FaultScore report
Owners have filed 24 complaints about the 2004 Mercedes Benz S500 with NHTSA between 2014 and 2021. The largest single group is the electrical system. Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 8 worst.
FaultScore 49/100
Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Mercedes Benz S500.
How this is worked out24
Complaints
3
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
5
Injuries reported
98,000 mi
Median mileage at failure
Half of reported failures happened before this
0%
Failed under 36,000 miles
Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty
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.
Click any bar to open that year's report.
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 104,500 mi
Median failure at 132,000 miles
Median failure at 109,715 miles
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 93,000 mi
Median failure at 84,000 miles
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 95,500 mi
Median failure at 87,000 miles
Median failure at 76,000 miles
Median failure at 65,000 miles
Median failure at 93,000 miles
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.
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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
STEERING
SYSTEMATIC WATER INTRUSION BY AIR COWL DISABLED ELECTRONICS WHILE DRIVING AND ALSO LONG TERM CAUSED A HEALTH ISSUE RESPIRATORY NEUROLOGICAL - TWO YEARS HOMEBOUND AFTER WAS FINALLY DIAGNOSED W/UNKNOWN CANCER
NHTSA complaint #11054140 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
SYSTEMATIC WATER INTRUSION BY AIR COWL DISABLED ELECTRONICS WHILE DRIVING AND ALSO LONG TERM CAUSED A HEALTH ISSUE RESPIRATORY NEUROLOGICAL - TWO YEARS HOMEBOUND AFTER WAS FINALLY DIAGNOSED W/UNKNOWN CANCER
NHTSA complaint #11054140 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
SYSTEMATIC WATER INTRUSION BY AIR COWL DISABLED ELECTRONICS WHILE DRIVING AND ALSO LONG TERM CAUSED A HEALTH ISSUE RESPIRATORY NEUROLOGICAL - TWO YEARS HOMEBOUND AFTER WAS FINALLY DIAGNOSED W/UNKNOWN CANCER
NHTSA complaint #11054140 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
DURING RAIN STORM, WATER SEEPEED INO AIR COWL INTO CABIN-PASSENGER SIDE- FLOODED FLOOR EVENTUALLY SAM ELECTRONIC MODULE UNDER FLOOR WAS DAMAGED AND SHUT OFF ELECTRONICS IN AUTOMOBILE WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEED ON FREEWAY- WITH OUT POWER CONTROLS OPERATING IT MADE DRIVING AND STOPPING THE CAR A VERY DANGEROUS FEAT EVENTUALLY WENT OFF ROAD INTO GUARDRAIL AND STOPPED. MERCEDES BENZ HAS BEEN AWARE (A LAWSUIT WAS FILED IN CA) OF DESIGN DEFECT OF AIR COWL DRAIN CLOGGING AND FLOODING CABIN BUT HAS KEPT THIS DANGEROUS FLAW FROM OWNERS EVEN THOUGH WE LEARNED THEY HAVE FOR SALE AN UPDATE KIT TO PREVENT THIS AT OWNERS EXPENSE. OUR CASE FORTUNATELY DID NOT CAUSE A FATALITY BUT IT COULD HAVE EASILY HAD IF THE VEHICLE WAS NOT BEING DRIVEN BY AN EXPERT DRIVER- LOOSING POWER CONTROLS ON A RAIN STORM/ WET ROAD WITH NO POWER ACCESORIES / BRAKES IS NOT A SAFE CONDITION WHICH NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED ASAP FOLLOWING THIS MISHAP WE CONTACTED LOCAL MERCEDS DEALERSHIP IN PLANO,TX AUTOHAUS WHO RESPONDED BEING UNAWARE AND HAD NO HISTORY OF SUCH PROBLEM- APPARENTLY MERCEDES IS BEING WRONGFULLY SECRETIVE OF THIS SERIOUS FLAW NOT ONLY TO CONSUMERS BUT THEIR OWN PEOPLE 9
