{"count":114,"message":"Results returned successfully","results":[{"odiNumber":11557470,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":true,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"11/14/2023","dateComplaintFiled":"11/29/2023","vin":"WDBSK75F63F","components":"ELECTRICAL SYSTEM","summary":"To who may this concerned, I have a 2003 Mercedes SL500 and recently found my battery control module caught on fire and burnt a section of my car. I have tried reaching out to Mercedes directly first and they said the car is 20 years ago and it could have not be a manufactured defect. Please I need help this problem could\u2019ve burn down my house or while I was driving. Mercedes requested I send them a letter in writing if I have to get the car inspected. Please setup and date so I can write them this is 100% liability on their brand as there is no schedule maintenance for a battery control module.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":11556968,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"11/27/2023","dateComplaintFiled":"11/27/2023","vin":"WDBSK75F33F","components":"ELECTRICAL SYSTEM","summary":"I am concerned with the battery control module. I have noticed there has been a lot of incidents out there where the battery control module in the SL 500s have caught fire! I am concerned for my safety due to this defect!","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":11557042,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":true,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"03/15/2023","dateComplaintFiled":"11/27/2023","vin":"WDBSK74F43F","components":"ELECTRICAL SYSTEM","summary":"The battery control module (known as the BCM or BNS) failed, triggering a fire. The incident occurred while the vehicle was parked in a garage and had not been operated for several weeks. The fire consumed the module, insulation on wiring connected to and close to the module, part of the trunk lining material, and burned through a total of five hydraulic lines (retractable roof hydraulics).   It appears that the trunk seal limited air to the point that the fire was self extinguished. This is the only thing that saved the attached garage and house. The vehicle valued at $30,000 was determined to be a total loss due to the extensive repairs required to restore it to an operating condition.    I have since joined a Facebook group \"Mercedes BNS/BCM Fires\" that has nearly 1000 members and found that this is a common issue with the Mercedes R230 model and fires have occurred dozens if not hundreds of times. We have determined that the module has undergone numerous changes, but there is no confirmation that any are safe. Mercedes refuses to provide guidance or solutions to this issue and apparently has no regard for the safety of current owners.    I have retained the failed module, wiring, hydraulic lines, and burned portion of the trunk lining. It is available for inspection or analysis.   I am a mechanical engineer with over 35 years experience in the automotive and industrial areas.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL55","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":11540123,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"08/01/2023","dateComplaintFiled":"08/22/2023","vin":"WDBSK75F43F","components":"SUSPENSION","summary":"The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the ABC warning light illuminated. Additionally, the message \"Drive Carefully\" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the ABC tandem pump, struts, and hoses needed to be replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they did not provide service for older vehicles. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":11519614,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":true,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"04/28/2023","dateComplaintFiled":"04/29/2023","vin":"WDBSK74F43F","components":"ELECTRICAL SYSTEM","summary":"It appears the BCM (Battery Control Module) caught fire and burned a significant portion of the trunk and associated wiring.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL55","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":11519426,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"04/01/2023","dateComplaintFiled":"04/28/2023","vin":"WDBSK74F83F","components":"UNKNOWN OR OTHER","summary":"My car (the SL55 and all SL models) has a \"Battery Control Module\" (BCM) also referred to as the \"Battery Stabilization Control Load Module\" which shows signs of imminent failure which will lead to a meltdown or fire. I inspected the module after finding that this was a common problem with these cars online. This model of car has been documented to completely catch on fire, even when parked after driving. I have pictures of the burnt board inside my BCM. I am very concerned as it could literally burn my house down. The typical warning for this issue is a red colored warning on the dash LCD display, however I didn't have that warning as my unit is apparently still functioning even though it's compromised.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL55","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":11486932,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"05/01/2017","dateComplaintFiled":"09/28/2022","vin":"WDBSK75F93F","components":"SUSPENSION","summary":"ABC (Active Body Control) light keeps coming on and body goes up and down when I drove car.  Light says do not drive.  Mercedes would not take responsibility for this in spite there are so many complaints about this.  Really irresponsible by Mercedes.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":11474844,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"07/19/2022","dateComplaintFiled":"07/20/2022","vin":"WDBSK75F53F","components":"SUSPENSION","summary":"I was driving my car at 45 mph and suddenly, unexpectedly a red light flashed ABC do not drive. Smoke was coming from under the car and the front end of the vehicle collapsed downwardly. I had to call for a tow truck to take my vehicle to the MB dealership. I'm I am waiting for the prognosis. I've had numerous issues with the All Body Control system. Expensive repairs in the $3000-$8000 range. This is a safety issue the breakdown happens abruptly and I was fortunate other cars weren't on the parkway with me. Otherwise a crash could gave occurred.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":11474801,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"07/05/2022","dateComplaintFiled":"07/19/2022","vin":"WDBSK75F03F","components":"SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC","summary":"The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact depressed the brake pedal firmly however, the vehicle failed to respond. The parking brake was activated however, the vehicle failed to respond as designed. The contact was however able to pull over and eventually the vehicle came to a complete stop. The vehicle was towed. The dealer and the manufacturer were contacted and stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 05V133000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The failure mileage was 126,000. The consumer stated the part put on the vehicle for the recall was a defective part and not installed correctly.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":11456885,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"02/14/2022","dateComplaintFiled":"03/15/2022","vin":"WDBSK75F83F","components":"FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM","summary":"The 2003 SL500 with seemingly no instigating incident or event had the gas tank baffle come apart due to the poor and faulty design of this component. This baffle now is loose and floats on the gas in the gas tank, banging around when there is acceleration or deceleration, even turning sometimes causes it to bang around. Speed bumps are another source of loud banging from the baffle bumping into the sides of the tank. The issue with 2003 SL500's is ubiquitous, it is not a question of what percentage of them will experience as it appears it will happen to this vehicle at some point due to the poor design and implementation of the baffle. This wouldn't be such a big problem if this was a minor repair and was a reasonable price to have a shop perform or for the more mechanically inclined owner to perform themselves, but it is a ridiculously complex and time-consuming job just to get to the gas tank and take it off. My mechanic told me it is akin to taking the transmission or engine out and as such labor is outstandingly and outrageously expensive with this job requiring approximately $2000-$2500 to perform according to my mechanic and other SL500 owners who have also had to deal with this issue. This is an issue that you may not experience if you don't own one of these vehicles for long enough, but the vehicle will have this problem during it's lifetime and Mercedes should be responsible for allowing such a design to make it into production.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":11445617,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"08/21/2021","dateComplaintFiled":"12/30/2021","vin":"WDBSK75F43F","components":"SUSPENSION","summary":"The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, the following day he noticed that the front of the vehicle was lowered down. The contact stated that the car was too low a warning light was illuminated. The contact stated while starting the vehicle and taking his foot off the brake pedal, the vehicle would raise up independently and would be able to drive to his destination. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the front strap suspension to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,500.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":11430048,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"03/29/2021","dateComplaintFiled":"08/22/2021","vin":"WDBSK75F63F","components":"STEERING,SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN","summary":"It has been nearly two years I have stopped driving my 2003 Mercedes SL500, although I only have about 80,000 miles on the car. This is due to ABC warning light(red display: please drive carefully)comes on intermittently and the car drives very bouncy and it feels the car has no shocks, definitely feeling it would be unsafe to drive. The diagnostic message comes up saying \"visit workshop\". This is the third time this ABC pump issue is stopping me from driving the car, since it first appeared when I had 29,000 miles on the car which was under manufacturer warranty (50,000 miles or four years) and the dealership replaced the ABC pump and also replaced the engine mounts.  The ABC red light appeared again when I had about 51,000 miles on the car. It happened also the engine mounts were in need of replacement again. As the Warranty was only for 50,000 miles, Mercedes refused to repair the ABC pump and the engine mounts under warranty and finally I agreed to a 50% cost to me to have repairs done. I expressed my opinion that the ABC pump and the engine mounts had engineering and manufacturing defect and they should have 50,000 miles warranty as the original warranty, from the time of replacement. Regrettably, same ABC malfunction and engine mounts became an issue at 78,000 miles and now the dealer and Mercedes refuse to replace the ABC pump and engine mounts under warranty and have given an estimate of $7336.36 for the necessary replacement of parts, including labor, but excluding taxes. To divert attention from ABC pump, the dealer is now referring to the problem as \"power Steering pump\"I have extensively researched the issues and it appears the mentioned problems with my car are prevailing issues with other Mercedes 2003 SL 500, and there are 100's of owners who feel Mercedes is not taking responsibility for replacement and repair of these defective parts under warranty. My car is unsafe to drive. There should be a recall by Mercedes to fix these dangerous to drive cars.