Owners have filed 29 complaints
about the 1999 Mercedes Benz E430 with NHTSA between 2000 and 2021.
The largest single group is the suspension.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 4 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 64
Against the median year of the Mercedes Benz E430. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 53
10.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 7
4% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 1999 compares with every other Mercedes Benz E430
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
14.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
28.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
416.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
936.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
624.0%
150,000+ miles
312.0%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Apr 2000peak 6Mar 2021
NHTSA investigations into the 1999 Mercedes Benz E430
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE07021Opened 19 Apr 2007Closed 9 Aug 2007SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING EJECTION
ODI HAS FOCUSED THIS INVESTIGATION ON ASSESSING THE RISKS POSED BY A SEPARATED SPRING AS (1) A ROAD HAZARD AND (2) THE POTENTIAL FOR VEHICLE CONTROL TO BE COMPROMISED AFTER THE FRONT COIL SPRING HAS BEEN EJECTED FROM ITS INTENDED POSITION IN THE VEHICLE.BOTH RISKS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH CORROSION, FLEXING, AND FRACTURE OF THE UPPER FRONT SUSPENSION MOUNTING BRACKET.TIME-IN-SERVICE FAILURE RATES ARE NOTABLY HIGHER IN SALT BELT STATES SINCE CORROSION IS A PRIMARY CONTRIBUTOR TO THE FAILURE MODE.SINCE A NUMBER OF INCIDENTS HAVE OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING OPERATED, ODI IS SKEPTICAL THAT OWN...
PE03058Opened 17 Dec 2003Closed 22 Apr 2004ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
ENGINE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY FAILURE
THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF ENGINE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY HARMONIC BALANCER FAILURE THAT COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF POWER-STEERING ASSIST.ODI HAS RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 546 NON-DUPLICATIVE REPORTS THAT ALLEGE ENGINE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY HARMONIC BALANCER FAILURE ON ALL MERCEDES-BENZ VEHICLES USING THE SUBJECT COMPONENT.THE SUBJECT COMPONENT FAILURES ARE PROGRESSIVE IN NATURE AND ONLY A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THE COMPLAINTS AND WARRANT CLAIMS INVOLVED A FAILURE THAT HAD PROGRESSED FAR ENOUGH TO EFFECT POWER STEERING PERFORMANCE (6 OF...
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 99,996 milesSouth Bend, INCrash
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCEDES BENZ E430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE COIL SPRING SUPPORT AND THE COIL SPRING FELL OFF OF THE VEHICLE WHILE HE WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH. BECAUSE OF THAT FAILURE, HE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO SOMEONE'S YARD. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. HE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THE SERVICE MANAGER WAS OF NO ASSISTANCE. HE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO TOLD HIM THAT HE WOULD BE REIMBURSED FOR THE COIL SPRING REPAIR BUT HE HAD NOT RECEIVED THE REIMBURSEMENT WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 101,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,996. UPDATED 03/24/10 *BF UPDATED 06/28/10
NHTSA complaint #10312239 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atlanta, GA1 injured
AIR BAGS
WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT A COLLISION OCCURRING DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR AIR BAG DEPLOYED. CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK THREE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED SIMULTANEOUSLY. THE DEALER REPLACED THE VEHICLE WITH NEW ONE.
NHTSA complaint #861004 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atlanta, GA1 injured
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT A COLLISION OCCURRING DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR AIR BAG DEPLOYED. CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK THREE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED SIMULTANEOUSLY. THE DEALER REPLACED THE VEHICLE WITH NEW ONE.
NHTSA complaint #861004 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 120,000 milesELK Grove, CA
POWER TRAIN
WHEN DRIVING ABOUT 30-40MPH ENTERING THE FREEWAY THE CAR WILL DOWNSHIFT, WHEN IT DOWNSHIFTED IT LOST ALL DRIVE. THE ENGINE CAN FREELY REV BUT NO MOVEMENT WHATSOEVER. HAD TO PULL OVER ON THE FREEWAY AND PUT IT INTO THE PARK AND RESTART THE CAR. ALSO, SOMETIMES WHEN DRIVING THE CAR WILL BE LOCKED INTO 3RD GEAR AND WON'T SHIFT, THERE IS NOT WARNING LIGHT OR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO TELL ME WHAT IS GOING ON. 1ST AND 2ND GEAR ALSO HAS HARSH ENGAGEMENTS.
