{"count":167,"message":"Results returned successfully","results":[{"odiNumber":11521278,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"05/07/2023","dateComplaintFiled":"05/10/2023","vin":"4JGAB54E8YA","components":"SERVICE BRAKES","summary":"I was driving full freeway speed when the brake assist system suddenly engaged which slammed on my brakes immediately and sent me skidding all over the freeway trying to maintain control of the vehicle and not crash into anything.  All the while the cars behind me had to veer out of the way. Several accidents were almost caused by this incident.  This safety feature is now a safety hazard.  This should never ever happen. This I'd comparable to an airbag suddenly deploying while driving.  An absolutely terrifying experience. The bas fct light came on which is how I learned of the brake assist system.  This problem is repeatable because it happened 2 more times as I had to get my vehicle home but luckily I didn't date take the freeway again. Problem just started 5/7/23 without any warning at all.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":11515596,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"12/01/2022","dateComplaintFiled":"04/05/2023","vin":"4JGAB54E2YA","components":"SERVICE BRAKES","summary":"Hard braking suddenly activated without driver input, smoke coming from front wheels. YAW SENSOR malfunction indicated by OBD scanner (checked after incident)","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":11373106,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"09/23/2020","dateComplaintFiled":"11/05/2020","vin":"4JGAB54E8YA","components":"STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM","summary":"I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE FROM THE AUCTION IN ALGONA NAMED WHITEY'S PUBLIC AUTO AUCTION AND THAT VERY DAY I HAD TO PUT POWER STEERING FLUID IN BECAUSE THERE WAS A LEAK AND IT WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN. I'VE HAD THE POWER STEERING PUMP REPLACED AND IT CONTINUES TO LEAK. I GOT ON THE INTERNET AND STARTED TO RESEARCH AND FOUND OUT ABOUT THE RECALL.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":11339320,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"07/11/2020","dateComplaintFiled":"07/14/2020","vin":"4JGAB54E8YA","components":"STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,WHEELS","summary":"STEERING IS HARD TO TURN. OVER HEATS AND WILL NOT KEEP COOLINAT DOWN","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":11337445,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"07/04/2000","dateComplaintFiled":"07/04/2020","vin":"4JGAB54E8YA","components":"FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM","summary":"THE METHOD IN WHICH A FUEL TANK IS FASTENED TO THE VEHICLE CHASSIS USES A STEEL STRUT  TO SUPPORT A SERIES OF STAINLESS STEEL STRAPS. THE DISSIMILARITY IN METALS USED IN FASTENING THE HARDWARE OF BOTH COMBINED WITH EXPOSURE TO THE ELEMENTS WILL CAUSE THE STRUT TO CORRODE WITHOUT WARNING AND THE FUEL TANK TO DROP ONTO THE ROADWAY WITHOUT PRIOR SYMPTOMS OR WARNING. THE CORROSION AT THE CRITICAL FASTING POINTS IS NOT OBVIOUS WITH ROUTINE INSPECTION. WITH MANY OF THESE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM 1998 THROUGH 2005 STILL ON THE ROAD TODAY, OWNERS SHOULD BE MADE AWARE OF THIS POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":11327057,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"06/02/2020","dateComplaintFiled":"06/03/2020","vin":"4JGAB54E5YA","components":"AIR BAGS,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES","summary":"SRS. ETS. ABA LIGHTS ON. BUZZING.  *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":11288070,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":1,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"11/15/2019","dateComplaintFiled":"12/10/2019","vin":"4JGAB54E4YA","components":"STEERING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM","summary":"AS I NOTICED IN OTHER COMPLAINTS THEY ALL FOCUS IN THE POWER STEERING ISSUES, FUEL / OIL LEAKS AND LOSS, ESP OPTION , ELECTRICAL MAIL FUNCTIONS THAT RELATE  WITH THE ECU, PROBLEM WITH THE SHIFTER. ALL THESE ARE SAFETY CONCERNS SINCE ALL THE ABOVE PROBLEMS CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT . I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS IN MY CAR AND IT IS REALLY DIFFICULT TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE. THE POWER STEERING IS NOT WORKING AS THE CAR IS NOT IN SPEED MOTION UNLESS YOU USE STRENGTH TO TURN THE WHEEL  , THE ESP IS NOT WORKING AT ALL , THE SHIFTER IS NOT CHANGING TO DRIVE UNLESS YOU OVERRIDE IT AND THAT'S THE ONLY WAY TO START IT AND THE FUEL ALONG WITH THE OIL IS LEAKING AND ALL THE FLUIDS ARE DISAPPEARING IN NO TIME . ALL THESE ARE SAFETY HAZARDS AND NOT JUST A SIMPLE PROBLEM . THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN A REPAIR FOR ALL OF THESE ISSUES ASAP FREE  OF CHARGE FROM MERCEDES FOR THE OWNERS OF THE PARTICULAR DEFECTIVE VEHICLES . THANK YOU IN ADVANCE","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":11207280,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"05/13/2019","dateComplaintFiled":"05/13/2019","vin":"4JGAB54E1YA","components":"UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE","summary":"ONGOING ISSUE THAT IS SOMETIMES DIFFICULT TO REPLICATE. VEHICLE WILL SUDDENLY DIE WHILE DRIVING OR IDLING, WITHOUT WARNING, AND TAKE APPROXIMATELY 20 MINUTES TO RESTART. IGNITION WILL SOMETIMES STICK AND NOT START. VEHICLE ALMOST CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE IN ONE INSTANCE WHERE SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER OCCURRED WHILE APPROACHING STOP LIGHT.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":11154148,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"11/27/2018","dateComplaintFiled":"11/27/2018","vin":"4JGAB54E5YA","components":"STEERING","summary":"MY POWER STEERING GOES OUT ALOT AND AS WELL LEAK ONTO THE GROUND I FIND IT VERY HARD TO STEER MY CAR AT TIMES . THE POWER STEERING FLUID DOESN'T LAST VERY LONG IT'S BEEN FIXED 1 AND THE PROBLEM PERSIST .","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":11114009,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"07/26/2018","dateComplaintFiled":"07/26/2018","vin":"4JGAB54E9YA","components":"STEERING","summary":"DIFFICULT TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT. USES LOT OF FORCE TO MOVE THE STELRING","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":11111058,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":true,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"07/10/2018","dateComplaintFiled":"07/12/2018","vin":"4JGAB54E7YA","components":"ELECTRICAL SYSTEM","summary":"TAKATA RECALL  I JUST BOUGHT A 2000 MERCEDES ML 320. MY AC STOPPED WORKING AND TOOK IT TO A MERCEDES CERTIFIED MECHANIC. TOLD ME IT WAS A PRESSURE SENSOR. HE THEN CALLED ME   BACK AND TOLD ME THAT THE WIRING HARNESS HAD FALLEN APART AND ALL WIRES WERE TOUCHING  EACH OTHER MAKING SHORTS THRU OUT THE CAR. HE TOLD ME THAT THE SHORTS HAD FRIED MY COMPUTER  AND THE ONLY WAY TO FIX ALL THIS WAS TO REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS. AT ALMOST $2000.00 FOR THE REPAIR IT SEEMS THAT MERCEDES INTENTIONALLY DID THIS TO MAKE MONEY.  THEY SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE TO REPAIR THIS ISSUE AS THEY DID IT SO THE WIRING HARNESS WOULD BIO DEGRADE WHEN THE CAR WAS JUNKED. NOT A GOOD PRACTICE TO SELL CARS IN THE UNITED STATES.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10959429,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"08/01/2011","dateComplaintFiled":"07/20/2017","vin":"","components":"ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES","summary":"2000 MERCEDES BENZ ML320. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO CRACKED EXHAUST SYSTEM AND CRACKED CATALYTIC CONVERTER. *LD    THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS VISUALLY INSPECTED AND DOCUMENTED THAT RECALL REPAIR WAS COMPLETED. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. *JS","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10877132,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"05/12/2016","dateComplaintFiled":"06/28/2016","vin":"4JGAB54E9YA","components":"EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE,WHEELS","summary":"ON APRIL 21, 2016 WE PURCHASED TWO USED TIRES FROM A LOCAL COMPANY CALLED TIRE TRACKS FOR OUR SON'S CAR.  THEY WERE GENERAL TIRES CALLED \"GRABBERS\", P255/65R16.  THE REAR TIRES WERE MOVED TO THE FRONT AND THE TIRES THAT WE PURCHASED WERE PUT ON THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE.  A \"COURTESY INSPECTION\" WAS PERFORMED.  ON MAY 12, 2016 OUR SON HAD A LEFT REAR BLOWOUT AS HE WAS EXITING I-49 SOUTH.  HE WAS NOT INJURED BUT THERE WAS DAMAGE TO HIS CAR WHERE THE STEEL BELT HAD REPEATEDLY HIT HIS CAR UNTIL HE COULD PULL OVER SAFELY.  THE COMPANY REPLACED THE TIRE.      THEN ON JUNE 15, 2016 I WAS FOLLOWING MY SON HOME FROM LITTLE ROCK.  WE WERE TRAVELING NORTH ON I-49.  HE WAS IN THE LEFT LANE TRAVELING 70-75 MPH AND HAD ANOTHER BLOWOUT WITH THE RIGHT REAR TIRE.  THANKFULLY, HE WAS NOT INJURED AND WAS ABLE TO SAFELY PULL ONTO THE SHOULDER.  DAMAGE TO HIS CAR WAS MORE SEVERE.  HIS RIGHT REAR TAIL LIGHT WAS BUSTED AS WELL AS HIS BUMPER.  AGAIN, THE RIGHT REAR FENDER SUSTAINED DAMAGE BECAUSE OF THE STEEL BELT REPEATEDLY HITTING HIS CAR.  THE COMPANY","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10862273,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"04/22/2016","dateComplaintFiled":"04/29/2016","vin":"4JGAB54ESYA","components":"SERVICE BRAKES","summary":"SUDDEN AND COMPLETE FAILURE OF FRONT BRAKES DUE TO BREAKAGE OF FRONT STEEL BRAKE LINES, LOST ALL FLUID, FORTUNATELY HAPPENED IN THE PARKING LOT AND NOT DURING A RECENT TRIP TO MASS AND NEW YORK CITY","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10839162,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"01/15/2016","dateComplaintFiled":"03/01/2016","vin":"4JGAB54E0YA","components":"STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY,SERVICE BRAKES","summary":"TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES-BENZ ML320. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ROLL DOWN BOTH PASSENGER SIDE WINDOWS, THEY FAILED TO ROLL DOWN. THE HEADLIGHTS AND INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE ABS, BRAKE FAILURE SWITCH, AND ESP WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. WHEN USING THE POWER STEERING TO ATTEMPT TO TURN THE VEHICLE, THE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED, INDICATING A MALFUNCTION OF THE POWER STEERING. THE VEHICLE HESITATED BEFORE COMPLETING THE TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10744220,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"07/24/2015","dateComplaintFiled":"07/28/2015","vin":"4JGAB54E2YA","components":"VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES","summary":"WAS DRIVING TRUCK AT HIGHWAY, WHEN BRAKES ACTIVATED BY ITSELF, ABS, TRACTION LIGHT, BRAKE LAMP AND HAZARDS FLASHED. HAD TO IMMEDIATELY MOVE TO SIDE OF ROAD, WHILE BRAKES WHERE ACTIVATING. FELT AS IF ABS WAS ACTIVATING AS IF I WAS SLIDING ON AND ICY ROAD. HAD TO HAVE VEHICLE TOWED AS I WAS NOT ABLE TO MOVE MORE THAT 5 FEET","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10723147,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"06/02/2015","dateComplaintFiled":"06/03/2015","vin":"4JGAB54E4YA","components":"SERVICE BRAKES","summary":"BRAKE LINE RUSTED AND BRAKES FAILED COMPLETELY  SUDDENLY  WHEN MY MECHANIC WAS MOVING AUTO FROM HIS GARAGE AFTER SERVICING MY TRANSMISSION  I PROBABLY WOULD HAVE BEEN IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT HAD I PICKED UP MY CAR WITHOUT THAT HAPPENING TO HIM   NEVER EXPECTED A BRAKE LINE TO RUST AND CAUSE BRAKES TO SUDDENLY  BE GONE  I AM SO WORRIED ANOTHER CAR WILL CAUSE  DEATHS IF THIS DEFECT IS NOT KNOWN TO OWNER","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10723135,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"06/02/2015","dateComplaintFiled":"06/03/2015","vin":"4JGAB54E4YA","components":"SERVICE BRAKES","summary":"TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ ML320. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING TEST DRIVEN BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, THE BRAKES FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE LINE WAS RUSTED AND FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10694066,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"04/09/2013","dateComplaintFiled":"03/13/2015","vin":"4JGAB54E6YA","components":"SERVICE BRAKES","summary":"I HAVE EXPERIENCED MULTIPLE INCIDENTS OF A SITUATION WHERE THE ABS, ESP, AND ETS LIGHTS COME ON AND A NOISE OCCURS WHEN DEPRESSING THE GAS PEDAL AT LOW SPEEDS.  THE NOISE STOPS ONLY WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED OR AT SPEEDS OVER 40 MPH.  THERE IS ALSO A VIBRATION THAT OCCURS THAT CAN BE FELT BY DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL.  THE NOISE CONTINUES AS SOON AS THE BRAKE PEDAL IS RELEASED.  THE CAR BECOMES DIFFICULT TO DRIVE.  TURNING THE CAR OFF AND ON AGAIN DOES NOT CLEAR THE PROBLEM.  WHEN THE CAR IS TURNED OFF, A NOISE CAN BE HEARD COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD THAT SOUNDS LIKE A MOTOR OR A FAN THAT IS RUNNING.  THIS CONTINUES FOR HOURS.  THE HOOD OF THE CAR BECOMES WARM TO HOT TO THE TOUCH.  AT SOME POINT THE FAN OR MOTOR STOPS RUNNING.  IF THE CAR BATTERY HAS NOT BEEN DRAINED, THE CAR FUNCTIONS NORMALLY--UNTIL THE NEXT TIME THAT THE PROBLEM OCCURS.    AFTER A QUICK INTERNET SEARCH, I FOUND MANY SIMILAR REPORTS OF THESE SYMPTOMS BY OTHER OWNERS OF THIS MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLE OF THE SAME OR SIMILAR YEAR OF MANUFACTURE.  THE VEHICLE OWNERS HAVE RECEIVED DIAGNOSES OF A BAD ABS CONTROL MODULE, A BAD ABS PUMP, BAD SOLDER JOINTS ON THE ABS PUMP ASSEMBLY'S CIRCUIT BOARD, OR BAD RELAYS IN THE FUSE BOX.  REPAIRS HAVE COST IN THE THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS FOR WHAT IS APPARENTLY, A KNOWN DEFECT.  DRIVERS OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE BEEN SUBJECTED TO FRIGHTENING INCIDENTS WHERE THEIR SAFETY HAS BEEN COMPROMISED BY THEIR VEHICLES.      I REALIZE THAT THE LAW GOVERNS SAFETY DEFECTS IN CARS MANUFACTURED WITHIN THE LAST 10 YEARS.  HOWEVER, PEOPLE WITH OLDER CARS NEED RECOURSE FOR KNOWN DEFECTS. A MERCEDES SUCH AS MINE, THAT ONLY HAS ONLY A LITTLE OVER 100K MILES AND THAT HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED, HAS A LIFE EXPECTANCY OF AT LEAST ANOTHER 50K TO 100K MILES.  HOWEVER, THEY SHOULD BE SAFE MILES.    *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10678446,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"12/31/2014","dateComplaintFiled":"01/23/2015","vin":"4JGAB54E9YA","components":"ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES","summary":"VEHICLE AUTOMATICALLY SWITCHES OFF ITS ANTI-LOCK-BRAKE AND ELECTRONIC-STABILITY-CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR UNKNOWN REASON, THEREBY ENDANGERING ITS DRIVER AND PASSENGERS, AS WELL AS OTHER VEHICLE'S DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS, EVERY TIME IT'S DRIVEN.   *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10676171,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"01/01/2015","dateComplaintFiled":"01/17/2015","vin":"4JGAB54E9YA","components":"AIR BAGS","summary":"DEFECTIVE PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR TURNS AIRBAG AND SEAT-BELT TENSIONER OFF WHENEVER THERE'S A PASSENGER RIDING IN THE CAR, PREVENTING THE PASSENGER-SIDE AIRBAG FROM DEPLOYING AND THE SEAT-BELT FROM WORKING PROPERLY.  *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10545058,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"09/21/2013","dateComplaintFiled":"09/23/2013","vin":"4JGAB54EXYA","components":"VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE","summary":"I WAS ON THE FREEWAY, I WAS USING MY CRUISE CONTROL (LUCKILY JUST AFTER HEAVY TRAFFIC HOURS) JUST LIKE ANY OTHER DAY. A CAR SLOWED IN FRONT OF ME, SO I WENT TO APPLY MY BRAKES. AS SOON AS I HIT THE BRAKE PEDAL THE BRAKES NOT ONLY DID NOT DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL BUT THE BRAKES GOT STIFF AND WOULD NOT WORK NO MATTER HOW HARD I PRESSED THEM. AT THE SAME TIME THE ACCELERATOR WAS FLOORED AND THE CAR WAS TRYING TO GO WHAT SEEMS LIKE 130-140 MPH. IT TOOK ALL MY STRENGTH TO TRY AND KEEP IT AT AN APPROPRIATE SPEED. LUCKILY MY PASSENGER TOLD ME TO STAY CALM AND TRIED TO HELP ME DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL. I HAD TO MANEUVER THE CAR TO THE SLOWEST LANE AND SHIFT IT INTO NEUTRAL. THAT WAS THE ONLY OPTION I HAD BESIDES CRASHING INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I AM EXTREMELY SHAKEN FROM THIS EVENT, I HAVE ANXIETY/PANIC ATTACKS WHENEVER I DRIVE ANY VEHICLE NOW. I AM CURRENTLY LOOKING FOR A PHYSICIAN TO HELP ME WORK OUT SOME KIND OF TREATMENT/THERAPY.