2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Complaint Log

The secondary instrument fuse block located on the driver's side of the dashboard erupted in flame while the vehicle was being driven, endangering its occupant, causing significant damage to its interior, and resulting in a local law enforcement "traffic hazard" determination.

The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz C320. The contact stated that the sunroof had failed to open, and the sunshade cover failed to close, causing the sunrays to penetrate the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where an unknown assessment was made. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the horn was inoperable. The SRS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with front driver's side air bag failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.

The PRINX tires and the dealer - Mavis Tires, Auburn Avenue, Columbus, Georgia, are equally to blame for the flat I had in traffic endangering myself and other motorists with Brand New Prinx Tires, and also the skid I had at an intersection in Columbus Georgia. It's the old story of Chinese aftermarket parts that do not fit causing accidents. Prinx pushes Mavis to make sales of their 205/55/16 even though my Mercedes C240 door panel sticker shows the brands Mercedes lists for safety as in climates averaging 39 degrees and above for traction size 225/50/16 has to be placed in the rear (205 only on the front) and I did by buying more tires I didn't need and that stopped the skidding. MAVIS also installed the Prinx tires pretending to have replaced the dry-rotted stems, I had a flat at an intersection endangering other drivers, my wheel was also damaged. I have replaced the other stems and the rear tires which did not fit and had poor traction, but MAVIS will not exchange with me for a proper fit. I think Mavis should be fined as they are endangering motorists by not replacing dry-rotted stems to pinch pennies and deliberately placing tires on the rear despite the door sticker warning for size and fit and brand. The Prinx tires are also low on the ground like a go-cart, making the car harder to maneuver. The Better Business Bureau has so many complaints against Mavis Tire, home office New York, that I didn't bother. Air Force Veteran [XXX] , [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz C230. The contact stated that the windshield wipers inadvertently stopped working. The contact jiggled the windshield wiper arm, and the windshield wipers wiped the windshield twice and then stopped operating. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called an independent mechanic, who replaced the calipers, but no assistance was provided regarding the windshield wipers. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 166,000.

The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz C320. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V954000 (Visibility) however, the contact was advised by the dealer that he needed to open and close the sunroof to perform the recall however, if the motor failed the contact would pay for the repair of the motor. The contact called the manufacturer and was provided with the same information. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

2003 MERCEDES BENZ C240. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO RUST ISSUE WITH VEHICLE.

The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz C230. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V954000 (Visibility) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

There is an open recall on my brand of Mercedes-Benz but my Vin number isn’t included it’s on the sunroof where it stays open or it could possibly fly off it gets off track or whatever happens well mine will not go down I have to manually open it or manually close it it is a safety issue because it will refuse to go down completely and will be shaking while I am driving it puts me and others at risk but the dealership is refusing to fix it under A recall even though my brand and type is included in the recall

MY PANORAMIC ROOF IS MALFUCTIONING AND IS SUCK SLIGHTLY OPEN WONT CLOSE OR BUDGE AND NOW I'M HAVING MULITPLE ELECTRICAL ISSUES MY LIGHTS ARE FLICKERING CIGARETTE LIGHTER DOESNT WORK MY AC WORKS SOMETIMES BUT THEN IT DOESN'T AND OTHER THINGS AS WELL. THERE IS AN OPEN RECALL ON THE PANORAMIC ROOFS WITH MY MAKE AND MODEL BUT MY VIN NUMBER ISNT SHOWING UP..

2003 MERCEDES BENZ C240. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SUNROOF GLASS BONDING SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE ROOF CONTIUOUSLY BECAME RUSTED DUE TO A WATER LEAK. *JS

AS A TIME MY VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE RENEWAL WITH CALIFORNIA DMV , THE RECALL PART HAS NOT BEEN AVAILABLE FROM MERCEDES MANUFACTURE. MERCEDES BENZ DOES NOT PROVIDE ANY FUTURE TIME FRAME FOR THE RECALL PART THAT WILL EFFECTS ON MY VEHICLE REGISTRATION RENEWAL WITH DMV (IT ALSO MEANS MY RENEWAL WITH DMV WILL BE ON HOLD AND I DON NOT HAVE ANY OTHER VEHICLE TO DRIVE IF IT HAPPENS BY THE TIME THE CURRENT VEHICLE REGISTRATION EXPIRED). I ALREADY CONTACTED WITH LOCAL MERCEDES DEALER AND MERCEDES BENZ US BUT THEY CAN NOT DO ANYTHING WITH THE RECALL ANY TIME SOON BEFORE MY CURRENT REGISTRATION ENDS. MY VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY USING AND HAVE NO ISSUE BUT I NEED TO REDEEM A RECALL PART SO I CAN GET A NEW VEHICLE REGISTRATION AT DMV. *TR