NHTSA complaint #11398558 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 199,000 milesLynchburg, VA
SUSPENSION
WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY WHEN SPRING CAME OUT AND LOST CONTROL OF CAR PUT CAR IN SHOP COST ME 1400 FOR REPAIRS SOMEONE NEED TO HELP PAY FOR IT AND THIS SHOULD BE S RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10761131 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milwaukee, WI
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCEDES BENZ E430. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT A SUSPENSION SPRING FRACTURED FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE SPRING COIL TOWER FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10679314 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 155,000 milesTahlequah, OK
AIR BAGS
THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS SPONTANEOUSLY DEPLOYED WHILE APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT. HAVE TAKEN CAR TO MERCEDES DEALERSHIP AND THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO GIVE ME AN ANSWER AS TO WHY THIS OCCURRED. THEY RELATE THAT THEY HAVE SENT PICTURES AND INFORMATION TO "MERCEDES" AND AFTER 1 WEEK I AM ONLY TOLD THAT IT COULD TAKE. LONGER.
NHTSA complaint #10664648 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 155,000 milesTahlequah, OK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS SPONTANEOUSLY DEPLOYED WHILE APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT. HAVE TAKEN CAR TO MERCEDES DEALERSHIP AND THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO GIVE ME AN ANSWER AS TO WHY THIS OCCURRED. THEY RELATE THAT THEY HAVE SENT PICTURES AND INFORMATION TO "MERCEDES" AND AFTER 1 WEEK I AM ONLY TOLD THAT IT COULD TAKE. LONGER.
NHTSA complaint #10664648 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,829 milesTamarac, FL
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCEDES BENZ E430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT OCCUPANT SEAT SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 98V256000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,829.
NHTSA complaint #10610602 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,829 milesTamarac, FL
SEATS
SAFETY ISSUES: SRS WARNING LIGHT IS ON. AC BLOWING WARM AIR, SIDE POWER WINDOWS DO NOT OPERATE., FRONT PASSENGER SEAT CANNOT ADJUST-SENSOR FAULT INDICATED L/ VALVE COVER BREATHER NIPPLE BROKEN -REPLACED L/SIDE VALVE COVER -($1524.89).
NHTSA complaint #10608241 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,829 milesTamarac, FL
SEAT BELTS
SAFETY ISSUES: SRS WARNING LIGHT IS ON. AC BLOWING WARM AIR, SIDE POWER WINDOWS DO NOT OPERATE., FRONT PASSENGER SEAT CANNOT ADJUST-SENSOR FAULT INDICATED L/ VALVE COVER BREATHER NIPPLE BROKEN -REPLACED L/SIDE VALVE COVER -($1524.89).
NHTSA complaint #10608241 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,829 milesTamarac, FL
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
SAFETY ISSUES: SRS WARNING LIGHT IS ON. AC BLOWING WARM AIR, SIDE POWER WINDOWS DO NOT OPERATE., FRONT PASSENGER SEAT CANNOT ADJUST-SENSOR FAULT INDICATED L/ VALVE COVER BREATHER NIPPLE BROKEN -REPLACED L/SIDE VALVE COVER -($1524.89).
NHTSA complaint #10608241 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,829 milesTamarac, FL
AIR BAGS
SAFETY ISSUES: SRS WARNING LIGHT IS ON. AC BLOWING WARM AIR, SIDE POWER WINDOWS DO NOT OPERATE., FRONT PASSENGER SEAT CANNOT ADJUST-SENSOR FAULT INDICATED L/ VALVE COVER BREATHER NIPPLE BROKEN -REPLACED L/SIDE VALVE COVER -($1524.89).
NHTSA complaint #10608241 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,829 milesTamarac, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
SAFETY ISSUES: SRS WARNING LIGHT IS ON. AC BLOWING WARM AIR, SIDE POWER WINDOWS DO NOT OPERATE., FRONT PASSENGER SEAT CANNOT ADJUST-SENSOR FAULT INDICATED L/ VALVE COVER BREATHER NIPPLE BROKEN -REPLACED L/SIDE VALVE COVER -($1524.89).