NHTSA complaint #10733487 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DURING RAIN STORM, WATER SEEPEED INO AIR COWL INTO CABIN-PASSENGER SIDE- FLOODED FLOOR EVENTUALLY SAM ELECTRONIC MODULE UNDER FLOOR WAS DAMAGED AND SHUT OFF ELECTRONICS IN AUTOMOBILE WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEED ON FREEWAY- WITH OUT POWER CONTROLS OPERATING IT MADE DRIVING AND STOPPING THE CAR A VERY DANGEROUS FEAT EVENTUALLY WENT OFF ROAD INTO GUARDRAIL AND STOPPED. MERCEDES BENZ HAS BEEN AWARE (A LAWSUIT WAS FILED IN CA) OF DESIGN DEFECT OF AIR COWL DRAIN CLOGGING AND FLOODING CABIN BUT HAS KEPT THIS DANGEROUS FLAW FROM OWNERS EVEN THOUGH WE LEARNED THEY HAVE FOR SALE AN UPDATE KIT TO PREVENT THIS AT OWNERS EXPENSE. OUR CASE FORTUNATELY DID NOT CAUSE A FATALITY BUT IT COULD HAVE EASILY HAD IF THE VEHICLE WAS NOT BEING DRIVEN BY AN EXPERT DRIVER- LOOSING POWER CONTROLS ON A RAIN STORM/ WET ROAD WITH NO POWER ACCESORIES / BRAKES IS NOT A SAFE CONDITION WHICH NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED ASAP FOLLOWING THIS MISHAP WE CONTACTED LOCAL MERCEDS DEALERSHIP IN PLANO,TX AUTOHAUS WHO RESPONDED BEING UNAWARE AND HAD NO HISTORY OF SUCH PROBLEM- APPARENTLY MERCEDES IS BEING WRONGFULLY SECRETIVE OF THIS SERIOUS FLAW NOT ONLY TO CONSUMERS BUT THEIR OWN PEOPLE 9
NHTSA complaint #10733487 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
DURING RAIN STORM, WATER SEEPEED INO AIR COWL INTO CABIN-PASSENGER SIDE- FLOODED FLOOR EVENTUALLY SAM ELECTRONIC MODULE UNDER FLOOR WAS DAMAGED AND SHUT OFF ELECTRONICS IN AUTOMOBILE WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEED ON FREEWAY- WITH OUT POWER CONTROLS OPERATING IT MADE DRIVING AND STOPPING THE CAR A VERY DANGEROUS FEAT EVENTUALLY WENT OFF ROAD INTO GUARDRAIL AND STOPPED. MERCEDES BENZ HAS BEEN AWARE (A LAWSUIT WAS FILED IN CA) OF DESIGN DEFECT OF AIR COWL DRAIN CLOGGING AND FLOODING CABIN BUT HAS KEPT THIS DANGEROUS FLAW FROM OWNERS EVEN THOUGH WE LEARNED THEY HAVE FOR SALE AN UPDATE KIT TO PREVENT THIS AT OWNERS EXPENSE. OUR CASE FORTUNATELY DID NOT CAUSE A FATALITY BUT IT COULD HAVE EASILY HAD IF THE VEHICLE WAS NOT BEING DRIVEN BY AN EXPERT DRIVER- LOOSING POWER CONTROLS ON A RAIN STORM/ WET ROAD WITH NO POWER ACCESORIES / BRAKES IS NOT A SAFE CONDITION WHICH NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED ASAP FOLLOWING THIS MISHAP WE CONTACTED LOCAL MERCEDS DEALERSHIP IN PLANO,TX AUTOHAUS WHO RESPONDED BEING UNAWARE AND HAD NO HISTORY OF SUCH PROBLEM- APPARENTLY MERCEDES IS BEING WRONGFULLY SECRETIVE OF THIS SERIOUS FLAW NOT ONLY TO CONSUMERS BUT THEIR OWN PEOPLE 9
NHTSA complaint #10733487 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The dash board lights lose their ability to illuminate the dashboard and the back airbags on the suspension keep deflating
NHTSA complaint #11443151 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
The dash board lights lose their ability to illuminate the dashboard and the back airbags on the suspension keep deflating
NHTSA complaint #11443151 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
