FaultScore

FaultScore report

2004 Mercedes Benz S430 problems

Owners have filed 28 complaints about the 2004 Mercedes Benz S430 with NHTSA between 2009 and 2022. The largest single group is the electrical system. Across this model's run it ranks 7 of 7 worst.

B

FaultScore 26/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Mercedes Benz S430.

How this is worked out

The numbers

28

Complaints

0

Crashes reported

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries reported

74,000 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

25%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

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.

Complaint volume 35 vs 50 Severity 0 vs 50 Early failure 43 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 35
Against the median year of the Mercedes Benz S430. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 0
0% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 43
25% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2004 compares with every other Mercedes Benz S430

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2004 Mercedes Benz S430

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Electrical System 7 25.0%

Median failure at 99,000 miles

Suspension 4 14.3%

Median failure at 59,900 miles

Transmission & Drivetrain 4 14.3%

Median failure at 80,000 miles

Acceleration & Cruise Control 2 7.1%

Median failure at 85,000 miles

Body & Structure 2 7.1%

Median failure at 44,533 miles

Other & Unspecified 1 3.6%
Doors, Latches & Locks 1 3.6%
Stability & Traction Control 1 3.6%

Median failure at 100,000 miles

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 1 3.6%

Median failure at 60,000 miles

Fuel & Propulsion 1 3.6%

Median failure at 70,000 miles

Lights 1 3.6%

Median failure at 188,872 miles

Brakes 1 3.6%

Median failure at 98,000 miles

Steering 1 3.6%

Median failure at 29,066 miles

Engine & Cooling 1 3.6%

Median failure at 98,000 miles

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 1 4.2%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 5 20.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 6 25.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 5 20.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 4 16.7%
150,000+ miles 3 12.5%

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.

Jun 2009 peak 6 Aug 2022

NHTSA investigations into the 2004 Mercedes Benz S430

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.

PE07042 Opened 14 Aug 2007 Closed 20 Nov 2007 SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:AIR SUSPENSION:LINES AND FITTINGS

AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM FAILURE

THE SUBJECT S-CLASS VEHICLES CONTAIN A COMPRESSED AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM THAT USES AIR STRUTS ON EACH OF THE FOUR WHEELS IN LIEU OF TRADITIONAL SPRINGS AND SHOCK ABSORBERS.THESE AIR STRUTS USE COMPRESSED AIR TO SUPPORT THE WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE AND CONTROL RIDE HEIGHT.IN THE EVENT OF THE LOSS OF AIR FROM THE SYSTEM, AN ALERT WILL FLASH ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WARNING THE DRIVER TO EITHER DRIVE CAREFULLY OR TO STOP THE VEHICLE.THE VEHICLE RIDE HEIGHT CAN BE REDUCED BY AS MUCH AS 105 MM BELOW NORMAL RIDE HEIGHT BEFORE THE FULL LOAD OF THE VEHICLE FOR THAT WHEEL COMES TO REST ON A STEEL ROD, WIT...

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

at 78,000 miles Ocean City, MD

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2004 Mercedes-Benz S430. The contact stated that the electric conductor from the blower motor to the fuse holder overheated and melted the fuse. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V227000 (Electrical System). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 78,000.

NHTSA complaint #11480019 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

RIO Rancho, NM

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

IF THE TRUNK LID IS MANUALLY LIFTED, IT MAY NOT REMAIN IN THE UP POSITION AND COULD CAUSE INJURY IF IT COMES DOWN WHILE SOMEONE IS REACHING INTO THE TRUNK. THIS HAPPENED TO ME SEVERAL TIMES.

NHTSA complaint #11289649 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 188,872 miles SAN Diego, CA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES-BENZ S430. DUE TO INADEQUATE ILLUMINATION OF THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, THE CONTACT WAS NOT ABLE TO READ THE GAUGES AND INDICATORS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE FUSE WAS REPLACED FOR THE GAUGES, BUT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER STILL WAS NOT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 188,872.

NHTSA complaint #11258159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 175,000 miles Manassas, VA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES-BENZ S430. WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DID NOT ILLUMINATE AND THE SCREEN WAS DARK. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 175,000.

