The contact owns a 2004 Mercedes-Benz E500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the brake malfunction warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with the SBC hydraulic unit needing to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 04V296000 (Service brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and referred the contact to the local dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 199,700.

- Macon, GA, USA

The contact owns a 2004 Mercedes Benz E500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 mph, the brake pedal was engaged and failed to respond as the brake system warning light illuminated. The contact was able to avoid an accident. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the sbc unit needed to replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. On another occasion, the contact stated that while driving at a various speeds, a fuel odor emitted inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel tank was fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired two separate times however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the reserve tank needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.

- Rosedale, MD, USA

The contact owns 2004 Mercedes Benz E500. The contact stated while driving 65 mph the warning light "brake failure and esp failure" were displayed and also indicated that the contact should drive onto the emergency lane. The contact was unable to stop the vehicle by applying the brakes; however, when he was able to stop it by downshifting and engaging the emergency brake. The contact stated this could have caused a major crash. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic who was performing a diagnostic test when the complaint was filed. The contact did not call the manufacturer. The contact had also viewed numerous complaints via the internet regarding brake failure for his year, make and model vehicle. The contact stated the manufacturer was not issued a recall but was fully aware of the brake system failure. The failure mileage was 67,000. Updated 01/13/11 the consumer also stated there was a smell of gas. It was determined the gas tank was cracked. Also, the front ball joint broke. The consumer has since traded the vehicle. Updated 01/24/11

- Allen , TX, USA

The contact owns a 2004 Mercedes Benz E500. While driving at approximate speeds of 20 mph, the entire dash board illuminated followed by the illumination of the brake system warning light. The contact attempted to depress the brakes but the brakes would not engage. The contact was able to drive to his residence without incident and utilized the emergency brake to stop the vehicle. The contact was awaiting a tow to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The failure and current mileages were 51,000. Updated 12/10/10 the consumer took the vehicle to the dealer and they diagnosed the problem as sensotronic braking system failure. It was replaced free of charge under the manufacturer's warranty. Updated 12/27/10 the consumer stated when he stepped on the brake, the vehicle not respond. The consumer then decided to use the combination of the foot brake and the hill which brought the vehicle to a stop. Updated 01/31/11

- Longmeadow , MA, USA

2004 500E anti-lock brake system is not functioning properly. ** answer required***. the consumer stated the purpose of an anti-lock braking system is that when all brakes are locked, it will then pulsate the brakes so that the driver does not have to. The consumer stated on his vehicle the brakes system could lock without pulsing. The consumer believed the brakes did not lock and the bas did not perform as designed.

- South Hamilton, MA, USA