NHTSA complaint #10608241 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 147,000 milesWhitehouse Station, NJ
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCEDES BENZ E430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE COLLAPSED. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE COIL SPRING ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WAS DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SPRING PERCH FRACTURED BECAUSE IT WAS NOT WELDED ONTO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 147,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 09/30/11
NHTSA complaint #10425082 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 119,000 milesPalmyra, WI
SUSPENSION:FRONT
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCEDES-BENZ E430. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH WHEN THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE COIL SPRING DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE, CAUSING HIM TO ALMOST LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE AND THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED WHO ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE CONTACT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL IN CONTACTING THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 119,000.
NHTSA complaint #10403809 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,996 milesSouth Bend, INCrash
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCEDES BENZ E430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE COIL SPRING SUPPORT AND THE COIL SPRING FELL OFF OF THE VEHICLE WHILE HE WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH. BECAUSE OF THAT FAILURE, HE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO SOMEONE'S YARD. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. HE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THE SERVICE MANAGER WAS OF NO ASSISTANCE. HE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO TOLD HIM THAT HE WOULD BE REIMBURSED FOR THE COIL SPRING REPAIR BUT HE HAD NOT RECEIVED THE REIMBURSEMENT WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 101,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,996. UPDATED 03/24/10 *BF UPDATED 06/28/10
NHTSA complaint #10312239 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 133,000 milesOLD Bridge, NJ
SUSPENSION:FRONT
I OWN AND DRIVE A 1999 MERCEDES BENZ E430. IT HAS APPROX. 133000 MILES. THE RIGHT FRONT COIL SPRING SNAPPED OFF THE CAR AS I WAS DRIVING IT AT APPROX. 35 MPH. I WAS THE ONLY PERSON IN THE CAR DRIVING ON ROUTE 516 OLD BRIDGE, NJ ABOUT 3 MILES FROM MY HOME. I WAS NOT INJURED JUST BADLY SHAKEN UP. THE CAR HAS BEEN TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP AND IS AT OLD BRIDGE COLLISION ON ENGLISHTOWN ROAD, OLD BRIDGE NJ. I HAVE NOTED THIS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM AND THE PREVIOUS COMPLAINTS AND INVESTIGATIONS. PLEASE NOTE MY COMPLAINT AND ADVISE ASAP.
NHTSA complaint #10293676 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesUpper Darby, PA
SUSPENSION:FRONT
THIS IS IN REGARDS TO 1999 MERCEDES BENZ E430 CONCERNING FRONT SPRING PERCHES. DATE THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED 9/22/2009. FAILURE TO THE PASSENGER FRONT SPRING PERCH RESULTING IN THE SPRING TO DISLOCATE. FORTUNATELY, THIS DID NOT OCCUR AT DRIVING SPEED RATHER OCCURRED IN A PARKING LOT. HOWEVER, THIS IS NOT THE FIRST INCIDENT UNFORTUNATELY THE SECOND INCIDENT WITHIN 5 YEARS. THE FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING. THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT SPRING PERCH DISLOCATED AND THE SPRING EJECTED ONTO THE FREEWAY AND THE FRONT END DROPPED TO THE WHEEL. NO INJURIES OR CASUALTIES OCCURRED. THE DRIVER SIDE PERCH WAS REPAIRED AND A VISUAL INSPECTION WAS PERFORM ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND NO APPARENT DAMAGE WAS NOTED, HOWEVER, NOW THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN. I BELIEVE A 10 YEAR OLD VEHICLE MANUFACTURED BY A PRESTIGE AUTOMOBILE COMPANY SHOULD NOT FAIL IN SUCH CIRCUMSTANCES.