"CHECK COOLANT LEVEL" LEVEL WARNING SIGN WAS ON. APPARENTLY, THERE IS LEAKING OF COOLANT SOME WHERE. IT WAS AT THE WATER PUMP, WHICH WAS REPLACED ON JUNE 20, 2019. IT HAPPENS AGAIN NOW, ABOUT 9 MONTHS LATER.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES-BENZ C240. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V918000 (VISIBILITY) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN MERCEDES-BENZ OF CHARLOTTESVILLE (1381 RICHMOND RD, CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA 22911, (434) 290-4156) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

AT 178,000 MILES THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER FAILED WHILE THE CAR DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH AND ALLOWED THE TIMING CHAIN TO SKIP SEVERAL TEETH LEAVING THE CAR STRANDED AND POTENTIALLY CAUSING THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS WORTH OF DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE INTERNALS. THE CAR WAS DEALER SERVICED SINCE NEW AND ALWAYS HAD MAINTENANCE ON TIME. THERE IS THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE ONLINE THAT HAVE HAD THE EXACT SAME ISSUE AND MERCEDES BENZ USA REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT YET THEY ACKNOWLEDGE THEY MADE THEM WRONG BECAUSE THEY HAVE UPDATED THE CHAINS AND TENSIONERS.

THE BACK SIDE OF THE TIRES CRACK OPEN AROUND THE RIM.

HARMONIC BALANCER /CRANK PULLEY WOBBLING VERY BAD . AFRAID IT WILL COME APART AND CAUSE CATASTROPHIC DAMAGE WHILE MY KIDS ARE DRIVING. MERCEDES COVERED THIS PART UNDER SAME ENGINE FAMILY BUT ONLY FROM MODEL YEARS 1998-2001. WOULD LIKE THEM TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE SAME FAULTY PART AS THE OTHERS.

I WAS DRIVING MY CAR AND IT SUDDENLY TURNED OFF ON ME. I TRIED TO START IT AGAIN BUT IT WOULD CRANK BUT NOT TURN ON. I HAD A LIL LESS THAN HALF A TANK OF GAS BUT THERE WAS NO GAS BEING DELIVERED TO THE ENGINE. AFTER INSPECTING THE FUEL SENDING UNIT I NOTISED THAT THE PLASTIC AROUND THE WIRE CONNECTOR PINS WAS A BIT MELTED AND THERE WAS A SMALL HOLE THAT WENT STRAIGHT TROUGH THE SENDING UNIT COVER. I REPLACED THE SENDING UNIT BUT THE MELTING STILL CONTINUES. IT SEEMS LIKE THE WIRE GETS TOO HOT AND THE PLASTIC MELTS AROUND THE PINS. IM AFRAID THIS CAN EVEN CAUSE A FIRE SINCE ALL THE FUEL IS JUST INCHES BELLOW IT.