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":11414395,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"01/01/2018","dateComplaintFiled":"04/29/2021","vin":"","components":"STEERING","summary":"TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE ACTIVE BODY CONTROL (ABC) WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT PARKED THE VEHICLE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN UNKNOWN MERCEDES-BENZ DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ACTIVE BODY CONTROL (ABC) NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 95,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":11337602,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"06/25/2020","dateComplaintFiled":"07/06/2020","vin":"WDBSK75F83F","components":"FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM","summary":"HEARING CLANGING, THUMP NOISE BETWEEN SEATS AND TRUCK, TOOK IT TO A REPAIR SHOP AND WAS ADVISED IT IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS MODEL - PROBLEM WITH BAFFLE IN THE TANK AND  MIGHT HAVE COME OFF, SEARCHED ON-LINE AND FOUND HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS FOR THE SAME ISSUE, WAS THIS EVER ADDRESSED BY MB AND RECALLED?","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":11267359,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"10/01/2019","dateComplaintFiled":"10/09/2019","vin":"WDBSK75FX3F","components":"SUSPENSION","summary":"MY CAR IS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500. THE ABC LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON AND THE CARS SUSPENSION CONTINUES TO RAISE AND FALL. MANY TIMES ONE SIDE HIGHER THAN THE OTHER AND NOT EVENLY. IN 2013 I HAD A SIMILAR PROBLEM AND ENDED UP COSTING ROUGHLY $3200. OBVIOUSLY, THIS IS AN UNSAFE MECHANICAL ISSUE. AFTER REVIEWING YOU SITE FOR RECALLS ON MB 2003 SL500, IT APPEARS THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM ON MY MODEL YEAR AND CAR. AFTER SPEAKING TO MB OF SARASOTA AND MBUSA IT WAS VIN# SPECIFIC AND MY VIN WASNT INCLUDED. I AM VERY CONFUSED HOW THIS DOESNT COVER MY VEHICLE. NHTSA CAAMPAIGN NUMBER : 08V405000. OBVIOUSLY, THIS SHOULD NOT BE VIN SPECIFIC AS MY CAR HAS THIS PROBLEM FOR THE SECOND TIME AND VERY EXPENSIVE TO CORRECT. IT IS A DANGEROUS MECHANICAL DEFECT THAT MB SHOULD TAKE CARE OF. ANY HELP WOULD BE APPRECIATED.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":11230269,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"02/05/2018","dateComplaintFiled":"07/08/2019","vin":"WDBSK75F83F","components":"ELECTRICAL SYSTEM","summary":"SOMETIMES WHEN I START THE CAR  THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH WILL NOT COME ON AND NONE OF THE GAUGES WORK ! THEN I TURN IT OFF AND BACK ON AGAIN AND IT WORKS!  ALSO WHEN I'M DRIVING AND HIT A LITTLE BUMP ON THE FREEWAY AND ROAD THE DASH LIGHTS TURN RED AND SAYS DRIVE CAREFULLY THEN 2 SECONDS LATER GOES BACK TO NORMAL!","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":11196858,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"04/04/2019","dateComplaintFiled":"04/17/2019","vin":"WDBSK75FX3F","components":"SUSPENSION","summary":"THE ABC SUSPENSION SYSTEM FAILS WHILE DRIVING CAUSING SUSPENSION TO LOWER AND VEHICLE IS DIFFICULT TO HANDLE. THE FRONT END IS SPONGY AND DIPS UP AND DOWN. RED WARNING DO NOT DRIVE ILLUMINATES. VERY UNSAFE.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":11165574,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"06/10/2011","dateComplaintFiled":"01/03/2019","vin":"WDBSK75F13F","components":"SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)","summary":"MERCEDES BENZ 2003 SL 500. IN 2011 WITH 34,000 MILES ON ENGINE, WHILE DRIVING  ON HIGHWAY HEARD LOUD NOISE HAD TO PULL OVER QUICKLY BECAUSE FRONT OF CAR DROPPED RUBBING ON TIRES WHICH RESULTED IN ONE BLOWN OUT TIRE AND HAD CAR TOWED TO NEAREST DEALERSHIP, THANK GOD CUZ INNOCENT PEOPLE OR MYSELF COULD HAVE BEEN HURT SERIOUSLY, THIS WAS A $5,000 JOB . 2014 WITH 45,000 MILES ON ENGINE WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY I HEARD AGAIN THAT DISTINCTIVE LOUD SOUND WHICH RESULTED IN LEFT SIDE OF CAR DROPPED RUBBING ON TIRES, FENDER AND TIRE WAS DAMAGED HAD CAR TOWED TO NEAREST MB DEALERSHIP. HYDRAULIC FLUID PROBLEMS HAS PLAGUE THIS QUALITY SERIES CAR .  THIS UNFORTUNATE EVENT COST ME $9,800.00 BECAUSE I ALSO HAD TO REPAIR THE ROOF AS IT IS A CONVERTIBLE AND HYDRAULICS PLAYS AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE OPERATIONS OF THE ROOF .  2018 WITH 60,000 MILES ON ENGINE,  WHILE DRIVING IN THE CITY, I HEARD LOUD THUD UNDER CAR I QUICKLY SWERVE OFF ROAD TO SAFE SPOT CUZ I KNEW THERE WAS A PROBLEM AGAIN, THE RIGHT SIDE OF CAR DROPPED WITH FLUID SPRAYING OUT , CAR THEN STARTED  RESTING ON FRONT AND REAR TIRES WITH HYDRAULIC FLUID SPRAYED EVERY WHERE ,HAD THIS PROBLEM FIXED COST WAS $2,000 . FEW MONTHS AFTER THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED AGAIN . THIS CAR THAT I LOVE SO MUCH HAS BEEN SITTING IN MY GARAGE BECAUSE CAR CANT BE DRIVEN AND THE FRONT END / BODY OF CAR IS RESTING ON BOTH TIRES LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE . I AM MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY DRAINED AND ALSO MY POCKETS . MERCEDES BENZ CORP. IS FULLY AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE OF THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS FROM OWNERS JUST LIKE MYSELF . AS A MULTI MILLION DOLLAR COMPANY THEY SHOULD HAVE TAKEN THE RESPONSIBILITY OF A RECALL IN GOOD FAITH TO ASSIST US , AFTER ALL THEY WOULD NOT BE WHERE THEY ARE TODAY WITHOUT US CUSTOMERS . MERCEDES BENZ CORP. WILLFULLY AND INTENTIONALLY IS KEEPING A BLIND EYE TO THIS BIG PROBLEM WHILE WE THE CUSTOMERS ARE BEING TAKEN ADVANTAGE OFF","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":11061280,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"01/01/2015","dateComplaintFiled":"01/08/2018","vin":"WDBSK75F53F","components":"SUSPENSION,AIR BAGS,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)","summary":"ABC AND CONVERTIBLE ARE NOT FUNCTIONING AS ITS SUPPOSED, WHILE THE CAR NOT BENN DRING NOR USING THE FEATURES. THE KEYLESS REMOTE KEY ENTRY IS NOT WORKING!","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":11057019,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"11/01/2017","dateComplaintFiled":"12/28/2017","vin":"WDBSK75F03F","components":"SUSPENSION","summary":"ABS PROBLEM MY CAR WONT GO UP OR DOWN IT IS IN THE DOWN POSITION ABS LIGHT IS ON DON T NO WHAT PROBLEM IS I BELIEVE THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":11023809,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"09/11/2017","dateComplaintFiled":"09/16/2017","vin":"WDBSK75F33F","components":"SERVICE BRAKES","summary":"WHILE DRIVING MY MERCEDES BENZ 2003 SL500 THE BRAKES BECAME DISABLED WITHOUT WARNING. IT WAS A TERRIFYING EXPERIENCE. THE FIRST MERCEDES DEALER I PHONED TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS NO KNOWN SAFETY RECALLS FOR THE BRAKES.  THE SECOND MERCEDES DEALER THAT I CONTACTED INFORMED ME ABOUT 2 RECALLS IN 2004 AND 2005.  I PHONED THE MERCEDES BENZ USA HEADQUARTERS AND SPOKE TO A CASE MANAGER WHO TOLD ME THAT MERCEDES' RESPONSIBILITY WITH THIS SAFETY ISSUE EXPIRED IN 2012.  HOW CAN A SAFETY ISSUE SUCH AS HAVING NO BRAKES WHILE DRIVING EXPIRE?  HOW CAN A CORPORATION BE ALLOWED TO WALK AWAY FROM THIS TYPE OF POTENTIALLY DEADLY SAFETY ISSUE?  THIS IS A WELL DOCUMENTED SAFETY ISSUE WITH THIS CAR.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":11010071,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"07/21/2017","dateComplaintFiled":"07/22/2017","vin":"WDBSK75F23F","components":"SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES","summary":"THIS VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH SENSOTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL THAT HAS A SERVICE THRESHOLD. WHEN THIS THRESHOLD IS REACHED THE BRAKE SYSTEM DEFAULTS TO NON POWER ASSISTED HYDRAULIC MODE TO THE FRONT WHEELS ONLY. THIS OCCURS WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNING AND RESULTS IN INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCE. I HAVE SENT A COPY OF THE MERCEDES SERVICE BULLETIN S142.46-P-0012A WHICH ADDRESSES THIS ISSUE. MERCEDES STOPPED INSTALLING THIS SYSTEM IN 2006. AT THE VERY LEAST, MERCEDES SHOULD ISSUE A MANDATORY RECALL TO INTERROGATE THESE VEHICLES WITH STAR DAS TO DETERMINE HOW CLOSE TO THE SERVICE THRESHOLD THE SBC UNIT IS AND REPLACE THEM AT THE DEALER'S EXPENSE. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED EVEN IF THE AUTOMOBILE IS OLDER","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500R","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10969321,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"03/29/2017","dateComplaintFiled":"03/29/2017","vin":"WDBSK75F73F","components":"SERVICE BRAKES","summary":"WHILE DRIVING THE CAR IN TOWN ON CITY STREETS THE SBS BRAKE SYSTEM FAILED AS I CAME TO A TURN LEAVING ME WITH NO BRAKE RESPONSE EVEN THOUGH THE DEALER SAYS IT WAS SUPPOSED TO HAVE HYDRAULIC BACK-UP TO STOP THE CAR.  I WAS ABLE TO COAST AND STOP THE CAR ONLY WITH THE EMERGENCY HAND BRAKE. THE SBS SYSTEM HAS BEEN RECALLED TWICE BY THE FACTORY BUT THERE IS STILL SOMETHING VERY WRONG WHEN A MODERN CAR HAD NO BACK-UP SYSTEM.  THESE CARS ARE DANGEROUS!  LUCKILY FOR ME THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT AND I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALER AND IT IS BEING REPAIRED.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10940037,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"01/05/2017","dateComplaintFiled":"01/05/2017","vin":"WDBSK75F93F","components":"SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC","summary":"I OWN A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL 500 AND REPLACED THE HYDRAULIC PUMP IN 2014 FOR $6400.00.  THE CAR WOULD DROP LOW (ON ONE SIDE IF PARKED FOR A FEW HOURS).  TODAY, JANUARY 5, 2017 - THE IDENTICAL PROBLEM HAPPENED AGAIN.  WHILE DRIVING, I HEARD A LOUD BURSTING SOUND AND THEN HYDRAULIC FLUID BEGAN SEEPING OUT  ALSO, THE ABC RED DASH LIGHT ILLUMINATED STATING THAT THE CAR IS \"TOO LOW TO DRIVE\".  I MANAGED TO SLOWLY DRIVE HOME (WITHOUT POWER STEERING). THIS IS A HUGE DEFECT IN MERCEDES BENZ TECHNOLOGY AND MANUFACTURING - A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT IS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY.  THIS VEHICLE IS DEFECTIVE AND DANGEROUS TO OPERATE. ALSO, CONSUMERS SHOULD NOT SPEND THOUSANDS UPON THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS ON DEFECTIVE PARTS. BY THE WAY, THIS VEHICLE HAS ALWAYS BEEN SERVICED BY MERCEDES BENZ DEALERSHIP TECHNICIANS.  I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR SUPPORT FROM THE NHTSA AS I PURSUE VIABLE RECOURSE OPTIONS. THANK YOU! *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10936250,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":true,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"10/10/2012","dateComplaintFiled":"12/19/2016","vin":"WDBSK75F73F","components":"STEERING,SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE","summary":"TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES-BENZ SL500. WHILE DRIVING INTO THE GARAGE, THE ABC PUMP WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE INSIDE THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT NOTICED A LARGE AMOUNT OF HYDRAULIC FLUID ON THE GARAGE FLOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT AND REAR AXLE VALVE LOCK, AND PRESSURE RESERVOIR FOR THE ABC SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED AND FLUSHED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V263000 (SUSPENSION, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,620.   *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10920135,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"07/09/2015","dateComplaintFiled":"10/31/2016","vin":"WDBSK75F53F","components":"SUSPENSION,AIR BAGS,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)","summary":"SUSPENSION DROPS OVERNIGHT AND HAS DROPPED WHILE IN MOTION ON THE EXPRESSWAY. RED WARNING TO LIMIT SPEED CONSTANTLY COMES ON ESPECIALLY IF LOW ON  FLUID AND ON BUMPS. THE DEALER CANNOT ISOLATE THE CAUSE OF PRESSURE OR EXCESSIVE HYDRAULIC FLUID LEAKS. FRONT BUMPER DAMAGED AS A RESULT. OVER $8000.00 SPENT AND PROBLEM NOT RESOLVED. NO CONFIDENCE IN THE CAR UNLESS THE SUPPLY OF FLUID IS CARRIED IN THE CAR AT ALL TIMES. DEALER WANTED $16,000.00 TO DIAGNOSE AND POSSIBLY REPAIR BUT OFFERED NO WARRANTY FOR WORK.