NHTSA complaint #10286566 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesUpper Darby, PA
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
THIS IS IN REGARDS TO 1999 MERCEDES BENZ E430 CONCERNING FRONT SPRING PERCHES. DATE THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED 9/22/2009. FAILURE TO THE PASSENGER FRONT SPRING PERCH RESULTING IN THE SPRING TO DISLOCATE. FORTUNATELY, THIS DID NOT OCCUR AT DRIVING SPEED RATHER OCCURRED IN A PARKING LOT. HOWEVER, THIS IS NOT THE FIRST INCIDENT UNFORTUNATELY THE SECOND INCIDENT WITHIN 5 YEARS. THE FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING. THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT SPRING PERCH DISLOCATED AND THE SPRING EJECTED ONTO THE FREEWAY AND THE FRONT END DROPPED TO THE WHEEL. NO INJURIES OR CASUALTIES OCCURRED. THE DRIVER SIDE PERCH WAS REPAIRED AND A VISUAL INSPECTION WAS PERFORM ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND NO APPARENT DAMAGE WAS NOTED, HOWEVER, NOW THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN. I BELIEVE A 10 YEAR OLD VEHICLE MANUFACTURED BY A PRESTIGE AUTOMOBILE COMPANY SHOULD NOT FAIL IN SUCH CIRCUMSTANCES.
NHTSA complaint #10286566 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,425 milesElkton, MD
SUSPENSION:FRONT
1999 MERCEDES BENZ E430 RH FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE FROM ITS MOUNT DURING DRIVING AND JAMMED INTO THE FRONT SUSPENSION CONTROL ARMS. CAR HAS 65,400 MILES. NO CORRECTIVE ACTION STEPS HAVE HAPPENED SO FAR.
NHTSA complaint #10231289 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 49,276 milesStrongsville, OH
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE PARKED, A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE UPPER COIL SPRING HAD RUSTED OFF. THE COIL SPRINGS WERE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10151644 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,780 milesMartinez, GA
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
1. EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE FAILURE: ON DECEMBER 24, 2005, I WAS DRIVING MY 1999 MERCEDES BENZ E430 ON INTERSTATE 95 TRAVELING TO CHARLOTTE, NC FROM HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC. 2. FAILURE AND ITS CONSEQUENCES: WITHOUT ANY APPARENT CAUSE, THE REAR WINDSHIELD OF THE CAR COMPLETELY SHATTERED AS I WAS DRIVING ON I-95. SHARDS OF GLASS BEGAN FLYING OUT OF THE WINDSHIELD ONTO THE CAR AND THE ROAD, AS WELL AS INTO THE CAR. THE EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR OF THE CAR WERE DAMAGED. 3. WHAT WAS DONE TO CORRECT THE FAILURE: I NOTIFIED MY INSURANCE COMPANY AND THE WINDSHIELD AS WELL AS THE DAMAGE TO THE CAR WILL BE REPAIRED. THE MERCEDES DEALERSHIP IS ORDERING A MANUFACTURER/OEM REPLACEMENT WINDSHIELD. I CALLED MERCEDES CORPORATE TO INQUIRE WHETHER THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED IN ANY OTHER SIMILAR MODELS AND TO FIND OUT THE MANUFACTURER OF THE GLASS. THE MERCEDES REPRESENTATIVE TOLD ME THAT SUCH INFORMATION WAS PROPRIETARY AND THAT SHE COULD NOT GIVE ME ANY OF THE REQUESTED INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #10146599 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesRichmond, VA
STRUCTURE
THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEVELOPED CRACKS ALL AROUND AND SEPARATED FROM THE FRAME. THIS ALSO OCCURRED AT THE RIGHT HAND SIDE OF THE DASHBOARD NEAR THE SPEAKER. I AM WORRIED THAT THE AIRBAG WILL DEPLOY UNEXPECTEDLY AND WILL CREATE A LIFE SAFETY ISSUE. I WROTE SEVERAL TIMES TO THE MECEDES-BENS HEADQUARTERS AND NOT ONLY DID THEY DENY THIS MASSIVE MATERIAL AND WORKMANSHIP DEFECT BUT THEY REFUSED TO INVESTIGATE OR PROPOSE A CORRECTIVE MEASURE. I AM PLANING TO TAKE THIS TO THE MEDIA AND COURT. THIS IS A $55,000 FOUR-YEAR-OLD LUXURY CAR AND IS NOT EXPECTED TO HAVE CHEAP AND DEFECTIVE MATERIALS.