TAKATA RECALL SRS WARNING LIGHT ON

MERCEDES BENZ POSSIBLE RECALL / EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR FUEL SYSTEM... INVOLVING A C CLASS 2003 WITH SAME ENGINE AS THE E CLASS. THE CAR FUEL SYSTEM IS TOTALLY MESSED UP, WILL ONLY FILL A HALF TANK AND RUNS OUT OF GAS BECAUSE THE FUEL TANK SYSTEM IS NOT WORKING CORRECTLY. CAR WILL NOT FILL. ONLY ONE TANK TAKING AND SENDING FUEL APPARENTLY. DASH IS MESSED UP, LIGHTS OUT, FUEL SYSTEM TOTALLY MESSED UP. I ALMOST WENT OFF A CLIFF IN THE CAR, SLID BACKWARDS ON A HILLSIDE WHEN THE CAR RAN OUT OF FUEL UNEXPECTEDLY. NO GAS, NO POWER, MY CAR WENT BACKWARDS, BRAKES NOT WORKING, I WENT INTO A DITCH AND ALMOST INTO A STEEP HILLSIDE, VERY SCARY. A CAR BRANCH SAVED MY DEMISE, HOLDING THE TOP OF THE CAR AND KEPT ME FROM GOING DOWN INTO A RAVENE. DENT ON THE BACK ROOF IS STILL THERE. MERCEDES BENZ REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE ANY PROBLEMS ALTHOUGH THE PROBLEM IS APPARENTLY PROLIFIC IN CARS THIS YEAR AND TYPE. SAME FUEL SYSTEM ON A C320 AS AN E320 SAME YEAR. SAME ENGINE TOO. MY MECHANICS ARE BAFFLED, NO ONE CAN FIX IT, MERCEDES SHOPS DON'T WANT TO HELP, NO ONE CAN HELP.

AFTER FILLING MY GAS TANK, THERE'S A VERY STRONG RAW GAS ODOR INSIDE THE CAR WHILE DRIVING, AND WHEN PARKED. SEEMS STRONGER IN THE BACKSEAT. I SEE THERE'S A EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR THIS ISSUE FROM MERCEDES BENZ ON THE E CLASS FOR MY YEAR (2003). THAT WARRANTY EXTENSION SHOULD HAVE COVERED ALL CLASSES WITH SIMILAR DESIGN OR THE SAME PROBLEM. THE FUMES ARE SO STRONG I AM AFRAID ANY SPARK COULD IGNITE THE VAPORS. I REALLY NEED YOUR HELP! IF MERCEDES BENZ ACKNOWLEDGED PROBLEMS WITH MY YEAR (2003), IT SHOULD INCLUDE MY C CLASS UNLESS THEY CAN ESTABLISH THE ISSUES ARE TOTALLY UNRELATED IN NATURE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE.

I BOUGHT THE CAR YESTERDAY, AND TODAY REALIZED THE CAR IS LEAKING FUEL, POOLING UNDER THE BACK SEAT AND SPILLING OUT UNDER THE CAR. THE PASSENGER HEADLIGHT WILL NOT WORK; WE TRIED 3 BULBS. THE PANEL DISPLAYS A MESSAGE STATING ONE OF THE TAG LIGHTS IS OUT, BUT IT ACTUALLY WORKS.

THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR HANDLE IS LOOSE AND THE AIRBAG SRS LIGHT CAME ON. THE SRS MESSAGE SAID URGENT GO TO MARKET PLACE.

BRAKING SYSTEM FAILURE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING TO WORK. SHE ATTEMPTED TO STOP AT AN INTERSECTION, HER FOOT WENT TO THE FLOOR WHILE BRAKING, RED LIGHT AND WARN BUZZER WENT OFF... NO BRAKES. LUCKILY AND THANK GOD, SHE AVOIDED BEING T-BONED IN THE INTERSECTION AND WAS ABLE TO GET IT INTO A PARKING LOT AND DOWN SHIFT TO USE E-BRAKE. THE CAR HAS ONLY 70,000MILES ON IT. THE REPAIR OF THE SYSTEM SOUNDS LIKE IT IS $2500+. NOT HAPPY AT ALL SINCE MB KNOWS IT IS A PROBLEM AND SHOULD HAVE A REPLACEMENT BRAKING SYSTEM FOR IT OR REPAIR. THIS IS NOT JUST A OLD MASTER CYLINDER GOING OUT. THIS IS A WHOLE SENSOR UNIT FAILING

TAKATA RECALL. CARS WITH THIS ISSUE SHOULD BE PART OF THE RECALL. I HAVE SAME EXACT PROBLEM AS THE 7TH COMPLAINER.CASE #10574681. SRS LIGHT CAME ON WITH 1 MALFUNCTION. THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM. I TOOK IT TO THE WORKSHOP TO HAVE THE SCAN CODES CHECKED. THE CODE READER SAID THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH ONE OF THE AIRBAGS. THE MECHANIC THINKS THAT THE AIRBAGS ARE DISABLED. BUT THE OWNERS MANUAL SAYS THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT AN AIRBAG COULD GO OFF WHILE DRIVING. I JUST READ THAT MERCEDES INCLUDED 814000 VEHICLES IN THE RECALL. MY CAR IS NOT INCLUDED. I THINK THAT THIS CAR MIGHT NOT BE SAFE TO DRIVE. WOULD YOU PLEASE HELP OUT AND HAVE AN INVESTIGATION. THANKS IN ADVANCE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ C230. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, IT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TAIL LIGHTS FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE TAIL LIGHT HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 225,262.