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10523462,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"07/06/2013","dateComplaintFiled":"07/06/2013","vin":"4JGAB54E6YA","components":"STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES","summary":"DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 295 IN JACKSONVILLE FL AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH IN THE MIDDLE LANE AND THE BRAKES LOCKED UP FOR 5-10 SECONDS AND THE BAS/ESP LIGHT CAME ON.  I NEARLY LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND ACCIDENTALLY CUT OFF SEVERAL CARS IN THE LANE TO MY RIGHT.  FORTUNATELY NOBODY WAS INJURED, BUT IT COULD HAVE BEEN VERY DANGEROUS!  AFTER STOPPING, AND SHUTTING THE CAR OFF, AT AN EXIT FOR SO I COULD SEE IF I COULD SPOT ANYTHING I TRIED TO MAKE MY WAY HOME (OFF THE INTERSTATE).  THE BAS/ESP LIGHT WAS OFF, AND EVERYTHING SEEMED TO BE ALRIGHT.  HOWEVER, AFTER ABOUT 30 MINUTES, THE BRAKES LOCKED UP AGAIN.  I WAS ONLY GOING ABOUT 30 MPH, BUT I WAS FORCED TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP.  THERE WAS A CAR BEHIND ME, BUT THEY WERE ABLE TO GET AROUND ME SAFELY.   *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10512543,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"04/16/2013","dateComplaintFiled":"05/17/2013","vin":"","components":"ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES","summary":"THE VEHICLE BRAKES, WITHIN A FIVE SECOND PERIOD, VIOLENTLY ENGAGE AT SEEMING RANDOM PATTERNS AND BRING THE VEHICLE TO A COMPLETE STOP. THIS IS HAPPENED TWICE ON TWO DIFFERENT DAYS ROUGHLY A MONTH APART, AND ONLY TWICE, IN THE SAME LOCATION AT EXACTLY THE SAME DRIVING CONDITIONS (VEHICLE SPEED, WEATHER - SUNNY DAY NO RAIN, STRAIGHT ROAD, LIGHT TRAFFIC, SAME 25-30 MPH SPEED). I WENT TO THE MERCEDES DEALER IN TYSONS CORNER AND THEY SAID THEY DID NOT KNOW OF A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE. THE INTERESTING THING ABOUT THE LOCATION IS THAT IT IS IN WITHIN 50M OF HIGH CAPACITY POWER LINES WHICH GO OVER THE ROAD, AND WITHIN 300M OF AN EXTREMELY POWERFUL RADIO ANTENNA TRUCTURE TOWER. I BELIEVE THE ELECTRONICS OF ONE OR BOTH OF THESE ARE CAUSING THE CAR'S ELECTRONIC STABLILITY CONTROL /BRAKE ASSIST COMPUTER TO GO HAYWIRE AND CAUSE A COMPLETE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. THE LOCATION IS ON ROUTE 29 LEE HIGHWAY, VA RIGHT BEFORE THE BRIDGE THAT CROSSES OVER  THE BELTWAY GOING WESTBOUND, JUST PAST WHERE YOU CROSS UNDER THE POWER LINES THAT GO OVERHEAD. THE RADIO TOWER IS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THIS BRIDGE. 95% OF THE TIME I DROVE THIS EXACT ROUTE OVER THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS THIS PROBLEM DOES NOT HAPPEN, SO IT IS AN INTERMITTENT ISSUE. TURNING THE ENGINE OFF TWICE SEEMS TO RESET THE SYSTEM AND IT SEEMS TO WORK FINE.  ALSO NOTE THAT THESE POWERLINES, WITHOUT FAIL, ALSO CAUSE THE SAME CAR'S ALARM TO GO OFF 100% OF THE TIME WHEN I PARK WITHIN 100M OF THEM. THE DEALER DID ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THIS MAKE/MODEL/YEAR CAN HAVE A SPONTANEOUS CAR ALARM ISSUE. HOPEFULLY THIS WILL HELP SOLVE THE PROBLEM OF ELECTRICAL INTERFERENCE WITH THE CARS BRAKING SAFETY COMPUTER AND PREVENT A SERIOUS ACCIDENT IN THE FUTURE FOR SOMEONE ELSE. IT WOULD USEFUL FOR YOUR STAFF TO USE A GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM TO MAP THE SIMILAR INCIDENTS. I SUSPECT THEY ARE ALL NEAR ELECTRICAL OR RADIO INTERFERENCE AS WELL.  *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10512382,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"05/15/2013","dateComplaintFiled":"05/16/2013","vin":"4JGAB54E5YA","components":"SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)","summary":"I WAS DRIVING AND ABRUPTLY THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SKID AND IT ALMOST CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP ALTHOUGH I WAS NOT PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL.  *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10504500,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"11/08/2012","dateComplaintFiled":"03/26/2013","vin":"4JGAB54EXYA","components":"STEERING","summary":"WHILE PULLING OUT THE DRIVEWAY AS IT SUDDENLY BECAME HARD TO STEER. AS I DROVE ON AND TURNED AGAIN STEERING RETURNED TO NORMAL. ABOUT 1 MONTH LATER THE SAME THING HAPPENED ONLY IT LASTED A WAS    BIT LONGER. THE MORE RECENT EVENT OCCURRED ON 12-22-13. NOW ITS VERY HARD TO STEER SO HARD THAT TO DRIVE IS TOO RISKY. I CHECKED THE POWER STEERING FLUID AND IT WAS OK. NOW THE MECHANIC SAYS THAT IT MAY BE THE RACK.  *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10500421,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"02/01/2013","dateComplaintFiled":"02/28/2013","vin":"","components":"STEERING","summary":"MERCEDES BENZ ML 320.   CONSUMER REQUESTS REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS.  *SMD   THE CONSUMER STATED THE STEERING WAS EXTREMELY STIFF AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT TURN.  AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH, THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED THE 2000 MODELS YEARS HAD STEERING PROBLEMS, DUE TO A FAULTY PUMP ASSEMBLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE CONSUMER THEN RECEIVED A CALL FROM THE DEALER, STATING THE PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONSUMER ASKED ABOUT THE PUMP AND HOSE RECALL. THE DEALER STATED THE PARTS WOULD BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. HOWEVER, THE PUMP WAS NOT APART OF THE RECALL AND IT WOULD COST $ 1190 TO REPLACE IT.  THE CONSUMER REQUESTED THAT JUST THE RECALL PARTS BE REPLACED. BUT, THE DEALER STATED IT PROBABLY WOULD NOT FIX THE PROBLEM.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10500778,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"08/09/2012","dateComplaintFiled":"02/28/2013","vin":"","components":"SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)","summary":"FIRST INCIDENT IN AUGUST 2012 DRIVING 20-30 MPH JUST GOT ON HWY AND CAR SUDDENLY SLAMMED ON BRAKES. COULD NOT GO OVER 1000RPM WITHOUT BRAKES ENGAGING BUT FORTUNATELY A POLICEMAN WHO WITNESSED THIS ESCORTED US TO SAFETY ON SINGLE LANE HWY VERY DANGEROUS. REPLACED YAW RATE SENSOR FOR $1000. NOW IT IS DOING THE SAME THING AGAIN 2/27/13 AND IS UNDRIVABLE. MOST LIKELY FACING ANOTHER REPLACEMENT OF YAW RATE SENSOR FOR ANOTHER $1000 THAT ONLY LASTED 6 MONTHS LAST TIME. THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF THESE SAME STORIES ONLINE AND RIDICULOUS THAT MERCEDES BENZ WITH ITS CLASSY REPUTATION WOULD NOT RECALL SUCH A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS ISSUE. HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE TO BE INJURED TO JUSTIFY A RECALL?! I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING MY 2 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER ANYMORE AND STILL OWE ON THIS HUNK OF JUNK SO I AM STUCK.  *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10496136,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"01/12/2011","dateComplaintFiled":"02/01/2013","vin":"4JGAB54E0YA","components":"ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES","summary":"WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 55-58 MPH FOR NO REASON BRAKES ENGAGED AND LOCKED WHEELS. SMOKE WAS COMING OUT OF THE TIRES AND ESP LIGHT CAME ON. MY WIFE (SHE WAS DRIVING) AND TWO SMALL KIDS AS WELL AS I WERE SCARED TO DEATH. WE WERE LUCKY, NOBODY WAS RIGHT BEHIND US AND WE AVOIDED ACCIDENT. AFTER THE ESP LIGHT COME ON EVERYTHING WENT TO NORMAL. WE FINISHED OUR TRIP WITH NO MORE BRAKE INCIDENTS. NEXT DAY AFTER RESTARTING THE CAR LIGHT WAS OFF BUT BRAKES LOCKED IN THE MOMENT RPM WENT OVER 1000. SPEED AT THAT TIME WAS ONLY 5-10 MPH. AFTER COMPLETE STOP ESP LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN AND I WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE MY TRIP. NONE OF THE MERCEDES BENZ MECHANICS WANTED TO TELL ME WHAT THIS WAS CAUSED BY. I CONTINUED TO DRIVE LIKE THAT FOR THE NEXT YEAR. EVERY TIME I WOULD DRIVE WITHOUT THE ESP LIGHT ON THE BRAKES WILL LOCK IN AND BRING THE CAR TO COMPLETE STOP. I ALSO LEARN THAT IF I START THE CAR AND WAIT FIVE MINUTES LIGHT WILL COME ON AND I CAN RIDE WITHOUT BRAKES LOCKING IN. THIS WORKED FOR A WHILE BUT THEN ESP LIGHT STOPPED COMING ON BEFORE DRIVING AND I HAD TO WAIT FOR THE BRAKES TO ENGAGE AND CAUSE THE LIGHT TO COME ON. AT THAT TIME ON APRIL 2011 I HAD THE CAR TESTED AT THE MERCEDES DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT HAS FAULTY YAW RATE SENSOR AND THE PART COST IS ABOUT $550.00 NOT COUNTING LABOR. I DIDN'T HAVE THIS REPLACED BECAUSE THE COST OF IT AND BECAUSE I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND MERCEDES BENZ SHOULD HAVE A RECALL ON THIS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO AVOID TRAGEDY ONE DAY. SOMEDAY SOMEBODY WILL DIE IN THE CAR ACCIDENT CAUSED BY THIS FAULTY YAW RATE SENSOR AND NOBODY WILL EVEN KNOW WHAT LED TO THIS CRUSH. PLEASE HAVE THIS CHECKED QUICKLY BEFORE SOMEBODY WILL GET HURT AND WHO KNOWS MAYBE SOMEBODY ALREADY DID DIE ALREADY AND WE DON'T KNOW ABOUT IT.  THERE WERE A LOT OF IDENTICAL INCIDENTS REPORTED. IT IS DANGEROUS BEHAVIOR ON MERCEDES BENZ PART.     REGARDS,  ML320 USER  *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10470361,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"08/05/2012","dateComplaintFiled":"08/13/2012","vin":"4JGAB54E8YA","components":"VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES","summary":"WHILE DRIVING AROUND 50MPH ON THE BQE ROAD (NY), SUDDENLY THE BAS/ESP LIGHT CAME ON, ALL THE BRAKES ENGAGED AND CAR WAS COMING TO A STOP. WARNING LIGHT ON A DASHBOARD WAS FLASHING AND AT FIRST I THOUGHT THE ENGINE DIED.  *TR  NOT REALIZING WHAT IS HAPPENING, I TRIED TO ADD POWER/GAS TO THE CAR, BUT THE ENGINE DIDN'T WANT TO GO PAST 1000 RPM. BEING IN A FAST LANE AND HAVING HARD TIME CONTROLLING THE MOVEMENT OF THE CAR, I??VE NOTICED OVERPOWERING SMELL OF THE BRAKES. I WAS ABSOLUTELY SHOCKED BY THE EVENT AS THE TRAFFIC WAS HEAVY AND I WAS JUST HOPING NO ONE WILL REAR ME.    STEPPING ON THE GAS PEDAL HAD ALMOST NO RESULT EVEN THOUGH THE MOTOR WAS RUNNING. IT THEN STARTED TO ACCELERATE VERY SLOWLY WHEN MY FOOT WAS PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR OF THE CAR.     SOME 5-10 MINUTES LATER, THE CAR STARTED TO ACCELERATE AND BEHAVING AS NOTHING HAS HAPPENED. HOWEVER, 15 MINUTES INTO THE RIDE, THE SAME THING HAPPENED AND THIS TIME, I WAS DRIVING IN A SLOW LANE - SOME 30-35 MPH.  I PULLED OVER AND LET THE CAR REST FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES AND IT STARED FINE AND DROVE FINE FOR THE REST OF THE EVENING.    ONCE I PARKED THE CAR, THE BAS ESP LIGHT WAS STILL ON AND STAYED ON.    I TOOK THE CAR VERY NEXT DAY TO A CAR MECHANIC, BUT THE COMPUTER READING DIDN??T GIVE ANY ERRORS, FAULTS NOR NOTIFICATIONS. BY THAT TIME, THE ESP LIGHT WAS OFF ONCE AGAIN.    THE INCIDENT RECURRED 3 DAYS LATER WHILE COMING TO A STOP DUE TO A TRAFFIC LIGHTS - SOME 15-20 MPH.    MY MECHANIC (AND MY INTERNET SEARCH) ADVISED ME TO CHANGE THE YAW SENSOR. I FULLY UNDERSTAND THE SENSOR CAN BECOME FAULTY, BUT FULLY ENGAGING THE BRAKES WHILE TRAVELING IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. I'M NOW WAITING FOR THE YAW SENSOR TO BE REPLACED.  *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10454147,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"04/02/2012","dateComplaintFiled":"04/04/2012","vin":"","components":"ELECTRICAL SYSTEM","summary":"THE BATTERY FAILED AND REQUIRED REPLACEMENT.  A \"GROUP 49\" BATTERY IS SPECIFIED BY THE BATTERY MANUFACTURER'S CATALOG.  A GROUP 49 BATTERY WAS PURCHASED, BUT DID NOT FIT.  RESEARCH INDICATES THAT THE SUBJECT BATTERY WAS ACTUALLY A GROUP 93 BATTERY, WHICH IS APPROXIMATELY 1/2 INCH SHORTER.  RESEARCH ALSO INDICATES THAT SEVERAL MANUFACTURERS ARE NO LONGER MAKING GROUP 49 BATTERIES BUT ARE EITHER RECOMMENDING GROUP 93 BATTERIES AS THE REPLACEMENT OR, AS I FOUND, APPLYING GROUP 49 LABELS TO THE GROUP 93 BATTERY.  IN MY CAR INSTALLING A GROUP 93 BATTERY IS UNSAFE, FOR TWO REASONS.  FIRST, THE BATTERY HOLD-DOWN STRAP IS A NON-ADJUSTABLE, SNAP-FIT TYPE INSTALLATION THAT WILL NOT FUNCTION WITH THE LOWER BATTERY HEIGHT.  SECOND, THE POSITIVE BATTERY TERMINAL MUST CONNECT TO TWO HEAVY CABLES (MAIN POWER AND ACCESSORY POWER CABLES) WHICH MUST BE FORCED DOWN TO INSTALL ON THE REPOSITIONED (LOWERED) POSITIVE BATTERY POST.  FORCING THE CABLES DOWN CAUSES THEM TO RIDE HARD ON NEARBY INSTALLATIONS AND MAY CAUSE FAILURE OF THE INSULATION WHICH COULD LEAD TO A SHOCK HAZARD OR FIRE.    THE INITIAL INFORMATION ON THE TRANSITION FROM GROUP 49 TO GROUP 93 BATTERIES CAME FROM THE AAA REPRESENTATIVE WHO ATTEMPTED TO ASSIST ME WITH THE FAILED BATTERY.  THE MIS-LABELED BATTERY WAS PURCHASED AT O'REILLY AUTO PARTS ON BEACH BOULEVARD IN WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA.  *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10452695,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"03/16/2012","dateComplaintFiled":"03/22/2012","vin":"","components":"ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING","summary":"AFTER DRIVING VEHICLE FOR TEN MINUTES, IT WAS PARKED AND ENGINE SECURED. WHEN TRYING TO RESTART VEHICLE, STARTER ENGAGED BUT ENGINE WOULD NOT TURN OVER. STARTER CONTINUED TO RUN FOR APPROXIMATELY FIVE SECONDS AFTER RELEASING THE KEY. INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TOLD ME TO LET THE VEHICLE REST FOR FIFTEEN MINUTES AND THEN RESTART. VEHICLE STARTED NORMALLY AFTER FIFTEEN MINUTE REST. DIAGNOSIS DID NOR RESULT IN ANY COMPUTER CODES. MECHANIC SAID THE YEAR VEHICLES 1998-2002 WERE EXPERIENCING CRANKSHAFT SENSOR FAILURES. SENSOR WAS REPLACED AND VEHICLE IS OPERATING NORMALLY.  *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10452442,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":true,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"03/11/2012","dateComplaintFiled":"03/20/2012","vin":"4JGAB54E0YA","components":"ELECTRICAL SYSTEM","summary":"TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ ML320. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND ARRIVED AT THE SCENE TO ASSIST. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ADVISED THAT THE FIRE ORIGINATED FROM UNDER THE HOOD ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND DEEMED AS HAVING BEEN DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000.  UPDATED 04/19/12*LJ  UPDATED 04/25/12","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10445977,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":true,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"01/30/2012","dateComplaintFiled":"01/31/2012","vin":"4JGAB54E0YA","components":"STEERING","summary":"TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ ML320. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE BATTERY LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING WHEEL  BECAME HARD TO TURN. THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE INCREASED AND SMOKE RELEASED FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACTS HOME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 121,700.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10419401,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"08/10/2011","dateComplaintFiled":"08/14/2011","vin":"4JGAB54E7YA","components":"POWER TRAIN","summary":"MY ML 320 YEAR 2000 MERCEDES-BENZ STOPPED SUDDENLY WHILE I WAS GOING 30 MILES AND HOUR. NO SIGN OF ANY PROBLEM (THAN ENGINE STALLED). THIS IS SCARY AND MUST BE INVESTIGATED. I ALMOST HIT A CAR. IT DID NOT START FOR 20 MINUTES AND THEN IT STARTED. IT WILL CRANK-START FOR 20 SECONDS AND ENGINE WILL STOP AGAIN. CAR STARTED WORKING FINE AFTER 45 MINUTES WAIT. *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10415253,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"07/07/2011","dateComplaintFiled":"07/26/2011","vin":"4JGAB54E3YA","components":"SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC","summary":"TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ ML320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CAUTION AND ESP LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE BRAKES LOCKED UP WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND SHUT OFF FOR A FEW MOMENTS. UPON RESTART, THE VEHICLE OPERATED AS NORMAL AND WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE YAW RATE SENSOR WAS RELACED. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT ANOTHER SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, BUT THE REPAIR WAS NOT PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS STILL IN THE POSSESSION OF THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 215,000.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10408880,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"06/01/2004","dateComplaintFiled":"06/25/2011","vin":"4JGAB54E3YA","components":"SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,AIR BAGS","summary":"I HAVE BEEN THE OWNER OF A 2000 MERCEDES ML320 FOR ABOUT 6 YEARS.  THE CAR WAS PURCHASED FROM THE DEALER WITH APPROX. 30,000 MILES.  TODAY IT HAS APPROX 73,000 MILES. SINCE OWNING IT, I HAVE HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS WHICH WERE ALL OUT OF WARRANTY AND WHICH I FEEL WERE UNWARRANTED AND WERE NOT SERIOUSLY ATTENDED TO BY MB OR THE DEALER:  THIS COMPLAINT FORM WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO COMPLETE ACCORDING TO THE FIELDS PROVIDED.  THE EQUIPMENT INFORMATION INCLUDED IS NOT CORRECT AND WAS INCLUDED JUST TO GET TO THE FORM.  I FELT THAT THE PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR SHOULD BE REPORTED SPECIFICALLY THE ESP LIGHT AND THE AIR BAG PROBLEMS  AT ABOUT 51,000 MILES, THE AIRBAG BECAME INOPERATIVE.  I WAS TOLD THAT IT WOULD COST ABOUT $2000 TO REPAIR AND CORRECT.  DEALER OFFERED A SMALL ADJUSTMENT. I CHOSE NOT TO MAKE THE INVESTMENT.  AT ABOUT 65,000 MILES, I BEGAN HAVING VERY LOUD NOISES THAT SEEMED TO COME FROM THE CRANKSHAFT AND APPEARED TO BE A BRAKE PROBLEM.  DEALER DID TRY TO DETERMINE WHAT IT WAS, BUT COULDN'T ISOLATE THE PROBLEM UNLESS \"HE HAD TO TAKE THE WHOLE CAR APART\"  THERE WAS A RELATED PROBLEM BECAUSE THE ESP LIGHT WOULD COME ON INTERMITTENTLY THAT THE DEALER ADVISED COULD NOT BE ISOLATED UNLESS I DID THE WORK ON THE BRAKE AND THE CRANKSHAFT:\"  AT ABOUT 72,000 MILES, THE CAR DEVELOPED OIL LEAKS FROM THE MOTOR.  EST. COST OF REPAIR WAS $2000.  WE ARE WATCHING AND WAITING.  IN MAY, I WAS  ADVISED THAT THERE IS A RECALL NOTICE ON THE CRUISE CONTROL OF THE CAR.   NO WORD ON THAT ISSUE SINCE.  BECAUSE OF THE CRUISE CONTROL NOTICE I RECEIVED, I WAS PROMPTED TO WRITE YOU ABOUT THESE OTHER ISSUES AND BECAME FURTHER CONCERNED ABOUT THE ESP LIGHT AND THE FAULTY AIR BAG THE CARE HAS HAD.,  CAR IS DRIVEN AN AVERAGE OF 150 MILES A WEEK IN MOSTLY CITY DRIVING.  CAR IS SERVICED BUT NOT BY THE DEALER BECAUSE OF THE HIGH COST AND RELATIVE DISSATISFACTION FROM THE SERVICE PROVIDED.  UPDATED 07/27/11  *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10404383,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"12/22/2005","dateComplaintFiled":"06/03/2011","vin":"4JGAB54E6YA","components":"EXTERIOR LIGHTING","summary":"TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ ML320. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED AND WHEN SHE TAPPED ON THE BRAKES TO DISENGAGE THE COMPONENT, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ABNORMALLY AS OPPOSED TO DECELERATING. THE CONTACT HAD TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE FROM ACCELERATING ANY FURTHER.  THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED FIVE TIMES AND EACH TIME, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE IDENTICAL, DIAGNOSIS WAS PROVIDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE, STATING THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER FACTORY WARRANTY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10397750,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"04/16/2011","dateComplaintFiled":"04/21/2011","vin":"4JGAB54E8YA","components":"UNKNOWN OR OTHER","summary":"THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER SUDDENLY.  OTHER OWNERS HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCED SIMILAR PROBLEMS.  I FOUND THIS OUT BY SEARCHING THE INTERNET.  I FOLLOWED WHAT OTHERS HAVE DONE.  I HAD A LOCAL GARAGE REPLACE THE CPS-CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR AND THE PROBLEM HAS RESOLVED.  I SUSPECT FAULTY DESIGN OF THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR.  VERY FORTUNATE THAT NO ONE WAS INJURED.  MY 16 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10396668,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"04/16/2011","dateComplaintFiled":"04/18/2011","vin":"4JGAB54E8YA","components":"ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING","summary":"TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES-BENZ ML320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO LOSE POWER UNTIL STALLING. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND IT WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING A DIAGNOSIS OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 110,000.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10395662,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"01/01/2010","dateComplaintFiled":"04/12/2011","vin":"4JGAB54E1YA","components":"FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER","summary":"EVERY TIME I FILL UP MY GAS TANK. THE LIGHT  SHOWS EMPTY UNTIL AFTER A FEW HOURS OF DRIVING. I HAVE TO TOP THE AT LEAST ONCE EVERY 1-2 MONTHS AS WELL.  *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10379700,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"09/01/2004","dateComplaintFiled":"01/31/2011","vin":"4JGAB54E3YA","components":"EXTERIOR LIGHTING","summary":"TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES ML320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HAD TO REPLACE THE BREAK LAMP SWITCH SEVERAL TIMES AS THE BRAKE LIGHTS STAYED ON WHILE DRIVING ALTHOUGH THE BRAKES WERE NOT APPLIED. ALSO, WHEN THE SWITCH WENT OUT SHE WAS NOT ABLE TO SWITCH GEARS AND THE CRUISE CONTROL DID NOT ENGAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL SHOP WHO DIAGNOSED A FAULTY BREAK LAMP SWITCH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 360,000.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10366731,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":true,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"11/17/2010","dateComplaintFiled":"11/18/2010","vin":"4JGAB54E5YA","components":"STEERING","summary":"TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ ML320. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE STEERING WHEEL CONTINUED TO MOVE TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT. HE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO SOME SMALL TREES WHICH DAMAGED THE LEFT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WILL BE TOWED TO THE BODY SHOP FOR THE REPAIRS. THE DEALER WAS CALLED AND INFORMED HIM TO CONTACT HIS INSURANCE CARRIER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10357984,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"09/28/2010","dateComplaintFiled":"09/28/2010","vin":"4JGAB54E7YA","components":"ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL","summary":"RE: YOUR CASE # NHTSA ACTION NUMBER :PE07007, I AM HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS DOES HAPPEN.....& FROM WHAT I CAN SEE THERE ARE MANY MANY COMPLAINTS ONLINE WITH MBUSA.COM & MANY OTHER WEBSITES. THIS IS AN EXPENSIVE FIX CONSIDERING THE YAW RATE SENSOR & THE LATERAL ACCELERATION SENSOR CAN COST CLOSE TO $1000. *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10354566,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"09/08/2010","dateComplaintFiled":"09/08/2010","vin":"4JGAB54E0YA","components":"SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)","summary":"I OWN A 2000 ML320 MERCEDES BENZ. IN 4 DIFFERENT EVENTS THE CAR APPLIES BRAKES ON TIRES RANDOMLY AND THE CAR COMES TO A STOP AND PULLS AND JERKS TO THAT SIDE THE ESP LIGHT BLINK ON INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND BAS/ESP LIGHT COMES ON.  MY WIFE TAKING THE KIDS TO SCHOOL FROM STOCKTON TO LATHROP ON I-5 HAD THIS PROBLEM TOO AND IT REALLY SCARED THEM LUCKILY THE RIGHT LANE WAS EMPTY AND THEY MANAGED TO SOMEHOW PULL OVER. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE THAT CAN CAUSE DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY. THE BRAKES AND ELECTRONIC STABILITY APPLIES ON BY ITSELF RANDOMLY CAUSING THE CAR TO JERK OR STOP AND PUSHING ON THE ACCELERATOR DOES NOT MAKE THE CAR MOVE DUE TO THE LACK OF POWER AND CAR WON'T PASS 1000RPM RESTARTING THE ENGINE RESETS THE PROBLEM UNTIL IT OCCURS AGAIN. TOOK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAY THIS IS MOST LIKELY DUE TO A BAD \"YAW RATE SENSOR\" I HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM ON 3 OTHER OCCASIONS DRIVING AROUND 30-40 MILES PER HOUR AND THE CAR CAME TO A STOP IN TRAFFIC AND THE DRIVING CONDITIONS WAS CLEAN ON A STRAIGHTAWAY ROAD. MERCEDES BENZ REFUSES TO FIX THIS DANGEROUS PROBLEM AS A MAJOR SAFETY RECALL THEY WANT $300 TO LOOK AT THE CAR $500 FOR YAW SENSOR AND $600 FOR LABOR AND THEY WILL NOT GUARANTEE IF IT WILL SOLVE THE PROBLEM. PLEASE HELP I DO NOT WANT MY WIFE AND KIDS GET IN TO A CAR ACCIDENT BUT THIS IS OUR ONLY CAR. *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10349577,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"08/12/2010","dateComplaintFiled":"08/16/2010","vin":"","components":"SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)","summary":"I PURCHASE A MY 2000 MERCEDES BENZ ML320 USED WITH  APPROX. 78K MILES. THE VEHICLE NOW HAS 105K MILES, WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE NORMAL, AND NO OFF ROAD ACTIVITY THE FRONT BRAKES WOULD ACTIVATE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO PULL SUDDENLY TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT DEPENDING ON WHICH SIDE HAD BEEN ACTIVATED WITH NO INPUT FROM THE DRIVER. THE INCIDENT WOULD LAST ANYWHERE FROM THREE TO FIVE SECONDS IN DURATION AND LOSS OF BRAKE CONTROL TO THE REST OF THE VEHICLE. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL DIFFERENT TIMES 5 TO BE EXACT ALL AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS. THE LAST EPISODE I WAS TRAVELING AT 50 MPH WHEN THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL SLAMMED ON BRAKES AND JERKED THE VEHICLE TO THE LEFT, THANK GOD, NO ON WAS COMING AT ME AT THAT TIME. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP AND A YAW SENSOR ORDERED. I HAVE READ PREVIOUSLY THAT A SIMILAR COMPLAINT HAD BEEN FILED AND CLOSED BACK IN 2007.  ALL I CAN SAY IS THAT THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A VERY SERIOUS ISSUE, BECAUSE IT HAPPENS UNEXPECTEDLY AND AT ANY SPEED! *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10341087,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"02/10/2008","dateComplaintFiled":"07/02/2010","vin":"","components":"STEERING,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,STRUCTURE","summary":"POWER LOST ON STEERING WHEEL. *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10334860,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"04/28/2010","dateComplaintFiled":"06/03/2010","vin":"4JGAB54E9YA","components":"WHEELS","summary":"2000 MERCEDES-BENZ ML320, LEFT FRONT WHEEL BECAME DETACHED FROM THE AXLE.   *BF  OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0239-90. *JB","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10330364,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"05/13/2010","dateComplaintFiled":"05/13/2010","vin":"4JGAB54E3YA","components":"SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)","summary":"2000 ML320 VEHICLE ENGAGES BAS / ESP SYSTEM DURING LEFT TURN AFTER WHICH THESE WARNING LIGHTS REMAIN ON. ABS SYSTEM ACTIVATES BRAKES CAUSING LOSS OF SPEED. OCCURS IN WET OR DRY CONDITIONS. *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10328445,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":true,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"05/02/2010","dateComplaintFiled":"05/02/2010","vin":"4JGAB54E5YA","components":"ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL","summary":"I AM THE OWNER IF A 2000 MERCEDES ML320. THIS MORNING AS I CAME HOME ON THIS CAR AND SUDDENLY IT SPED UP AND LOST CONTROL WHEN IT CAME TO THE DRIVEWAY. I LEG WAS ON THE BRAKE WHEN I CAME TO THE DRIVEWAY NO WAY I COULD HAVE PUT MY LEG ON THE ACCELERATOR. I BELIEVE THERE IS A DEFECT IN ITS DESIGN AND CAUSE IT TO SUDDENLY SPEED UP. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS SINCE IT CAN BE A SERIOUS MATTER. MY OTHER 2 CARS IN THE GARAGE WERE BADLY DAMAGED IN ADDITION TO THE THIS ML320.*TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10325468,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"04/05/2008","dateComplaintFiled":"04/13/2010","vin":"","components":"SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC","summary":"2000 MERCEDES BENZ ML320  WHILE DRIVING 45MPH THE BRAKES CAME ON SUDDENLY WITHOUT DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE BRAKES LOCKED AND THEN RELEASED ITSELF. THE BAS ESP LIGHT CAME ON. THEN THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO DRIVE FINE.  THE DEALER  COULD NOT FIND THE FAILURE. THIS STATED ONLY A FEW SENSOR HAS GONE BAD ONCE AGAIN. THIS FAILURE OCCURRED FOUR TO SIX TIMES. *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10324443,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"04/04/2010","dateComplaintFiled":"04/08/2010","vin":"4JGAB54E7YA","components":"SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC","summary":"TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ ML320. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE BRAKES SUDDENLY ENGAGED ALTHOUGH THE CONTACT THAT HAD NOT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE BRAKES LOCKED AND THEN RELEASED WITHIN TWO TO THREE MINUTES. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE BUT THE ESP LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHEN THE VEHICLE STOPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER BUT THE DEALER COULD NOT FIND THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED THREE TIMES. AFTER THE SECOND FAILURE, THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ESP PUMP VOLTAGE RELAY STUCK HAD A SHORTAGE IN SOME OF THE WIRES. THE RELAY WAS REPLACED; HOWEVER, AFTER THE THIRD FAILURE, THE DEALER COULD NOT PINPOINT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT DID NOT CALL THE MANUFACTURER AND THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,648. UPDATED 05/18/10. *LJ","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10308928,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"08/15/2009","dateComplaintFiled":"02/12/2010","vin":"","components":"ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL","summary":"I WAS DRIVING UP HILL IN SLOW TRAFFIC FOR ABOUT 5 TO 10 MILES PER HOUR FOR A FEW MILES THEN ALL THE SUDDEN LEARNED  CAR DID NOT RESPOND TO THE GAS PEDAL I PUT PRESSURE ON. THE CAR JERK A LITTLE BID AND WON'T MOVE MUCH ONLY BY THE INCHES. THEN I HAD TO PULL OFF THE ROAD. I TURNED OFF THE ENGINE AND WAITED FOR FEW MINUTES AND STARTED AGAIN, TURNED AROUND AND CANCELLED MY TRIP. A SIMILAR INSTANCE HAPPENED ONCE BEFORE SEVERAL YEARS AGO. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEY FOUND NOTHING WRONG. *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10305232,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"01/04/2010","dateComplaintFiled":"02/04/2010","vin":"4JGAB54E5YA","components":"SEATS","summary":"TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ ML320. THE CONTACT TRIED TO REMOVE ONE OF THE REAR SEATS IN THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT TWO OF THE BOLTS ROTATED AND WOULD NOT RELEASE. THE FAILURE CONFIRMED  THAT THE BOLTS WERE IMPROPERLY WELDED. HE HAS NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER BUT THE MANUFACTURER INSTRUCTED HIM TO TAKE IT TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 64,000.   UPDATED 03/09/10 *BF  UPDATED 04/29/10.*JB","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10294683,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"10/08/2000","dateComplaintFiled":"12/07/2009","vin":"4JGAB54E5YA","components":"ELECTRICAL SYSTEM","summary":"I PARKED MY CAR IN A STRIP MALL FOR DINNER. WHEN I TRIED TO RESTART THE CAR AFTER DINNER, IT WOULDN'T CRANK, NOR WOULD IT START. CALLED IN AAA AND BY THE TIME THEY SHOWED UP HALF AN HOUR LATER, THE CAR STARTED FINE. TWO DAYS LATER, WHEN I WAS DRIVING TAKING MY DAUGHTER TO SCHOOL AROUND 7:45AM ON A SURFACE STREET, MY CAR SUDDENLY LOST ALL POWER AND THE ENGINE STALLED. I HAD TO QUICKLY TURN INTO A DRIVE WAY TO AVOID OTHER CARS AND THE CAR STOPPED AT THE ENTRANCE. AGAIN CALLED AAA AND A TOW TRUCK SHOWED UP 5 MINUTES AND THE DRIVERS HELPED PUSH AND PARK MY CAR, BUT WAS TOLD TO WAIT AT LEAST 45 MINUTES FOR THE RIGHT TOW TRUCK. TRIED TO START MY CAR EVERY 5 MINUTES, AND IT FINALLY STARTED AFTER 15 MINUTES. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE TO A FLETCHER JONES DEALER AND PAID $600 TO HAVE A SENSOR REPLACED TO FIX THE STALLING PROBLEM.  THE SERVICE MANAGER WAS FAMILIAR WITH THE THIS PROBLEM AND MY FRIENDS WHO OWNED 98, 99 ML320 ALSO EXPERIENCED THIS STALLING PROBLEM.  I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE (EVEN THE SERVICE MANAGER AT FLETCHER JONES AGREED WITH ME ON THIS). I THANKED GOD THAT MY DAUGHTER AND I WERE NOT HURT IN THIS INCIDENT, BUT AN ACCIDENT COULD HAVE BEEN EASILY HAPPENED.  SINCE THIS PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED IN DIFFERENT ML320 MODEL YEARS, AND IT COST THE DRIVER A BUNDLE TO HAVE IT FIXED, MERCEDES BENZ SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10290691,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"01/27/2002","dateComplaintFiled":"11/02/2009","vin":"4JGAB54E4YA","components":"STRUCTURE","summary":"EXCESSIVE RUST WITHIN 3 YEARS OF PURCHASE. *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10268148,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"11/17/2008","dateComplaintFiled":"05/08/2009","vin":"4JGAB54E6XA","components":"STEERING","summary":"CONSUMER IS REQUESTING A REFUND FOR THE RECALL #2003-040005 ON HER 2000 MERCEDES-BENZ ML320.  *NJ  THE POWER STEERING RESERVOIR, SEAL, PUMP, FLUID AND STEERING HOSE CLAMP WERE ALL REPLACED. RECALL 03V121000. *JB","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10261081,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"03/07/2009","dateComplaintFiled":"03/08/2009","vin":"4JGAB54E9YA","components":"ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)","summary":"SAME PROBLEM AS DISCUSSED IN NHTSA PE 07007-LEFT FRONT BRAKE ENGAGES FOR NO REASON-ESP/BAS LIGHT COMES ON-THIS LAST FOR A COUPLE OF SECONDS AND AS STATED AFTER STOPPING AND RESTARTING ENGINE SEEM TO GO AWAY FOR SEVERAL DAYS. *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10257506,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"01/24/2005","dateComplaintFiled":"02/04/2009","vin":"4JGAB54E2YA","components":"STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING","summary":"TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ ML320.  THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V121000 (STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS) AND HAD THE NECESSARY REPAIRS PERFORMED BY THE DEALER.  HOWEVER, SHE CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE FAILURES WITH THE POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKING.  THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME MORE DIFFICULT TO TURN OVER TIME.  ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, SHE RECEIVED A SECOND RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V465000 (STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS).  THE DEALER STATED THAT THE HOSE CLAMP USED TO SECURE THE POWER STEERING FLUID COOLING HOSE TO THE POWER STEERING FLUID COOLER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT THE COST OF $1,200.  THE DEALER STATED THAT IT WOULD BE POINTLESS TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE ACCORDING TO THE RECALL WHEN ADDITIONAL COMPONENTS WERE AFFECTED AS A RESULT OF THE STEERING FAILURE.  THE INITIAL RECALL STATED THAT CONSUMERS WHO HAD REPAIRS MADE BEFORE NOVEMBER 23, 2003 COULD POSSIBLY HAVE THE HOSE REPLACED, IF FOUND DEFECTIVE.  THE CONTACT HAD REPAIRS MADE PRIOR TO THAT DATE.  SHE ALSO EXPERIENCED FAILURES WITH THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL.  AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE MADE, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE.  THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT IT WAS NOT RELATED TO THE POWER STEERING.  THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,582 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 190,000.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10252829,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"12/23/2008","dateComplaintFiled":"12/26/2008","vin":"4JGAB54E0YA","components":"STEERING","summary":"TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ ML320.  THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V465000 (STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS) AND IMMEDIATELY SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED.  AFTER THE REPAIR, SHE NOTICED FLUID NEAR THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE.  THE DEALER STATED THAT SHE NEEDED TO REPLACE THE RACK AND PINION; HOWEVER, THEY COULD NOT IDENTIFY THE SPECIFIC CAUSE OF THE FAILURE.  THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF HAVING THE VEHICLE INSPECTED AND NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER.  THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 99,619.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10251329,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"09/24/2008","dateComplaintFiled":"12/02/2008","vin":"4JGAB54E5YA","components":"STEERING","summary":"CONSUMER WANTS TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE REPAIR WORK ON HIS 2000 MERCEDES-BENZ ML320 AFTER RECEIVING A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE POWER STEERING HOSE CLAMP.   *NJ  RECALL # 03V121000. *JB","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10239777,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"08/25/2008","dateComplaintFiled":"08/26/2008","vin":"4JGAB54E5YA","components":"POWER TRAIN","summary":"I HAVE A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ ML320 SUV.   THIS VEHICLE SHIFTS AUTOMATICALLY FROM DRIVE TO FIRST GEAR WHEN GOING AT LAWFUL HIGH SPEED AND SOMETIMES LOW SPEEDS, DANGEROUSLY SLOWING THE VEHICLE PUTTING MY FAMILY'S LIVES AND OTHER DRIVERS IN PERIL ON THE ROAD.   THE ABOVE INCIDENT OCCURRED EIGHT TIMES WITHIN THE LAST YEAR AND A HALF.  THE MERCEDES BENZ DEALER COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10239505,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"08/20/2008","dateComplaintFiled":"08/24/2008","vin":"","components":"VISIBILITY","summary":"WINDOW SWITCH KEEPS GOING OUT. WINDOW IS WILLING TO GO DOWN, WHEM PULLING THE SWITCH UP, WINDOWS WONT GO BACK UP.  *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10238468,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"08/11/2008","dateComplaintFiled":"08/16/2008","vin":"4JGAB54EXYA","components":"AIR BAGS","summary":"SRS LIGHT CAME ON 2006.  I CALLED DEALER WHO TOLD ME IT WAS LIKELY A FAILED CHILD SENSOR IN THE PASSENGER SEAT.  I WAS ADVISED THE SRS WAS STILL INTACT AND THAT THESE SENSORS ARE KNOWN TO FAIL [MB 2000 ML 320].  AUGUST 2008 DEALERSHIP ADVISED ME THAT I'VE HAD NO SRS WORKING SINCE THE LIGHT WENT ON AND SO I PAID $900 TO HAVE A $291 PART REPLACED - $700 IN LABOR.  MY COMPLAINT IS THAT A SAFETY FEATURE LIGHT WARNING LIKE THE SRS - AND A FAILED SENSOR - NEEDS TO BE A MANUFACTURERS RESPONSIBILITY.   *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10237490,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"08/01/2008","dateComplaintFiled":"08/08/2008","vin":"4JGAB54E6YA","components":"STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC","summary":"TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ ML320.  WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE ABS ENGAGED AND THE VEHICLE SKIDDED APPROXIMATELY 5 FEET.  THE ABS THEN RELEASED ON ITS OWN.  THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO A MECHANIC AND THE FAILURE WAS DIAGNOSED AS THE ESP YAW RATE SENSOR.  THE SENSOR WAS REPLACED.  THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 124,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,080.     UPDATED 09/10/08  *BF  THE POWER STEERING HOSE LWAKED. UPDATED 09/10/08. *JB","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10235931,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"07/23/2008","dateComplaintFiled":"07/27/2008","vin":"4JGAB54E3YA","components":"ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)","summary":"TWO RECENT INCIDENTS OF MY 2000 ML-320 SUDDENLY BRAKING AND LOSING POWER. ALL BRAKE AND ESP LIGHTS LIT UP. I WAS ABLE TO STEER CAR TO AN EXIT - IT HAD VERY LIMITED POWER AND THE ACCELERATOR DID NOT SEEM TO REACT WHEN PRESSED. ONE INCIDENT WAS WEDNESDAY 7/23/2008 AT APPX 12:50 PM CST. I WAS DRIVING SOUTH ON US 431 S AT APPX 60 MPH ON A CLEAR DAY.    THE SECOND INCIDENT OCCURED ON SUNDAY JULY 27, 2008 AT APPX 6:30 AM DRIVING NORTH ON US 431 ALSO A CLEAR DAY.  7-30-08 EPS MODULE FAILURE PLACED VEHICLE IN LIMP HOME MODE*SMCH","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10219179,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"02/26/2008","dateComplaintFiled":"02/26/2008","vin":"4JGAB54E7YA","components":"ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)","summary":"I OWN A 2000 MERCEDES ML320 - WHILE DRIVING A FEW YEARS AGO ON CRUISE CONTROL DOING 65 MILES PER HOUR THE TRUCK JAMMED ON THE BRAKES.  IT TOOK ME TO JUST ABOUT A COMPLETE STOP FROM 65 MILES PER HOUR ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY ROUTE 287 IN NJ.  WHEN I CALLED AND WAS PUT ON WITH A CUSTOMER SERVICE SPECIALIST TO TROUBLESHOOT THE PROBLEM HE ASKED \"HOW FAR DID YOU SKID\" AND LAUGHED.  I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY DROVE IT AROUND FOR TWO WEEKS AND TOLD ME IT DOES NOT DO THIS WHEN THEY TRY IT.  IT WAS RAINING AT THE TIME SO I WAITED UNTIL IT RAINED AGAIN AND TRIED IT AGAIN.  I DID IT AT A LOWER SPEED IN A SAFER SITUATION AND IT DID IT AGAIN.  THEY REPLACED THE YAW SENSOR BUT WE ARE NOT TRUSTING THE CRUISE CONTROL AND NEVER USED IT AGAIN.  WELL, NOW FOR THE LAST FEW MONTHS THE TRUCK LOCKS UP ONE OR MORE WHEELS RANDOMLY AT HIGH AND LOW SPEEDS.  SOMETIMES FOR ONLY A FEW SECONDS AND OTHER TIMES LONGER.  SOMETIMES THE SYSTEM FAILS AND TURNS THE LIGHT ON AND OTHER TIMES IT JUST RECOVERS AND STARTS DRIVING AGAIN.  IT HAPPENS ON DRY DAYS JUST DRIVING IN A STRAIGHT LINE.  WHEN ONLY ONE WHEEL LOCKS UP IT PULLS THE TRUCK IN THAT DIRECTION AND HAS ALMOST CAUSED ME AND MY WIFE TO CRASH.  IT IS RANDOM IT MIGHT HAPPEN THREE TIMES IN A DAY OR NOT AT ALL FOR A WEEK.  WE HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS AT LEAST 10 TIMES IN THE LAST TWO MONTHS.  IT DID NOT SHOW A CODE UNTIL LAST WEEK.  THE TRUCK WAS NEVER IN A ACCIDENT SO IT CAN NOT BE FROM DAMAGE!  IT IS STILL IN THIS STATE AT THIS TIME AND NO WORK HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT IT AS OF YET.    CODE:  C1120 ESP YAW RATE SENSOR N/64 OR SIGNAL    MERCEDES TRIES TO PRETEND THIS PROBLEM DOES NOT EXIST BUT WHEN SOMEONE GETS HURT BADLY THEY WILL NOT BE ABLE TO IGNORE IT!  ANY SYSTEM THAT FAULTS BY FORCING THE CAR TO A STOP IS A SCARY DESIGN FLAW!      I FOUND THIS FROM WEB SEARCH YOUR NHTSA ACTION NUMBER : PE07007    THANKS,  EDWIN WENDELL  *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10217442,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"02/02/2008","dateComplaintFiled":"02/08/2008","vin":"4JGAB54E4YA","components":"AIR BAGS","summary":"THIS IS A COMPLAINT CONCERNING A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ ML 320.  THE SRS WARNING LIGHT COMES INDICATING THAT THE AIR BAG SYSTEM IS NOT FUNCTIONING.  FIRST TIME WAS APRIL 2006,  VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NAPERVILL MERCEDES BENZ.  ADVISED THAT THERE WOULD BE A $300 DIAGNOSTIC CHARGE.  PROBLEM WAS \"BABY SMART\" SENSOR IN RIGHT FRONT SEAT.  I WAS TOLD THAT I COULD EITHER EAT THE $300 CHARGE OR HAVE IT FIXED.  FINAL BILL WAS $1,063.86  PROBLEM RE-APPEARED FEBRUARY 2008.  CALLED SAME DEALER AND WAS ADVISED THAT SAME PROCEDURE WOULD BE REQUIRED TO FIX.  I HAVE DECLINED TO GO THROUGH THIS AGAIN.  CHECKED ON INTERNET BY GOOGLING \"ML 320 SRS FAILURE\" AND FOUND NUMEROUS CASES OF SAME PROBLEM.  CHECKED FOR RECALLS AND DID NOT FIND ANYTHING.  *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10213311,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"12/28/2007","dateComplaintFiled":"12/31/2007","vin":"4JGAB54E0YA","components":"SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC","summary":"LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID RESULTING IN BRAKE FAILURE CAUSED BY RUPTURE OF CORRODED METAL HYDRAULIC BRAKE LINE AS CONFIRMED BY LOCAL MERCEDES DEALER (HOLLAWAY MOTOR CARS-MANCHESTER-NH). HOLLAWAY ALSO CONFIRMED SAME FAILURE AND CAUSE ON 2 OTHER SAME MODEL VEHICLES.  *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10189820,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"03/26/2007","dateComplaintFiled":"05/04/2007","vin":"4JGAB54E7YA","components":"SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC","summary":"MY 200 ML320 (WITH +75000 MILES) HAS AN INTERMITTENT BAS/ESP WARNING LIGHT COME ON FOR ABOUT 6 MONTHS NOW. THE MECHANIC SAYS ITS SOME YAW SENSOR THAT HAS FAILED AND THAT IT MIGHT PULL TO ONE SIDE UNDER BRAKING. I HAVE NOTICED THAT SOMETIMES ITS IS HARD TO BRAKE AT SPEEDS ABOVE 60 MPH, IF I NEED TO MAKE A QUICK STOP. *JB","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10176935,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"11/15/2006","dateComplaintFiled":"12/26/2006","vin":"4JGAB54E6YA","components":"SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM","summary":"MY 2000 ML WITH 47K MILES SUDDENLY LOCKED ON THE BRAKES. THE ESP LIGHT HAD BEEN SHOWING ON VERY RARE OCCASIONS FOR 2 MONTHS. I HAD THREE INSTANCES OF SUDDEN LOCK-UP OF ONE OR MORE TIRES BEFORE THE DEALER FOUND THAT THE \"YAW SENSOR\" HAD FAILED. ALL INSTANCES WERE AT LOW CRUISE 30-40 MPH WITH PERFECT CONDITIONS WITHOUT THE ESP LIGHT SHOWING. SOME HOW I AVOIDED ACCIDENTS BUT THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. THE ESP TOOK CONTROL OF THE BRAKES AND APPLIED BRAKING TO ONE OR MORE WHEELS IN AN ATTEMPT  TO BRING THE TRUCK UNDER CONTROL. THE CAR WAS IN PERFECT CONTROL TRAVELING IN A STRAIGHT LINE BUT THE ERRONEOUS SENSOR INFORMATION CAUSED IT TO APPLY THE BRAKES WITHOUT WARNING.  *JB","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10168649,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"09/10/2006","dateComplaintFiled":"09/19/2006","vin":"4JGAB54E9YA","components":"INTERIOR LIGHTING","summary":"INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILURE. LIGHTS FAIL TO ILLUMINATE AT NIGHT WHEN KNOB IS TURN TO HEADLIGHT POSITION.  *JB","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10168203,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"08/14/2006","dateComplaintFiled":"09/13/2006","vin":"","components":"STEERING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE","summary":"RECENTLY, MY 2000 ML320 WOULD END UP CRANKING WHILE STARTING. TOOK 2 ATTEMPTS TO GET THE CAR STARTED UP. TOOK MY MERCEDES TO THE LOCAL AUTHORIZED SHOP AND WAS TOLD THAT THE FUEL PUMP WENT OUT. HAD THE FUEL PUMP REPLACED & FILTER & THE NEW UPDATED LINES.  PREVIOUSLY BACK IN DECEMBER 2005, POWER STEERING LINE WAS DAMAGED. SERVICED AT SAME DEALERSHIP. A SMALL HOLE WAS DISCOVERED ON THE PIPE AND POWER STEERING WENT OUT. ALMOST MADE ME HIT THE GARAGE.  *NM","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10165119,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"07/21/2006","dateComplaintFiled":"08/10/2006","vin":"4JGAB54E5YA","components":"FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE","summary":"DT*:  THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH THE VEHICLE HESITATED.  THE SMELL OF GAS WAS PRESENT WHEN PARKING AND A PUDDLE OF GAS WAS NOTICED UNDER THE VEHICLE.  AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THE WIRING HARNESS OF THE FUEL PUMP MELTED AND REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP.  THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10163847,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"07/28/2006","dateComplaintFiled":"07/28/2006","vin":"4JGAB54E7YA","components":"POWER TRAIN","summary":"DT*:  THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLS AFTER BEING DRIVEN OVER A BUMP.  AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP DETERMINED THE TRANSFER CASE SENSOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.    UPDATED 8/14/2006 - *NM","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10161967,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"07/01/2006","dateComplaintFiled":"07/10/2006","vin":"4JGAB54E0YA","components":"ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING","summary":"DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65-70MPH THE ENGINE STALLED.  