I have a 2003 Mercedes Benz CL55 amg. The abc or active body control system failed and with very little warning, the fluid started to leak, smoke was everywhere and I nearly caused a collision because of the thick smoke and poor visibility. I had to pull over immediately and have the CL55 towed to my mechanic my mechanic, who specializes in high end Mercedes Benz told me that this is a very common issue with the Mercedes cl 55,65,600 models from 2003-2006. Mercedes knew about this particular problem and redesigned the later models. The original sticker price of the cl model is about $120,000. Mercedes knew about this issue with the abc system on the amg models but did not make a factory recall. I have know met several other owners of the same model car, 2003-6 CL55 amg and all of them had to have the entire abc system replaced which is well over $5500. Also, a website dedicated to Mercedes Benz, called benzworld.com, have numerous owners who have had this particular problem with the abc system. There is a campaign of current owners who are planning to file a class action lawsuit. The breakdown of the abc system while drive comes very suddenly and with very little warning. I am very lucky to avoid an accident when it happened to me. The repair is not only very costly ( $5500 ), but will continue to break down again even after being replaced by original Mercedes parts because of the flawed design. Instead of a class action lawsuit, the NHTSA should force Mercedes have a mandatory recall on the 2003-2006 cl amg models to address this potentially dangerous problem.

- La Mesa, CA, USA

The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes Benz clk 500. While driving approximately 10 mph, the contact noticed flames underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was completely destroyed and two other vehicles were moderately damaged by the flames. He noticed excessive power steering fluid on the ground where the vehicle was located. A police officer stated that the power steering pump or the lines/fittings/hoses were the causes of the failure. Prior to the failure, the vehicle was inspected by an authorized dealer for "B" service, but no failure could be determined. The manufacturer did not assist. The contact has pictures of the failure and a copy of the report from the fire department. The failure and current mileages were 57,528.

- Charlotte, NC, USA