NHTSA complaint #10073269 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesAnnville, PA
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
I WAS DRIVING DOWN ROUTE 72S AND SUDDENLY MY DRIVER FRONT SIDE COLLASPED. AT FIRST I THOUGHT IT MIGHT OF BEEN THE TIRE WAS BLOWN, BUT AFTER TAKING A LOOK I SAW FROM UNDERNEATH THAT A SPRING WAS HANGING. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO MY HOUSE AND LOOKED UNDERNEATH IT MYSELF. THE UPPER SPRING MOUNT WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED AND WAS TEARING AWAY FROM THE BODY OF THE CAR. THIS IS A 1999 MERCEDES E430 SO IT IS FAIRLY A NEW VEHICLE. I DID SOME RESEARCH ONLINE AND FOUND OUT THAT THERE WAS A SERVICE RECALL FOR THE FRONT SPRING TOWERS ON E CLASS MODELS DATING FROM 97-2000. IT ALSO IS COMMON AND HAPPENS FREQUENTLY. I HAD TALK TO MERCEDES AND THEY TOLD ME TO BRING IN THE VEHICLE SO THEY COULD TAKE A LOOK. BUT THEY ARE TELLING THAT THERE WAS NEVER SUCH A RECALL. SO AT THIS MOMENT MY VEHICLE IS SITTING AT THE DEALER.
NHTSA complaint #10068295 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,663 milesWestminster, CA
EQUIPMENT
THE CAR STOPPED ON THE FREEWAY WITHOUT WARNING. FORTUNATELY, IT DID NOT CAUSE AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE THE TRAFFIC ON THE FREEWAY WAS HEAVY AND EVERYONE WAS STUCK IN THE TRAFFIC. TRANSMISSION, CONVERTER AND RADIATOR WERE DAMAGED BEYOND REPAIR AND HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 65,600 MILES. THE CAR HAD SCHEDULED SERVICES AT THE AUTHORIZED MBZ DEALERS SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED IN 11/98. THE MOST CURRENT MAINTENANCE WAS ONE ON 11/28/03 AT 61,290 MILES. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS FROM THE DEALERS ABOUT THE DEFICIENCIES OF THE TRANSMISSION. MBZ DEALER COULD NOT PROVIDE ANY EXPLAINATIONS AS TO WHY A NEW TRANSMISSION WAS NEEDED AT 65,600 MILES. I HAVE FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA AND RECEIVED NO REPLY FROM THEM.
NHTSA complaint #10063887 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 54 milesBrooklyn, NY
AIR BAGS
AFRAID THAT AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY PROPERLY BECAUSE OF CRACKS. LOCAL DEALER AND REGIONAL MANAGER REFUSED TO REPAIR/REPLACE.
NHTSA complaint #10058422 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesPensacola, FL
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG HAS DEVELOPED CRACKS IN THE DASH BOARD THAT SEPARATE THE AIR BAG FROM THE OCCUPANTS. I FEEL THE AIR BAG MAY NOT FIRE PROPERLY SINCE THE DASH BOARD IS CRACKED ALL THE WAY THROUGH ON 1/2 OF THE TOTAL AREA THAT SURROUNDS THE AIRBAG. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP BUT THEY DID NOT DO ANYTHING AND REALLY DID NOT CARE. I ALSO TRIED TO REACH THE AREA DSM FOR MERCEDES BUT THE LOCAL SERVICE MANAGER WOULD NEVER PATCH ME THROUGH. THE CRACKS HAVE DEVELOPED THROUGH THE DASH BOARD DECOMPOSING UNUSUALLY QUICKLY FOR A CAR THAT IS A 1999 MODEL. I HAVE NEVER SEEN A DASHBOARD CRACK THIS BADLY ON ANYTHING OTHER THAN A 10+ YEAR OLD CAR. I HAVE SPOKEN TO MANY PEOPLE THAT HAVE THIS SAME PROBLEM ON THEIR MERCEDES E430'S AND HAVE ATTEMPTED TO GET MERCEDES TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THE PROBLEM BUT MERCEDES HAS NOT EVEN ATTEMPTED TO ACT TO FIX THE PROBLEMS. I AM OUT OF WAYS TO GET THE ATTENTION OF MERCEDES AND AM FORCED TO FILE THIS COMPLAINT TO THE NHTSA. *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10032524 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.