NHTSA complaint #11173879 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
SYSTEMATIC WATER INTRUSION BY AIR COWL DISABLED ELECTRONICS WHILE DRIVING AND ALSO LONG TERM CAUSED A HEALTH ISSUE RESPIRATORY NEUROLOGICAL - TWO YEARS HOMEBOUND AFTER WAS FINALLY DIAGNOSED W/UNKNOWN CANCER
NHTSA complaint #11054140 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
SYSTEMATIC WATER INTRUSION BY AIR COWL DISABLED ELECTRONICS WHILE DRIVING AND ALSO LONG TERM CAUSED A HEALTH ISSUE RESPIRATORY NEUROLOGICAL - TWO YEARS HOMEBOUND AFTER WAS FINALLY DIAGNOSED W/UNKNOWN CANCER
NHTSA complaint #11054140 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
SYSTEMATIC WATER INTRUSION BY AIR COWL DISABLED ELECTRONICS WHILE DRIVING AND ALSO LONG TERM CAUSED A HEALTH ISSUE RESPIRATORY NEUROLOGICAL - TWO YEARS HOMEBOUND AFTER WAS FINALLY DIAGNOSED W/UNKNOWN CANCER
NHTSA complaint #11054140 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE TRUNK WIRING HARNESS HAVE WIRES THAT THE PROTECTIVE COVERING HAS SHRED AND ALL COME APART. CAUSING WRITERS TO TOUCH. LOCKS NOT TO LOCK. TRUCK WON'T OPEN AND LICENSE PLATES LIGHTS ARE OUT
NHTSA complaint #10786265 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
LICENSE PLAYE LIGHT OUT SHORT CAUSES SRS LIGHT TO COME ON AND HAVE TO BE REPROGRAMMED. THERE IS NOW AN SIS DEFECTIVE LIGHT DUE TO THE WIRING. MY TRUCK DOES NOT POWER CLOSE. HAPPENS AT ALL TIMES. AND WHILE TURNING IT CAUSED AN ERROR FOR TURN LIGHTS
NHTSA complaint #10779591 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
LICENSE PLAYE LIGHT OUT SHORT CAUSES SRS LIGHT TO COME ON AND HAVE TO BE REPROGRAMMED. THERE IS NOW AN SIS DEFECTIVE LIGHT DUE TO THE WIRING. MY TRUCK DOES NOT POWER CLOSE. HAPPENS AT ALL TIMES. AND WHILE TURNING IT CAUSED AN ERROR FOR TURN LIGHTS
NHTSA complaint #10779591 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
LICENSE PLAYE LIGHT OUT SHORT CAUSES SRS LIGHT TO COME ON AND HAVE TO BE REPROGRAMMED. THERE IS NOW AN SIS DEFECTIVE LIGHT DUE TO THE WIRING. MY TRUCK DOES NOT POWER CLOSE. HAPPENS AT ALL TIMES. AND WHILE TURNING IT CAUSED AN ERROR FOR TURN LIGHTS
NHTSA complaint #10779591 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
DURING RAIN STORM, WATER SEEPEED INO AIR COWL INTO CABIN-PASSENGER SIDE- FLOODED FLOOR EVENTUALLY SAM ELECTRONIC MODULE UNDER FLOOR WAS DAMAGED AND SHUT OFF ELECTRONICS IN AUTOMOBILE WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEED ON FREEWAY- WITH OUT POWER CONTROLS OPERATING IT MADE DRIVING AND STOPPING THE CAR A VERY DANGEROUS FEAT EVENTUALLY WENT OFF ROAD INTO GUARDRAIL AND STOPPED. MERCEDES BENZ HAS BEEN AWARE (A LAWSUIT WAS FILED IN CA) OF DESIGN DEFECT OF AIR COWL DRAIN CLOGGING AND FLOODING CABIN BUT HAS KEPT THIS DANGEROUS FLAW FROM OWNERS EVEN THOUGH WE LEARNED THEY HAVE FOR SALE AN UPDATE KIT TO PREVENT THIS AT OWNERS EXPENSE. OUR CASE FORTUNATELY DID NOT CAUSE A FATALITY BUT IT COULD HAVE EASILY HAD IF THE VEHICLE WAS NOT BEING DRIVEN BY AN EXPERT DRIVER- LOOSING POWER CONTROLS ON A RAIN STORM/ WET ROAD WITH NO POWER ACCESORIES / BRAKES IS NOT A SAFE CONDITION WHICH NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED ASAP FOLLOWING THIS MISHAP WE CONTACTED LOCAL MERCEDS DEALERSHIP IN PLANO,TX AUTOHAUS WHO RESPONDED BEING UNAWARE AND HAD NO HISTORY OF SUCH PROBLEM- APPARENTLY MERCEDES IS BEING WRONGFULLY SECRETIVE OF THIS SERIOUS FLAW NOT ONLY TO CONSUMERS BUT THEIR OWN PEOPLE 9