NHTSA complaint #11029984 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 98,000 miles Fresno, CA

POWER TRAIN

CAR STUCK ON PARK, WONT RELEASE GEAR DUE TO FAULTY PLASTIC SAFETY FEATURE THAT CRACKS OVER TIME DUE TO INFERIOR MATERIAL. HAVE TO REPLACE WHOLE GEAR BOX OR REMOVE SAFETY PIN WHICH CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT SINCE LEVER WILL SHIFT WHITOUT PRESSING BRAKE OR IGNITION ON.

NHTSA complaint #10966174 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,000 miles Fresno, CA

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

WHILE DRIVING AIRMATIC STRUT SNAPPED HIM HALF ON THE FREEWAY. WHOLE CAR DROPPED AND HAD TO TOW VEHICLE TO SHOP. REPLACED THE AIRMATIC STRUT AND NOW ABS SENSOR CAME ON AND DOESNT GO AWAY. REPLACED SENSOR AND STILL WONT GO AWAY SO NOW I LOST CRUISE CONTROL, BRAKES WEIRD, AND LOST ESP CONTROL WITH HEAVY STEERING. COMMON ISSUE ON THIS VEHICLE WITH THE AIRMATIC SUSPENSION.

NHTSA complaint #10966175 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,000 miles Fresno, CA

SUSPENSION

WHILE DRIVING AIRMATIC STRUT SNAPPED HIM HALF ON THE FREEWAY. WHOLE CAR DROPPED AND HAD TO TOW VEHICLE TO SHOP. REPLACED THE AIRMATIC STRUT AND NOW ABS SENSOR CAME ON AND DOESNT GO AWAY. REPLACED SENSOR AND STILL WONT GO AWAY SO NOW I LOST CRUISE CONTROL, BRAKES WEIRD, AND LOST ESP CONTROL WITH HEAVY STEERING. COMMON ISSUE ON THIS VEHICLE WITH THE AIRMATIC SUSPENSION.

NHTSA complaint #10966175 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 98,000 miles Fresno, CA

ENGINE

CAR STUCK ON PARK, WONT RELEASE GEAR DUE TO FAULTY PLASTIC SAFETY FEATURE THAT CRACKS OVER TIME DUE TO INFERIOR MATERIAL. HAVE TO REPLACE WHOLE GEAR BOX OR REMOVE SAFETY PIN WHICH CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT SINCE LEVER WILL SHIFT WHITOUT PRESSING BRAKE OR IGNITION ON.

NHTSA complaint #10966174 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 98,000 miles Fresno, CA

SERVICE BRAKES

CAR STUCK ON PARK, WONT RELEASE GEAR DUE TO FAULTY PLASTIC SAFETY FEATURE THAT CRACKS OVER TIME DUE TO INFERIOR MATERIAL. HAVE TO REPLACE WHOLE GEAR BOX OR REMOVE SAFETY PIN WHICH CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT SINCE LEVER WILL SHIFT WHITOUT PRESSING BRAKE OR IGNITION ON.

NHTSA complaint #10966174 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,000 miles Fresno, CA

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

WHILE DRIVING AIRMATIC STRUT SNAPPED HIM HALF ON THE FREEWAY. WHOLE CAR DROPPED AND HAD TO TOW VEHICLE TO SHOP. REPLACED THE AIRMATIC STRUT AND NOW ABS SENSOR CAME ON AND DOESNT GO AWAY. REPLACED SENSOR AND STILL WONT GO AWAY SO NOW I LOST CRUISE CONTROL, BRAKES WEIRD, AND LOST ESP CONTROL WITH HEAVY STEERING. COMMON ISSUE ON THIS VEHICLE WITH THE AIRMATIC SUSPENSION.

