Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUSPENSION | |||||
| 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 | |
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - SPRINGS - LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY - U-BOLT, LEAF SPRING TO AXLE | |||||
| 322546 | 02/05/2007 | 10021522 | Knocking noise from the front axle area. *kb | 05/14/2007 | |
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 | |||
| 12/01/2011 | 35000 | ||
| Parked the car . when tried to backup the car from parked space, the frony of the car got stocked over the concrete barriers and brock the front. upon inspection i realized that the front driver side of the car is dropprd about 3 inches. i took it to dealer and after 2-3 months testing and flushing , they told me they need to replace the valve at a cost of $3500.00. a few weaks later, the hole driver side is dropping both front and back. they tell me another valve neds to be replaced. i check different site on internet and realize this issue is known to dealers and there a great deal of documentation on-line. i appreciate if your office could investigste and get back to me. thanks | |||
| 05/03/2009 | 36000 | 1 | |
| Active body control failure on mercedes benz sl (model r230) causes the car to lower all of a sudden, loss of control and steering locking. car's abc suspension is pressurized, and it has a history of failures. documented on nhtsa site. the abc hose has a recall already, but the abc pump itself can go bad anytime without warning. there are many documented cases, which i have from other mercedes owners. mine occurred traveling 35 mph in northern virginia in a neighborhood road, and luckily i pulled over but noticed my car's rear was dropped 4 inches nearly touching the ground. some sl owners have been driving at highways speeds and suddenly abc malfunctions causing serious damage and potentially deadly results if immediate precaution is not taken. mercedes benz usa and it's dealers are well aware of abc issues effecting their line of models including: sl, s class, and cl class. no recalls on the abc pump has been issued, but the dealers politely tell owners it's a known issue and it will costs $5000.00 to fix. that's unacceptable. i beg the nhtsa to investigate and if need be, i can gather more data and facts from owners and testimonials for dealer service advisors who know of this issue. *tr | |||
| 07/24/2009 | 19000 | 1 | |
| Addendum info to original complaint #10308437 shows that mb service advisor j. steach advised m .b. not responsible as driver should miss potholes. engineering analysis shows that it is not possible for driver to steer around potholes. at 70mph mb sl500 travels 103 ft/sec and it is not possible to observe the pothole hazard and categorize as safety risk at speeds of 70mph(103ft/sec) react physiologically and actuate steering system -all in less than one second-one half second each for human response and same for mechanical actuation-insufficient time to avoid pot hole hit. dark or low light conditions render pothole miss impossible. in any case, the improperly engineered soft low strength alloy wheel design leads any prudent vehicle driver into a crash trap. wheel,tire, suspension damage evident-needs corrected immediately at expense of mercedez-benz.. wife whiplash due to severe abrupt unanticipated forces in bringing vehicle to safe stop. i have neck soreness and aggravation of previous neck injury likely. *tr | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT | |||
| 01/12/2011 | 56000 | ||
| My 2004 mercedes sl 500 suspension completely dropped to the tires without warning while i was driving down interstate 95 during rush hour in miami, florida which caused the vehicle to not respond or handle properly as the vehicle rolled and floated in different directions. it was very scary! fortunately i was able to get the car to a safe location off the interstate highway! as a licensed attorney i highly recommend this issue be fully investigated by the nhtsa. this is a very high performance sports roadster that people expect to be safe while driving! some also drive these vehicle at high rates of speed (not legally) but you know that the sl 500 was the most frequented vehicle for speeding this past year in the nation and not being able to control ones vehicle at any speed is frightening and hazardous to both those driving the vehicle, passengers as well as the other commuters on our roads and highways. before we have another toyota disaster i highly suggest this matter be investigated immediately. let us not have preventable deadly accidents before we make a change and recall this car!!! the whole car now moves up and down at random and that makes the vehicle unsafe to drive. performing a simple google search reveals that mercedes benz already knows and has notice of the problem from many mb consumers. i do not believe that a car no matter what age should have a suspension system that can literally go out and leave the passengers and driver subject to death or serious bodily injury. please look into this matter asap! sincerely, very concerned/worried consumer. | |||
| 05/03/2009 | 36000 | 1 | |
| Active body control failure on mercedes benz sl (model r230) causes the car to lower all of a sudden, loss of control and steering locking. car's abc suspension is pressurized, and it has a history of failures. documented on nhtsa site. the abc hose has a recall already, but the abc pump itself can go bad anytime without warning. there are many documented cases, which i have from other mercedes owners. mine occurred traveling 35 mph in northern virginia in a neighborhood road, and luckily i pulled over but noticed my car's rear was dropped 4 inches nearly touching the ground. some sl owners have been driving at highways speeds and suddenly abc malfunctions causing serious damage and potentially deadly results if immediate precaution is not taken. mercedes benz usa and it's dealers are well aware of abc issues effecting their line of models including: sl, s class, and cl class. no recalls on the abc pump has been issued, but the dealers politely tell owners it's a known issue and it will costs $5000.00 to fix. that's unacceptable. i beg the nhtsa to investigate and if need be, i can gather more data and facts from owners and testimonials for dealer service advisors who know of this issue. *tr | |||
| SUSPENSION - REAR | |||
| 05/03/2009 | 36000 | 1 | |
| Active body control failure on mercedes benz sl (model r230) causes the car to lower all of a sudden, loss of control and steering locking. car's abc suspension is pressurized, and it has a history of failures. documented on nhtsa site. the abc hose has a recall already, but the abc pump itself can go bad anytime without warning. there are many documented cases, which i have from other mercedes owners. mine occurred traveling 35 mph in northern virginia in a neighborhood road, and luckily i pulled over but noticed my car's rear was dropped 4 inches nearly touching the ground. some sl owners have been driving at highways speeds and suddenly abc malfunctions causing serious damage and potentially deadly results if immediate precaution is not taken. mercedes benz usa and it's dealers are well aware of abc issues effecting their line of models including: sl, s class, and cl class. no recalls on the abc pump has been issued, but the dealers politely tell owners it's a known issue and it will costs $5000.00 to fix. that's unacceptable. i beg the nhtsa to investigate and if need be, i can gather more data and facts from owners and testimonials for dealer service advisors who know of this issue. *tr | |||