Hesitation (jerking) upon acceleration, usually during turns or while in heavy traffic. This has been an ongoing problem since purchase of vehicle (new). I have taken it in for repair for this problem no less than seven (7) times, but the problem still remains. There is also a popping noise coming from the exhaust system that occurs when the brake is engaged and the vehicle is idling. Attempts to fix these problems consists of the following: Charcoal canister shut off valve replacement, leak in coductor sleeve repaired, performed adaptation of the torque converter, flushed automatic transmission and torque converter, replaced torque converter, and installed restrictor in the purge line. Additionally, the original tires on the vehicle have been very problematic. I had a blow out on the right rear tire @ 14,190 miles. I then replaced both rear tires. I had another blow out on the right rear tire at 26,400 miles while on the expressway. I replaced that tire again along with the wheel/rim. At 35,522 miles I had a blowout on the front left tire while on the expressway again. I then replaced all four tires, because they all needed replacing at that time.

- Alpharetta, GA, USA

On Monday, April 4th, I was driving my 2004 clk55 convertible to my office, going 55 mph and lost all power. I attempted to put the car into neutral and the car going again, with no success. I was able to pull over on the side of the road, and then drive a few miles per hour to get to a safe place off of the highway. The dealer is telling me that the torque converter and the transmission are broken. The torque converter part has been ordered from germany, and it is on backorder for the entire United States. Had this happened in other circumstances, it could have led to a life threatening accident. I am writing this letter to you to make you formally aware of the problem, and to prevent it from happening to other individuals. I am the president of a $2 billion medical device company, and had something like this happened in our business with an operating room product, or any critical device, we would be obliged to immediate fully investigate and notify the fda if a recall was necessary.

- Highland Park, IL, USA