NHTSA complaint #10733487 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DURING RAIN STORM, WATER SEEPEED INO AIR COWL INTO CABIN-PASSENGER SIDE- FLOODED FLOOR EVENTUALLY SAM ELECTRONIC MODULE UNDER FLOOR WAS DAMAGED AND SHUT OFF ELECTRONICS IN AUTOMOBILE WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEED ON FREEWAY- WITH OUT POWER CONTROLS OPERATING IT MADE DRIVING AND STOPPING THE CAR A VERY DANGEROUS FEAT EVENTUALLY WENT OFF ROAD INTO GUARDRAIL AND STOPPED. MERCEDES BENZ HAS BEEN AWARE (A LAWSUIT WAS FILED IN CA) OF DESIGN DEFECT OF AIR COWL DRAIN CLOGGING AND FLOODING CABIN BUT HAS KEPT THIS DANGEROUS FLAW FROM OWNERS EVEN THOUGH WE LEARNED THEY HAVE FOR SALE AN UPDATE KIT TO PREVENT THIS AT OWNERS EXPENSE. OUR CASE FORTUNATELY DID NOT CAUSE A FATALITY BUT IT COULD HAVE EASILY HAD IF THE VEHICLE WAS NOT BEING DRIVEN BY AN EXPERT DRIVER- LOOSING POWER CONTROLS ON A RAIN STORM/ WET ROAD WITH NO POWER ACCESORIES / BRAKES IS NOT A SAFE CONDITION WHICH NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED ASAP FOLLOWING THIS MISHAP WE CONTACTED LOCAL MERCEDS DEALERSHIP IN PLANO,TX AUTOHAUS WHO RESPONDED BEING UNAWARE AND HAD NO HISTORY OF SUCH PROBLEM- APPARENTLY MERCEDES IS BEING WRONGFULLY SECRETIVE OF THIS SERIOUS FLAW NOT ONLY TO CONSUMERS BUT THEIR OWN PEOPLE 9
NHTSA complaint #10733487 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
DURING RAIN STORM, WATER SEEPEED INO AIR COWL INTO CABIN-PASSENGER SIDE- FLOODED FLOOR EVENTUALLY SAM ELECTRONIC MODULE UNDER FLOOR WAS DAMAGED AND SHUT OFF ELECTRONICS IN AUTOMOBILE WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEED ON FREEWAY- WITH OUT POWER CONTROLS OPERATING IT MADE DRIVING AND STOPPING THE CAR A VERY DANGEROUS FEAT EVENTUALLY WENT OFF ROAD INTO GUARDRAIL AND STOPPED. MERCEDES BENZ HAS BEEN AWARE (A LAWSUIT WAS FILED IN CA) OF DESIGN DEFECT OF AIR COWL DRAIN CLOGGING AND FLOODING CABIN BUT HAS KEPT THIS DANGEROUS FLAW FROM OWNERS EVEN THOUGH WE LEARNED THEY HAVE FOR SALE AN UPDATE KIT TO PREVENT THIS AT OWNERS EXPENSE. OUR CASE FORTUNATELY DID NOT CAUSE A FATALITY BUT IT COULD HAVE EASILY HAD IF THE VEHICLE WAS NOT BEING DRIVEN BY AN EXPERT DRIVER- LOOSING POWER CONTROLS ON A RAIN STORM/ WET ROAD WITH NO POWER ACCESORIES / BRAKES IS NOT A SAFE CONDITION WHICH NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED ASAP FOLLOWING THIS MISHAP WE CONTACTED LOCAL MERCEDS DEALERSHIP IN PLANO,TX AUTOHAUS WHO RESPONDED BEING UNAWARE AND HAD NO HISTORY OF SUCH PROBLEM- APPARENTLY MERCEDES IS BEING WRONGFULLY SECRETIVE OF THIS SERIOUS FLAW NOT ONLY TO CONSUMERS BUT THEIR OWN PEOPLE 9
NHTSA complaint #10733487 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ S500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VENT CONTROLS FAILED TO ACTIVATE THE AIR CONDITIONING AND THE HEATING SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE MOTOR REGULATOR AND THE AIR CONDITIONER BLOWER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000.