AS A RESULT, THERE WAS A LOSS OF POWER STEERING.  THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AFTER THE FAILURE.  THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED FROM THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT INCIDENT. THERE WAS A 30 MINUTE DELAY BEFORE THE VEHICLE WOULD RESTARTED.  THE ENGINE STALLING FAILURE OCCURRED FIVE TIMES AND OCCURRED MORE OFTEN DURING HOT WEATHER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DETERMINED THE CAMSHAFT SENSOR AND CRANKSHAFT SENSOR WERE FAULTY.  SINCE THE REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN OPERATING PROPERLY.  THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED WHO EXPLAINED THERE WAS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ON THE PROBLEM.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10161971,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"07/08/2006","dateComplaintFiled":"07/10/2006","vin":"4JGAB54E7YA","components":"ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING","summary":"DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED BY DIAGNOSTIC TESTING THE AIR MASS SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.  THE CONTACT ALSO OWNS AN E320 WHICH HAD THE SAME FAILURE LAST YEAR.  IF THE AIR MASS SENSOR IS NOT REPLACED, FURTHER DAMAGE CAN RESULT TO THE ENGINE.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10161812,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"06/10/2006","dateComplaintFiled":"07/07/2006","vin":"","components":"UNKNOWN OR OTHER","summary":"WE OWN A 2000 MERCEDES ML320 WE HAVE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ABOUT SIX MONTH AGO AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO THE CAR AS OF YET. THE DEALER CLAIMS THAT THERE ARE NO PARTS AVAILABLE AND I HAVE MADE MULTIPLE CALLS TO MB OFFICES AND I WAS TOLD THAT PARTS ARE AVAILABLE AND SHOULD BE INSTALLED ALREADY. NOBODY FOLLOWS THROUGH.  *JB","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10159163,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"02/01/2006","dateComplaintFiled":"06/07/2006","vin":"4JGAB54E7YA","components":"ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,EQUIPMENT","summary":"OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEM. OIL LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON BETWEEN 200-600 MILES OF DRIVING.   TRANSMISSION IS FAILING AND ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. VERY POOR.  *NM","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"},{"type":"Equipment","productYear":"9999","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"HEADLIGHT LENSES","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10158524,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"05/26/2006","dateComplaintFiled":"05/30/2006","vin":"","components":"ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING","summary":"MY MERCEDES YEAR MODEL 2000 ML320 ENGINE STALLS WHILE DRIVING; MOST OFTEN IT COMES AS A SURPRISE WHEN I AM CRUISING AT FREEWAY SPEEDS AND SLIGHTLY BACK OFF ON THE THROTTLE.  THE ENGINE TOTALLY SHUTS DOWN AND WILL RESTART AFTER WAITING A FEW MINUTES.  IT DOES NOT SEEM LIKE A FUEL PUMP PROBLEM BECAUSE THE CAR WILL RUN FINE FOR SEVERAL MONTHS AFTERWARD WITHOUT SHUTTING DOWN. *JB","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10157143,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"05/08/2006","dateComplaintFiled":"05/09/2006","vin":"","components":"SUSPENSION","summary":"THIS IS FOR A 2000 MERCEDES-BENZ ML320. IT JUST PASSED 60,000 MILES AND NOTICED A BROKEN SPRING (REAR PASSENGER SIDE) WHILE CHANGING THE TIRE. BROKEN SECTION IS THE BOTTOM MOST \"RING\" OF THE SPRING AND THE BROKEN PIECE IS STILL ON THE CAR.   *JB","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10156879,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"10/17/2005","dateComplaintFiled":"05/05/2006","vin":"4JGAB54E7YA","components":"ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING","summary":"CAUSED BY A RE-CALL CATALYTIC CONVERTERS HAVE BEEN ON ORDER SINCE OCTOBER 17, 2005.  MY VEHICLE IS HAS NOT BEEN LEGALLY DRIVABLE FOR NOW TWO WEEKS. THE ONE OF THE CATS IS TOTALLY OPEN CAUSING UN-MUFFLED EXHAUSTION.  AFTER ATTEMPTS FROM BOTH THE DEALER AND THE IMPORTER, MERCEDES BENZ USA TO BLAME THE OTHER PART OR THEIR SUPPLIER AND AFTER SEVERAL PROMISES, I HOPE THIS COMPLAINT WILL HAVE AN IMPACT. I NEED THE USE OF THE VEHICLE.  *JB","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10153355,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"03/20/2006","dateComplaintFiled":"03/21/2006","vin":"4JGAB54E1YA","components":"STEERING","summary":"DT*:  THE CONTACT STATED WHILE SHIFTING INTO REVERSE IN A SLIPPERY PARKING LOT THE VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING.  UPON INSPECTION THE CONTACT DETERMINED THE POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKED BECAUSE THE RETURN LINE DISCONNECTED FROM THE RACK DUE TO IMPROPER CRIMPING.  BOTH LINES WERE REBUILT BY THE CONTACT.   UPDATED 04/06/06. *JB","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10140254,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"09/15/2005","dateComplaintFiled":"10/19/2005","vin":"4JGAB54E7YA","components":"ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING","summary":"THIS VEHICLE IS UNDER A FEDERAL RECALL FOR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER.  ACCORDING TO A SERVICE TECHNICIAN, THIS PART IS ON BACK ORDER AND THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN OUT OF STOCK OF THE PART FOR MORE THAN A MONTH.  NO ONE CAN SEEM TO GIVE ME AND OTHER OWNERS A DELIVERY DATE ON THE PART.  MEANWHILE, I AM DRIVING A VEHICLE THAT SOUNDS LIKE A HARLEY DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLE AND LIKE IT IS ABOUT TO FALL APART!  I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM FOR MORE THAN A MONTH AND IT GETS WORSE EVERY WEEK THAT I CONTINUE TO DRIVE IT.  I CANNOT AFFORD TO PARK MY VEHICLE AT THE DEALER AS OTHER OWNERS OF ML320S HAVE DONE.  HOW CAN A FEDERAL RECALL BE ISSUED AND THE DEALER/MANUFACTURER NOT BE PREPARED?  *JB","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10137613,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":1,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"06/01/2005","dateComplaintFiled":"10/18/2005","vin":"4JGAB54E4YA","components":"ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING","summary":"DT:  THERE IS A CRACK IN THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER.  IT WAS LEAKING CARBON MONOXIDE.  WHEN DRIVING WITH THE WINDOWS CLOSED THE CONSUMER WAS GETTING CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING.  THE PROBLEM FIRST STARTED IN JUNE OF 2005.  THE CRACK OCCURRED SOMETIME BEFORE THIS.  THERE WAS A RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE ON  SEPTEMBER 12, 2005, AND ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2005  THE MECHANIC DISCOVERED A LEAK IN THE RIGHT ONE.  BOTH CATALYTIC CONVERTERS  CRACKED.  THE CONSUMER FOUND THAT THERE HAS BEEN A PROBLEM WITH THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE CONCERNING CATALYTIC CONVERTERS.   THE CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED THAT SHE WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THIS ISSUE.  *AK  *JB  THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED NAUSEA, DIZZINESS AND SLEEPINESS WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE IN JULY, AUGUST AND SEPT 2005.  AFTER THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS REPLACED ALL OF THE CONSUMER'S SYMPTOMS DISAPPEARED.  A CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR WAS INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE ON 9/15/05.  *NM","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10139565,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"03/20/2004","dateComplaintFiled":"10/13/2005","vin":"4JGAB54E0YA","components":"ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING","summary":"DT:  THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN STAYING ON SINCE PURCHASE OF VEHICLE  ON MARCH 20, 2004.  THE VEHICLE  STALLED INTERMITTENTLY SINCE MARCH OF 2005.  IT  HAPPENED WHEN TRYING TO START THE VEHICLE FROM A COLD START.  THE CONTACT STATED  THAT HE WILL HAVE TO LEAVE IT RUNNING FOR FIVE TO TEN MINUTES BEFORE IT WILL START.  ALSO, IT WILL  STALL WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE.  HAD A DIAGNOSTICS TEST RUN ON THE VEHICLE AND  IT SHOWED A PROBLEM WITH THE MASS OXYGEN SENSORS, MASS AIR FLOW SENSORS, AND SOMETHING ELSE THAT HE WAS NOT SURE OFF.  THEY REPLACED THE MASS OXYGEN SENSORS.  THIS HELPED THE PROBLEM  A LITTLE, BUT, THE PROBLEM RECURRED. .  ALSO, THERE WAS  A PROBLEM WITH THE WINDOW SWITCH CONSOLE.  IT STARTED IN FEBRUARY 2005, AND  HAD IT REPLACED.  THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WELD  COMPLETELY SEPARATED.  THE PROBLEM  STARTED IN DECEMBER  2004.  COMPLETE  SEPARATION HAPPENED IN APRIL OF 2005.  THE CONTACT  HAD THEM WELDED BACK TOGETHER.    *AK","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10139165,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"10/08/2005","dateComplaintFiled":"10/09/2005","vin":"4JGAB54E2YA","components":"STEERING","summary":"POWER STEERING FAILURE - AT LEAST 4 TIMES.  LUCKILY NO INJURIES OR DEATHS.  MOST RECENT FAILURE OCCURRED 150 MILES FROM HOME IN MOUNTAINOUS REGION.  *NM","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10137160,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"09/01/2005","dateComplaintFiled":"09/21/2005","vin":"","components":"ELECTRICAL SYSTEM","summary":"MY 2000 ML320 WITH 53000 MILES HAD SUDDENLY SHOWED CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WHILE I WAS DRIVING IT ON THE HIGHWAY AT ~65 MPH.  I EXIT AND AS I SLOWED I COULD SENSE THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING VERY ROUGH WITH SHAKE AND STRONG VIBRATION.  THEN AS I STOPPED THE CAR AT THE RED LIGHT AT THE EXIT, THE CAR IDLED VERY ROUGH AND LOTS OF VIBRATION AND THEN THE ENGINE STALLED (AND SHUT OFF).  I IMMEDIATELY TURNED THE KEY TO THE OFF POSITION AND TURNED THE KEY BACK ON AND THE CAR RE-STARTED NO PROBLEMS.  THE ENGINE IDLE NOW ONLY FEELS SLIGHTLY ROUGH BUT IDLE SOUND IS NOTICEABLY SLIGHTLY LOUDER THAN BEFORE.  I TOOK THE CAR TO THE MERCEDES BENZ DEALER (SAN DIEGO) THAT SAME DAY AND DESCRIBED TO THEM EXACTLY WHAT OCCURRED.  THE NEXT DAY THEY DIAGNOSED IT AS SPARK PLUG FAILURE AND SPARK PLUG WIRE FAILURE OF CYLINDER #2 AND POSSIBLY #4.  THEY RECOMMEND REPLACING ALL 12 SPARK PLUGS AND THEIR MODULE AND WIRES.  AFTER THEY DID THE RECOMMENDED REPAIRS, MY ML320 SEEMS TO RUN LIKE NORMAL BUT I STILL HEAR THE ENGINE IDLE DIFFERENT THAN BEFORE AND ENGINE REV SOUND SLIGHTLY LOUDER THAN BEFORE THIS INCIDENT.  THEY SAID THAT THE SOUND IS NORMAL.  I GUESS I HAVE NO WAY TO PROVE THIS BEFORE AND AFTER SOUND DIFFERENCE SO I JUST HAVE TO WAIT AND SEE WHAT ELSE FAILS.  THE TOTAL REPAIR COST WAS APPROX. $1280; WHICH INCLUDED 6 HOURS OF LABOR AT $120/HOUR.  I TOLD THEM I THOUGHT 6 HOURS OF LABOR TO REPLACE 12 SPARK PLUGS AND WIRES WAS VERY INEFFICIENT AND COSTLY TO ME OR ANY CUSTOMER.  THEY JUST SAID IT TAKES A LOT OF EFFORT AND TEDIOUS WORK TO DO SPARK PLUG CHANGES.  WELL I AM NOT A MECHANIC TO WHATEVER THEY SAID I GUESS IS RIGHT.  I JUST HOPE THEY FIXED THE RIGHT PROBLEM FOR THE ISSUE I HAD THAT'S ALL.   *NM","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10125793,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"02/10/2005","dateComplaintFiled":"06/20/2005","vin":"4JGAB54EXYA","components":"SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL","summary":"DT:  CALLER HAS HAD VEHICLE IN 6 TIMES FOR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT/SPARK PLUGS BEING CORRODED/LOOSE WHEEL BEARING/CONTROL MODULE WENT OUT/FOR SHAKING AND SPUTTERING AT IDLE, AND THE ELECTRIC FUNCTION CHECK. MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET. *AK","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10114245,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":1,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"03/11/2005","dateComplaintFiled":"03/17/2005","vin":"","components":"STEERING","summary":"MERCEDES ML 320 POWER STEERING MALFUNCTION WHILE DRIVING, EVENTHOUGH A RECALL REPAIR WAS CARRIED OUT. WAS NEARLY RAMMED INTO BY AN ONCOMING TRUCK BUT WAS SAFE BECAUSE OF FORCED THAT I USE TO GET OUT OF THE PROBLEM. IN PROCESS WRIST AND SHOULDER SUFFERED INJURY.*AK","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10112808,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"03/01/2005","dateComplaintFiled":"03/09/2005","vin":"4JGAB54E4YA","components":"EXTERIOR LIGHTING","summary":"WHILE DRIVING WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ON, IN THE LEFT LANE OF AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY, A SLOWER MOVING SEMI-TRAILER TRUCK CHANGED INTO MY LANE SUDDENLY.  I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE TO SLOW DOWN.  I NOTICED THAT THERE WAS MUCH MORE BRAKE PEDAL PRESSURE REQUIRED THAN NORMAL TO SLOW DOWN.  WHEN I RELEASED THE BRAKE, THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY ACCELERATED TOWARD THE REAR END OF THE TRUCK.  I ALSO NOTICED THAT THE BAS/ESP WARNING LIGHT HAD COME ON, INDICATING A FAILURE ON THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH.  THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THE FAILURE OF THIS COMPONENT WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM, AND THEY ALWAYS KEPT THEM IN STOCK FOR THAT REASON. APPARENTLY THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ALSO CONTROLS TURNING THE CRUISE CONTROL OFF, WHEN YOU STEP ON THE BRAKE.   I CONSIDER THIS TO BE A SAFETY HAZARD.  AFTER THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED I VERIFIED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE IN FACT NOT WORKING,  AND ALSO VERIFIED THAT STEPPING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD NOT CANCEL THE CRUISE CONTROL. THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ALSO CONTROLS THE SHIFT KNOB RELEASE, ALLOWING YOU TO SHIFT OUT OF \"PARK\" AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE. *AK","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10113591,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"01/01/1901","dateComplaintFiled":"03/02/2005","vin":"","components":"SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS","summary":"THE CONSUMER'S MERCEDES BENZ M L 320 SLOWED DOWN ON ITS OWN.  THE CONSUMER PULLED OVER PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND RESTARTED IT.  *BF  AFTER THIS INCIDENT THE CONSUMER PARKED IN A MALL PARKING LOT.  WHEN SHE RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE THE SHIFT LEVER WOULD NOT MOVE OUT OF PARK.  THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER.  AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PICKED UP FROM THE DEALER IT WENT INTO STICK MODE AGAIN.  THE SRS LIGHT ILLUMINATE ON THE DASH.  THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TOT HE DEALER AND WHEN IT WAS RETURNED TO THE CONSUMER THE LIGHT WAS STILL ON.  THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE FRONT END VIBRATED.  *NM","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10111360,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"02/09/2005","dateComplaintFiled":"02/11/2005","vin":"NOT AVAILAB","components":"POWER TRAIN","summary":"WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH THE VEHICLE DECELERATED DOWN TO 10 MPH WITHOUT WARNING. THE CAUSE HAS YET TO BE DETERMINED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10108388,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"01/30/2005","dateComplaintFiled":"02/01/2005","vin":"4JGAB54E7YA","components":"ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING","summary":"WITHIN SIX MONTHS, BOTH STAINLESS STEEL EXHAUST PIPES CRACKED AT THE WELDS, JUST AHEAD OF THE CAT. CONVERTER. IN THE FIRST CASE, THE PIPE WAS REPLACED. IN THE SECOND INSTANCE THE PIPE WAS WELDED (HOPEFULLY WILL LAST LONGER). WITH THE SECOND FAILURE, WHILE THE NOISE INCREASE WAS BARELY NOTICABLE, EXHAUST GASSES LEAKED INTO THE PASSANGER COMPARTMENT. AS A PROFESSIONAL PILOT, I KNOW THE CONSEQUENCES OF CO POISINING.*AK","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10105096,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"12/17/2004","dateComplaintFiled":"12/20/2004","vin":"4JGAB54EXYA","components":"STEERING","summary":"WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS  POWER STEERING FAILED.  