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10865292,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"01/05/2016","dateComplaintFiled":"05/16/2016","vin":"WDBSK75F73F","components":"FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM","summary":"HERE A BANGING NOISE BEHIND THE SEAT, TOOK IT TO A MERCEDES BENZ REPAIR SHOP. THEY INFORMED ME THE FUEL TANK BAFFLE IS BROKEN FREE. HE SAID IT IS VERY COMMON ON THIS MODEL. BUT NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY OR RECALL. IT WOULD CONT ME OVER 2,500.00 TO REPAIR. DOING SOME RESEARCH ONLINE AT MBWORLD FORUM. THIS HAPPEN ON ALMOST EVERY CAR LIKE THIS. I CAN NOT AFFORD TO FIX THIS. AND I AM WORRIED THIS MIGHT BLOW UP OR SOMETHING, SINCE SOMETHING BANGING AROUND THE THE INSIDE OF THE FUEL TANK CAN NOT BE SAFE, THIS CAR RUNS ON PREMIUM GASOLINE. IT SEEMS TO HAPPEN LOUDER WHEN THE TANK IS FROM 3/4 FULL TO 1/2. IF I LET IT RUN TO LOW THE FUEL GAUGE STICKS ON EMPTY UNTIL I GO OVER A BIG BUMP. I BELIEVE THIS IS A FACTORY DEFECT AS THE CAR ONLY HAS 60,000 MILES ON IT. I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO REPLACE THE FUEL TANK ON A CAR THAT COST ABOUT 100,000.00 NEW.  BUT MORE IMPORTANT, I DO NOT FEEL THIS CAR IS SAFE TO DRIVE IN THIS CONDITION. THE DEALER STATED IT IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE, JUST AN ANNOYANCE???","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10863874,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"05/01/2016","dateComplaintFiled":"05/09/2016","vin":"WDBSK75F63F","components":"SUSPENSION","summary":"TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES-BENZ SL500. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE AS IT LOWERED TO THE GROUND. A \"TOO LOW TO DRIVE\" MESSAGE DISPLAYED ACROSS THE MESSAGE BOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ACCUMULATORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. A COMPLETE DIAGNOSTIC HAD NOT BEEN PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,000.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10862721,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"05/01/2016","dateComplaintFiled":"05/03/2016","vin":"WDBSK75F63F","components":"SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)","summary":"I WAS DRIVING AN 03 SL500 AND FROM THE START THE BATTERY LIGHT (WHITE STAYED ON) REPLACED BOTH FRONT AND BACK BATTERY AND VOLTAGE REGULATOR, NOW THE RED BATTERY LIGHT IS ON AND STAYS ON. ON LAST NIGHT, WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, I HEARD A POP, CAR DROPPED AND WARNING CAME ON SAYING CAR WAS TOO LOW AND FLUID IS LEAKING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE LOOK LIKE BY THE FRONT WHEEL. MECHANIC DID A LOT OF GUESSING AND STILL NOT FIXED.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10811960,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":true,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"12/18/2015","dateComplaintFiled":"12/23/2015","vin":"WDBSK75F43F","components":"SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE","summary":"TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, SHE SMELLED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABC AND STOP VEHICLE TOO LOW WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SCRAPE THE GROUND. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER AND NOTICED THAT IT WAS LEAKING FLUID. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. IT WAS UNKNOWN IF THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BUT THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V263000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, SUSPENSION). THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE ALSO SHOWED FAILURE SIGNS OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN: 05V133000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC).  THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,998.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10811199,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"12/15/2015","dateComplaintFiled":"12/18/2015","vin":"WDBSK75F43F","components":"SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES","summary":"TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH, THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE LOWERED AND LEAKED FLUIDS AS THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,000.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10794421,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"11/13/2015","dateComplaintFiled":"11/17/2015","vin":"WDBSK75F03F","components":"STEERING,SUSPENSION","summary":"DRIVING ALONG THE FREEWAY AT 65 MPH WHEN THE WHOLE FRONT LEFT SIDE DROPS TO WITHIN INCHES OFF THE GROUND!! MERCEDES IS WELL AWARE OF THIS LEMON FEATURE ON THERE VEHICLE AND IS SOME HOW STILL ALLOWED TO SELL THEM IN THE US, MUCH LESS NOT DO A [XXX]THING ABOUT THE LEMONS THEY HAVE SOLD.    INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).  *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10788348,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"11/03/2015","dateComplaintFiled":"11/04/2015","vin":"","components":"SUSPENSION","summary":"THIS CAR HAS HAD ABC PROBLEMS FROM DAY ONE. FIRST WE HAD HYDRAULIC LEAKS, WE REPLACED STRUTS, THEN THE PUMP WENT OUT AND HAD TO REPLACE THAT. NOW THE CAR LOWERS ON IT'S OWN WHEN EVER IT FEELS LIKE IT. IF I PARK THE CAR IT LOWERS AND WHEN I REVERSE THE LOW FRONT END WILL GET TRAPPED AND DRAG, NOW THE FRONT BUMPER IS RUINED...THIS WILL BE MY LAST MERCEDES.THEY NEED TO RECALL THIS TERRIBLE SYSTEM,.I NEVER HAVE ANY PROBLEM WITH MY LEXUS..IJS","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10785613,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"10/20/2015","dateComplaintFiled":"10/23/2015","vin":"WDBSK75F13F","components":"FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM","summary":"TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, AN ABNORMAL NOISE COULD BE HEARD IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BAFFLE IN THE FUEL TAKE FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 56,408.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10782372,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"10/15/2015","dateComplaintFiled":"10/15/2015","vin":"WDBSK75F63F","components":"ELECTRICAL SYSTEM","summary":"TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TURNING ON THE VEHICLE, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND OTHER UNKNOWN ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS FAILED TO OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10780144,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"09/01/2015","dateComplaintFiled":"10/06/2015","vin":"WDBSK75F73F","components":"SERVICE BRAKES","summary":"I HAVE A 2003 MERCEDES SL500 WITH 52000 MILES ON IT AND SUDDENLY THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT CAME UP AND THE INVESTIGATION LINKED IT TO THE SBC HYDRAULIC RECALL (2005070007). MERCEDES HAD EXTENDED THE WARRANTY ON SBS UNIT FOR 10 YEARS AND MY CAR IS NOW OUT OF THAT EXTENDED WARRANTY PERIOD. THE SBC ISSUE DID NOT OCCUR UNTIL THE CAR HAD OVER 51000 MILES. I REACHED OUT TO MERCEDES BENZ CUSTOMER CARE AND THEY WANTED ME TO TAKE THE CAR TO THE AUTHORIZED DEALER WHICH I DID AND THE DEALER'S REPORT CLEARLY STATES THAT THEY COULD NOT CONNECT TO THE SBC PUMP AND IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED IMMEDIATELY. MERCEDES BENZ CUSTOMER CARE CALLED ME BACK STATING THAT THE CAR IS OUT OF THE 10 YEAR WARRANTY PERIOD AND DOES NOT QUALIFY FOR THE REPLACEMENT. AS A MATTER OF FACT, I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE ENTIRE SBC PUMP AND ALSO STATED THAT IT WAS ONLY ON THE INSTALLATION OF BRACKET, WHICH HAPPENS TO BE ANOTHER RECALL ON THE SBC UNIT (2005110001). THE VEHICLE DOES NOT ADEQUATELY STOP DUE TO THIS FAILURE AND THE REPAIR COST TO REPLACE THE SBC UNIT AS STATED BY THE DEALER IS $1939.75. THIS IS CLEARLY A SAFETY RECALL THAT IS A CONCERN AND SO WOULD LIKE TO REQUEST NHSTA TO ADVISE.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10759416,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"08/13/2015","dateComplaintFiled":"08/26/2015","vin":"WDBSK74F73F","components":"POWER TRAIN","summary":"PLASTIC PIECE ON GEARSHIFT ASSEMBLY BROKE NOT ALLOWING CAR TO BE PLACED IN GEAR.  IS APPARENTLY A PROBLEM WITH 1000'S OF THESE CARS BASED ON INTERNET SEARCH.  CONTACTED MERCEDES AND THEY SAID NOT THEIR PROBLEM.  THEY CHARGE $1300.00 TO FIX THE PROBLEM.  THEY STATED TO SAVE MONEY ON THIS PART BEING REPLACED  TO TAKE A MALLET AND FINISH BREAKING PIECE THEREBY RENDERING CHILD SAFETY FEATURE USELESS.  APPARENTLY LOOKING AT THE INTERNET THIS IS WHAT 1000'S OF PEOPLE HAVE ALREADY DONE.  HOW MERCEDES THINKS THIS IS A NOT A SAFETY CONCERN IS BEYOND ME.   IT IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION TO ALL CHILDREN AS THEY WILL BE ABLE TO PUT CAR INTO GEAR WITH NO SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.  I CAN SEE MANY CHILDREN EVENTUALLY PUTTING THESE CARS IN GEAR AND GETTING HURT.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL55","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10745452,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"07/31/2015","dateComplaintFiled":"07/31/2015","vin":"WDBSK75F13F","components":"SUSPENSION","summary":"ABC FAILURE AT 70 MILES. RIDICULOUS FOR A CAR OF THIS PRECISE.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10692747,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"03/07/2015","dateComplaintFiled":"03/07/2015","vin":"WDBSK75F63F","components":"SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN","summary":"ABC SYSTEM FAILURE.  *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10683565,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"02/13/2015","dateComplaintFiled":"02/15/2015","vin":"WDBSK75F83F","components":"ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM","summary":"DRIVING ALONG ON 2/14/2015, I HEAR A BANGING COMING FROM THE BACK OF THE CAR. I NOTICE IT ONLY DOES IT WHEN I AM EXCELLING OR BRAKING. I THOUGHT THERE MAY BE SOMETHING IN THE TRUNK, LIKE A LIQUID WITH SOMETHING FLOATING IN IT, BANGING UP AGAINST THE SIDE OF THE CONTAINER. AFTER I PARKED, I CHECKED OUT THE BOX THAT I HAVE PUT IN THE BACK OF MY CAR. THERE WAS NOTHING THERE THAT WOULD MAKE THIS NOISE. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, I SEE THAT THERE MANY COMPLAINTS AGAINST THE BAFFLE THAT IS INSIDE THE GAS TANK THAT COMES LOSE AND BANGS THE SIDES OF THE GAS TANK. THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. I WILL TAKE MY CAR TO THE SHOP ON TUESDAY AND SEE ABOUT REPAIRS AND HAVING MB PAY FOR IT.    *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10660341,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"11/01/2014","dateComplaintFiled":"11/23/2014","vin":"WDBSK75F43F","components":"SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM","summary":"STARTED CAR AND GOT MESSAGE: \"ABC MALFUNCTION, CAR TOO LOW\". IN ACTUALITY, CAR ELEVATED. THE RIDE OF THE CAR HAS CHANGED. IT HAS A SOFT AND FLOATY FEELING COMPARED TO ITS NORMAL STIFFER RIDE.     I HAVE SEEN THE ABOVE COMPLAINT ON THE INTERNET MULTIPLE TIMES. IT SEEMS THIS IS A WIDE PROBLEM. I HAVEN'T HEARD ANY RECALLS FROM MERCEDES.  *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10653554,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"11/08/2014","dateComplaintFiled":"11/08/2014","vin":"WDBSK75F53F","components":"SUSPENSION","summary":"I BOUGHT IN FRANCE THIS VEHICLE WITHOUT DOCUMENTS ABOUT LIFE CAR (ACCIDENTS, REPAIRS ETC) SO I NEED ALL  INFORMATIONS ON MY USED CAR.  *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10644790,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"10/03/2014","dateComplaintFiled":"10/15/2014","vin":"WDBSK75FX3F","components":"STEERING","summary":"THERE IS AN EPIDEMIC OF THIS POWER STEERING / HYDRAULIC TANDEM PUMP AND POSSIBLY OTHER MODELS AT APPROXIMATELY 70,000 MILES MALFUNCTIONS AND STARTS TO LEAK AND SPREAD UP TO THREE QUARTS OF HYDRAULIC FLUID ON THE ENGINE THAT COULD CAUSE A FIRE POTENTIAL, SLIPPING OF BELTS, LOSS OF STEERING / SUSPENSION ON HYDRAULIC BALANCED CARS, AND THEN DRIP TOXIC FLUIDS ON THE HIGHWAY CAUSING OTHER POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUES.    *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10631327,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"09/02/2013","dateComplaintFiled":"09/07/2014","vin":"WDBSK75F33F","components":"FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM","summary":"I FILED THIS COMPLAINT MONTHS AGO AND HAVEN'T HEARD A WORD. THE ISSUE IS THE GAS TANK BAFFLE HAS APPARENTLY COME LOOSE FROM INSIDE THE TANK AND IS CREATING A  BANG IN THE TANK VEHICLE  IS SLOWING DOWN AND STOPPING. