local mechanic. the mechanic replace the air shock system to the rear of the vehicle. the contact stated the air pump compressor for the suspension malfunctioned three months prior to the rear suspension malfunctioning. the contact called the manufacturer and they stated the vehicle is out of warranty so there is nothing they can do. the contact stated this is a safety issue that can cause a crash. the failure mileage was 140,000. jo (vin number unavailable) | |||
| 11/10/2009 | 1 | ||
| I'm the owner of a 2002 mercedes s430 and having trouble repairing the recalls on my vehicle. i have contacted mercedes directly and the local dealer and they stated that their are no recalls on my vehicle when in fact there is. please help me resolve this issue. *tr | |||
| 10/27/2009 | 42000 | 1 | |
| Airmatic system warning light indicated that the car was too low to drive. hence, had to call a tow truck to get said car s430 mercedes repaired. *tr | |||
| 09/25/2008 | 58067 | 1 | |
| I have a 2002 430s mercedes benz with only 69,000 miles on it. i have replaced the airmatic pump and paid $641.89 on sept 25, 2008 at rick hill imports in kingsport tn and my car is again lowering to the ground while driving speeds of 40 to 50 mph. i have to pull off the road to air my car up which is dangerous. i took it back to rick hill imports they tell me the shocks are leaking air and that is a common problem with these cars. i have started doing research online i have found that their are several issues with this car yr make and model. i am told that i will have to spend another 3000-4000 to get my car in the running condition it needs to be in. my car has not been driven hard or that much. the yr of my car should have about 100000 mile on it, and it does not. i also found where there is an investigation already in place for the airmatic system. i have made mercedes aware of my problem they refuse to do anything about it. i feel that i have defaulty system and i want them to replace it after all they are known for expense luxury dependable cars and that is why you pay 70,000 dollars for their cars. this lemon airmatic system is going to cause me or one of my family member to get killed lowering to the ground at speed of 40-50mph and pulling off the side of the road to let it air up. *tr | |||
| 04/12/2007 | 96423 | 1 | 09/19/2005 |
| In april 2007 i noticed the car dropping and the hissing sound of air when the car was parked and turned off. on april 12, 2007 the car dropped extremely close to the tires and i was forced to it for repair since my car is my livelihood. i was told my rear suspension compressor and front suspension on one side needed replacing along with the r/f strut costing me a total of $2086.00. i hope that i will be reimbursed for something that could have been very tragic. to this date there still seems to be a problem with suspension as i had to take the car back to the shop in december 2007 and a hose was replaced. *tr | |||
| 12/01/2006 | 8000 | 1 | 11/01/2003 |
| Tl* - the driver noticed that vehicle became lower to the ground as he was driving at 20 mph. the road conditions were dry. the contact was parked for approximately 2-3 hours, when he returned and noticed that the vehicle was even lower than before. took the vehicle to a dealer, who diagnosed the problem as an airmatic system failure. the airmatic system was replaced. the contact did not remember any warning signs prior to the incident. *ak updated 1/31/2007 - *nm | |||
| 04/18/2006 | 53000 | 1 | 08/22/2002 |
| The airmatic system fails and the body of vehicle came down to touch all 4 wheels while driving high speed on an interstate i-66 highway. -the dashboard indication showed airmatic-------stop, car too low making scraping noise in the front wheel wells both sides. *nm | |||
| 03/13/2006 | 33000 | 1 | 03/23/2002 |
| Dt*: the contact stated, intermittently, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stops and then collapses to the ground. the vehicle was towed to the dealership each time. the strut assembly was replaced, the axle calibrated, and the wheels aligned. these efforts have not repaired the vehicle. while the vehicle was in park, there was a loud bang, then smoke coming from the engine compartment. the dealership determined the suspension exploded, but are not aware how to repair the vehicle. | |||
| 12/31/2005 | 5100 | 1 | 10/27/2005 |
| After driving and placing gear of 2002 mercedes benz s430 in park, my car collapsed so low that car could not be driven, leaving all occupants stranded. airmatic compressor system, which is car's suspension system totally failed. car towed on flat bed to dealership. several parts replaced, including airmatic compessor, sensor, fuse, pump, and more. car repair cost me $1000. *nm | |||
| SUSPENSION - AUTOMATIC STABILITY CONTROL (ASC) | |||
| 07/03/2007 | 82800 | 2 | 12/27/2004 |
| Received recall from mercedes benz #2007-060002. had just had this condition fixed by dealership at my cost. dealership said that condition was not related and refused to reimburse me for my cost. i asked for replacement part # to be emailed to me. i haven't received it yet.i feel that the condition was related to recall and should be reimbursed by dealer pursuant to law 49 u.s.c chapter 301. *tr | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT | |||
