The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML350. While the vehicle was parked, the power liftgate failed to operate. The failure recurred constantly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the control unit for the power liftgate failed due to water contamination. The vehicle was repaired by having the seal of the rear tail lamp assembly replaced, but the remedy failed. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 09V076000 (exterior lighting). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 23,000.

- Hillsborough Township, NJ, USA

The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes Benz ML350. The contact stated that the power liftgate failed without warning. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that water leaked into the vehicle through the rear tail light assembly due to a defective seal. There were four inches of water within the spare tire housing and the power liftgate hydraulic motor was completely submerged. The dealer and manufacturer were made aware of the failure. The manufacturer refused to provide assistance since the vehicle was not included in any recalls. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 128,000.

- York, SC, USA

The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes Benz ML350. While driving at 30 mph, the instrument panel started blinking. The contact stated that the tailgate system made an abnormal noise and seized. The contact mentioned that the radio and air conditioning system also failed. In addition, the contact stated that upon removing the spare tire, there was water in the spare tire compartment as well in the passenger side tail light and on the tail gate modem. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician diagnosed that water was entering from the seal around the rear tail lamp. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 78,000. Updated 09/03/15 updated 12/8/2015

- Streamwood, IL, USA