{"count":1,"message":"Results returned successfully","results":[{"odiNumber":11579206,"manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"03/24/2024","dateComplaintFiled":"03/24/2024","vin":"WDD2J5JB3LA","components":"WHEELS","summary":"I purchased my 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 with approximately 12,000 miles on 08/16/2022. Throughout the course of my ownership the vehicle has had multiple sets of tires replaced due to them either being prematurely bald, developing multiple bubbles, or shredding due to cracked rims. Along with the tires being constantly replaced, I have had to replace 8 rims that have cracked under normal driving conditions. Upon doing research into why my rims crack so frequently, I discovered that this is a common occurrence with my model of Mercedes, as well as several other models. The online forums state, \u201cThis is not as a result of your driving, potholes, etc. but due to a design defect with some Mercedes vehicle. This is due to the fact that the factory installed cast aluminum rims coupled with low profile stiff run-flat tires and a relatively stiff suspension result in the rims momentarily exceeding their yield strength during typical driving conditions and failing by cracking, bending and so on which usually also causes the run-flat tires to be damaged as well. This will continue to happen over and over several times per year because this is a design defect.\u201d According to several sources, Mercedes-Benz is aware of this situation and has done little to counteract this situation, only offering a comprehensive tire and wheel package to drivers, at an extra cost of course and paying a few settlements under the table to those who threaten to expose this situation to the public. Mercedes- Benz has ultimately developed, and put into circulation, several models of vehicles with wheels that cannot support the vehicles weight while the vehicle is stationary, let alone while in operation. This flaw in their design is not only costly to replace or an inconvenience to try to resolve, but deadly if the right combination of failures were to occur.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2020","productMake":"MERCEDES-BENZ","productModel":"CLS450","manufacturer":"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC"}]}]}