Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUSPENSION | |||||
| PB-32-22-77 | 03/31/2009 | 10028685 | Mercedes: vehicle does not lower and/or airmatic visit workshop display in instrument cluster. model 220. model years unknown. *pe | 05/14/2009 | |
| PB-32-50-35C | 02/22/2008 | 10028626 | Mercedes: the vehicle's suspension level randomly lowering while driving and/or rapid sporadic level changes shortly after stopping the vehicle, replace the body acceleration sensors. models 215.3, 220, and 230. model years unknown. | 05/12/2009 | |
| PB-54-18-208 | 12/15/2008 | 10028627 | Mercedes: display in instrument cluster air suspension or abc service required is displayed in the instrument cluster, the engine wiring harness may have been damaged by the wiper linkage. models 215.3 and 220. model years unknown. | 05/12/2009 | |
| SUSPENSION - FRONT | |||||
| 322218B | 03/06/2008 | 322218D | 10010959 | Leakage from front air suspension strut thorugh the sealing compound. this serivce bulletin supersedes 322218 dated 01/16/2004. *eh mersedes benz models 220.170; 175, 183, 184. vin up to 360985 without active body control. *eh up | 12/20/2004 |
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 - FRONT | |||
| 02/16/2008 | 53140 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2002 mercedes s500. the contact stated that they had to take the vehicle to the dealer twice for the check engine light and for an alignment in the past two years. the contact had to replace the aromatic struts on the vehicle twice because of a failure, the exhaust pipe and general ring for the check engine failure. the contact was concerned about the safety issue because the vehicle stalled which made it difficult to maneuver when the failure occurred. the failure mileage was 53,140 and the current mileage was 117,000. | |||
| 02/16/2008 | 53140 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2002 mercedes s500. the contact wanted to report that they have had to take the vehicle in twice for the check engine light and for an alignment in the pass to years. the contact had to replace the aromatic struts on the vehicle twice because of a failure and the exhaust pipe and general ring for the check engine failure. the contact feels this is a safety issue because the vehicle stalls and looses proper handling when the failure occurs. the failure mileage was 53,140 and the current mileage was 117,000. rl | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - SPRINGS - AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM | |||
| 03/31/2007 | 32107 | 1 | 03/23/2007 |
| This complaint is related to a 2002 mercedes-benz s500 with rear wheel drive and the airmatic suspension system. after parking the vehicle and shutting off the ignition, loud banging noises came from the airmatic suspension compressor at the front right of the vehicle. no warnings or faults were displayed on the vehicle's diagnostic system and the vehicle's ride height was normal. the banging noise stopped. while driving the vehicle later that night, the airmatic suspension released its remaining compressed air and dropped the entire suspension to a point so low that the front tires could not be turned without doing extensive damage to the wheel housing and fenders. any undulation in the road caused rubbing and damage in the wheel housing. finally, after this, a warning came on the dash saying stop- car too low. vehicle could not be turned or driven and was towed to a mercedes-benz dealer. dealer states that despite the fact that all airmatic suspensions fail this way under 50000 miles (this car had 32000 at time of failure) it is not covered under any technical service bulletins or extensions of warranty. this is a safety defect and epidemic failure on all mercedes-benz airmatic air suspension vehicles. there is an upgraded part to replace the on that the manufacturer recognizes as faulty from the factory. the repair and towing bill came to almost $2000 and the manufacturer and dealer covered none of it. my inner wheel housings suffered damage that was not repaired. *jb | |||