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT. MERCEDES SAID THEY HAVEN'T HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM BUT IN RESEARCH THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH 2003-2004 SL500. IS THERE A SAFETY PROBLEM WITH THIS BAFFLE BEING LOOSE IN THE TANK? AND WHY ISN'T THERE A RECALL?   *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10630982,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"07/01/2014","dateComplaintFiled":"09/05/2014","vin":"","components":"FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM","summary":"BAFFLE IN FUEL TANK STARTED HITTING THE SIDE OF THE TANK MAKE A NOISE WHEN FUEL TANK IS 3/4 FULL OR LESS. APPARENTLY THE BAFFLE BREAKS AT ONE END ALLOWING THE BAFFLE TO BANG AGAINST THE WALL OF THE FUEL CELL.  *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10616776,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"09/01/2013","dateComplaintFiled":"07/28/2014","vin":"","components":"ENGINE","summary":"TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL 500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING OVER A WATER PUDDLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE OIL PAN, VALVE COVER, AND ENGINE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10604251,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"06/02/2014","dateComplaintFiled":"06/25/2014","vin":"","components":"SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM","summary":"2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL 500.  CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO POSSIBLE FATAL FLAW IN VEHICLE.  *SMD  THE CONSUMER STATED, AS HE WAS BACKING OUT OF HIS DRIVEWAY, HE APPLIED THE BRAKE AND THEY FAILED. A RED LIGHT AND A SIGN INSTRUCTED HIM TO OBTAIN IMMEDIATE SERVICE. THE MECHANIC, KEPT THE VEHICLE FOR A WEEK, BUT WAS UNABLE TO ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE BRAKES. AT THE MECHANIC'S SUGGESTED, THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS THERE FOR A FEW DAYS, THE DEALERSHIP CALLED AND SAID THE PROBLEM WAS THE BATTERY HAD DIED. IT WAS A SECONDARY BATTERY WHICH SUPPLIED POWER TO EVERYTHING THAT CONSUMED ELECTRICITY, INCLUDING THE BRAKES IN HIS MODEL AND YEAR VEHICLE. SO, IF IT FAILED, SO WOULD THE BRAKES. *JB","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10594192,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"04/08/2014","dateComplaintFiled":"05/27/2014","vin":"","components":"SUSPENSION","summary":"ABC ACTIVE BODY CONTROL SYSTEM FAILED RESULTING IN A DROP ON THE DRIVER SIDE. MERCEDES MECHANIC SAID THAT THIS HAS BEEN A DEFECT AND REGULAR ISSUE WITH 2003 SL500 WHERE THERE IS EITHER A LEAK IN ONE OR MORE STRUTS OR THE PUMP FAILURE; BUT YET MERCEDES IS NOT TAKING ACCOUNTABILITY FOR THIS DEFECT. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS ON THE INTERNET, IT IS CLEAR THAT THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE NOT ONLY IN US BUT AROUND THE WORLD AND MERCEDES HAS NOT ADDRESSED THIS ISSUE BECAUSE THEY ARE MAKING THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS REPAIRING THIS DEFECT PER VEHICLE. PLEASE LOOK IN TO THIS ISSUE. JUST GOOGLE 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500 ABC AND YOU WILL SEE FOR YOURSELF HOW MANY INDIVIDUALS HAVE HAD THE ABC ISSUE.  *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10588940,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"08/21/2013","dateComplaintFiled":"05/16/2014","vin":"","components":"FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,STRUCTURE","summary":"I OWN A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500. LIKE MOST OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE, THE BAFFLE MOVES FREELY WITHIN THE GAS TANK WHICH CAUSES A NOISE AND IS POTENTIAL DANGEROUS IF A SPARK IS CREATED FROM THE BAFFLE HITTING THE INSIDE WALLS OF THE GAS TANK. FROM MY RESEARCH IT IS A MANUFACTURE ISSUE WITH THE WELDING OF THE BAFFLE TO THE INTERNAL WALL OF THE GAS TANK. THERE IS A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF COMPLAINTS AND THREADS ON MERCEDES FORUMS. PLEASE FOLLOW LINK TO SEE ALL COMPLAINTS. IT IS POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE AND ACCOUNTABILITY FROM MERCEDES BENZ USA TO NOT RECALL THE ISSUE. THERE IS OVER 20 PAGES OF COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS ISSUE AT THIS LINK:  HTTP://WWW.BENZWORLD.ORG/FORUMS/R230-SL-CLASS/1295215-SL500-NOISE-REAR-INTERIOR-WALL-GAS.HTML.  *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10588129,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"04/23/2014","dateComplaintFiled":"05/13/2014","vin":"3F017672","components":"ELECTRICAL SYSTEM","summary":"IGNITION SHUT OFF MULTIPLE TIMES OVER DAYS WHILE DRIVING CUTTING OFF ALL ELECTRICAL RADIO, BRAKES STEERING ETC HAS HAD ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS SINCE 2004 OR 2005 WITH BATTERY SUDDENLY BEING DEAD BOTH ACCESSORY BATTERY IN TRUNK AND STARTING BATTERY AND HAS HAD MANY THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS SPENT ON VARIOUS PARTS AND COMPUTERS THAT WERE SAID TO BE DRAWING DOWN THE BATTERY, ABOUT A YEAR AGO CONTACTED PRESIDENT OF MB NORTH AMERICA AND GOT NO HELP FROM CUSTOMER REP THEN LAST MONTH CAR  LEFT ME IN INTERSECTION ONE TIME AND IN EXPRESSWAY ENTRANCE LANE ANOTHER TOTALLY SHUT DOWN ALL ELECTRICAL POWER BRAKES STEERING RADIO LIGHTS ETC AND LUCKILY WASN'T KILLED ALTHOUGH DRIVERS SKIDDED AND BLEW HORN ETC. CAR THEN WOULD THEN CRANK AND FLASH RED EMERGENCY TAKE TO SHOP MESSAGE GOT IT CRANKED AND LIMPED HOME PICKED UP BY DEALER WHO COULD NOT GET IT TO CRANK OR TURN ON ANYTHING ELECTRICAL DEAD  AND THEY TOWED OFF BLAMED PROBLEM IN IGNITION KEY ASSEMBLY AND I CALLED PRESIDENT OF MB AGAIN NO HELP BILL OVER 2K HAVE LEARNED FROM COMMUNITY MB SHOP \"EVERYBODY KNOWS THAT THE 03 AND 04 SL 500 HAD THIS ELECTRICAL PROBLEM BUT MB HAS NEVER ACKNOWLEDGED IT.  I AM SURE I WOULD HAVE HAD ACCIDENT IF OTHER DRIVERS HAD NOT BEEN ALERT. THERE MUST BE SIMILAR ISSUES WITH THIS ELECTRICAL DEFECT IF THE MECHANIC IN THE COMMUNITY KNOWS OF IT.  SOUNDS JUST LIKE THE GM IGNITION PROBLEM ONLY FEWERESL500S THAN GM CARS I WOULD THINK.  *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10586788,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"04/04/2014","dateComplaintFiled":"05/06/2014","vin":"WDBSK75FX3F","components":"SERVICE BRAKES","summary":"TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, HE ATTEMPTED TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES BUT THE PEDAL SANK TO THE FLOORBOARD ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE LINES NEEDED TO BE BLED AND THE BRAKE FLUID NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ALSO, THEY ADVISED THAT THE BRAKE HYDRAULIC UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 224,679.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10586487,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"05/02/2014","dateComplaintFiled":"05/05/2014","vin":"WDBSK75FX3F","components":"SERVICE BRAKES","summary":"WHILE DRIVING AT APPROX. 20-35MPH I PRESSED THE BRAKE AND ALMOST WENT TO THE FLOOR WITH NO RESISTANCE. DASHBOARD INDICATES RED WARNING \"STOP\" BRAKE DEFECTIVE, STOP VEHICLE WITH YELLOW ABS WARNING LIGHT. AFTER I PULLED OVER, PARKED THE CAR AND SHUTTING DOWN THE ENGINE... WARNING LIGHTS, RED EMERGENCY \"BRAKE\" ILLUMINATED. AS WELL AS, REDUCED BRAKE EFFECT, START ENGINE AND FOLLOWED BY INCR BRAKING DISTANCE, START ENGINE.   *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10573543,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"03/12/2014","dateComplaintFiled":"03/19/2014","vin":"WDBSK75FX3F","components":"SERVICE BRAKES","summary":"TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500.  THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE BRAKES ABNORMALLY TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 05V133000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) BUT WAS ADVISED THAT THE RECALL REPAIR HAD BEEN PREVIOUSLY SATISFIED. THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,679.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL550","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10561822,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"01/22/2014","dateComplaintFiled":"01/28/2014","vin":"WDBSK75F13F","components":"ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES","summary":"WHILE DRIVING TO WORK, I WAS GOING ABOUT 35 MPH WHEN THE DASH LIGHTS UP RED SAYING \"SERVICE BRAKES, STOP VEHICLE, ETC\".  MY MECHANIC LOOKED OVER EVERYTHING TO DO WITH BRAKES AND COULD NOT FIX IT.  HE CALLED MERCEDES OF TALLAHASSEE AND WAS TOLD IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE THAT WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE.  IT DID HAVE A RECALL ON IT, BUT IT EXPIRED IN JULY LAST YEAR, JUST MY LUCK.  SO I GOOGLED IT AND HAVE NOW FOUND TONS OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME EXPERIENCE!  HOW CAN THE VEHICLE SAFETY ADMINISTRATION LEGALLY ALLOW MERCEDES BENZ TO CONTINUE LETTING THIS HAPPEN TO PEOPLE?  HOW MANY ACCIDENTS MUST TAKE PLACE, OR GOD FORBID DEATHS BEFORE SOMETHING IS DONE?  I HAVE NO OPTION BUT TO PAY OUT OF POCKET TO HAVE THIS PIECE OF $100K JUNK FIXED AND PRAY IT NEVER HAPPENS AGAIN!  MERCEDES BENZ AND THE VEHICLE SAFETY ADMINISTRATION BETTER PRAY THIS DOESN'T CAUSE AN ACCIDENT OR I WILL SUE THE [XXX] OUT OF BOTH!      INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).  *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10553115,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"11/12/2013","dateComplaintFiled":"11/20/2013","vin":"WDBSK75F73F","components":"SERVICE BRAKES","summary":"MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ABOUT 1/2 MILE FROM OUR HOUSE WHEN THE BRAKES COMPLETELY FAILED.  SHE WAS ON A BACK ROAD AND HAD TO BRAKE FOR A STOP SIGN.  SHE WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, TO AVOID REAR ENDING A CAR STOPPED AT THE STOP SIGN, AND FINALLY BRING THE CAR TO A STOP.  THE BRAKES STARTED TO WORK WITH ABOUT 1\" OF PEDAL FROM THE FLOOR.  SHE SAID IT WAS SO HARD TO PUSH ON THE PEDAL THAT SHE COULD BARELY DO IT.  LUCKILY SHE WAS NOT HURT. HAD THIS HAPPENED ON A MAJOR ROAD OR HIGHWAY  THE RESULTS COULD HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC.  APPARENTLY THIS WAS THE FIRST YEAR FOR A NEW BRAKING SYSTEM REFERRED TO A \"DRIVE BY WIRE\". EURO MOTORCARS IN MD INFORMED ME THAT BECAUSE MERCEDES HAD SO MUCH TROUBLE WITH THIS NEW SYSTEM THAT THEY EXTENDED THE WARRANTY FOR THIS PROBLEM FOR 10 ADDITIONAL YEARS. THE NEW EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THIS BRAKE FAILURE ISSUE WAS FOR COMPLETE PARTS AND LABOR.  I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THIS EXTENDED WARRANTY.  NO ONE AT THE DEALERSHIP, WHERE I HAVE HAD THE CAR SERVICED EXCLUSIVELY, NOTIFIED ME OF ANY WARRANTY EXTENSION FOR THIS VERY SERIOUS BRAKING FAILURE ISSUE.  I FIND THIS REPREHENSIBLE!  MY WIFE COULD HAVE KILLED.  WHY WAS SUCH A SERIOUS BRAKING ISSUE NOT MADE A RECALL INSTEAD OF \"IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WARRANTY EXTENSION\"?  AT THE VERY LEAST MERCEDES SHOULD HAVE RECALLED ALL CARS WITH THIS POTENTIAL BRAKING FAILURE.  THE PROBLEM LIES WITH THE SBC HYDRAULIC BRAKING UNIT.  THE CAR WAS TOWED TO EURO MOTORCARS WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED.  I ASKED THE SERVICE WRITER IF IT COULD BE COVERED UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY AND HE TOLD ME THAT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED THIS PAST FEBRUARY 2013. MERCEDES TOLD ME THE SAME THING.  TOUGH LUCK!  IN ADDITION TO HELPING RECOVER THIS EXPENSE OF $1593.81 PLEASE EXPLAIN TO ME WHY THIS WAS ALLOWED TO HAPPEN. NO RECALL AND NO NOTIFICATION.   SOMEONE COULD HAVE KILLED!  *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL CLASS","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10552966,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"11/19/2013","dateComplaintFiled":"11/19/2013","vin":"WDBSK75F23F","components":"SEAT BELTS","summary":"TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES-BENZ SL500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING INSPECTED BY THE DEALER, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE SRS WAS NOT OPERATING PROPERLY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 59,000.