THE LCD DISPLAY FOR SAFETY ITEMS SUCH AS CHECKING THE OIL LEVEL FADES OUT AND CAN NOT BE READ. THERE IS NO OTHER WAY TO CHECK THE OIL LEVEL ON THIS VEHICLE. REPAIR SHOPS DO NOT WANT TO SERVICE AS THEY CAN NOT CHECK OIL LEVEL. NO DIP STICK ON THESE VEHICLES.

I OWN A A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ C240. THE FOLLOWING DAY AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REFUELED, THERE WAS A STRONG FUEL ODOR. IT HAS HAPPEN SUDDENLY OUT OF NOWHERE AFTER MY OTHER ELECTRICAL FAILURES OF SHOWING UP IN MY MALFUNCTION PANEL, IN WHICH I HAVE A COMPLAINT. THE SRS THEN THE ESP NOW. THEN THE FUEL SMELL. I SEEM TO NOTICE IT MORE WHEN I WOULD IDLE HEATING UP THE CAR IN THE WINTER, THEN WHEN I JUST TURN IT ON AND DRIVE. I NOTICE IT AT STOP LIGHTS AS WELL. IF THERE IS ANY RECALL ON ANY MERCEDES THAT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THIS OR ANY ISSUE, IT SHOULD FALL ACROSS THE LINE OF OTHER YEARS AND MODELS AS WELL. SAFETY IS THE ISSUE AND QUALITY IS WHY WE CHOOSE A CERTAIN MAKE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ C240. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A STRONG FUEL ODOR IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 103,000.

TAKATA RECALL. CARS WITH THIS ISSUE SHOULD BE PART OF THE RECALL. I HAVE SAME EXACT PROBLEM AS THE 7TH COMPLAINER.CASE #10574681. SRS LIGHT CAME ON WITH 1 MALFUNCTION. THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM. I TOOK IT TO THE WORKSHOP TO HAVE THE SCAN CODES CHECKED. THE CODE READER SAID THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH ONE OF THE AIRBAGS. THE MECHANIC THINKS THAT THE AIRBAGS ARE DISABLED. BUT THE OWNERS MANUAL SAYS THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT AN AIRBAG COULD GO OFF WHILE DRIVING. I JUST READ THAT MERCEDES INCLUDED 814000 VEHICLES IN THE RECALL. MY CAR IS NOT INCLUDED. I THINK THAT THIS CAR MIGHT NOT BE SAFE TO DRIVE. WOULD YOU PLEASE HELP OUT AND HAVE AN INVESTIGATION. THANKS IN ADVANCE. (THIS I COPIES AND PASTED FROM A RECENT CONSUMER) I DIDN'T THINK ANYTHING ABOUT CHECKING ON MY MERCEDES UNTIL I GOT A RECALL LETTER FROM BMW 2 DAYS AGO AND THOUGHT WOW. I NEED TO CHECK NO THE BENZ. I HAVE HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM. FIRST THE SRS LIGHT. CODES ARE READING SAFETY RESTRAINT AND WONT TURN OFF. THEN I HAVE MY ESP LIGHT THAT CAME ON AND WHEN READ ON THE COMPUTER, IT HAD READ THAT THIS WAS ALSO SHOWING UP AS A LONG TERM PROBLEM IN THE HISTORY OF THIS CARS COMPUTER SYSTEM. I CAN PULL EVERY PAPER WORK EVER DONE TO THIS CAR. I AM THE SECOND OWNER AND MY CLOSE FRIEND IS THE FIRST OWNER, WHO BOUGHT IT AFTER LAW SCHOOL. I HAVE OWNED IT 5 YEARS. THIS MADE NERVOUS, SO I BOUGHT ANOTHER CAR. A BMW AND KEPT THIS ONE, BECAUSE SHE IS A GREAT CAR. HOWEVER, MERCEDES OR SOMEONE BETTER INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE THAT SEEMS TO BE RECALLED IN A BIASED MANNER AND IN SAFETY AND DEATH POSSIBILITIES, MERCEDES NEEDS TO TAKE CARE OF THEIR LOYAL CUSTOMERS.MY ENTIRE FAMILY OWNS AND BUYS THESE AND NEVER CHANGED, BECAUSE ALL OF OUR GERMAN MADE AND SHIPPED CARS HAVE BEEN THE BEST SINCE 1980 OF OUR 1ST ONE WE PURCHASED. I BOUGHT A BMW. NEVER AGAIN. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS ASAP, THIS IS DANGEROUS. I OWN 2 DANGEROUS EXPENSIVE CARDS.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ C240. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS REFUELED, A STRONG FUEL ODOR EMITTED INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000.

