Abc system failure.

- Plymouth, CA, USA

Started car and got message: "abc malfunction, car too low". in actuality, car elevated. The ride of the car has changed. It has a soft and floaty feeling compared to its normal stiffer ride. I have seen the above complaint on the internet multiple times. It seems this is a wide problem. I haven't heard any recalls from Mercedes.

- Roslyn Heights, NY, USA

I bought in france this vehicle without documents about life car (accidents, repairs etc) so I need all informations on my used car.

- Enghien Les Bains, AE, USA

Abc active body control system failed resulting in a drop on the driver side. Mercedes mechanic said that this has been a defect and regular issue with 2003 SL500 where there is either a leak in one or more struts or the pump failure; but yet Mercedes is not taking accountability for this defect. After researching this on the internet, it is clear that this has been an issue not only in us but around the world and Mercedes has not addressed this issue because they are making thousands of dollars repairing this defect per vehicle. Please look in to this issue. Just google 2003 Mercedes Benz SL500 abc and you will see for yourself how many individuals have had the abc issue.

- San Diego, CA, USA

My 2003 sl 500 with 22,500 miles is dangerously unsteady and pulls to the right also has a knock in the right rear. I took it to the local dealer and they replaced the fluid in the abc system for $300 +. it did not help. They say that they can begin replacing parts in each wheel at $2000 per wheel and see if it works, but no guarantee. It appears that they don't have a clue. I have contacted Mercedes help line but they just said to take it to the dealer. I bought this car new in 2003 for my wife and expected it to last a long time and she will not drive it anymore. Here I have $100,000 car that is like new inside and out that is not drivable. Mercedes should be ashamed of themselves for not backing up their product. I have had 9 Mercedes starting with a 1962 diesel sedan but I will never, ever buy another and I spread the word to everyone I see interested in buying an expensive car.

- Wrightsville Beach, NC, USA

Additional information provided for complaint filed 8/3/2013. Recall information determined from: www.intellichoice.com/1-12-2003-9821-20/2003-Mercedes-Benz-SL500-roadster-2dr-convertible-recalls.html. recall 03 - id # 08V405000 - suspension Mercedes-Benz recall no. 2008080004 numerous complaints on internet as well as nthsa web site with search keywords "abc", "active body control", "suspension" to include: Date investigation opened: Aug 14, 2007 date investigation closed: Nov 20, 2007 NHTSA action number: PE07042 component(s): Suspension date complaint filed: 11/15/2005 component(s): Suspension date of incident: 10/23/2005 NHTSA id number: 10142714 date complaint filed: 07/29/2013 component(s): Suspension date of incident: 06/10/2013 NHTSA id number: 10532452 date complaint filed: 05/21/2012 component(s): Suspension date of incident: 05/17/2012 NHTSA id number: 10459146 date complaint filed: 03/26/2011 component(s): Suspension date of incident: 01/10/2011 NHTSA id number: 10392937 date complaint filed: 03/08/2013 component(s): Suspension date of incident: 09/01/2012 NHTSA id number: 10502119 date complaint filed: 12/06/2009 component(s): Suspension date of incident: 11/16/2009 NHTSA id number: 1029464512S date complaint filed: 03/01/2010 component(s): Suspension date of incident: 05/03/2009 NHTSA id number: 10315322 date complaint filed: 09/29/2010 component(s): Suspension date of incident: 09/27/2010 NHTSA id number: 10358237 date complaint filed: 08/28/2008 component(s): Electrical system, suspension date of incident: 08/27/2008 NHTSA id number: 10240148.

- Valrcio, FL, USA

Immediately after purchase, noticed a considerable front nose drop while driving issue repeated frequently while driving. Overnight, the vehicle would drop 3-4 inches. Took vehicle to repair shop and watched as vehicle "bucked up and down" as if in a low-rider show. Mechanic stated it was a common occurrence and recommended changing sensors. Vehicle taken to Mercedes dealer with copy of recall notice 08V405000. Dealer replaced left front strut ($1500) instead, stating my vehicle is not part of this recall. Strut replacement eliminated the 3-4 inch overnight drop, but the nose drop during driving was not fixed. Dealer now wants to replace the abc sensors ($1200-$1500). To date, 3 of 4 struts/shocks have been replaced. Car is in an unsafe condition. Numerous posts on internet regarding this issue! please help.