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10550685,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"04/02/2013","dateComplaintFiled":"11/03/2013","vin":"WDBSK75FX3F","components":"SUSPENSION","summary":"MY 2003 SL 500 WITH 22,500 MILES IS DANGEROUSLY UNSTEADY AND PULLS TO THE RIGHT ALSO HAS A KNOCK IN THE RIGHT REAR. I TOOK IT TO THE LOCAL DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE FLUID IN THE ABC SYSTEM FOR $300 +. IT DID NOT HELP. THEY SAY THAT THEY CAN BEGIN REPLACING PARTS IN EACH WHEEL AT $2000 PER WHEEL AND SEE IF IT WORKS, BUT NO GUARANTEE. IT APPEARS THAT THEY DON'T HAVE A CLUE. I HAVE CONTACTED MERCEDES HELP LINE BUT THEY JUST SAID TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER. I BOUGHT THIS CAR NEW IN 2003 FOR MY WIFE AND EXPECTED IT TO LAST A LONG TIME AND SHE WILL NOT DRIVE IT ANYMORE. HERE I HAVE $100,000 CAR THAT IS LIKE NEW INSIDE AND OUT THAT IS NOT DRIVABLE. MERCEDES SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF THEMSELVES FOR NOT BACKING UP THEIR PRODUCT. I HAVE HAD 9 MERCEDES STARTING WITH A 1962 DIESEL SEDAN BUT I WILL NEVER, EVER BUY ANOTHER AND I SPREAD THE WORD TO EVERYONE I SEE  INTERESTED IN BUYING AN EXPENSIVE CAR.  *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10549378,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"09/01/2012","dateComplaintFiled":"10/24/2013","vin":"WDBSK75F33F","components":"FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE","summary":"THE BAFFLE INSIDE THE GAS TANK HAS COME LOOSE AND IS HITTING THE INSIDE OF THE TANK. THE ONLY TIME IT ISN'T NOISY IS WHEN THE TANK IS FULL. AFTER CONTACTING MERCEDES OF UTAH, THEY ADVISED THEY HAVEN'T HEARD OF THE PROBLEM. I DON'T KNOW IF THERE IS A SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE BAFFLE BEING LOOSE BUT IT IS A GREAT CONCERN TO ME.  *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10533469,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"06/17/2013","dateComplaintFiled":"08/04/2013","vin":"WDBSK75F73F","components":"SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM","summary":"ADDITIONAL INFORMATION PROVIDED FOR COMPLAINT FILED 8/3/2013.    RECALL INFORMATION DETERMINED FROM:  HTTP://WWW.INTELLICHOICE.COM/1-12-2003-9821-20/2003-MERCEDES-BENZ-SL500-ROADSTER-2DR-CONVERTIBLE-RECALLS.HTML.  RECALL 03 - ID # 08V405000 - SUSPENSION    MERCEDES-BENZ RECALL NO. 2008080004    NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON INTERNET AS WELL AS NTHSA WEB SITE WITH SEARCH KEYWORDS \"ABC\", \"ACTIVE BODY CONTROL\", \"SUSPENSION\" TO INCLUDE:    DATE INVESTIGATION OPENED: AUG 14, 2007  DATE INVESTIGATION CLOSED: NOV 20, 2007  NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: PE07042  COMPONENT(S): SUSPENSION     DATE COMPLAINT FILED: 11/15/2005   COMPONENT(S): SUSPENSION DATE OF INCIDENT: 10/23/2005  NHTSA ID NUMBER: 10142714    DATE COMPLAINT FILED: 07/29/2013   COMPONENT(S): SUSPENSION DATE OF INCIDENT: 06/10/2013  NHTSA ID NUMBER: 10532452    DATE COMPLAINT FILED: 05/21/2012   COMPONENT(S): SUSPENSION DATE OF INCIDENT: 05/17/2012  NHTSA ID NUMBER: 10459146    DATE COMPLAINT FILED: 03/26/2011   COMPONENT(S): SUSPENSION DATE OF INCIDENT: 01/10/2011  NHTSA ID NUMBER: 10392937    DATE COMPLAINT FILED: 03/08/2013   COMPONENT(S): SUSPENSION DATE OF INCIDENT: 09/01/2012  NHTSA ID NUMBER: 10502119    DATE COMPLAINT FILED: 12/06/2009   COMPONENT(S): SUSPENSION DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/16/2009  NHTSA ID NUMBER: 1029464512S    DATE COMPLAINT FILED: 03/01/2010   COMPONENT(S): SUSPENSION DATE OF INCIDENT: 05/03/2009  NHTSA ID NUMBER: 10315322    DATE COMPLAINT FILED: 09/29/2010   COMPONENT(S): SUSPENSION DATE OF INCIDENT: 09/27/2010  NHTSA ID NUMBER: 10358237    DATE COMPLAINT FILED: 08/28/2008   COMPONENT(S): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM , SUSPENSION DATE OF INCIDENT: 08/27/2008  NHTSA ID NUMBER: 10240148.  *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10533348,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"04/24/2013","dateComplaintFiled":"08/03/2013","vin":"WDBSK74F73F","components":"FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE","summary":"INTERNAL GAS TANK BAFFLE HAS COME LOOSE INSIDE THE GAS TANK. THIS CAUSES A CONSISTENT AND VERY ANNOYING RATTLING SOUND.  *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL55","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10533420,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"06/17/2013","dateComplaintFiled":"08/03/2013","vin":"WDBSK75F73F","components":"SUSPENSION","summary":"IMMEDIATELY AFTER PURCHASE, NOTICED A CONSIDERABLE FRONT NOSE DROP WHILE DRIVING  ISSUE REPEATED FREQUENTLY WHILE DRIVING.  OVERNIGHT, THE VEHICLE WOULD DROP 3-4 INCHES.  TOOK VEHICLE TO REPAIR SHOP AND WATCHED AS VEHICLE \"BUCKED UP AND DOWN\" AS IF IN A LOW-RIDER SHOW.  MECHANIC STATED IT WAS A COMMON OCCURRENCE AND RECOMMENDED CHANGING SENSORS.  VEHICLE TAKEN TO MERCEDES DEALER WITH COPY OF RECALL NOTICE 08V405000.  DEALER REPLACED LEFT FRONT STRUT ($1500) INSTEAD, STATING MY VEHICLE IS NOT PART OF THIS RECALL.  STRUT REPLACEMENT ELIMINATED THE 3-4 INCH OVERNIGHT DROP, BUT THE NOSE DROP DURING DRIVING WAS NOT FIXED.  DEALER NOW WANTS TO REPLACE THE ABC SENSORS ($1200-$1500).  TO DATE, 3 OF 4 STRUTS/SHOCKS HAVE BEEN REPLACED.  CAR IS IN AN UNSAFE CONDITION.  NUMEROUS POSTS ON INTERNET REGARDING THIS ISSUE!  PLEASE HELP.  *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10532452,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"06/10/2013","dateComplaintFiled":"07/29/2013","vin":"WDBSK75F13F","components":"SUSPENSION","summary":"WE WERE DRIVING 65MPH ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN SUDDENLY OUR 2003 MB 500SL BECAME ERRATIC WITH THE SUSPENSION DROPPING DOWN ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. I WAS FORCED TO QUICKLY PULL OFF THE HIGHWAY. IT WAS A TERRIFYING EXPERIENCE AND WE WERE EXTREMELY LUCKY TO PULL OVER RIGHT AWAY WITHOUT HITTING OTHER CARS. THE CAR WAS VERY LOW TO THE GROUND ON ONE SIDE. AFTER RESTARTING THE CAR, THE SUSPENSION IMPROVED ENOUGH TO GET US HOME. ON MY DRIVE TO THE DEALERSHIP THE CAR WAS VERY LOW EVERYWHERE FORCING ME TO DRIVE 35MPH AND IT BOTTOMED OUT ON A BUMP ON THE HIGHWAY. THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED US THAT THE ABC SYSTEM PUMP HAD FAILED AND THE CAR ADDITIONALLY HAD LEAKING REAR SHOCKS. OUR CAR HAS LOW MILEAGE AND VERY LITTLE WEAR. THE DEALERSHIP QUOTED $7600 TO INSTALL A NEW PUMP, FLUSH OUT AND REPLACE THE HYDRAULIC FLUID AND INSTALL NEW REAR SHOCKS! THEY STATED THAT THIS MAY NOT COMPLETELY FIX THE ABC PROBLEM AS ADDITIONAL DAMAGE MAY HAVE OCCURRED FROM THE FAILED PUMP AND DEBRIS IN THE SYSTEM. THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS! THERE IS CLEARLY AN ONGOING AND VERY PREVALENT AND DANGEROUS DEFECT WITH THE MERCEDES BENZ ABC SYSTEM, AS IT IS HAPPENING TO SO MANY VEHICLES. THERE MUST BE A RECALL ON THESE VEHICLES. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM WHICH COULD EASILY RESULT IN MULTIPLE HIGHWAY FATALITIES. MERCEDES BENZ HAS TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR DEFECTIVE SYSTEM BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED. *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10515844,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"06/05/2013","dateComplaintFiled":"06/09/2013","vin":"","components":"FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM","summary":"BANGING NOISE INSIDE OF THE FUEL TANK.  *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10504913,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"03/28/2013","dateComplaintFiled":"03/29/2013","vin":"WDBSK75F23F","components":"STEERING","summary":"I WAS COMING TO A STOP AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT IN LEFT TURN LANE.  AT A VERY SLOW SPEED OF LESS THAN 5 MPH.   SUDDENLY MY 2003 MERCEDES BENS SL500 STEERING BECAME DISENGAGED FROM   THE FROM WHEELS. I HAD ZERO DIRECTIONAL AND TURN CONTROL OVER THE CAR.   THE CAR CROSSED THE MEDIAN YELLOW LINES.  AT THIS MOMENT NO CARS WERE PASSING BY IN THE OPPOSITE  DIRECTION.  VERY LUCKY THAT THERE WAS NO ONE TO CRASH INTO. ALSO LUCKY THE  STEERING MECHANISM BROKE AT BELOW 5 MPH INSTEAD OF FWY SPEED. THE STEERING WHEEL COULD FREELY SPIN 10+ TURN IN EACH DIRECTION, WHILE FRONT WHEELS DIRECTION WAS COMPLETELY UNCHANGED.   *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500R","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10488988,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"12/13/2012","dateComplaintFiled":"12/17/2012","vin":"WDBSK74F33F","components":"FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM","summary":"TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL55 AMG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, HE COULD HEAR SOMETHING MOVING ABNORMALLY WITHIN THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY ADVISED HIM THAT HE NEEDED TO REPLACE THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 54,000.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL55","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10488815,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"12/13/2012","dateComplaintFiled":"12/14/2012","vin":"WDBSK75F63F","components":"STEERING,SUSPENSION,WHEELS","summary":"I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AND MY ABC LIGHT VISIT WORKSHOP LIGHT CAME ON.  OK, THAT'S FINE I'LL TAKE IT TO THE SHOP TOMORROW.  WHILE ON MY WAY HOME MY CAR SUDDENLY DROPS IN HEIGHT AND A WARNING SIGN CAME ON SAYING \"STOP DRIVING, CAR TOO LOW.\"  I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED THAT MY CAR HAD MAYBE AN INCH OF CLEARANCE IN THE FRONT.  THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE IF IT FEEL ANY LOWER I WOULD BE DEAD DURING RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC.  I DROVE MY CAR TO THE SHOP AND LEFT IT THERE AND WAITED FOR A FRIEND TO PICK ME UP.  I'VE READ MANY FORUMS ON THIS PROBLEM AND IT LOOKS LIKE IT HAPPENS VERY SUDDENLY AND CAN BE A DEADLY HAZARD.  THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM.  *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10481961,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"10/14/2009","dateComplaintFiled":"10/23/2012","vin":"WDBSK75F03F","components":"SUSPENSION","summary":"TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE WAITING AT A STOP SIGN, THE VEHICLE LOWERED ITSELF ABOUT 6 INCHES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT THE HYDRAULIC VALVE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10470211,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"08/10/2012","dateComplaintFiled":"08/11/2012","vin":"WDBSK75F33F","components":"SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)","summary":"FAILURE OF ACTIVE BODY CONTROL HYDRAULIC SUSPENSION SYSTEM; PUMP AND WHEEL VALVE FAILURES RESULTING IN LOSS OF HYDRAULIC FLUID AND RESULTING LOSS OF ABILITY OF CAR TO MAINTAIN SAFE VEHICLE HEIGHT AND SAFE DRIVABLE.  *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10460041,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"05/19/2012","dateComplaintFiled":"05/30/2012","vin":"WDBSK75F03F","components":"SUSPENSION","summary":"TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500R. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING A RIGHT TURN,  THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED A LOUD METAL NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL MECHANIC WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC AND LOCATED THE FAILURE AS THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE STRUT SENSOR FAILING. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE END TO LIE ON TOP OF THE TIRE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIRS BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V405000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 59,000.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500R","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10459146,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"05/17/2012","dateComplaintFiled":"05/21/2012","vin":"","components":"SUSPENSION","summary":"TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE COLLAPSED TO THE GROUND WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE SUSPENSION WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10456195,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"04/09/2012","dateComplaintFiled":"04/23/2012","vin":"WDBSK75F33F","components":"SUSPENSION","summary":"ABC SYSTEM VALVE FAILURE THEN HIGH PRESSURE HOSES FAILED.  *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10453121,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"03/24/2012","dateComplaintFiled":"03/26/2012","vin":"WDBSK75F33F","components":"STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)","summary":"I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY WHEN THE IDLER PULLEY SIMPLY FELL OFF THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE.  OBVIOUSLY, THE BELT CAME OFF TOO.  THE VEHICLE WAS HARD TO CONTROL SINCE THE POWER STEERING STOPPED WORKING.  ADDITIONALLY, BREAKING EFFORT INCREASED, STABILITY CONTROL MALFUNCTIONED, AND A FEW OTHER NON-ESSENTIAL SYSTEMS BECAME INOPERABLE.  *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10449849,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"01/01/2003","dateComplaintFiled":"02/25/2012","vin":"WDBSK75F93F","components":"FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE","summary":"MY MERCEDES 2003 SL500 DEVELOPED BANGING NOISE IN THE GAS TANK, IN JANUARY 2010 , HAVING ABOUT 18,000 MILES, PROMPTING ME TO CALL THE DEALER. I WAS TOLD THAT THE BAFFLE BROKE OFF AND COULDN'T BE FIXED, ADVISING ME TO REPLACE THE TANK FOR $2,500. I ARGUED THAT IT WAS AN OBVIOUS MANUFACTURING DEFECT CONSIDERING THE LOW MILES AND REQUESTED A FREE TANK REPLACEMENT, BUT I WAS REFUSED ON THE GROUNDS THAT THE WARRANTY EXPIRED.  I COULDN'T BELIEVE WHAT I HEARD, DID SOME RESEARCH AND DISCOVERED THAT EARLY MODELS IN 2003 AND 2004, HAD SIMILAR TANK PROBLEMS AND WERE REPLACED WITH A BETTER DESIGN LATER. BUT, I WAS NOT INFORMED ABOUT IT. FURTHERMORE, I FOUND OUT THAT MANY OTHER OWNERS FROM THAT TIME HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AS I DID. I WAITED FOR A WHILE TO SEE IF MERCEDES CORPORATION WOULD RECALL THE EARLY MODELS, KEPT THE GAS TANK FULL TO AVOID THE ANNOYING NOISE (THE BROKEN BAFFLE CANNOT FLOAT AND BANG WHEN THE TANK IS FULL) AND WHEN I GOT CONVINCED THAT MERCEDES WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING FOR THE VICTIMS I DECIDED TO FILE THIS COMPLAINT.  IT IS A SHAME THAT A MANUFACTURER WOULDN'T WANT TO CORRECT THEIR OWN MISTAKES, CONSIDERING A $100,000 PRICE TAG THAT I PAID. WHAT HAPPENED TO THAT GERMAN QUALITY AND ETHICS? THEY CERTAINLY LOST THIS CUSTOMER FOR GOOD.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10418430,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"07/15/2011","dateComplaintFiled":"08/10/2011","vin":"WDBSK75FX3F","components":"AIR BAGS,EQUIPMENT","summary":"2003 SL500 MERCEDED SRS CONTROL UNIT MALFUNCTION AND FAILURE PREVENTING USE OF SAFTEY EQUIPMENT.  *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10418431,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"08/03/2011","dateComplaintFiled":"08/10/2011","vin":"WDBSK75FX3F","components":"POWER TRAIN","summary":"GEAR SHIFT MECHANISM STUCK IN PARK. CAN NOT SHIFT GEARS OR CAN NOT MOVE CAR CREATING A DANGEROUS POSSIBILITY OF AN ACCIDENT.  *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10409197,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"06/22/2011","dateComplaintFiled":"06/28/2011","vin":"WDBSK75F03F","components":"SUSPENSION","summary":"I HAVE HAD ONGOING / CONTINUAL PROBLEMS WITH THE 2003 SL 500 MODEL 230 ABC (ACTIVE BODY CONTROL) SYSTEM.  THE RESULTING ISSUES OCCUR AT RANDOM AND WITH LITTLE CONSISTENCY.  THE RESULTING EFFECT CAUSES THE CAR TO DRIVE SOFT ON SOME OCCASIONS AND RIGID ON OTHERS.  THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED AND REPORTED TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND OTHER OPPORTUNITIES TO ATTEMPT TO REPAIR THE ISSUE.  THUS FAR THERE SEEMS TO BE NO ONE WHO CAN PROPERLY AFFECT AND IMPROVE THE SITUATION.  I CONTACTED MY LOCAL MB DEALERSHIP ON JUNE 27, 2011 INQUIRING REGARDING A RECALL REPORTED IN THE NHTSA RECALL SYSTEM.    THE DEALERSHIP SAID THIS WAS NOT A RECALL HOWEVER THE RECALL 08V405000 SUGGESTS OTHERWISE.  THE CONTINUAL PROBLEMS WITH THE ABC SYSTEMS MAKES ME WEARY OF MB ABILITY TO CORRECT SAFETY AND DRIVING ISSUES.  WHILE THIS HAS NOT RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT OR DAMAGE MY FEAR IS IF MB NOR THE DEALERSHIP RECOGNIZES THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH ABC SYSTEMS, HOW MANY UNREPAIRED AND UNSAFE VEHICLES DO WE HAVE ON OUR STREETS?  *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10399932,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"02/14/2011","dateComplaintFiled":"05/10/2011","vin":"","components":"FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE","summary":"FUEL TANK BAFFLE FAILURE 2003 SL 500 MBZ.  *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10394283,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"04/02/2011","dateComplaintFiled":"04/05/2011","vin":"WDBSK75F93F","components":"POWER TRAIN","summary":"OUR 2003 MERCEDES-BENZ SL500 BECAME STUCK IN PARK AND COULD NOT GET OUT OF PARK DESPITE A VARIETY OF RECOMMENDED ATTEMPTS (TURNING KEY TO ON BUT NOT STARTING AND PUMPING BRAKES, ETC.). IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND IS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED FOR ABOUT $1300. FROM RESEARCHING ON THE INTERNET I SEE THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL CAR AND MAY BE DUE TO A SINGLE PLASTIC PART IN THE SHIFTER WHICH IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE VEHICLE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM (INTERLOCK?). APPARENTLY THE REPLACEMENT PART IS HEAVIER DUTY - MAY BE ALUMINUM NOT PLASTIC (?). NOT SURE WHY THE WHOLE SHIFTER NEEDS REPLACING VS. THE SINGLE PLASTIC PART.  *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10392937,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"01/10/2011","dateComplaintFiled":"03/26/2011","vin":"WDBSK75F63F","components":"SUSPENSION","summary":"VEHICLE BEGAN HAVING MINOR LEAK OF PINK COLOR FLUID THAT AN AUTO REPAIR SHOP IDENTIFIED AS HYDRAULIC FLUID FOR ABC SUSPENSION SYSTEM. FROM A VISUAL INSPECTION, THE FLUID WAS LEAKING FROM ABC TANDEM PUMP. THE LEAK GOT WORSE BY THE WEEK AND THE VEHICLE WAS IMMEDIATELY PARKED AFTER A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF FLUID WAS BUILDING UP ON THE DRIVEWAY. AFTER A WEEK, THERE WAS A LARGE PUDDLE OF FLUID UNDER THE ENGINE AND THE WHOLE LEFT SIDE OF VEHICLE BOTTOMED OUT AND LITERALLY SUNK OVER THE FRONT LEFT AND REAR LEFT TIRES.   MERCEDES DEALERSHIP (WALNUT CREEK) SAID IT WAS LIKELY THE ABC PUMP WAS DEFECTIVE AND WOULD NOT FIX BECAUSE THE CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. MY MECHANIC FRIEND CONFIRMED THAT THE LEAK WAS COMING FROM THE ABC PUMP. AFTER THE PUMP WAS REPLACED, THE ABC VALVE BLOCKS FOR THE FRONT AND REAR BEGAN TO LEAK. WE FOUND THAT THERE WERE CLOGS IN THE FRONT AND REAR VALVES.   GOING BACK TO MERCEDES, THE PARTS SPECIALISTS INFORMS US ABOUT THE UPDATED PARTS IN THE ABC SYSTEM THAT NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THEY ALSO INFORMED ME THAT THEY NORMALLY HAVE ALL THE UPDATED PARTS STOCKED AND ON-HAND.  I ENDED UP REPLACING EVERY PART IN THE ABC SYSTEM SINCE IT WAS EVIDENT THAT CONTAMINATION EXISTED WITH THE CLOGGED VALVES. THIS INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING PART NUMBERS: 220-320-12-58 $2499.00; 220-320-0858 $750; POWER STEERING TANDEM ABC PUMP $1015; HYDRAULIC FLUID $450, FILTERS $40, OIL LINES $300, LABOR $800. TOTAL IS ROUGHLY $5000.  THE PARTS SPECIALIST WAS RIGHT ABOUT THE PROBLEMS OF THE ABC SYSTEM FOR MY VEHICLE. I RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM AND FOUND THAT MANY PEOPLE WITH THE SAME VEHICLE HAVE DEALT WITH THE PROBLEM THAT I CURRENTLY HAVE. I DON'T THINK THAT REPLACING ALL COMPONENTS OF THE ABC SUSPENSION SYSTEM FOR A MERCEDES IS ROUTINE MAINTENANCE/REPAIR. HOW DOES THE CONTAMINATION OCCUR IN A CLOSED SYSTEM? THIS CAR WAS A LUXURY THAT BECAME A NIGHTMARE.  THIS IS ONLY A BRIEF AND SIMPLIFIED SERIES OF EVENTS LEADING UP TO A COMPLETE MALFUNCTION IN THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM.  *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10382248,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"02/01/2011","dateComplaintFiled":"02/15/2011","vin":"","components":"FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE","summary":"2003 SL500 MERCEDES BENZ. CONSUMER STATES NOISE INSIDE GAS TANK WHEN VEHICLE IS MOVING *TGW","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10373136,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":true,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":1,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"12/06/2010","dateComplaintFiled":"12/28/2010","vin":"WDBSK75F03F","components":"AIR BAGS","summary":"TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2003 MERCEDES SL500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING A LEFT TURN, THE CONTACT WAS STRUCK IN THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES AS A RESULT OF THE CRASH. A POLICE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 87,000.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10365692,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"08/18/2010","dateComplaintFiled":"11/15/2010","vin":"WDBSK75F63F","components":"FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE","summary":"I HAVE A 2003 SL500 MERCEDES . I HEAR EITHER A FREE DANGLING OBJECT BEHIND THE SEATS OR PERHAPS A NOISE FROM AN OBJECT IN THE GAS TANK (NOT SURE WHERE THE TANK IS). THIS CLANGING NOISE IS HEARD WHEN CAR IS SHOOK. EVEN A LIGHT NUDGE OF THE CAR WILL CAUSE IT TO CLANK. LIKE A DANGLING OBJECT, HARD ACCELERATION WILL CAUSE THE NOISE TO GO AWAY BUT WHEN THE CAR STOPS ACCELERATING A CLANGING NOISE IS HEARD. THE CAR IS RUNNING PERFECTLY. THIS MAY HAVE STARTED HAPPENING WHILE MY CAR WAS PARKED OVERNIGHT SEEING AS THOUGH IT WOULD HAVE BEEN HARD TO MISS IT WHEN PARKING THE NIGHT BEFORE. I CAN NOT RULE OUT VANDALISM OF SOME SORT BUT I AM HAVING A HARD TIME SEEING HOW THIS COULD BE THE CASE.    MERCEDES DEALER STATES THAT THERE IS AN ANCHOR THAT HOLDS THE GAS TANK IN PLACE AND IT HAS BROKEN, THAT'S WHY THE I GET THE CLANGING NOISE!!  STRIKING THE REAR WALL OF THE INTERIOR COMPARTMENT SEEMS TO MAKE A NOISE CONSISTENT WITH THE CLANGING.  IS THIS SUPPOSE TO HAPPEN TO CAR OF THIS CALIBER?  THE DEALER WANTS TO CHARGE $3000.  *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10353754,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"09/02/2010","dateComplaintFiled":"09/03/2010","vin":"","components":"SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC","summary":"TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH WHEN THE BRAKE WAS DEPRESSED, IT ABNORMALLY WENT TO THE FLOOR WITHOUT RESISTANCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL PRESSURE. THERE WAS FIVE PERCENT BRAKING ABILITY. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN. WHEN THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS ENGAGED THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY STATED  THAT THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE SENSOTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL PUMP. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE WAS A COMMON ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED; AND THE CONTACT PLANNED TO SELL THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE SAFETY HAZARD.  THE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 42,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.    UPDATED 01/13/11*LJ  UPDATED 01/27/11*JB","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10353813,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":true,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"08/30/2010","dateComplaintFiled":"09/03/2010","vin":"WDBSK75F93F","components":"SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC","summary":"TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES SL500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE WARNING PANEL. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE ABS SWITCH SEAL AND ADDED SYNTHETIC HYDRAULIC FLUID TO THE VEHICLE TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. ONE MONTH LATER, THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. ON THE FOLLOWING DAY, WHILE DRIVING TO THE DEALER AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKES, THE BRAKES WOULD NOT ENGAGE. THE BRAKE PEDAL FELL MUCH FARTHER INTO THE FLOORBOARD THAN USUAL. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND SLIGHTLY CRASHED INTO A CURB. SHE THEN COASTED INTO A PARKING LOT UNTIL SHE WAS ABLE TO ENGAGE THE EMERGENCY BRAKES AND COME TO A STOP. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER:04V296000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE VEHICLE WAS LEFT WITH THE DEALER WHERE SHE WAS AWAITING A REPLACEMENT OF THE HYDRAULIC PUMP UNDER THE RECALL. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 57,000.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10343932,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"07/16/2010","dateComplaintFiled":"07/19/2010","vin":"WDBSK74F43F","components":"SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC","summary":"TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL55.  WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED ON NOISE WAS NEAR THE BRAKE SYSTEM AND THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE SBC HYDRAULIC SYSTEM WAS INOPERABLE AND THERE WAS NO COMMUNICATION WITH THE PUMP MOTOR. NHTSA RECALL 04V296000, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC WAS RELATED TO THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC ADVISED HIM TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AT HIS EXPENSE FOR $150. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,600.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL55","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10322806,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"03/20/2010","dateComplaintFiled":"03/30/2010","vin":"WDBSK75FX3F","components":"FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER","summary":"I PURCHASED MY SL500 USED, WITH ONLY 29,000 MILES ON IT, DIRECTLY FROM RUSNAK MERCEDES IN ARCADIA, CA.  SERVICE HAS BEEN BEYOND POOR SINCE DAY 1.  MY CURRENT PROBLEM IS AN OBNOXIOUS BANGING THAT COMES FROM BEHIND THE HEAD.  I CALLED RUSNAK ABOUT THIS AND THE LADY WAS VERY FIRM TELLING ME IT'S NOT A RECALL, ALTHOUGH I'D READ LOTS OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM.  SO I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL GARAGE- AFTER A WEEK OF LABOR THEY FIND IT'S A HOLE IN THE GASTANK, $2000 TO REPAIR.  I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THIS HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED.  EVERYTHING I'VE READ HAS SAID THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM, ALL IN 2003 SL500S AROUND 60,000 MILES.  HOW CAN MERCEDES IGNORE THIS?","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10322241,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"03/24/2009","dateComplaintFiled":"03/26/2010","vin":"","components":"FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE","summary":"1.  EVENTS LEADING UP TO FAILURE.  DRIVER STARTED NOTICING \"SLOSHING\" SOUND COMING FROM GAS TANK AREA.  NEXT DAY, A RATTLING NOISE STARTING COMING FROM GAS TANK AREA EACH TIME THE CAR WOULD COME TO A STOP.  THE NOISE WAS CONSISTENT WITH SOMETHING FLOATING AROUND AND HITTING SOMETHING MENTAL INSIDE.  THE SOUND COMES FROM THE GAS TANK AREA, CONSISTENT WITH A LOOSE PIECE OF METAL FLOATING IN THE GAS TANK.    2.  UPON INSPECTION, THE BAFFLE WITHIN THE GAS TANK HAD BROKEN OFF AND WAS LOOSE, FLOATING IN THE GAS TANK.  EACH TIME THE DRIVER COMES TO A STOP, THE BAFFLE WILL FLOAT AROUND AND BANG ON THE INSIDE OF THE GAS TANK.  PRELIMINARY INSPECTION REVEALS THAT SUBSEQUENT MODEL YEAR GAS TANKS ARE DIFFERENTLY DESIGNED TO PREVENT SUCH FAILURE.  CONSEQUENCES OF HAVING A LOOSE PIECE OF METAL FLOATING AROUND THE GAS TAKE ARE EXTREMELY SERIOUS.  IF NOT TAKEN CARE OF PROMPTLY, THERE IS A POTENTIAL THAT THE METAL PIECE MAY DAMAGE THE GAS TANK AND CAUSE A FIRE OR OTHER HARM.    3.  THE ENTIRE GAS TANK MUST BE REMOVED -- A $3000 PROCEDURE.  BECAUSE OF THE NATURE OF THE DEFECT, MANY REPAIRS WILL FALL OUTSIDE OF THE WARRANTY PERIOD.  THE DEALER PRETENDS AS THOUGH THIS IS AN UNCOMMON ISSUE.  INDEPENDENT MERCEDES SHOPS CONFIRM THIS IS A WIDESPREAD ISSUE.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10318907,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"02/22/2010","dateComplaintFiled":"03/11/2010","vin":"WDBSK75F63F","components":"FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE","summary":"MERCEDES-BENZ BUILT BAFFLES INSIDE THE FUEL TANK TO PREVENT FUEL SLOSHING NOISE DURING STOP AND GO MOTION. THESE BAFFLES WERE POORLY DESIGNED AND WEAKLY WELDED INTO PLACE RESULTING IN THEM COMING LOOSE AND BANGING AROUND INSIDE THE FUEL TANK. BEING A SMALL CONVERTIBLE AND GIVEN THAT FUEL TANK IS IMMEDIATELY BEHIND PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, END RESULT IS A VERY LOUD BANGING NOISE MAKING DRIVING A SLOW TORTURE. ASIDE FROM IRRITATING LOUD BANGING NOISE THERE IS ALSO A POTENTIAL OF EXPLOSION SINCE THIS IS A MOVING METAL PART INSIDE A METAL FUEL TANK CONTAINING GASOLINE AS BOTH LIQUID AND FUMES.  THERE ARE ALSO MANY REPORTED INSTANCES OF THIS DESIGN FLAW WITH SOME DEALERS REPORTING 10 FUEL TANKS REPLACED IN 1 WEEK. PLEASE VISIT  HTTP://WWW.BENZWORLD.ORG/FORUMS/R230-SL-CLASS/1295215-SL500-NOISE-REAR-INTERIOR-WALL-GAS.HTML  AND  HTTP://FORUMS.MERCEDESCLUB.ORG.UK/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=57846&PAGE=2    I BELIEVE THERE ARE ENOUGH OF THESE COMPLAINTS TO WARRANT A CLASS ACTION SUIT.  BOTH MERCEDES DEALER AND MERCEDES CORPORATE (SUPERVISOR MR. MARIANO) HAVE REFUSED TO FIX THIS ISSUE INSISTING CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY, AND THERE IS NO OPEN RECALL ON THIS ISSUE. DEALERSHIP QUOTED $2400 TO REPLACE FUEL TANK. *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10289028,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"10/15/2009","dateComplaintFiled":"10/19/2009","vin":"","components":"FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE","summary":"DEFECTIVE FUEL TANK BAFFLES. FUEL TANK BAFFLE(S) COME LOOSE   AND BOUNCE AROUND INSIDE TANK BANGING THE SIDES OF THE FUEL TANK. *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL55","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10272790,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"04/26/2009","dateComplaintFiled":"06/03/2009","vin":"WDBSK75F23F","components":"SUSPENSION","summary":"2003 MERCEDES BENZ 500SL  DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE CAR JUST DROPPED DOWN ,   THE ACTIVE BODY CONTROL  SYSTEM FAILED IT RUINED THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF THE VEHICLE  THE CAR DOES NOT EVEN HAVE 50,000 MILES ON IT. IT'S HARD TO GET IT TOWED.    IT IS VERY LOW AND IT CAN CAUSE A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT , THE FUNNY THING WAS  THE NEXT DAY STARTED THE CAR UP THE CAR CAME UP  BUT KNOWING MY UNDERCARRIAGE IS DESTROYED . I HAD COUPLE INCIDENTS  HAPPEN TO MEN LUCK I WAS NOT ON THE FREEWAY. IT ALSO THROWS YOUR ALIGNMENT OUT. *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10266038,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"04/02/2009","dateComplaintFiled":"04/20/2009","vin":"","components":"SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING","summary":"ABC SUSPENSION SYSTEM  AND INTERCOOLER PUMP FOR TURBO FAILED ON 2003 SL55 AMG. VERY COMMON PROBLEM ON THESE VEHICLES AS EVIDENCED ON THE MB BOARDS. RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED. *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL55","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10240914,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"09/03/2008","dateComplaintFiled":"09/04/2008","vin":"WDBSK7JF9SF","components":"FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE","summary":"TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500.  WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE CONTACT HEARD A RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM THE TRUNK.  HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE BAFFLES IN THE GAS TANK FAILED, WHICH CAUSED THE RATTLING IN THE GAS TANK.  THE GAS TANK NEEDS TO BE REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE DEALER REFUSES TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE REPAIR.  THROUGH ONLINE RESEARCH, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FOR THE SAME FAILURE.  HE BELIEVES A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED.  THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 65,000.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10240547,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"09/01/2008","dateComplaintFiled":"09/01/2008","vin":"WDBSK75F33F","components":"ELECTRICAL SYSTEM","summary":"IGNITION FAILURE, NO KEYS WORK TO START THE VEHICLE (IT DOESN'T RECOGNIZE THE KEYS) CAR HAD TO BE PUT ON A FLATBED TRUCK AND SENT TO DEALER FOR REPAID.  *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10240350,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"08/24/2008","dateComplaintFiled":"08/30/2008","vin":"WDBKK65F23F","components":"SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC","summary":"IN OUR MERCEDES THE SENSOR TOLD THE COMPUTER THAT THE CAR WAS ON ICE AND LOCKED UP THE BRAKES CAUSE THE CAR TO GO INTO A SPIN. *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL230","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10231312,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"06/10/2008","dateComplaintFiled":"06/17/2008","vin":"WDBSK75F73F","components":"STRUCTURE","summary":"TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500.  WHENEVER THE CONTACT ATTEMPTS TO USE THE TRUNK, THE TRUNK LID FALLS IMMEDIATELY BACK DOWN.  THIS PREVENTS HIM FROM BEING ABLE TO USE THE TRUNK AT ALL.  PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE TRUNK LID WOULD SLIGHTLY FALL WHEN PLACED IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION.  THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER.  THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 35,300 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10227665,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":true,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":1,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"08/17/2007","dateComplaintFiled":"05/13/2008","vin":"WDBSK74FX3F","components":"SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC","summary":"I WAS HAVING SOME TROUBLE WITH THE BRAKES, I BROUGHT THE CAR BACK INTO THE SHOP 3 TIMES TO LET THEM KNOW THAT THE BRAKES WERE FAILING - ONCE I ALMOST RAN A PEDESTRIAN OVER AS I TRIED TO STOP AND THE VEHICLE BRAKES APPEARED TO NOT WORK AT ALL - THE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM THEY SAY DOES NOTHING.  ANOTHER TIME PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE NO BRAKES AGAIN AND IF IT WEREN'T FOR THE CONCRETE BLOCK I WOULD HAVE RUN INTO THE STORE FRONT.  THE LAST TIME WAS AT MY HOME - PULLING INTO THE DRIVEWAY.  AFTER BRINGING THE CAR INTO THE MERCEDES DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES WITH THE SAME PROBLEM THEY TOLD ME EVERYTHING WAS FINE UNTIL I WAS OUT ONE NIGHT AND CAME TO A STOP SIGN AND THE BRAKES FAILED AND I WENT INTO A CONCRETE BARRIER.  I WISH I HAD VISITED THIS SITE BEFORE THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED - I WOULD RECOMMEND THAT ANYONE WITH A 2003 MERCEDES SL GET RID OF IT - BRING IT BACK TO MERCEDES AND DEMAND A 2004 OR NEWER CAR BEFORE THIS HAPPENS TO YOU.  MERCEDES CAME TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE AT THE AUTOBODY SHOP AND WILL NOT RELEASE THEIR FINDINGS TO ME - I AM THINKING OF GETTING A LAWYER INVOLVED. - I HAVE NEVER IN MY LIFE BEEN IN A SITUATION WHERE YOU ARE SO HELPLESS AND MERCEDES KNOWS ABOUT THIS - WHAT A CRIME.  *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL55","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10226101,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"12/20/2006","dateComplaintFiled":"04/30/2008","vin":"WDBSK75F43F","components":"FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE","summary":"2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500 - BAFFLE BREAKS FREE WITHIN GAS TANK SEEMINGLY CAUSING A SAFETY HAZARD.  MERCEDES DOES NOT REPLACE THE TANK FOR FREE IN ALL CASES.  GAS TANK NEEDED REPLACED.  *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10225603,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"04/18/2008","dateComplaintFiled":"04/24/2008","vin":"WDBSK74F43F","components":"FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE","summary":"NO INCIDENT.  WAS DRIVING AND AS I PULLED INTO MY DRIVEWAY, HEARD BUMPING SOUND FROM CAR.  ASKED MERCEDES WHAT IT WAS, THEY SAID LOOSE BAFFLE IN GAS TANK.  SOUNDS LIKE MANUFACTURING DEFECT.  CHECKED ONLINE AND FOUND MANY OTHERS WITH SAME PROBLEM.  