TL-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ C230. THE CONTACT OBSERVED THAT AFTER EXITING THE VEHICLE, THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL DISENGAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO INFORMED THAT THE BALL JOINT SEPARATED FROM THE CONTROL ARM. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION THE FAILURE RECURRED WITH THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THE DEFECTIVE PARTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS WERE AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNAVAILALBE. JS

I DON'T KNOW THAT MY CAR WAS A RECALL AND WHEN I FIRST GOT IT MY GAS GAUGE WHEN OUT AND STUFF START TO GO BAD. THE CAR PLACE I PURCHASE THE CAR FROM KNEW ALL THIS STUFF AND DON'T INFORM ME AT ALL. I KNOW I BOUGHT A USED CAR BUT I WAS HOPE THEY WILL LET ME KNOW . NOW THAT MY WARRANTY UP THEY IS GIVING THE RUN ALWAYS . WHAT SHOULD ABOUT IT . SO WHEN I GO PUT GAS IN MY CAR I DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH GAS IT IS IN MY CAR BECAUSE MY GAS READ AND METER IN THE CAR DON'T WORK AND ALSO HAVE A SHORT IN IT. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ C240. THE FOLLOWING DAY AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REFUELED, THERE WAS A STRONG FUEL ODOR AND THERE WAS A LARGE PUDDLE OF FUEL UNDER THE REAR CENTER OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.

I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE HOME FROM WORK AND HEADING UPHILL. MY AUTOMATIC AIR CONDITIONING CLICKED OFF, AND THEN I NOTICED A STRONG CHEMICAL SMELL. SMOKE CAME OUT FROM UNDER MY HOOD. THERE WAS NO SAFE PLACE TO PULL OVER, SO I DROVE ANOTHER 1/4 MILE UNTIL I CRESTED THE HILL AND CAME TO A DIP. I NOTICED FLAMES COMING TOWARD ME FROM BETWEEN THE DRIVER DOOR AND THE DASH. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED MY CAR OVER AND PUT IT IN PARK, GRABBED MY STUFF AND GOT OUT. THE CAR COMPLETELY BURNED UP. I GET MY CAR REGULARLY MAINTENANCED BY THE DEALER, AND IT SAID I HAD 1800 OR 1900 MILES UNTIL MY NEXT SERVICE. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES-BENZ C320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUPPLEMENT RESTRAINT SENSOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 174,254.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ C320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED HEAD AND CHEST INJURIES WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.

I WAS ALWAYS GETTING AN ERROR MESSAGE TELLING ME MY REAR LIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING. I EXPERIENCED AN ELECTRICAL FIRE IN MY TRUNK, WHICH CAUSED THE AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY AND THE ENTIRE LEFT SIDE OF MY CAR CAUGHT FIRE. THE CAR WAS TOTALED. CAR WOULD NOT START, TRUNK WOULD NOT OPEN. CAR WAS TOTALED BY DEALER AND INSURANCE COMPANY. I KNOW THERE IS A RECALL NOTICE FOR NEW C CLASS CARS, BUT BECAUSE OF WHAT I EXPERIENCED, I BELIEVE OLDER MODELS MAY ALSO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR

FUEL IS LEAKING FROM THE SENDING UNIT OF THE VEHICLE AND DOWN ONTO THE REAR WHEELS DIFFERENTIAL, THE VEHICLES FUEL TANK AND SENDER UNIT HAD BEEN REPLACED BY MERCEDES UNDER WARRANTY ON 11/25/03 MILEAGE IN 43088 MILEAGE OUT 43092 AT THE HOEHN CARLSBAD CA DEALER SHIP: INVOICE NUMBER 465553. THIS HAS NOW HAPPENED AGAIN AND I HAVE FOUND THAT THIS ISSUE IS NOT A LIMITED ISSUE TO MY VEHICLE BUT ONE THAT HAS IMPACTED ALL C CLASS AND E CLASS VEHICLES AND HAS AN ESTIMATED REPAIR COST OF $2,073.30. HOW IS DAIMLER AG ALLOWED TO SELL THESE VEHICLES THAT POSE AN EXTREME RICK THE PUBLIC AND PROPERTY IN THE US. I HAVE BEEN TOLD MY VEHICLE IS NOW NO LONGER COVERED UNDER ANY WARRANTY AND I WILL HAVE TO FOOT THE BILL TO REPAIR THIS OBVIOUS DESIGN FLOOR AND SUBSEQUENT MALFUNCTION THAT POSSES A LIFE THREATENING RISK TO ME AND MY FAMILY IF NOT RESOLVED ASAP. I DREAD TO THINK ABOUT ALL THE PRESENT MERCEDES C-CLASS AND E-CLASS OWNERS DRIVING AROUND IN A TICKING TIME BOMB JUST WAITING TO GO OFF, THERE MUST BE HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF VEHICLES THAT HAVE DEFECTIVE FUEL SENDING UNITS/GAS TANKS LEAKING GAS DOWN AND AROUND HOT EXHAUST PIPES OF THEIR VEHICLES AND THEY ARE NOT AWARE OF THIS PERENNIALLY LIFE THREATENING MALFUNCTION BECAUSE DAIMLER AG HAS NOT RECALLED ALL VEHICLES OUTFITTED WITH RECOGNIZED DEFECTIVE FUEL SENDING UNITS/GAS TANKS AND RESOLVED THE TICKING TIME BOMBS. IT'S OBVIOUS TO ME WHATEVER ATTEMPT DAIMLER AG HAS TAKEN IS NOT ENOUGH TO MITIGATE ANY FURTHER DEFECTIVE FUEL SENDING UNITS/GAS TANKS. PLEASE ADVISE ON ANY WHETHER WE HAVE ANY RE-CAUSE WITH DAIMLER AG OR MERCEDES U.S.A TO GET THIS FRIGHTENING ISSUE RESOLVED FOR NOT ONLY ME BUT ALSO THE HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF AMERICAN MOTORIST PRESENTLY DRIVING TICKING BOMBS. YOU MAY CONTACT ME ON DAYTIME PHONE NUMBER TO DISCUSS THIS ISSUE. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