- Valrico, FL, USA

We were driving 65mph on the highway when suddenly our 2003 mb 500sl became erratic with the suspension dropping down on the driver's side. I was forced to quickly pull off the highway. It was a terrifying experience and we were extremely lucky to pull over right away without hitting other cars. The car was very low to the ground on one side. After restarting the car, the suspension improved enough to get us home. On my drive to the dealership the car was very low everywhere forcing me to drive 35mph and it bottomed out on a bump on the highway. The dealership informed us that the abc system pump had failed and the car additionally had leaking rear shocks. Our car has low mileage and very little wear. The dealership quoted $7600 to install a new pump, flush out and replace the hydraulic fluid and install new rear shocks! they stated that this may not completely fix the abc problem as additional damage may have occurred from the failed pump and debris in the system. This is outrageous! there is clearly an ongoing and very prevalent and dangerous defect with the Mercedes Benz abc system, as it is happening to so many vehicles. There must be a recall on these vehicles. This is a very serious problem which could easily result in multiple highway fatalities. Mercedes Benz has to take responsibility for their defective system before someone is killed.

- Newport, RI, USA

The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes Benz SL500. The contact stated that while waiting at a stop sign, the vehicle lowered itself about 6 inches. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection and they stated that the hydraulic valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 50,000.

- Denver, CO, USA

The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes Benz SL500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 mph, the front end of the vehicle collapsed to the ground without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for a diagnosis. The technician stated that the front passenger's side suspension was faulty. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 82,000. The VIN was unavailable.

- Yorba Linda, CA, USA

Abc system valve failure then high pressure hoses failed.

- Richboro, PA, USA

I have had ongoing / continual problems with the 2003 sl 500 model 230 abc (active body control) system. The resulting issues occur at random and with little consistency. The resulting effect causes the car to drive soft on some occasions and rigid on others. The problem has been diagnosed and reported to the local dealership and other opportunities to attempt to repair the issue. Thus far there seems to be no one who can properly affect and improve the situation. I contacted my local mb dealership on June 27, 2011 inquiring regarding a recall reported in the NHTSA recall system. The dealership said this was not a recall however the recall 08V405000 suggests otherwise. The continual problems with the abc systems makes me weary of mb ability to correct safety and driving issues. While this has not resulted in an accident or damage my fear is if mb nor the dealership recognizes there is an issue with abc systems, how many unrepaired and unsafe vehicles do we have on our streets?

- Chattanooga, TN, USA

Vehicle began having minor leak of pink color fluid that an auto repair shop identified as hydraulic fluid for abc suspension system. From a visual inspection, the fluid was leaking from abc tandem pump. The leak got worse by the week and the vehicle was immediately parked after a considerable amount of fluid was building up on the driveway. After a week, there was a large puddle of fluid under the engine and the whole left side of vehicle bottomed out and literally sunk over the front left and rear left tires. Mercedes dealership (walnut creek) said it was likely the abc pump was defective and would not fix because the car was out of warranty. My mechanic friend confirmed that the leak was coming from the abc pump. After the pump was replaced, the abc valve blocks for the front and rear began to leak. We found that there were clogs in the front and rear valves. Going back to Mercedes, the parts specialists informs us about the updated parts in the abc system that needed replacement. They also informed me that they normally have all the updated parts stocked and on-hand. I ended up replacing every part in the abc system since it was evident that contamination existed with the clogged valves. This includes the following part numbers: 220-320-12-58 $2499; 220-320-0858 $750; power steering tandem abc pump $1015; hydraulic fluid $450, filters $40, oil lines $300, labor $800. Total is roughly $5000. The parts specialist was right about the problems of the abc system for my vehicle. I researched this problem and found that many people with the same vehicle have dealt with the problem that I currently have. I don't think that replacing all components of the abc suspension system for a Mercedes is routine maintenance/repair. How does the contamination occur in a closed system? this car was a luxury that became a nightmare. This is only a brief and simplified series of events leading up to a complete malfunction in the suspension system.