NO IMPACT REPORTED. *AK","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10101524,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":true,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"11/20/2003","dateComplaintFiled":"11/22/2004","vin":"4JGAB54EXYA","components":"STEERING","summary":"THE POWER ASSIST FAILED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH. THE CONDITION CAUSED  DIFFICULTY IN  STEERING WHILE PULLING OFF THE ROAD AND THE VEHICLE HIT SIDE BARRIER. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. *JB","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10099881,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"11/02/2004","dateComplaintFiled":"11/12/2004","vin":"4JGAB54EXYA","components":"STEERING","summary":"CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT POWER STEERING PROBLEMS WHICH MADE  THE VEHICLE HARD TO MANEUVER.*AK","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10095933,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"10/16/2004","dateComplaintFiled":"10/18/2004","vin":"4JGAB54E1YA","components":"STEERING","summary":"I TOOK AN 8 MILES ROUND TRIP TO HOMEDEPOT IN THE MORNING AND PARKED THE VEHICLE IN THE GARAGE. @ HOURS LATER, I NEEDTO MAKE ANOTHER TRIP AND AS I WAS BACKING OUT THE VEHICLE, I NOTICED A SMALL PUDDLE OF SHINY STUFF ON THE GARAGE FLOOR. SINCE I HAVE READ ABOUT STEERING HOSE CLAMP FAILURE BEFORE, I IMMEDIATELY PARK THE VEHICLE AND JACK IT UP TO HAVE CLOSE INSPECTION. TO NO SURPRISE, THE UPPER CLAMP WAS LOOSE. SO I TIGHTEN UP THE CLAMP AND TOOK A SHORT 2 MILES TEST DRIVE. RE-INSPECTED THE CLAMP, FOUND NO LEAKS.   IF I HAVEN'T READ ABOUT THE CLAMP FAILURE BEFORE AND LET THE LEAK CONTINUE, I DON'T WANT TO THINK ABOUT THE CONSEQUENCES. THUS THE COMPLAIN.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10091283,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":true,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"09/17/2004","dateComplaintFiled":"09/19/2004","vin":"4JGAB54E9YA","components":"STEERING","summary":"RE: INVESTIGATION PE 03-006.  2000 MERCEDES ML320.IN [XXX] VEHICLE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.  VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY 8 HOURS BEFORE FIRE WAS SPOTTED AT APPROX 4:00 A.M. VEHICLE WAS ALWAYS SERVICED MY SCHUMACHER MERCEDES OF SCOTTSDALE ARIZONA. LAST SERVICE WAS APPROX SEP 10, 2004. I DO NOT KNOW IF REPAIR TO POWER STEERING HOSE ASSEMBLY WAS EVER PERFORMED.  HAD THE VEHICLE BEEN PARKED IN OUR GARAGE ,THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE INJURIES OR DEATHS. I AM EXTREMELY UPSET. VEHICLE WAS PARKED NOSE UP ON AN INCLINE. INSURANCE COMPANY HAS BEEN NOTIFIED , BUT I HAVE NOT CONTACTED MERCEDES PENDING YOUR ADVICE.*AK UPDATED 07/25/2012  *JS    INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10079089,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"06/18/2004","dateComplaintFiled":"06/30/2004","vin":"4JGAB54E3YA","components":"STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES","summary":"AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRED4 YEARS AGO WITHIN 2-6 MONTHS, AND UP TO 40,539 MILES THE FOLLOWING REPAIRS WERE NECESSARY IN A MERCEDES ML 320: BRAKE STOP LAMP SWITCH ASSEMBLY, LATCHING MECHANISM RT. FRONT DOOR, OXYGEN SENSOR, -POWER STEERING RACK AND TWO TIE RODSFROM 2/17/04 TO 6/18/04.  *AK","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10049920,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":true,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":2,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"08/01/2003","dateComplaintFiled":"06/04/2004","vin":"4JGAB54E7YA","components":"AIR BAGS","summary":"WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A SIDE IMPACT COLLISION. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DRIVER AND PASSENGER SUSTAINED SEVERE NECK AND BACK INJURIES.   *AK   THE VEHICLE WAS STRUCK ON THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE.  THE VEHICLE WAS CONSTANTLY IN FOR SERVICE FOR RELATED REPAIRS.   *SC  *JB","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10067761,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":true,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"01/25/2004","dateComplaintFiled":"04/24/2004","vin":"4JGAB54E7YA","components":"FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER","summary":"11-03, 12-03 & 1-04  MY CAR WOULD STUTTER AND STALL AND FAIL TO ACCELERATE OVER 10 MPH . I TOOK THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE EACH TIME ,AND FINALLY 1-04 THEY REALIZED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS THE MASS AIR FLOW SYSTEM WAS BAD. IT WAS REPAIRED AGAIN 1-25-04 THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED THE CAR STALLED AND STUTTERED THIS TIME I COULD NOT GET OUT OF THE WAY OF A SPEEDING VEHICLE AND WAS HIT. THIS TRUCK WAS IN FOR SERVICE A TOTAL OF 13 TIMES IN 2003. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO MBUSA ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THIS VEHICLE AND TO THE SERVICE DEPT BUT NO HELP WAS AVAILABLE TO RESOLVE THIS ONGOING AND CONSTANT PROBLEM .  *AK","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10065115,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":true,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":2,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":null,"dateComplaintFiled":"03/17/2004","vin":"4JGAB54E7YA","components":"STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,TIRES,WHEELS,SEATS","summary":"VEHICLE WAS ALWAYS BEING SERVICED AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY IN A SEVERE ACCIDENT.   *PH   THE CONSUMER WAS STRUCK BY ANOTHER DRIVER AND CAUSED DAMAGE ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE.  BOTH SIDES OF THE DOORS WERE SMASHED AND THERE WAS EXTENSIVE DAMAGE IN THE PASSENGER'S CABIN.  OTHER PROBLEMS ARE AS FOLLOWED:  THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON, ENGINE LOW LEVEL OIL LIGHT HAD COME ON, WHEN THE RIGHT FRONT AND LEFT REAR WINDOWS WERE ERRATIC WHEN GOING DOWN, THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER WAS INOPERATIVE, THE REAR CARGO ACCESSORY PLUG WAS INOPERATIVE, THE TRIM ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE LEFT FRONT SEAT CRACKED, THERE WAS A BULDGE ON THE RIGHT REAR TIRE, LUG BOLTS WERE MISSING ON THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL AND THE REAR PADS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, THERE WAS A NOISE HEARD IN THE REAR WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS, THE POWER SUPPLY PLUG IN THE REAR CARGO AREA WAS INOPERATIVE, THE LIGHT BEHIND THE CLIMATE CONTROL PANEL WAS INOPERATIVE, THE LEFT FRONT WINDOW WAS INTERMITTENT, THE LEFT FRONT PARK LIGHT WAS INOPERATIVE, THE LEFT FRONT DOOR WAS NOT CLOSING DUE TO THE LATCHING, THE REAR ELECTRICAL PLUG IN THE REAR CARGO AREA WAS INOPERATIVE, THE MATERIAL ON THE CENTER CONSOLE WRINKLED, THE SUNROOF WOULD BIND WHEN OPENED, THE REAR TIRE HAD A KNOT ON THE SIDEWALL, WHEN  THE VEHICLE WAS FILLED WITH FUEL THE FUEL GAUGE WOULD GO DOWN, THERE WAS A NOISE IN HE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL WHEN DRIVEN AT LOW SPEEDS, THERE WAS A WHINING NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE STEERING WAS STIFF.   *SC","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10056095,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":null,"dateComplaintFiled":"01/29/2004","vin":"4JGAB54E0YA","components":"FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VISIBILITY","summary":"INTERMITTENTLY IN COLD TEMPERATURES WHEN THE DEFROSTER SYSTEM IS ENGAGED IT WILL DISENGAGE FOR A FEW SECONDS, THEN COME BACK ON. THIS REDUCES THE DRIVER'S VISIBILITY AND COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.  DEFROSTER SYSTEM  CONTINUOUSLY DOES THIS UNTIL VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF. THIS OCCURRED ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS.  DEALERSHIP SERVICED VEHICLE AND REPLACED PARTS, BUT THE PROBLEM STILL PERSISTS. *AK  IN ADDITION, CONSUMER EXPERIENCED FUEL TANK GAUGE SHOWS ONLY 3/4 FULL.  DEALER STATED THAT INTERNAL ELECTRICAL FAULT IN THE FUEL SENDING UNIT.  FUEL SENDING UNIT REPLACED.  *LA","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10053541,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":true,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":2,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":null,"dateComplaintFiled":"12/24/2003","vin":"4JGAB54E7YA","components":"ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,AIR BAGS","summary":"VARIOUS PROBLEMS INVOLVING 2000 MERCEDES BENZ ML320 / ALSO AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY.*MR           CONSUMER WAS STRUCK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE CAUSING DAMAGE TO BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE. ALL THE DOORS WERE SMASHED IN YET NONE OF THE SIX AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE MECHANIC MANY TIMES FOR REPAIRS BUT TO NO AVAIL. CONSUMER FELT VEHICLE MAY BE DEFECTIVE AND WOULD LIKE TO EXCHANGE OR GET MONEY BACK.   *PH","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10049582,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"10/17/2003","dateComplaintFiled":"12/11/2003","vin":"","components":"STRUCTURE","summary":"THE 2000 MERCEDES ML 320 HAS A OPTION SIDE-STEP BAR THAT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS.  IT IS INSTALLED TOO CLOSE TO THE CAR SO THAT PEOPLE SLIP OFF OF IT.  IT IS ALSO ROUND, CHROME, SMOOTH AND SLIPPERY.  MY SISTER OWNS THIS TYPE OF CAR WITH THE SIDE STEP BAR AND I HAVE SLIPPED AND FALLEN ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS WHEN TRYING TO GET IN AND OUT OF THE CAR (AND I AM A YOUNG WOMAN IN MY 30'S).  I HAVE HEARD MANY PEOPLE COMPLAIN ABOUT THE SAME SIDE BAR WHEN THEY RIDE THE MERCEDES ML 320 WITH SIDE BARS.  MERCEDES HAS SINCE MODIFIED THE SIDE-STEP BAR, BUT THEY HAVE MANY OLDER CARS WITH THIS DEFECTIVE BAR.  MERCEDES SHOULD REPLACE ALL THE OLDER MODELS WITH THE NEW ONES, OR REFUND THE ADDITIONAL COSTS THAT WERE INCURRED WHEN THE DEFECTIVE PRODUCT WAS INSTALLED.*AK","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10050255,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"12/08/2003","dateComplaintFiled":"12/08/2003","vin":"","components":"STEERING","summary":"CONSUMER STATED THAT WHEN  SHE TOOK VEHICLE  TO DEALER FOR  REGULAR MAINTENANCE SHE WAS TOLD THAT THEY WOULD REPAIR THE RECALL REGARDING THE POWER STEERING FLUID COOLING HOSE WHILE DOING  THE  SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE.  CONSUMER STATED  A WEEK LATER SHE ENTERED THE VEHICLE AND SAW OIL/FLUID ON THE GROUND. SHE THEN CALLED THE DEALER, AND WAS TOLD TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN.  CONSUMER BROUGHT VEHICLE TO DEALER  AN THE APPOINTED TIME.  2 DAYS AFTER VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED IT  LOCKED UP.  CONSUMER  DID  NOT BELIEVE THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PROPERLY.  *AK","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10043905,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"05/11/2000","dateComplaintFiled":"10/29/2003","vin":"4JGAB54E1YA","components":"SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM","summary":"CAR PULLS TO THE RIGHT, (THEY HAVE DONE NUMEROUS ALIGNMENTS), CAR VIBRATES AT HIGH SPEEDS AND  LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON AND HAS BEEN FIXED 2 TIMES.  DEALER HAS TRIED TO FIX THE PROBLEM ABOUT 7 TIMES AND IT IS STILL NOT FIXED. WE ARE CURRENTLY FILING SUIT UNDER THE LEMON LAW.*AK","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10042735,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"10/08/2003","dateComplaintFiled":"10/10/2003","vin":"4JGAB54E4YA","components":"ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING","summary":"WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH ENGINE OVERHEATED AND STARTED TO SMOKE.  VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, WHO FOUND  HARMONIC BALANCER DEFECTIVE.  THIS CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE OIL PAN, RESULTING IN AN  OIL LEAK AND SMOKE. *AK","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10037604,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":true,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":1,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"06/19/2001","dateComplaintFiled":"09/10/2003","vin":"4JGAB54E8YA","components":"STEERING,AIR BAGS","summary":"I WAS SEVERELY INJURED WHEN MY 2000 MERCEDES-BENZ ML320 FAILED TO STEER IN AN ATTEMPTED U-TURN RESULTING IN IMPACT WITH A TREE. I WAS HOSPITALIZED WITH THREE FACIAL FRACTURES (EYE SOCKET, JAW, AND NOSE). THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE REASON FOR THE ACCIDENT WAS FAILURE OF THE CARS STEERING MECHANISM WHICH HAS SUBSEQUENTLY BEEN RECALLED. I ALSO FEEL THE DEALERSHIP LIED IN CONNECTION WITH THE ACCIDENT. THE CAR (SUV) SUSTAINED MAJOR DAMAGE. I HAVE AN ONGOING MEDICAL ISSUE.  *JB","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10026533,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"05/12/2003","dateComplaintFiled":"08/15/2003","vin":"","components":"ELECTRICAL SYSTEM","summary":"WHILE DRIVING, THE  POWER LOCKS MOVED UP AND DOWN ON THEIR OWN. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK   *JB","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10029773,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"06/15/2002","dateComplaintFiled":"07/21/2003","vin":"4JGAB54E8YA","components":"ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY,WHEELS","summary":"VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN CONSUMER NOTICED OIL ON THE GROUND.  VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MERCEDES. *AK            ENGINE CUT COMPLETELY OFF TWICE. ALL THE TIRES AND HUB CAPS ARE BLACK FROM THE BRAKE FLUID SPLATTERING. THE SUNROOF MAKES A LOT OF NOISE WHILE DRIVING ESPECIALLY WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY.    *PH","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10029638,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":true,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":null,"dateComplaintFiled":"07/18/2003","vin":"","components":"ELECTRICAL SYSTEM","summary":"CONSUMER STATES WHILE TRAVELING AND WITHOUT  ANY INDICATION VEHICLE  WAS ON FIRE UNDER HOOD ON RIGHT SIDE, CAUSING DAMAGE. *AK","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10029612,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"01/01/1901","dateComplaintFiled":"07/18/2003","vin":"4JGAB54E2YA","components":"STEERING","summary":"REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPLACEMENT OF HOSE CLAMP.  NAR 07/18/2003.*MR        *CB  *JB","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10026132,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"06/19/2003","dateComplaintFiled":"07/15/2003","vin":"4JGAB54E3YA","components":"POWER TRAIN","summary":"TRANSMISSION KEEPS GETTING STUCK IN 3RD GEAR.  WHEN I TAKE IT TO BE SERVICED, THEY WOULD INITIALLY TELL ME NO COMPUTER ERRORS WERE SHOWING.  A COUPLE TIMES LATER I DROVE TO THE DEALER WITH IT STUCK IN THIRD, ALLOWING THEM TO DRIVE IT THAT WAY.  WHEN THIS OCCURRED I WAS IN THE LEFT LANE AND WAS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE CAUSING THE VEHICLE BEHIND ME TO NEARLY REAR END US.  THIS CONTINUES TO HAPPEN BUT VERY SPORADICALLY AND THE DEALER HAS UNSUCCESSFULLY BEEN ABLE TO REPAIR.  THEIR RESPONSE NOW IS THEY ARE NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE.  THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM.*AK","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10024252,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"01/17/2003","dateComplaintFiled":"07/11/2003","vin":"4JGAB54E7YA","components":"AIR BAGS","summary":"IF THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN FOR 25/30 MINUTES AND TURNED OFF AND THEN  RESTARTED, THE AIR BAG OFF WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.*AK     *TS *JB","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10022897,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"06/12/2003","dateComplaintFiled":"07/10/2003","vin":"","components":"VISIBILITY,SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES","summary":"THE SEAT BELT SYSTEM DID NOT WORK PROPERLY. DEALER HAS INSPECTED, AND COULD NOT DUPLICATE OR CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *AK *TS. THE SUN ROOF BLEW OFF THE VEHICLE, THE ABS FAILED, THE DOOR LOCKS, HANDLES AND SIDE MIRRORS WERE ALSO INOPERATIVE. *JB","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10022900,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":1,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"06/12/2003","dateComplaintFiled":"07/10/2003","vin":"","components":"VISIBILITY","summary":"WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE SUN ROOF ASSEMBLY SHATTERED AND CAUSED INJURY TO THE CONSUMER.  *TS   *JB","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10022903,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":true,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":1,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"04/01/2003","dateComplaintFiled":"07/03/2003","vin":"4JGAB54EXYA","components":"VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL","summary":"VEHICLE ENGAGED FROM PARK TO DRIVE, AND THEN INTO REVERSE AND  ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A TREE.  THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, AND STATED IT WAS A HUMAN ERROR.   *AK  THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK, THEN PLACED IN REVERSE, BACKED UP A COUPLE OF FEET, AND THEN  THE CONSUMER PLACED THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE TO GO FORWARD TO STRAIGHTEN OUT IN ORDER TO BACK OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY MORE EASILY.  THE VEHICLE HAD GONE INTO REVERSE, ACCELERATED AT A TREMENDOUS SPEED AND HAD GONE DOWN THE DRIVEWAY OUT OF CONTROL, VEERED RIGHT ONTO THE LAWN AND HIT THE TREE.  THE GEAR SHIFT WAS STILL IN DRIVE WHEN THE VEHICLE STOPPED ON IMPACT.   *SCC     *JB","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10024851,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"06/24/2003","dateComplaintFiled":"06/24/2003","vin":"4JGAB54E2YA","components":"STEERING","summary":"WHILE TURNING LEFT ONTO A SIDE STREET THE VEHICLE STEERED STRAIGHT, WOULD NOT TURN LEFT.  *AK","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10024854,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"06/24/2003","dateComplaintFiled":"06/24/2003","vin":"4JGAB54E2YA","components":"ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING","summary":"THE VEHICLE BURNED 2 QUARTS OF OIL OR MORE, AND THERE  WERE NO SIGNS OF LEAKING OF GASOLINE  UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. *AK","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10024856,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"06/24/2003","dateComplaintFiled":"06/24/2003","vin":"4JGAB54E2YA","components":"POWER TRAIN","summary":"WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY VEHICLE WILL JERK WHILE IN GEAR.  *AK","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10024371,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"06/18/2003","dateComplaintFiled":"06/18/2003","vin":"4JGAB54E1YA","components":"ELECTRICAL SYSTEM","summary":"WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING  VEHICLE WILL SHUT DOWN.   LIGHT WILL FLASH ON THE DASHBOARD, AND THE WHEEL WILL NOT TURN.  *AK","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10023230,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"06/01/2002","dateComplaintFiled":"06/17/2003","vin":"4JGAB54E7YA","components":"AIR BAGS","summary":"AFTER DRIVING THE CAR FOR 30 OR SO MINUTES, STOPPING AND RESTARTING THE CAR, THE \"AIR BAG OFF\" AND \"SRS\" WARNING LIGHTS COME ON AND STAY ON. PER VEHICLE MANUAL, WHEN THESE TWO LIGHTS ARE ON IT MEANS THAT THE AIR BAG SYSTEM MAY NOT BE FUNCTIONING PROPERLY.  THE AIR BAGS MAY GO OFF WHEN THEY ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO OR THEY MAY NOT TRIGGER WHEN THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO.  THE MANUAL SAYS THE CAR SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN AND SHOULD BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR IMMEDIATELY.  I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES, THEY TOLD ME THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG, BUT WHEN I ASKED THEM IF THEY COULD ASSURE ME THE AIR BAGS WOULD WORK PROPERLY OR NOT, THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT SAY THAT EITHER. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM FOR AT LEAST THE LAST 10 TO 12 MONTHS.  *JB","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10021455,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":true,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":1,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"04/01/2003","dateComplaintFiled":"06/12/2003","vin":"4JGAB54EXYA","components":"POWER TRAIN","summary":"THE CAR WAS  IN DRIVE, IT SUDDENLY WENT INTO REVERSE, ACCELERATED AT TREMENDOUS SPEED DOWN MY DRIVEWAY, UP ONTO MY PROPERTY WHERE IT HIT A TREE - STILL IN DRIVE.  DAMAGE WAS IN ACCESS OF $16,000. MERCEDES DENIED ANY DEFECT OR MALFUNCTION AFTER THEIR INSPECTION. I HAVE SINCE LEARNED THAT AN ALMOST IDENTICAL ACCIDENT WAS REPORTED IN 2000 TO ANOTHER CAR - SAME YEAR, MAKE & MODEL AS MINE.   *NLM","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10022898,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"06/12/2003","dateComplaintFiled":"06/12/2003","vin":"","components":"LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES","summary":"AUTOMATIC DOOR SYSTEM  IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY   CONSUMER IS CONCERNED  ABOUT  PASSENGER SAFETY. *AK","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10019467,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"02/01/2003","dateComplaintFiled":"05/14/2003","vin":"4JGAB54E2YA","components":"STEERING","summary":"WHEN THE CONSUMER MADE A TURN IN A DRIVEWAY THE PRESSURE HOSE FOR POWER STEERING FAILED AND MADE IT DIFFICULT TO STEER THE VEHICLE.  MR  SCC   *NLM","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10012103,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"03/01/2003","dateComplaintFiled":"03/19/2003","vin":"4JGAB54E2YA","components":"ELECTRICAL SYSTEM","summary":"THE IGNITION SWITCH MALFUNCTIONED, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CUT OFF, WHEN THE VEHICLE WENT OVER THE SLIGHTEST BUMP.     *JB","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10010111,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"03/07/2003","dateComplaintFiled":"03/07/2003","vin":"4JGAB54E1YA","components":"STEERING","summary":"LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING.  INFORMED THAT POWER STEERING HOSE CLAMP FAILED. REPAIRED BY MERCEDES-BENZ  ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE, INFORMED THAT THIS FAILURE OCCURRED BECAUSE OF THE WEATHER CHANGES, BUT FAILURE WAS COMMON.*JB","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10008383,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"03/03/2003","dateComplaintFiled":"03/04/2003","vin":"4JGAB54E8YA","components":"STEERING","summary":"THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THAT THE POWER STEERING FLUID HAS LEAKED CAUSING SUDDEN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. FIRST TIME (FEB 2002) THE DEALER TERMED IT AS FAULT OF \"CLAMP\" AND NOW THE SECOND TIME (MARCH 2003) THE DEALER IS TERMING IT AS PROBLEM WITH \"POWER FLUID HOSE\"    FIRST TIME THE INCIDENT COULD HAVE BEEN FATAL AS HAPPENED WHILE CAR IN MOTION AT 60 MILES / HOUR ON FREEWAY. LUCKILY BEING SUNDAY MORNING THERE WAS LOW TRAFFIC AND MANAGED TO PULL IT TO SIDE.    SECOND TIME COULD HAVE CAUSED SIGNIFICANT PROPERTY DAMAGES AS CAR WAS BEING PULLED OUT OF GARAGE AND COULD HAVE HIT THE CAR PARKED NEXT.  IN BOTH CASES THERE WERE NO PRIOR INDICATION FOR FAILURE.  *NLM","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10008034,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"02/15/2003","dateComplaintFiled":"02/24/2003","vin":"","components":"STEERING","summary":"3 POWER STEERING HOSE CLAMPS LOOSE ON 2000 MERCEDES ML320 WITH ~45,000 MILES. ONE ON LOWER RADIATOR REQUIRED 3 FULL TURNS TO TIGHTEN. HAD THIS HOSE COME OFF POWER STEERING FLUID WOULD HAVE LEAKED OUT AND CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE BEEN VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10007971,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"04/18/2002","dateComplaintFiled":"02/22/2003","vin":"4JGAB54E7YA","components":"STEERING","summary":"LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING.  VEHICLE NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO MANEUVER AT SLOWER SPEEDS.  CAUSE: HOSE CAME OFF POWER STEERING SYSTEM AND FLUID WAS LOST.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10007686,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"02/15/2003","dateComplaintFiled":"02/17/2003","vin":"","components":"ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING","summary":"I OWN A 2000 MERCEDES ML320.  THE CAR RECENTLY SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY.  THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS, THE CAR IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER. THERE WAS NO POWER.  ONCE YOU STOP THE CAR, PLACE IT IN PARK, IT WILL RE-START.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10005271,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"02/01/2003","dateComplaintFiled":"02/04/2003","vin":"","components":"ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING","summary":"I OWN A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ ML 320.  WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON FEBRUARY 1, 2003, THE ENGINE QUIT TWICE WITHOUT WARNING AND THE VEHICLE LOST ALL ELECTRICAL POWER AND STEERING AND BRAKING CONTROL.  THE FIRST FAILURE HAPPENED AS SHE ACCELERATED FROM A STOP AT AN INTERSECTION.  THE SECOND FAILURE OCCURRED SHORTLY THEREAFTER WHILE DRIVING DOWN A STREET.  SHE HAD TO RUN INTO THE CURB TO STOP THE VEHICLE.    I HAVE TALKED TO ANOTHER OWNER OF A ML 320 THAT EXPERIENCED AN ENGINE SHUTDOWN WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY.  I HAVE ALSO FOUND MANY COMPLAINTS ON WEBSITES BY OWNERS OF ML 320S THAT REPORTED LOSS OF ENGINE POWER WITHOUT WARNING.  FROM MY LIMITED RESEARCH I WAS ABLE TO FIND OTHER INSTANCES OF THIS OCCURRING, AND FEEL THAT THIS MAY BE A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM AND MAY REPRESENT A SIGNIFICANT PUBLIC SAFETY HAZARD.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10004857,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"05/16/2002","dateComplaintFiled":"01/28/2003","vin":"4JGAB54E2YA","components":"STEERING","summary":"POWER STEERING FAILURE. THE FLUID WAS GUSHING OUT. DEALER REPAIRED WITH NEW POWER STEERING RETURN HOSE AND CLAMP. TS","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10002339,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"06/25/2002","dateComplaintFiled":"01/08/2003","vin":"4JGAB54E3YA","components":"STEERING","summary":"WHILE DRIVING POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKED OUT, RESULTING IN TOTAL LOSS OF POWER STEERING. DEALER CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. TS","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10000458,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"12/02/2002","dateComplaintFiled":"01/01/2003","vin":"4JGAB54E8YA","components":"FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE","summary":"CAR WOULD CRANK BUT WOULD NOT START. BROUGHT TO DEALER THEY CHANGED THE FUEL PUMP, FUEL LINES, FUEL FILTER, AND CLEANED FUEL INJECTORS. PICKED UP CAR, WORKED FINE FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS THEN SAME PROBLEM HAPPEND AGAIN. CALLED DEALER FOR A TOW. BECAUSE AT THE TIME I WAS TO DRIVE TO DEALER THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT MAKING CAR INOPERABLE. DEALER SAID THE CLAMP THAT CONNECTS TO THE POWER STEERING HOSE CAME LOOSE CAUSING THE POWER STEERING FLUID TO LEAK OUT.  THAT PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE FIXED. MY DEALER ADDRESSED MY ORIGINAL PROBLEM BY THINKING THAT MY KEYS TO THE CAR WERE  TRIGGERING SOME KIND OF ANTITHEFT DEVICE IN THE CARS COMPUTER TO KEEP IT FROM STARTING, THEY GAVE ME TWO NEW KEYS, WORKED FINE FOR ABOUT 30 MILES WHEN THIS TIME WHILE ACTUALLY DRIVING THE CAR WENT COMPLETELY DEAD, I WAS GLAD TO BE IN A TURN LANE AT THE TIME. THE TWO PREVIOUS TIMES IT TOOK ABOUT AN HOUR FOR THE CAR TO RESTART THIS THIRD TIME IT TOOK ONLY ABOUT TEN MINUTES. THE DEALER STILL REMAINS BAFFLED.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":8022142,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"10/29/2002","dateComplaintFiled":"11/04/2002","vin":"4JGAB54E0YA","components":"ELECTRICAL SYSTEM","summary":"WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE CONSUMER EXPERIENCE ENGINE .  THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.  IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE WEIGHT OF THE KEYS CAUSED THE IGNITION TO FAIL WHICH RESULTED IN THE VEHICLE STALLING.   *MR   *NLM","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":8021818,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"10/28/2002","dateComplaintFiled":"10/29/2002","vin":"4JGAB54E4YA","components":"STEERING","summary":"WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT.  THE DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF THE PROMBLEM..            TS","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":768739,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"09/14/2002","dateComplaintFiled":"10/22/2002","vin":"4JGAB54E0YA","components":"ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING","summary":"ENGINE STALLED SEVERAL TIMES ( AROUND 5 TIME WITHIN 4 MOS.) ON FREEWAYS AND HIGHWAYS.  DT","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":8019369,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"09/16/2002","dateComplaintFiled":"09/24/2002","vin":"PLEASE FILL","components":"POWER TRAIN","summary":"WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE TRASMISSION  STARTED TO MAKE A LOUD NOISE. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FUTHER INFORMATION.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":766120,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"08/19/2002","dateComplaintFiled":"08/23/2002","vin":"4J6AB54E2XA","components":"FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE","summary":"WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, ON 2 SEPARATE OCCASIONS, MY FUEL TANK LEAKED, APPARENTLY DUE TO BEING STRUCK BY AN EXTERNAL OBJECT.  DURING NON OF THE OCCASIONS, DID I RUN OVER AN OBJECT OR NOTICE ANY LARGE SHARP OBJECT ON THE FREEWAY.  THE FIRST TIME, THE DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT COVER THE EXPENSES, SO I HAD TO FILE A CLAIM THROUGH MY INSURANCE COMPANY, WHICH COST APPROX. $2000 WITH THE TOW AND RENTAL.  HOWEVER, WITHIN 10 MONTHS IT OCCURED AGAIN AND I AGAIN HAD IT TAKEN TO MERCEDES DEALERSHIP, WHICH THEY FIRST CLAIMED THAT THEY WOULD NOT COVER THE COST.  I CALLED THE MERCEDES CORPORATE OFFICE AND PUT IN A COMPLAINT WITH THE REGIONAL MANAGER REGARDING THE MATTER, AND MADE THEM REALIZE THAT THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE FOR THE FUEL TANK TO BE SO FRAGILE AND OBVIOUSLY NOT DURABLE THAT IT CAN BE RUPTURED SO EASILY DURING NORMAL FREEWAY TRAFFIC.  SINCE THIS IS A 4-WHEEL DRIVE, IT SHOULD BE ABLE TO GO OFF-ROADING AND INTO MOUNTAINS WHICH COULD CONTAIN ROCKY ROADS OR DIFFICULTY DRIVING CONDITIONS AND THAT I EXPECT THE CAR TO WITHSTAND THE DRIVE.  THE PUT IT INTO MY RECORD.  I WENT TO PICK UP MY CAR FROM THE DEALERSHIP YESTERDAY AND MERCEDES DECIDED TO COVER ALL MY EXPENSES THIS TIME, SO I DID NOT HAVE TO PUT IN A CLAIM.  I AM WONDERING IF THIS IS A COMMON OCCURANCE WITH THIS MODEL AND THE FUEL TANK.   PLEASE RESEACH AND LET ME KNOW AS I DO NOT WANT TO BE GOING THROUGH THIS AGAIN.  THANK YOU, [XXX].  *AK    INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).  *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":763201,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"04/24/2002","dateComplaintFiled":"06/18/2002","vin":"4JGAB54E1YA","components":"ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE","summary":"ON 04/24/02 MY CAR STARTED STALLING OUT AND NOT STARTING.  IT WAS TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP.THE FUEL PUMP, FUEL LINE, AND FUEL FILTER WERE REPAIRED BY 04/25/02.A TERRIBLE FUEL SMELL TOOK OVER THE CAR AND I RETURNED IT ON 04/26/02.IT WAS REPAIRED AND RETURNED TO ME ON 4/30/02.IT STARTED BREAKING DOWN AGAIN ON 05/05/02 AND I TOOK IT IN ON 05/06/02.THEY HAD IT FOR 10 DAYS (UNTIL 05/16/02) AND IT BROKE DOWN OUT OF TOWN ON 05/25/02 WHERE IT REMAINED FOR 21 DAYS (UNTIL 06//15/02).IT THEN BROKE DOWN ON THE DRIVE HOME (05/15/02)AND I TOOK IT TO THE SHOP TWO DAYS LATER (05/17/02, DEALERSHIP CLOSED).ALL OF THE PROBLEMS ARE DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE FUEL INJECTORS, FUEL PUMP AND THE ENTIRE SYSTEM RELATED TO THIS BUT I HAVE A 2 YEAR OLD UNRELIABLE MERCEDES BENZ I AM NOW PAYING TO REPAIR.I HAVE CONTACTED MERCEDES BENZ USA AND THEY HAVE BEEN SUPPORTIVE OF THE SERVICE DEPARTMENTS' REPAIRS BUT I BELIEVE I HAVE A CAR I CAN'T SELL, TRADE IN OR DRIVE NOW AND I PAID $38,000. FOR IT A YEAR AGO.PLEASE INSTRUCT ME ON THE BEST PLAN OF ACTION AT THIS POINT.