NHTSA complaint #10966175 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sugar Land, TX

SUSPENSION

THIS VEHICLE OFTEN DROPS LOWER, WHILE IN MOTION. THIS IS HAZARDOUS! I HAVE HAD THIS AIRMATIC AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM REPAIRED THREE TIMES ON THIS VEHICLE WITHIN THE LAST THREE YEARS, AND IT APPEARS THIS IS ONE PROBLEM THAT MERCEDES BENZ REFUSES TO CORRECT. IN MY LAST S430, I HAD THE SAME ISSUE, AND HAD TO PAY HUGE AMOUNTS TO FIX THE PROBLEMS. I FEEL NO ONE IS DOING ANYTHING TO GET MERCEDES BENZ TO FIX THIS ONGOING SAFETY ISSUE. I WILL LIKE NHTSA TO GET MERCEDES BENZ TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THESE ONGOING DEFECTS.

NHTSA complaint #10883158 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sugar Land, TX

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THIS VEHICLE OFTEN DROPS LOWER, WHILE IN MOTION. THIS IS HAZARDOUS! I HAVE HAD THIS AIRMATIC AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM REPAIRED THREE TIMES ON THIS VEHICLE WITHIN THE LAST THREE YEARS, AND IT APPEARS THIS IS ONE PROBLEM THAT MERCEDES BENZ REFUSES TO CORRECT. IN MY LAST S430, I HAD THE SAME ISSUE, AND HAD TO PAY HUGE AMOUNTS TO FIX THE PROBLEMS. I FEEL NO ONE IS DOING ANYTHING TO GET MERCEDES BENZ TO FIX THIS ONGOING SAFETY ISSUE. I WILL LIKE NHTSA TO GET MERCEDES BENZ TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THESE ONGOING DEFECTS.

NHTSA complaint #10883158 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 90 miles Jersey City, NJ

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

MY INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL BACKLIGHTING EXPERIENCED AN ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION RESULTING IN THE FAILURE TO ILLUMINATE THE GAUGES. THE CONDITION WAS DIAGNOSED BY MY INDEPENDENT MECHANIC ON 06/06/16. IN DOING SO HE INFORMED ME OF RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER 06V-028. I WAS TOLD THAT THE REMEDY IS FOR THE MANUFACTURER TO REPLACE THE CLUSTER MODULE FREE OF CHARGE AND THAT I WOULD NEED TO CALL MERCEDES BENZ CORPORATE TO SCHEDULE A REPLACEMENT. I CALLED MERCEDES AND SPOKE WITH ERIC AT EXT 7806 WITHOUT ANY SATISFACTION AT ALL. AS A MATTER OF FACT, HE DISCOURAGED ME FROM ESCALATING MY CALL TO HIS BOSS FOR 10 MINUTES BEFORE I BECAME IRATE AND DEMANDED TO SPEAK WITH A MANAGER. AT THAT POINT I SPOKE WITH CASE MANAGER JOE FROM EXT 6299. I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS CORPORATE POLICY TO NOT GIVE OUT THEIR LAST NAMES. AFTER LENGHTLY VERBAL SPARRING THAT DIDN'T AMOUNT TO ANY SATISFACTION, I WAS TOLD THE CAMPAIGN EXPIRED IN 2013. JOE SAID HE COULD OFFER ME SOME ASSISTANCE IF I WANTED TO PURCHASE A NEW MERCEDES. (SERIOUSLY?) I THEN CALLED THE US DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION AND GOT A DIFFERENT CAMPAIGN ASSESSMENT. I WAS TOLD THAT THE CAMPAIGN EXPIRED 10 YEARS FROM THE RULING DATE OF 2006. IN THIS CASE, THAT WOULD MEAN THE CAMPAIGN WOULD END IN 2016. WITH THAT SAID, I HAVE NO IDEA WHERE THE 2013 EXPIRATION DATE CAME FROM. WITH THAT BEING SAID, I FEEL THE NEED TO MAKE THIS COMPLAINT IN HOPES OF GETTING TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS CONFLICTING INFORMATION. I WAS TOLD THAT I SHOULD TAKE IT TO A MB DEALERSHIP FOR DIAGNOSIS AT MY COST, FOLLOWED BY A REPLACEMENT AT MY COST AS WELL. CUSTOMER SERVICE WAS VERY CURT AND DIDN'T ATTEMPT TO CARE ABOUT MY PLIGHT NOT EVEN SLIGHTLY. I'M TAKING THIS MEASURE AS I CANT AFFORD TO INCUR THIS COST FROM A MB DEALERSHIP. BTW, THE CAR WAS IN MOTION ON A HIGHWAY DURING A LONG TRIP WHEN THIS OCCURRED. VERY FRIGHTENING!