NHTSA complaint #10712150 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ S500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VENT CONTROLS FAILED TO ACTIVATE THE AIR CONDITIONING AND THE HEATING SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE MOTOR REGULATOR AND THE AIR CONDITIONER BLOWER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000.
NHTSA complaint #10712150 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
ON MAY 16, 2014, I PURCHASED A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ S500 WITH 61,649 MILES FROM CAR CREDIT NATION.AFTER A FEW WEEKS OF DRIVING THE VEHICLE, AND VISITING WITH THE MERCEDES BENZ DEALERSHIP FOR ROUTINE INSPECTIONS, WE FOUND FURTHER ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE, THAT WE FELT WERE LIFE THREATENING AND HAZARDOUS TO THE ROAD, OTHER DRIVERS, AND OUR SAFETY. MERCEDES BENZ STATED THAT THE ROTORS AND BRAKES WERE EXTREMELY BAD ON THE VEHICLE, WHICH THEY NOTICE AT THE TIME OF THEIR INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE.WE NOTICED THAT THERE WERE ELECTRICAL ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE, WHERE THE LIGHTS IN THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT CUTOFF,THE ALARM SYSTEM WOULD CONTINUE TO RUN AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS CUT OFF AND LOCKED, THE COMMAND CENTER SHUTTING OFF WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, AND THE SRS AND TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT DISPLAYING ON THE DASHBOARD CENTER. ALSO WHILE OUT ONE NIGHT AT A FAMILY EVENT, HAS WE WERE LEAVING THE EVENT DRIVING HOME WE APPROACHED A TRAFFIC LIGHT TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP AND THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP,THE BREAKS WERE TOUCHING THE FLOOR AND WE STOPPED SEVERAL FEET THROUGH THE LIGHT NEARLY CROSSING THE INTERSECTION. THIS WAS LIFE THREATENING AND FRIGHTENING FOR ALL PASSENGERS.ON JANUARY 29, 2015 THE VEHICLE STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC COMPLETELY SHUTTING OFF, CAUSING A DANGEROUS SITUATION, WHICH COULD HAVE CAUSED FURTHER DAMAGES TO THE VEHICLE, OUR SAFETY AND OTHERS. FORTUNATELY WE WERE WITHIN DISTANCE OF THE MERCEDES BENZ DEALERSHIP WHO IMMEDIATELY ASSISTED US. HE STATED THAT THE CAUSE FOR THE SHUT OFF MAY BE CAUSED BY ELECTRICAL FAILURES, SUCH AS THE ALARM SYSTEM, AND OTHER ELECTRICAL FAILURES. THE 2004 MERCEDES BENZ THAT WE PURCHASED ON MAY 16, 2014 IN OUR ESTIMATION IS A TOTAL LEMON AND IS NOT WORTH THE MONEY WE HAVE PAID. OUR VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN THE REPAIR FACILITY FOR 30 DAYS, BEFORE BEING REPOSSESSED.