DEC 2013, WITH "OUR NEW" 2003 MB C240 TRAVELING 55MPH ON CRUISE, I ACCELERATED, "POOF". MY BROTHER DRIVING BEHIND US DISAPPEARED IN A CLOUD OF WHITE SMOKE FROM MY EXHAUST. HE HAD TO PULL OVER, HE COULD NOT SEE THE ROAD. THE "CLOUD OF SMOKE" APPEARS EVERY TIME I USE THE CC OR MAINTAIN A CONSTANT SPEED FOR ANY LENGTH OF TIME. ON A RECENT TRIP OF 2000 MILES, IT CONSUMED 7 QTS OF OIL. WITH ONLY 75K MILES, ITS HARDLY BROKEN IN. THE PROBLEM IS "SLUDGE" BUILT UP INSIDE THE ENGINE BECAUSE OF A "POOR" ENGINE DESIGN. THERE IS/WAS AN "ACTIVE CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT": IN 2003, BY "O'KEEFE", TO REPAIR/REPLACE ALL 1998-2001 MB MOTORS WITH THIS SLUDGE BUILD UP. DAIMLER CHRYSLER "DID NOT" FIX THE DEFECTS IN THE ENGINE DESIGN, THEY SIMPLY SHIFTED THE "PROBLEM" TO THE OWNERS BY TELLING THEM WHICH BRAND OF OIL TO USE. IF YOU "GOOGLE" MERCEDES WITH "SLUDGE/CONSUMPTION" OR SMOKING, YOU WILL FIND SCORES OF MB VEHICLES NEWER THAN 2001 THAT STILL EXHIBIT THESE SAME SMOKING/ SLUDGE PROBLEMS EVEN THOUGH THEY HAVE COMPLIED WITH ALL OF THE NEW MB MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS. SO THE PROBLEM WAS NEVER "FIXED". IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN EXPANDED! THE PROBLEM STEMS FROM THE SLUDGE BUILT UP IN THE MOTOR (INSIDE VALVE COVERS AND OIL DRAIN GALLERY'S). IT DOES NOT ALLOW OIL PUMPED UP TO LUBRICATE THE ROCKERS/ CAMS TO RETURN BACK DOWN TO THE "SUMP". THIS "EXCESS/TRAPPED" OIL HAS NO WHERE TO GO, IT SLOWLY SEEPS INTO THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WHERE IT COLLECTS, WHEN THE VACUUM IS RIGHT, GETS SUCKED INTO INTAKE RUNNERS, SENT TO THE COMBUSTION CHAMBERS, IGNITED AND EXPELLED AS EXHAUST, OVERWHELMING THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS. THERE ARE 2 PROBLEMS: 1) RIDICULOUS AMOUNTS OF UNWANTED ILLEGAL/EMISSIONS 2) THE IMMEDIATE "PERIL" OF ANYONE TRAVELING BEHIND YOU BEING INSTANTLY "BLINDED" AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS ALL MB VEHICLES WITH SIMILAR MOTORS SHOULD BE IMMEDIATELY TESTED & REPAIRED! *TR

CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED DEALERSHIP BOUGHT MERCEDES BENZ 2003 C-240 4-MATIC. PURCHASED WITH 41K MILES IN 2008. APPROXIMATELY 6/2013 THE SRS LIGHT CAME ON STATING 1 MALFUNCTION ON THE CLUSTER RELATING TO RESTRAINT SYSTEM. ADVISED OF NUMEROUS CASES OF THIS DEFECT IN MODEL YEAR 2003. DUE TO WARRANTY EXPIRATION THE ISSUE HAS YET TO HAVE PROFESSIONAL DIAGNOSTICS. THE LIGHT AND CLUSTER NOTIFICATION REMAINS TO DATE AT 76K MILES. *TR

I HAVE A 2003 C 320 MBNZ, THE RADIATOR LEAKS INTO THE TRANSMISSION. THE RADIATOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THIS LEAKING RADIATOR FLUID DAMAGED THE TRANSMISSION, AND IT HAS TO BE REPLACED. THIS PROBLEM CAUSED A LACK OF POWER AND THEREFORE A LOSS OF ACCELERATION. IT HAPPENED WITHOUT ANY WARNING, LEAVING YOU VULNERABLE DUE TO THE LOSS OF POWER, A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION WHICH MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. THE CAR HAS ONLY 50026 MILES ON IT. *TR

THE FUEL TANK ON MY 2003 C32 LEAKED. THE SYMPTOM WAS A STRONG GAS ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THERE WAS FUEL LEAKING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. I TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC, AND HE DIAGNOSED IT AS A LEAKING FUEL TANK. WHEN HE REMOVED IT, HE SHOWED IT TO ME AND I SAW THE PART THAT WAS CRACKED, WHICH WAS BELOW THE REAR SEAT OF THE CAR. THERE APPEARS TO BE A WIDELY KNOWN MALFUNCTION WITH FUEL TANKS FOR MERCEDES. THIS WAS A VERY STRESSFUL EVENT, ESPECIALLY WITH FUEL LEAKING OUTSIDE THE CAR AND NOT KNOWING WHAT COULD HAPPEN (FIRE RISK, ETC). *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ C240. THE CONTACT STATED THE COOLANT WAS LEAKING FROM THE RADIATOR INTO THE TRANSMISSION. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED HER THAT SHE HAD TO FLUSH THE RADIATOR AND THE TRANSMISSION OR REPLACE THE TORQUE CONVERTER. IF THE FAILURE WAS NOT REPAIRED BY FLUSHING THE SYSTEM, THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED FOR OVER $2,000 AT THE CONTACTS EXPENSE. THERE WEE NO RECALLS OR WARRANTIES RELATED TO HER VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000. UPDATED 08/31/11 *BF THE CONSUMER HAS TRADED THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 09/07/11.*JB