NHTSA complaint #10874041 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 120,000 miles Oakland, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES-BENZ S430. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CONTROL MODULE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 06V028000 (INTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

NHTSA complaint #10870790 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Chicago, IL

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ S430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN ABNORMAL NOISE EMITTED FROM THE TRUNK OF THE VEHICLE AND THE LID FAILED TO LATCH SECURELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V285000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES) WAS RELATED TO THE FAILURE BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #10836890 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 173,000 miles Madison, WV

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ S430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE STOP AND TOO LOW WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 173,000 .

NHTSA complaint #10671344 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 29,066 miles Upper Marlboro, MD

STEERING

I PURCHASED A CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED 2004 MERCEDES BENZ S430-4MATIC IN MARCH 2007, AFTER RETIRING. I ALSO BROUGHT AN EXTENDED WARRANTY COSTING OVER $3000 DOLLARS. I HAVE RETURNED THIS VEHICLE TO A MERCEDES BENZ DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS OVER APPROXIMATELY 27 TIMES SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. THE PROBLEMS INCLUDE THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (DOOR LOCKS); TRUNK LID LOCK, SUSPENSION SYSTEM, TIRE PRESSURE SENSORS, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM (AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM WILL ONLY DISPENSE COLD AIR AT 55 DEGREES AND LOWER) AND MOST RECENTLY THE RADIO AND NAVIGATION SYSTEM ARE FAILING. NOW THAT THE WARRANTIES ON THE VEHICLE HAVE EXPIRED THE DEALERSHIP WILL NOT REPAIR THE ABOVE PROBLEMS UNDER WARRANTY. I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH MERCEDES BENZ USA AND I'M WAITING FOR A DECISION REGARDING THE REPAIRS TOTALING OVER $4700.00.

NHTSA complaint #10534935 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 29,066 miles Upper Marlboro, MD

SUSPENSION

I PURCHASED A CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED 2004 MERCEDES BENZ S430-4MATIC IN MARCH 2007, AFTER RETIRING. I ALSO BROUGHT AN EXTENDED WARRANTY COSTING OVER $3000 DOLLARS. I HAVE RETURNED THIS VEHICLE TO A MERCEDES BENZ DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS OVER APPROXIMATELY 27 TIMES SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. THE PROBLEMS INCLUDE THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (DOOR LOCKS); TRUNK LID LOCK, SUSPENSION SYSTEM, TIRE PRESSURE SENSORS, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM (AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM WILL ONLY DISPENSE COLD AIR AT 55 DEGREES AND LOWER) AND MOST RECENTLY THE RADIO AND NAVIGATION SYSTEM ARE FAILING. NOW THAT THE WARRANTIES ON THE VEHICLE HAVE EXPIRED THE DEALERSHIP WILL NOT REPAIR THE ABOVE PROBLEMS UNDER WARRANTY. I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH MERCEDES BENZ USA AND I'M WAITING FOR A DECISION REGARDING THE REPAIRS TOTALING OVER $4700.00.

NHTSA complaint #10534935 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 29,066 miles Upper Marlboro, MD

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I PURCHASED A CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED 2004 MERCEDES BENZ S430-4MATIC IN MARCH 2007, AFTER RETIRING. I ALSO BROUGHT AN EXTENDED WARRANTY COSTING OVER $3000 DOLLARS. I HAVE RETURNED THIS VEHICLE TO A MERCEDES BENZ DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS OVER APPROXIMATELY 27 TIMES SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. THE PROBLEMS INCLUDE THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (DOOR LOCKS); TRUNK LID LOCK, SUSPENSION SYSTEM, TIRE PRESSURE SENSORS, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM (AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM WILL ONLY DISPENSE COLD AIR AT 55 DEGREES AND LOWER) AND MOST RECENTLY THE RADIO AND NAVIGATION SYSTEM ARE FAILING. NOW THAT THE WARRANTIES ON THE VEHICLE HAVE EXPIRED THE DEALERSHIP WILL NOT REPAIR THE ABOVE PROBLEMS UNDER WARRANTY. I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH MERCEDES BENZ USA AND I'M WAITING FOR A DECISION REGARDING THE REPAIRS TOTALING OVER $4700.00.