NHTSA complaint #10692762 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ON MAY 16, 2014, I PURCHASED A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ S500 WITH 61,649 MILES FROM CAR CREDIT NATION.AFTER A FEW WEEKS OF DRIVING THE VEHICLE, AND VISITING WITH THE MERCEDES BENZ DEALERSHIP FOR ROUTINE INSPECTIONS, WE FOUND FURTHER ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE, THAT WE FELT WERE LIFE THREATENING AND HAZARDOUS TO THE ROAD, OTHER DRIVERS, AND OUR SAFETY. MERCEDES BENZ STATED THAT THE ROTORS AND BRAKES WERE EXTREMELY BAD ON THE VEHICLE, WHICH THEY NOTICE AT THE TIME OF THEIR INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE.WE NOTICED THAT THERE WERE ELECTRICAL ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE, WHERE THE LIGHTS IN THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT CUTOFF,THE ALARM SYSTEM WOULD CONTINUE TO RUN AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS CUT OFF AND LOCKED, THE COMMAND CENTER SHUTTING OFF WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, AND THE SRS AND TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT DISPLAYING ON THE DASHBOARD CENTER. ALSO WHILE OUT ONE NIGHT AT A FAMILY EVENT, HAS WE WERE LEAVING THE EVENT DRIVING HOME WE APPROACHED A TRAFFIC LIGHT TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP AND THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP,THE BREAKS WERE TOUCHING THE FLOOR AND WE STOPPED SEVERAL FEET THROUGH THE LIGHT NEARLY CROSSING THE INTERSECTION. THIS WAS LIFE THREATENING AND FRIGHTENING FOR ALL PASSENGERS.ON JANUARY 29, 2015 THE VEHICLE STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC COMPLETELY SHUTTING OFF, CAUSING A DANGEROUS SITUATION, WHICH COULD HAVE CAUSED FURTHER DAMAGES TO THE VEHICLE, OUR SAFETY AND OTHERS. FORTUNATELY WE WERE WITHIN DISTANCE OF THE MERCEDES BENZ DEALERSHIP WHO IMMEDIATELY ASSISTED US. HE STATED THAT THE CAUSE FOR THE SHUT OFF MAY BE CAUSED BY ELECTRICAL FAILURES, SUCH AS THE ALARM SYSTEM, AND OTHER ELECTRICAL FAILURES. THE 2004 MERCEDES BENZ THAT WE PURCHASED ON MAY 16, 2014 IN OUR ESTIMATION IS A TOTAL LEMON AND IS NOT WORTH THE MONEY WE HAVE PAID. OUR VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN THE REPAIR FACILITY FOR 30 DAYS, BEFORE BEING REPOSSESSED.
NHTSA complaint #10692762 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
ON MAY 16, 2014, I PURCHASED A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ S500 WITH 61,649 MILES FROM CAR CREDIT NATION.AFTER A FEW WEEKS OF DRIVING THE VEHICLE, AND VISITING WITH THE MERCEDES BENZ DEALERSHIP FOR ROUTINE INSPECTIONS, WE FOUND FURTHER ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE, THAT WE FELT WERE LIFE THREATENING AND HAZARDOUS TO THE ROAD, OTHER DRIVERS, AND OUR SAFETY. MERCEDES BENZ STATED THAT THE ROTORS AND BRAKES WERE EXTREMELY BAD ON THE VEHICLE, WHICH THEY NOTICE AT THE TIME OF THEIR INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE.WE NOTICED THAT THERE WERE ELECTRICAL ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE, WHERE THE LIGHTS IN THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT CUTOFF,THE ALARM SYSTEM WOULD CONTINUE TO RUN AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS CUT OFF AND LOCKED, THE COMMAND CENTER SHUTTING OFF WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, AND THE SRS AND TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT DISPLAYING ON THE DASHBOARD CENTER. ALSO WHILE OUT ONE NIGHT AT A FAMILY EVENT, HAS WE WERE LEAVING THE EVENT DRIVING HOME WE APPROACHED A TRAFFIC LIGHT TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP AND THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP,THE BREAKS WERE TOUCHING THE FLOOR AND WE STOPPED SEVERAL FEET THROUGH THE LIGHT NEARLY CROSSING THE INTERSECTION. THIS WAS LIFE THREATENING AND FRIGHTENING FOR ALL PASSENGERS.ON JANUARY 29, 2015 THE VEHICLE STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC COMPLETELY SHUTTING OFF, CAUSING A DANGEROUS SITUATION, WHICH COULD HAVE CAUSED FURTHER DAMAGES TO THE VEHICLE, OUR SAFETY AND OTHERS. FORTUNATELY WE WERE WITHIN DISTANCE OF THE MERCEDES BENZ DEALERSHIP WHO IMMEDIATELY ASSISTED US. HE STATED THAT THE CAUSE FOR THE SHUT OFF MAY BE CAUSED BY ELECTRICAL FAILURES, SUCH AS THE ALARM SYSTEM, AND OTHER ELECTRICAL FAILURES. THE 2004 MERCEDES BENZ THAT WE PURCHASED ON MAY 16, 2014 IN OUR ESTIMATION IS A TOTAL LEMON AND IS NOT WORTH THE MONEY WE HAVE PAID. OUR VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN THE REPAIR FACILITY FOR 30 DAYS, BEFORE BEING REPOSSESSED.
NHTSA complaint #10692762 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
INTERIOR LIGHTING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ S500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 06V028000 (INTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 158,000. UPDATED 12/2/14*CN UPDATED 08/30/2017
NHTSA complaint #10643349 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ S500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 06V028000 (INTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 158,000. UPDATED 12/2/14*CN UPDATED 08/30/2017
NHTSA complaint #10643349 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
WHILE ATTEMPTING TO CHANGE THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT TIRE THE LUG WRENCH ITSELF FAILED. THE LUG WRENCH CAME APART LEAVING THE HEAD STILL ATTACHED TO THE LUG NUT WITHOUT THE HANDLE CAUSING FORWARD MOMENTUM INJURY TO HEAD AND SHOULDER.
NHTSA complaint #10641084 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
WHILE ATTEMPTING TO CHANGE THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT TIRE THE LUG WRENCH ITSELF FAILED. THE LUG WRENCH CAME APART LEAVING THE HEAD STILL ATTACHED TO THE LUG NUT WITHOUT THE HANDLE CAUSING FORWARD MOMENTUM INJURY TO HEAD AND SHOULDER.
NHTSA complaint #10641084 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEAT BELTS
I HAVE A 2004 MERCEDES-BENZ AND THE SEAT BELT LOOK NEW BUT WILL NOT RETRACT. I AM THE SECOND OWNER OF THE CAR. I CALLED THE COMPANY IN USA AND THEY WILL NOT REPLACE THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE BECAUSE OF THE AGE OF THE CAR. MY BELIEF THAT THE SEAT BELT IS A SAFETY COMPONENTS AND THE COMPANY SHOULD REPLACE IT FREE OF CHARGE SINCE IT IS THE LAW IN MASSACHUSEETS TO WEAR A SEAT BELT. BUT I COULD NOT WEAR BECAUSE THE BELT IS STUCK. I SPENT $1141.62 TO REPLACE THE DRIVERS FRONT SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ON NOVEMBER 07 2013. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IS THERE ANY SAFETY RECALL ON THIS CAR REGARDING THE SEAT BELT RETRACT ISSUES. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION ON THIS ISSUES AND MAKE SURE THE BENZ MANUFACTURE MAKING THE SEAT BELT MECHANISM WORKING FOR LIFE TIME OR REPLACE IT FREE OF CHARGE FOR CONSUMERS.
NHTSA complaint #10566246 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
ISSUES WITH AIRMATIC SYSTEM. WILL NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. CAR IS SITTING TOO LOW TO THE GROUND TO DRIVE SAFELY. ISSUES WITH PUMP.
NHTSA complaint #10564568 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.