I HAVE 2003 MERCEDES BENZ C230. WHENEVER I WOULD START THE VEHICLE IT WOULD GIVE ME JERK OR MAKE NOISE AND FINALLY JUST BEFORE TAKING IT TO A DEALER IT STALLED. I HAD IT TOWED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL SHOP, WHICH SUGGESTED THAT THE PROBLEM IS MUCH LARGER AND NEEDS THE ATTENTION OF THE MANUFACTURER AND HENCE TO TAKEN TO THE DEALER. IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS THE TIMING CHAIN WAS DEFECTIVE AND THE LOCAL SHOP OWNER SAID THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE AND A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH MAJOR COST TO FIX. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE IS NOT REPAIRED AS THE COST OF FIX IS AS LARGE AS THE CARS CURRENT VALUE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE IS 68,000. *TR

2003 MERCEDES C320. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO A SAFETY RECALL TRANSFER CASE *TGW THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT DUE TO THE MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE, THEY WOULD NOT BE WILLING TO ASSIST WITH ABSORBING SOME OF THE COST FOR THE REPLACEMENT PART. *JB

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ C230. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHENEVER SHE WOULD START THE VEHICLE, IT WOULD JERK VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CAM SHAFT SENSOR WAS LEAKING AND THE TIMING CHAIN WAS DEFECTIVE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 92,000.

LEAK ON THE ANTIFREEZE COOLANT TANK WHERE THE THIN HOSE CONNECTS TO THE COOLANT TANK ON TOP, THE STEEL TUBE THAT IS MOLDED INTO THE PLASTIC SLIPPED OUT AND THE PLASTIC PART CRACKED CREATING A LEAK. THE ANTIFREEZE MAY LEAK AND ACCUMULATE UNDER THE CAR, IT CAN DAMAGE THE ENGINE, ALSO IT CAN LEAK WHILE DRIVING CAUSING HAZARDOUS / SLIPPERY CONDITIONS, ALSO CHILDREN OR PETS / ANIMALS MAY DRINK THE LEAKED ANTIFREEZE. THIS IS DANGEROUS. *TR

WHEN SIGNALING TO TURN LEFT OR RIGHT, ONLY THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL WILL FLASH. THE RIGHT TURN SIGNAL NEVER FLASHES. HOWEVER, BOTH LIGHTS WILL FLASH WHEN HAZARD LIGHTS ARE ON AND WHEN LOCKING/UNLOCKING CAR DOORS. *TR

THE CAM SENSORS ON THE MERCEDES M271 ENGINE LEAK OIL WHICH SPREADS TO OTHER COMPONENTS VIA THE WIRE HARNESSES CONNECTED TO CAM SENSORS. OIL CONTAMINATION WILL DAMAGE OTHER ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS (NAMELY THE ECU AND EXHAUST OXYGEN SENSORS) IF THE CAM SENSORS AND WIRE HARNESSES ARE NOT REPLACED. A NEW CAM SENSOR AND WIRE HARNESS HAS BEEN DESIGNED AS THE CORRECTIVE ACTION. THE DEFECTIVE CAM SENSOR AND WIRE HARNESS WERE USED ON THE PREVIOUS ENGINE DESIGN (M111). THERE IS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN FOR M111 ENGINE BUT NOT THE M271 ENGINE. MERCEDES REFUSES TO RECALL THIS DEFECTIVE DESIGN ON THE M271 ENGINE CAUSING OWNERS TO PAY FOR THE $900 PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE. WITHOUT THIS REPAIR THE ECU (PART COST $2000) AND OXYGEN SENSORS (QTY 2 @ $238 EA) WILL BE EVENTUALLY DAMAGED AND WILL NEED TO BE REMOVED AND REPLACED. WITHIN THE PAST WEEK, PAID MORE THAN $ 2,400.00 TO REPLACE 2 CAM SENSORS, 2 OXYGEN SENSORS, AND WIRING HARNESS. REPAIR SHOP SAYS THAT THIS IS A DEFECT THAT MB HAS KNOWN ABOUT FOR YEARS. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ C230. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO REPAIRED THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS AND THE ENGINE CAM SHAFT ADJUSTMENT SOLENOID, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.