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":8010642,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"05/10/2002","dateComplaintFiled":"05/29/2002","vin":"4JGABB54E2Y","components":"STEERING","summary":"WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER MADE A RIGHT HAND TURN AND  STEERING BECAME VERY HARD TO TURN, CONSUMER HIT A CURVE.  TOOK  VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THEY STATED THAT HOSE  CARRYING  POWER STEERING FLUID BROKE. CONSUMER FEELS THIS IS DANGEROUS IF TRAVELING ON  HIGHWAY.  PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":8010644,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":true,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":1,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"05/24/2002","dateComplaintFiled":"05/29/2002","vin":"4JGAB54E8YA","components":"AIR BAGS","summary":"WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH  CONSUMER WAS HIT ON DRIVE SIDE AND VEHICLE FLIPPED OVER.  UPON IMPACT,  NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK  *TT","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":762114,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"05/10/2002","dateComplaintFiled":"05/21/2002","vin":"4JGAB54E2YA","components":"STEERING","summary":"WHILE I WAS MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL \"LOCKED.\"  I PUT THE WORD \"LOCKED\" IN QUOTES, BECAUSE THE HOSE SYSTEM TO THE POWER STEERING BROKE AND THE POWER WAS LOST.  A MERCEDES M-CLASS IS A HEAVY VEHICLE, AND I WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL.  I WAS LUCKY.  THERE WAS NO PERSON OR CAR TO THE RIGHT OF US AND I DROVE THE CAR INTO THE RIGHT HAND CURB.  THIS HAPPENED IN 4/02.  THE CAR WAS TOWRED TO W.I. SIMONSON, A MERCEDES DEALORSHIP IN SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA.  THE CAR WAS RETURNED TO ME AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED A COUPLE OF WEEKS LATER ON MAY 10, 2002.  THIS TIME I WAS BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL FROZE AND I COULD SEE BROWN FLUID IN A BIG PUDDLE.  IT WAS TOWED AGAIN TO THE SAME DEALERSHIP AND I WAS TOLD THE PROBLEM WAS EITHER 1)SOMETHING DEFECTIVE WITH THE METAL PIECE ATTACHED TO THE HOSE; OR 2) A DEFECTIVE CLAMP WHICH DID NOT HOLD THE HOSE TO THEPIPE.   ANYHOW, I AM VERY WORRIED ABOUT DRIVING THIS CAR.  I KNOW I WAS LUCKY.  I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED/INJURED OR KILLED/INJURED SOMEONE ELSE IF THE FAILURES HAD NOT HAPPENED IN SUCH SAFE PLACES.  I NOTICE ONE OTHER STEERING WHEEL FAILURE LISTED FOR THE 2000 MERCEDES ML320.  THANK YOU.*AK","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":762114,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"05/10/2002","dateComplaintFiled":"05/21/2002","vin":"4JGAB54E2YA","components":"STEERING","summary":"WHILE I WAS MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL \"LOCKED.\"  I PUT THE WORD \"LOCKED\" IN QUOTES, BECAUSE THE HOSE SYSTEM TO THE POWER STEERING BROKE AND THE POWER WAS LOST.  A MERCEDES M-CLASS IS A HEAVY VEHICLE, AND I WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL.  I WAS LUCKY.  THERE WAS NO PERSON OR CAR TO THE RIGHT OF US AND I DROVE THE CAR INTO THE RIGHT HAND CURB.  THIS HAPPENED IN 4/02.  THE CAR WAS TOWRED TO W.I. SIMONSON, A MERCEDES DEALORSHIP IN SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA.  THE CAR WAS RETURNED TO ME AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED A COUPLE OF WEEKS LATER ON MAY 10, 2002.  THIS TIME I WAS BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL FROZE AND I COULD SEE BROWN FLUID IN A BIG PUDDLE.  IT WAS TOWED AGAIN TO THE SAME DEALERSHIP AND I WAS TOLD THE PROBLEM WAS EITHER 1)SOMETHING DEFECTIVE WITH THE METAL PIECE ATTACHED TO THE HOSE; OR 2) A DEFECTIVE CLAMP WHICH DID NOT HOLD THE HOSE TO THEPIPE.   ANYHOW, I AM VERY WORRIED ABOUT DRIVING THIS CAR.  I KNOW I WAS LUCKY.  I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED/INJURED OR KILLED/INJURED SOMEONE ELSE IF THE FAILURES HAD NOT HAPPENED IN SUCH SAFE PLACES.  I NOTICE ONE OTHER STEERING WHEEL FAILURE LISTED FOR THE 2000 MERCEDES ML320.  THANK YOU.*AK","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":8010144,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"03/04/2002","dateComplaintFiled":"05/20/2002","vin":"4JGAB54E8YA","components":"STEERING","summary":"WHILE DRIVING, POWER STEERING BECOMES VERY ERRATIC, WHICH MAKES VEHICLE VERY HARD TO MANUVER. TOOK TO DEALER. PROBLEN HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED AS OF YET. *AK  DEALER WAS WELL AWARE OF PROBLEM AND REPLACED A LEAKING POWER STEERING HOSE.   *TT","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":8003598,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"02/05/2002","dateComplaintFiled":"02/05/2002","vin":"PLEASE FILL","components":"SEAT BELTS","summary":"BOTH FRONTAL SEAT BELTS WOULD CONTINUE TO LOCK UP WHILE DRIVING.  BOTH SEAT BELTS WERE REPLACED / SERVICED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS BY  DEALER.  BUT,  PROBLEM STILL REOCCURRING. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":8002853,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"01/19/2002","dateComplaintFiled":"01/24/2002","vin":"","components":"TIRES","summary":"WHILE DRIVING 70MPH ON  HIGHWAY STEERING WHEEL WAS HARD TO STEER.   CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SHOULDERS,   AND THEN HE NOTICED THAT  RIGHT FRONT TIRE THREAD STARTED SEPARATING AND SMOKING.   DEALERSHIP  WAS AWARE OF  PROBLEM.*AK","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":8001864,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"12/05/2001","dateComplaintFiled":"01/09/2002","vin":"ADD","components":"STEERING","summary":"WHILE TURNING LEFT AT 15 MPH  STEERING LOCKED, DRIVER WAS  WAS UNABLE TO TURN STEERING WHEEL. ON DEC 20, 2001 WHILE TURNING LEFT AT 30 MPH STEERING LOCKED AGAIN. VEHICLE TAKEN TO DEALER BOTH TIMES, CONSUMER WAS TOLD VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, NOT WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS.  *AK","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":753343,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"06/19/2001","dateComplaintFiled":"10/17/2001","vin":"4JGAB54E2YA","components":"ELECTRICAL SYSTEM","summary":"SUBMITTED BY COUNSEL: STEVEN D. BARNHART,  FORD & BARNHART, LLP; 6111 PEACHTREE DUNWOODY RD., BLDG. G, SUITE 100, ATLANTA, GEORGIA, 30328; 404-237-2155, 404-352-0118.  THIS PROBLEM IS REPORTEDLY WIDESPREAD AMONG THE M-CLASS PRODUCT LINES.  SPECIFICALLY, THE IGNITION/KEY CONTACT DESIGN IS SUCH THAT THE VEHICLE WILL TURN ITSELF OFF IF THE CAR HITS A BUMP IN THE ROAD.  ACCORDING TO THE DEALER, THIS IS ATTRIBUTABLE TO ADDITIONAL WEIGHT CREATED BY THE PRESENCE OF OTHER KEYS ON THE KEY CHAIN.  ADDITIONALLY,  IF THE KEY IS MERELY TAPPED DURING OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE WILL TURN ITSELF OFF, EVEN WITH NO OTHER KEYS ON THE KEYCHAIN.  SHUTDOWN CAN OCCUR AT ANY SPEED, AND HAS OCCURRED AT NORMAL ROADWAY SPEEDS.  *AK","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":748007,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"06/16/2001","dateComplaintFiled":"07/06/2001","vin":"4JGAB54E9YA","components":"TIRES","summary":"BOTH FRONT AND REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRES EASILY SUFFERED SIDEWALL CUTS BY A TREE BRANCH; W/ NO PRO-RATA WARRANTY APPLIED TO NEW TIRES PURCHASED BECAUSE NATIONAL TIRE AND BATTERY SAID SIDEWALL DAMAGE IS NOT COVERED UNDER GENERAL'S WARRANTY - TIRES SHOULD NOT SPLIT WITH NORMAL DRIVING AT 10 MPH AND NO PREVIOUS ACCIDENTS OR MISHAPS AFFECTING THE TIRE - ALSO WHEN PAVEMENT IS WET BACK END LOSES TRACTION FOR A SECOND AND CAR SLIDES SIDEWAYS AND I'M NOT SURE IF IT IS THE TIRES OR THE VEHICLE - BUT I AM CONCERNED THESE TIRES COULD PROVE DANGEROUS AT NORMAL HIGHWAY SPEEDS. *AK (TIRESIZE: 25565S16)","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":890563,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":null,"dateComplaintFiled":"06/18/2001","vin":"","components":"STEERING","summary":"GOING ABOUT 30 MPH AND COMING TO TURNING LANE, DECIDED NOT TO TURN.  STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AS TRYING TO GET BACK INTO TRAFFIC, AND ALMOST GOT REARENDED BY A TRUCK.  CONSUMER STATED THAT STEERING WHEEL LOCKED WHEN MAKING A TURN/ PARKING OR SWITCHING LANES. GIVES NO PRIOR WARNING.THIS HAPPENED ON AND OFF. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND HAD  RACK AND PINION  STEERING  REPLACED. .TOOK VEHICLE BACK TO DEALER, AND DEALER COULD NOT LOCATE A PROBLEM. PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. PROVIDE VIN. *AK","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":560882,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":null,"dateComplaintFiled":"04/23/2001","vin":"4JGAB54E2YA","components":"SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC","summary":"CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE AND WAS ADVISED THAT BRAKES WERE NEEDED, MECHANIC ADVISED CONSUMER THAT IT IS NORMAL TO REPLACE BRAKES ON THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE EVERY TEN TO FIFTEEN THOUSAND MILES.        *JB","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":882645,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"06/01/2000","dateComplaintFiled":"03/09/2001","vin":"FILL IN","components":"SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC","summary":"CONSUMER COMPLAINED REGARDING BRAKE SYSTEM  OPERATING POORLY.  THERE  WAS NO PRESSURE BEHIND BRAKE PEDAL.  CONSUMER HAS TAKEN  VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP, AND HAS REPLACED  BOOSTER ONCE ,AND THE MASTER CYLINDER TWICE.  PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS.*AK","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":876711,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":null,"dateComplaintFiled":"12/19/2000","vin":"4JGAB54E7YA","components":"ELECTRICAL SYSTEM","summary":"VEHICLE WILL DIE WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING, RESULTING IN UNSAFE SITUATION.PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.   *AK","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":872945,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"10/10/2000","dateComplaintFiled":"10/13/2000","vin":"4JGAB54E3YA","components":"POWER TRAIN","summary":"WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 65 MPH ENGINE STALLED.  AFTER SHIFTING TO NEUTRAL DRIVER WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE.  VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED BACK TO DRIVE, TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT REENGAGE.  DRIVER HAD TO SLOWDOWN TO A STOP BEFORE TRANSMISSION WOULD REENGAGE  IN DRIVE AGAIN. DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN CONTACTED ABOUT THE PROBLEM.  *AK","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":870897,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"09/05/2000","dateComplaintFiled":"09/19/2000","vin":"FILL IN","components":"FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE","summary":"WOULD BE DRIVING VEHICLE WHEN IT WOULD STOP SUDDENLY WITHOUT WARNING. WAS AT GAS STATION & HAD TURNED VEHICLE OFF & PUT FUEL IN VEHICLE. HAD TRIED TO RESTART VEHICLE WHICH DID NOT START. TOOK TO DEALER.  FUEL PUMP WOULD GO INTO A VAPOR LOCK. FUEL IS NOT GETTING TO PROPER CHANNELS.  FUEL PUMP HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE FOR SAME PROBLEM.   *AK","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":731192,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"09/01/2000","dateComplaintFiled":"09/12/2000","vin":"4JGAB54E1YA","components":"PARKING BRAKE","summary":"THIS VEHICLE FREELY ROLLS IN REVERSE ON ANY STEEP INCLINE. I HAVE HAD VEHICLES THAT MIGHT DRIFT BACK ON A INCLINE, BUT THIS SUV FREELY ROLLS BACKWARDS. ANY AUTOMOBILE THAT MIGHT BE CLOSE BEHIND, YOU STAND THE GOOD CHANCE OF DRIFTING BACK INTO IT BEFORE YOU CAN ACCELERATE TO GO FORWARD. I FIND THE DANGER OF HOLDING MY VEHICLE WITH MY LEFT FOOT, KEEPING MY RIGHT FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR TO SIMUTANEOUSLY ACCELERATE WHILE RELEASING THE BRAKE. THE MERCEDES DEALERSHIP STATES THIS IS NORMAL FOR THIS VEHICLE, IF IT IS THEN I WOULD THINK IT MIGHT ALSO BE A SAFETY ISSUE. I OWN A 1990 MERCEDES 300SEL AND I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM. I LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR ANALYSIS OF THIS PROBLEM, MEANWHILE I WILL AVOID AS MANY INCLINES OF POSSIBLE.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":730645,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"05/20/2000","dateComplaintFiled":"09/07/2000","vin":"4JGAB72E6YA","components":"FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE","summary":"DEALER TRIED TO FIX THE SQUEELING NOICE FROM FUEL PUMP AREA \"L.R. TIRE AREA\"","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":727506,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":true,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":1,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"07/02/2000","dateComplaintFiled":"08/10/2000","vin":"4JGAB54E3YA","components":"VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL","summary":"MERCEDES MODEL ML320 WAS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY; UPON SWITCHING TO REVERSE, SUDDEN UNITENTIONAL ACCELERATION RAFTER SUA, DRIVER UNABLE TO CONTROL VEHICLE; CRASHED REAR OF CAR INTO TREE ACROSS THE STREET.*AK","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":727327,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":null,"dateComplaintFiled":"08/09/2000","vin":"4JGAB54E1YA","components":"VISIBILITY,AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS","summary":"THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD SEVERE MAUNFACTRUING DEFECTS IN THE ENITE SRS ( SAFETY RESTRAINT SYSTEM). THESE DEFECTS ARE ON-GOING. TO DATE, THE MANUFACTRUER HAS NOT COMPLIED WITH 2 WRTTEN REQUETS VIA CERTIFIED MAIL TO REPLACE THE VEHILCE OR TO REFUND THE PURCHASE PRICE. A FRIEND WHO PURCHASED AN S-CLASS CAR THE SAME WEEK HAS HAS SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH THE SRS SYSTEM OF HIS MERCEDES.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":866338,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":true,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"07/26/2000","dateComplaintFiled":"07/31/2000","vin":"PLEASE FILL","components":"SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC","summary":"WHILE DRIVING  BRAKING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING  BRAKES TO LOCK UP, RESULTING IN  A CRASH.  PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.  *AK","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":862210,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":null,"dateComplaintFiled":"05/19/2000","vin":"","components":"ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING","summary":"INTERMITTENTLY WHEN VEHICLE GOES OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD IT STALLS OUT AND DIES.  DEALER HAS INSPECTED  VEHICLE, AND HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.  *AK","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":722018,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":true,"numberOfInjuries":1,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"04/26/2000","dateComplaintFiled":"04/27/2000","vin":"4JGAB74E9YA","components":"FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE","summary":"PLASTIC FUEL TANK \"CRACKED\" OPEN SPILLING GAS. *AK","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":857878,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":null,"dateComplaintFiled":"03/03/2000","vin":"4JGAB54E2YA","components":"STRUCTURE","summary":"ACTUATOR FOR DOOR LOCKS HAS FAILED , CAUSING LOCKS TO UNLOCK, RESULTING IN SAFETY HAZARD. PART ARE NOT AVAILABLE ,BACK ORDERED .  *AK","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2000","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"ML320","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]}]}