| 09/07/2010 | 105236 | ||
| There was no warning it just gave a alert that the car was riding low and to stop. airmatic suspension for a 2002 s430. very costly, i did research and found out that this problem is a common occurrence for mercedes s class. i believe it is a defect at the manufacturer and mb should be held account for said defect. | |||
| 02/25/2010 | 43912 | ||
| I own a 2002 mercedes benz s430 and feb. 2010 the airmatic system warning light came on. there are only 43,000 miles on my car.the dealer wants close to $1000 to put a 'kit on to replace the failing seals on the airmatic struts, which the mfg has since changed the design and offered recalls on other models. i have not driven the car since as i was told if the pump burns up from the air leaking out the suspension will drop the car, causing the car to be undrivable, and it could be dangerous if the car is in motion. i have 2 children and can not take the chance. | |||
| 07/25/2009 | 88000 | 1 | |
| Regular driving then front right of car falls to the ground. *tr | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - SPRINGS - AIR SUSPENSION - LINES AND FITTINGS | |||
| 01/15/2008 | 59950 | 3 | |
| The seals on the front air shocks cracked causing the car to drop almost down on the tires. i see the 12 cyl.car has already had a recall to correct this was the s-500 with the 5.0 engine in this recall? *tr | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - SPRINGS - AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM | |||
| 11/05/2007 | 85000 | 1 | |
| 2002 mercedes benz s500 sport. after vehicle was shut off a very load growl came from under the hood on the right side. it was apparently the air compressor and it wouldn't shut off. the grumble or growl shook the car and smelled of electrical. the height of the car did not change. the growl stopped after about 10 minutes. i have parked the car outdoors as to not tempt fate with the possibility of a car fire in the garage in the middle of the night. there is obviously a failure in the air ride system. while i realize everything mechanical has the chance to fail i am deeply concerned that this component was running and has a chance to start a fire with the ignition in the off position. if this component fails while driving and drops the vehicle ride height on the highway the results could be catastrophic. *tr | |||
| 02/10/2007 | 69000 | 1 | 08/15/2001 |
| I own a 2002 mercedes benz s-430 with 69,000 miles that i purchased new. on february 7th & 8th i had the dealer perform a scheduled servicing of my car which was an extensive checkup (cost over $1,000) despite having no problems. the following day my family took an automobile trip of 140 miles. on february 10th, while driving i experienced a failure of the airmatic suspension system. the car's warning system alerted me to stop the car and not drive it. after talking to mercedes on their emergency response system, i had the car towed to my dealer 140 miles away. this morning,2/12/2002, i went to the dealer and spoke to the service manager. he told me that it was probably a failure of a hydraulic strut/shock which suspends the car. had i tried to turn the wheel before noticing the problem i would have been unable to negotiate a curve and would have had an accident. while at the dealer, i was shown 5 or 6 mercedes benzes, some much newer than mine, whose cars had collapsed over the front wheels. this seems to me to be a serious safety defect which could cause serious injury or death to others. the defect is not limited to the s class that i have since i was shown an e class with the same problem. i was told that a replacement part was not the original part but rather an improved part that mercedes engineers came up with after many reported problems. since the part has not been recalled, the repair will probably cost me well over $1,000 despite mercedes being aware of the problem. more importantly, drivers, passengers and other vehicles are in serious danger if the mercedes becomes unmanagable. my car has not been repaired nor do i known exactly what failed, but given the seriousness of the potential problem i did not want to wait before reporting the problem. this is not an isolated incident since i observed many other vehicles at the dealership with similar problems.*jb | |||
| SUSPENSION - REAR - SHOCK ABSORBER | |||
| 05/16/2007 | 90000 | 2 | |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz s430. on december 8, 2006, the contact stated that the front shock failed. the failure occurred at 10 mph. the dealer diagnosed the failure as airmatic malfunction. on may 16, 2007, the rear shocks failed. the contact has not received a diagnosis for the failure, but the dealer confirmed that the rear shocks failed. the purchase date and engine size were unknown. the current mileage is 94,264 and failure mileage was 90,000. | |||