IT IS A COSTLY REPAIR JUST OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY PERIOD.  *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL CLASS","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10214120,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":1,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"12/22/2007","dateComplaintFiled":"01/07/2008","vin":"","components":"SEATS","summary":"BURNT HOLE FROM SEAT WARMER ON DRIVER'S SEAT LEFT SIDE.  BURNT RIGHT THROUGH COAT AND JEANS.  *TR","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"MERCEDES BENZ","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10204788,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"10/03/2007","dateComplaintFiled":"10/03/2007","vin":"WDBSK75F73F","components":"SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC","summary":"TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500.  WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED.  WHEN THE BRAKES FINALLY BEGAN TO OPERATE, THE ABS, COOLANT, AND ESP LIGHTS ILLUMINATED.  THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, BUT NO REPAIRS WERE MADE.  THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 17,889.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10203787,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"09/01/2007","dateComplaintFiled":"09/17/2007","vin":"","components":"ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING","summary":"2003 MERCEDES SL-55 ENGINE STALLED SEVERAL TIMES OVER A PERIOD OF TWO WEEKS. *KB","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL55","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10195548,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"07/07/2007","dateComplaintFiled":"07/07/2007","vin":"WDBSK75F44F","components":"ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING","summary":"VEHICLE HAS BEEN DRIVEN LESS THAN 52,000 MILES AND BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS HAVE REQUIRED REPLACEMENT APPROXIMATELY 2 MONTHS APART. RETRACTABLE HOOD HAS NOW FAILED.  CONCERNED THAT FAULTY DESIGN IN CATALYTIC CONVERTERS WILL CAUSEREPEAT FAILURES IN FUTURE. CONCERNED THAT RETRACTABLE HOOD FAILURE IS SIGN OF ADDITIONAL DESIGN FLAWS WITH THIS VEHICLE.*AK","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL500","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10142714,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"10/23/2005","dateComplaintFiled":"11/15/2005","vin":"WDBSK75F73F","components":"SUSPENSION","summary":"I PURCHASED A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500 IN DECEMBER OF 2003.    AS OF TODAY 8 NOVEMBER 2005, THE SUSPENSION APPARENTLY CAN NOT BE REPAIRED.  THE CAR HAS BEING TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOR THE EIGHT (8TH) TIME TO REPAIR THE SUSPENSION. IT IS CURRENTLY ALEXANDRIA VIRGINIA, MERCEDES BENZ AS OF NOVEMBER 9TH, 2005.     WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE HOME FROM A DINNER ENGAGEMENT, LATE OCTOBER 2005, ONE OF THE FRONT HYDRAULIC SHOCK DROPPED AND THE VEHICLE LITERALLY CHANGED LANES.  FORTUNATELY, NO CARS WERE BESIDE ME AT THE TIME.  I AM WRITING TO THE NHTSA TO GET THEIR ASSISTANCE IN DETERMINING THE FEASIBILITY OF DRIVING THIS VEHICLE WITH ITS UNPREDICTABLE LEVEL OF SAFETY.       I AM APPALLED BY MERCEDES BENZ  LACK OF CONCERN TO REPLACE THIS VEHICLE, THE MANUFACTURER OR THEIR REPRESENTATIVES, ARE UNABLE TO REPAIR IT.  I REQUEST YOUR ASSISTANCE TO DETERMINE MY NEXT STEPS OR ANY ACTIONS YOU CAN TAKE TO COMPEL THE MANUFACTURER TO RESOLVE THIS MATTER. *JB","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL CLASS","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10121724,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"05/20/2005","dateComplaintFiled":"05/20/2005","vin":"WDBUF65J83A","components":"ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING","summary":"DT:  CONSUMER SMELLS A GAS ODOR IN THE CAR. SHE HAS  HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM SINCE SHE BOUGHT THE CAR.*AK","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"MERCEDES BENZ","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10120059,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"05/04/2005","dateComplaintFiled":"05/06/2005","vin":"4JGAB75EX3A","components":"SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC","summary":"DT: THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN BAD FROM THE TIME SHE PURCHASED THE CAR. THE FIRST TIME WAS AT 17,000 MILES UNDER WARRANTY. THE SECOND TIME  WAS @3,4000 MILES, BUT SHE HAS TO PAY FOR REPAIRS.  *AK","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"MERCEDES BENZ","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10118750,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"04/30/2005","dateComplaintFiled":"04/30/2005","vin":"WDBSK75F73F","components":"ELECTRICAL SYSTEM","summary":"I TURNED KEY AND CAR DID NOT START. I ENDED UP GETTING STUCK EITHER AT HOME OR IN A SHOPPING CENTER. CAR HAD TO BE PUT ON A FLAT BED. DEALER RELPACED PARTS EACH TIME , BUT COULD NOT FIND THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL CLASS","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10117517,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":true,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"03/01/2005","dateComplaintFiled":"03/25/2005","vin":"WDBKK65F93F","components":"ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL","summary":"2003 MERCEDES BENZ SLK 320 EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH HESITATION WHEN THE ACCELERATOR IS DEPRESSED.*MR   ON ONE OCCASIONS WHEN THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE GAS THE VEHICLE DID NOT MOVE FOR A FEW SECONDS AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD AND THE CONSUMER HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE THERE WAS ALSO A RATTLE IN THE EXHAUST. *JB","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL CLASS","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10095713,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"06/25/2003","dateComplaintFiled":"10/13/2004","vin":"WDBKK65F53F","components":"SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY,AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,TIRES,INTERIOR LIGHTING,BACK OVER PREVENTION","summary":"THE VEHICLE (2003 MB SLK320) WAS PURCHASED ON 4/14/2004 IN AZ AND BEGAN NOTICING PROBLEMS ON THE DRIVE BACK TO NM. THE MOST SIGNIFICANT SAFETY PROBLEM INVOLVES THE TRANSMISSION, WHICH HAS BEEN SERVICED BY THE MANUFACTURER 8 TIMES WITHOUT RESOLUTION. THE VEHICLE SLIPS IN AND OUT OF GEAR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE HAS SPENT A TOTAL OF OVER 68 DAYS IN THE SHOP FOR UNSATISFACTORY REPAIRS IN A ONE-YEAR PERIOD. TO THIS DATE, THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN UNCOOPERATIVE IN RESOLVING THESE PROBLEMS FORCING ME TO SEEK LEGAL SERVICES.*AK","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL CLASS","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10086211,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"07/26/2004","dateComplaintFiled":"08/05/2004","vin":"WDBSK75F33F","components":"SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC","summary":"HYDRAULIC BRAKE FAILURE, TOTALLY UNEXPECTED. CAR IS A MARCEDES BENZ SL500, 2003. ONLY 8,500 K. ON 6-24-04, MB ISSUED A SAFETY BULLETIN (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NO. 04V296000)MB HAS NOT NOTIFIED OWNERS LIKE ME. I RUN A 4-WAY STOP SIGN AND A LARGE PICK-UP TRUCK  WAS WITHIN 1 OR 2 FEET FROM HITTING ME ON THE DRIVERS' SIDE. IWAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR ABOUT 50 YARDS AFTER THE STOP SIGN.  MESSAGGE  --IN RED LETTERS IN THE DASHBOARD-- WICH SAID \"REDUCED BRAKE EFFECT. VISIT WORKSHOP\".. I WAS NOT INJURED PHYSICALLY, BUT THIS WAS A NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCE. THIS HAPPENED ON 7-26-04. THE DEALER HAS PRACTICALLY CONFICATED THE CAR AND REFUSES TO SAY MUCH. MB SENT A TECHNICIAN FROM HEADQUARTERS TO CHECK THE CAR BUT REFUSED TO TALK TO ME. NEEDLES TO SAY THEY ARE EVASIVE AND DENY THERE IS A PROBLEM. ONLY GOING TO THE INTERNET IA FOUN THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE AFFECTED, HAVING, BY CHANCE FOUND THE INFORMATION ABOUT THE DEFECT.   LUCKILY THERE WAS NO INJURIES, BUT I WANT TO REPORT THIS FRO TW REASONS. NO.1: WHY MB DID NOT NOTIFY ME OF THIS DEFECT. IT IS NOW CLEAR THAT THE SENSOTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL THIS CAR USES IS DEFECTIVE, BECAUSE IT REQUIRES ELECTRICAL ENERGY. ACCORDING TO THE CARS' MANUAL (PAGE 260),THE SBC WILL GO INTO THE EMERGENCY OPERATION MODE AND BRAKES ARE ONLY APPLIED TO THE FRONT TIRES, STOPPING DISTANCE IS INCREASED AND THE DRIVER HAS TO BE DEPRESSED ALMOS TO THE FLOOR. IN MY CASE I ALMOST STOOD UP TO APPLY PRESSURE AND WENT DOWN TO SECOND GAER ON THE TRAMNSMISSION, BEFORE THE CAR STOPPED. NO. 2: MERCEDES BENZ SAYS IN THE CARS' MANUAL TO \"CONTINUE DRIVING WITH ADDED CAUTION\" \"DO NOT EXCEED SPED OF 55 MPH\". ARE THEY CRAZY? THE CAR WILL NOT STOP IN TIME WHEN DRIVING IN A LINE OF CARS NOR WILL STOP ON TIME WHEN SOMEONE IS CROSSING THE ROAD. SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET KILLED OR MAIMED.*AK","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL CLASS","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10039715,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"09/18/2002","dateComplaintFiled":"09/10/2003","vin":"","components":"STRUCTURE","summary":"IN THE RIGHT DOOR PANEL THERE IS A GLUE THAT SEALS THE PANELS TOGETHER. THIS GLUE GIVES OFF TOXIC FUMES.   CONSUMER'S WIFE IS CURRENTLY SEEING A NEUROLOGIST FOR PROBLEMS SUFFERED FROM INHALING THE FUMES.  THE MANUFACTURER AND THE DEALER HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED.*AK","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL CLASS","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10031228,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":true,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"06/25/2003","dateComplaintFiled":"08/15/2003","vin":"WDBSK74FX3F","components":"VISIBILITY","summary":"THE HEATER MOTOR HAD BLOWN OUT.  THE VEHICLE BOX CAUGHT ON FIRE.   *AK   THE FIRE MELTED THE MELTED THE WIRING HARNESS.   *SCC    *JB","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"SL CLASS","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10014687,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"10/01/2002","dateComplaintFiled":"03/28/2003","vin":"WDCYR49E63X","components":"UNKNOWN OR OTHER","summary":"WHEN THE CONSUMER EXITED TO THE RIGHT AT A LOW SPEED, THE VEHICLE'S ESP(TILT SAFETY) SYSTEM ACTIVATED.  DEALER FIRST DIAGNOSED THAT OPERATION WAS IMPROPER, BUT THEN STATED IT WAS NORMAL. *JB","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"MERCEDES BENZ","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10014690,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"10/01/2002","dateComplaintFiled":"03/28/2003","vin":"WDCYR49E63X","components":"UNKNOWN OR OTHER","summary":"WHEN CONSUMER EXITED FROM HIGHWAY, AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED, THE VEHICLE'S ESP(ANTI-TILT ) SYSTEM  ENGAGED.  DEALER AT FIRST ADVISED THAT OPERATION WAS IRREGULAR.  AFTER REPEATED ATTEMPTS TO CORRECT, THE DEALER STATED THE OPERATION WAS NORMAL.  VEHICLE IS A 2003 MERCEDES G500. *JB","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"MERCEDES BENZ","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]},{"odiNumber":10002393,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"01/08/2003","dateComplaintFiled":"01/08/2003","vin":"WDBUF70J93A","components":"TIRES","summary":"WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35MPH, CONSUMER HEARD A \"ROARING\" NOISE AND PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD.  UPON INSPECTION NOTICE THE LEFT REAR TIRE WAS FLAT.  DEALER CAME TO INSPECT AND DIAGNOSED \"THE INBOARD SIDEWALL WAS SPLIT FROM THE WHEEL TO THE TREAD\".  TIRES WERE ORIGINAL.  VEHICLE IS A 2003 MERCEDES E500.  TIRE INFO:  CONTINENTAL  CONTITOURING CONTACT ECO PLUS  245/45R17  DOT NO. LMUXPXBU4402 **TS**TT","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2003","productMake":"MERCEDES BENZ","productModel":"MERCEDES BENZ","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"},{"type":"Tire","productYear":"9999","productMake":"CONTINENTAL","productModel":"CONTITOURING","size":null,"manufacturer":"Continental Tire the Americas, LLC"}]}]}