NHTSA complaint #10534935 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 29,066 miles Upper Marlboro, MD

STRUCTURE

I PURCHASED A CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED 2004 MERCEDES BENZ S430-4MATIC IN MARCH 2007, AFTER RETIRING. I ALSO BROUGHT AN EXTENDED WARRANTY COSTING OVER $3000 DOLLARS. I HAVE RETURNED THIS VEHICLE TO A MERCEDES BENZ DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS OVER APPROXIMATELY 27 TIMES SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. THE PROBLEMS INCLUDE THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (DOOR LOCKS); TRUNK LID LOCK, SUSPENSION SYSTEM, TIRE PRESSURE SENSORS, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM (AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM WILL ONLY DISPENSE COLD AIR AT 55 DEGREES AND LOWER) AND MOST RECENTLY THE RADIO AND NAVIGATION SYSTEM ARE FAILING. NOW THAT THE WARRANTIES ON THE VEHICLE HAVE EXPIRED THE DEALERSHIP WILL NOT REPAIR THE ABOVE PROBLEMS UNDER WARRANTY. I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH MERCEDES BENZ USA AND I'M WAITING FOR A DECISION REGARDING THE REPAIRS TOTALING OVER $4700.00.

NHTSA complaint #10534935 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 28,000 miles Portsmouth, VA

POWER TRAIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ S430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE JERKED WHILE CHANGING GEARS. THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATE AND DECELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A SOFTWARE MALFUNCTION WITHIN THE VALVE BODY OF THE TRANSMISSION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BEGAN TO ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP AND THE SOFTWARE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE EVENTUALLY RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN BACK FOR ADDITIONAL REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #10460800 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 70,000 miles Norridge, IL

POWER TRAIN

WHILE CHANGING GEARS FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR VEHICLE SHIFTED HARSHLY AND ENTERED INTO A LIMP MODE. ONCE AT A CERTIFIED MECHANIC THE PROBLEM WAS DISCOVERED TO BE A CONDUCTOR PLATE AND VALVE BODY WHICH HAS BEEN DISCOVERED TO BE DEFECTIVE ON MOST VEHICLES WITH 6 SPEED TRANSMISSION AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.

NHTSA complaint #10458809 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 70,000 miles Norridge, IL

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

WHILE CHANGING GEARS FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR VEHICLE SHIFTED HARSHLY AND ENTERED INTO A LIMP MODE. ONCE AT A CERTIFIED MECHANIC THE PROBLEM WAS DISCOVERED TO BE A CONDUCTOR PLATE AND VALVE BODY WHICH HAS BEEN DISCOVERED TO BE DEFECTIVE ON MOST VEHICLES WITH 6 SPEED TRANSMISSION AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.

NHTSA complaint #10458809 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 70,000 miles Norridge, IL

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

WHILE CHANGING GEARS FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR VEHICLE SHIFTED HARSHLY AND ENTERED INTO A LIMP MODE. ONCE AT A CERTIFIED MECHANIC THE PROBLEM WAS DISCOVERED TO BE A CONDUCTOR PLATE AND VALVE BODY WHICH HAS BEEN DISCOVERED TO BE DEFECTIVE ON MOST VEHICLES WITH 6 SPEED TRANSMISSION AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.

NHTSA complaint #10458809 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 59,900 miles Brighton, MA

SUSPENSION

AIR SUSPENSION FAILED DUE TO CRACKS IN THE TOP OF THE FRONT STRUTS. THIS LEAD TO LOSS OF AIR PRESSURE, OVERLOAD AND FAILURE OF THE AIR COMPRESSOR. THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AS THE FRONT OF THE CAR COULD NO LONGER BE SAFELY SUPPORTED BY THE SUSPENSION.

NHTSA complaint #10449204 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.