- Vallejo, CA, USA

I cannot believe that there is not or will not be a recall on the "suspension" issue. I too had the fate of my car collapsing on my way home from work-which is 35 miles away-it happened. On the dash it stated in bid bold letters "airmatic car too low". I pulled over and stepped out-my heart felt like it was going to come through my chest. Everyone in that situation understands just how I felt at that time. The front of the car was completely covering half of the front tires-if I turned the wheel it would have scraped the fenders. I left the car there overnite. The next day {Sunday} my partner's brother -who is a mechanic-went to retrieve my car not being familiarized with the Mercedes brand he started the car and pushed every button on the dash-he called me telling me the car was fine it was "fine". he drove my car to my home-much to my puzzlement. The car looked normal. The next day on Monday I started the car and on the dash in big red letters airmatic. Though the car looked fine I saw on closer inspection that one side in front was sagging lower, to sum this up-got the car to the dealer and was told the " air was leaking out of the bags in the front suspension".that cost $1,000 to repair-I think its cheaper to pay that than the alternative. As I write I am furious yes- I have another appointment this coming Monday for my SRS system. This is the second time. This time it has to do with the front passenger seat and the etr-they state there is a fault. I have to pay $540 to have a safe car" this is the second time the SRS light has come on-sounds kind of like the first time it happened too-only that was covered under warranty. I have 74,000 miles on this car. Whats going to happen next? Mercedes submitted a video showing an S class with a collapsed suspension showing that it was fit to be on the road along with other cars-people what are you thinking?this is supposed to be one of the safest cars on the road! that's why we bought it.and about the SRS light"

- Wassaic, NY, USA

My suspension is horrible!! without warning my S430 airmatic light displayed "visit workshop", I pulled over and noticed my vehicle was riding extremely low...almost touching my front and back tires. Furthermore, there is a rubbing sound when the wheels are being turned. I contacted 4 dealers and they all claimed the suspension and/or airmatic system has been a common problem...my concern is why wasn't I notified about a recall" secondly, after scheduling an appointment for this week, mb is claiming that I will be charged for service a. this is unbelievable>>>why is Mercedes loosing their reputation for poor customer service" please contact me...I need my vehicle in operable condition and will expect to be reimbursed by Mercedes once this recall matter is approved and/or active. I'm glad to know that NHTSA cares...thank you.

- Richton Park, IL, USA

Incident one: 1. while driving in atlanta, ga in February of 2007. The front airmatic suspension failed while crossing an "inactive" railroad track. Just imagine if it was active. Mercedes-Benz towed the car and replaced the defect. 2. a few days ago, I'm driving on a 40 mph speed limit road and my car starts to lower. Again. I was lucky that no one was behind me, otherwise it could have had a different outcome. How many times will someone need to report this "safety hazard" to the national highway and traffic safety administration. Does someone need to die, in order to be heard" please help me. I cannot afford to have the car I purchased, as the salesman said, "the safest car on the road, " become the reason for serious injury or even death to me and others. Thank you, I hope you'll contact me within a reasonable amount of time. We need to be heard. We want you to do something, because it will make us feel that you genuinely car about listening and creating action on these complaints. What does it cost you to recall something" I know what it'll cost me or the public if you don't.

- Fairport, NY, USA

2003 Mercedes Benz 500sl driving down the road the car just dropped down, the active body control system failed it ruined the undercarriage of the vehicle the car does not even have 50,000 miles on it. It's hard to get it towed. It is very low and it can cause a very serious accident, the funny thing was the next day started the car up the car came up but knowing my undercarriage is destroyed. I had couple incidents happen to men luck I was not on the freeway. It also throws your alignment out.

- Savannah, GA, USA

The airmatic warning came on my vehicle without prior incident. While driving normally last week, I suddenly noticed the panel flashing this warning. The car did not completely fail, but the car is much lower than it needs to be. When I searched this on-line I came across a forum called benzworld.org or com. There are hundreds of complaints about this problem and many people are calling for mbusa to recall this item. I called the corporate hq and was told to take the car in to the dealer, I was to ask the service manager for a" after warranty assistance". I am not sure what this means, but this is a very expensive item to repair and there may be many things contributing to this problem. Mbusa should stand behind this faulty feature and recall this item. I will take the car in on 07/28/08 and see what the outcome is. I suspect this will cost me close to 1K on a car that has 73K miles. I will ask for the old parts and hold them in reserve for your further instructions.

- Newark, DE, USA

I purchased a 2003 Mercedes Benz SL500 in December of 2003. As of today 8 November 2005, the suspension apparently can not be repaired. The car has being taken back to the dealer for the eight (8th) time to repair the suspension. It is currently alexandria Virginia, Mercedes Benz as of November 9th, 2005. While driving the vehicle home from a dinner engagement, late October 2005, one of the front hydraulic shock dropped and the vehicle literally changed lanes. Fortunately, no cars were beside me at the time. I am writing to the NHTSA to get their assistance in determining the feasibility of driving this vehicle with its unpredictable level of safety. I am appalled by Mercedes Benz lack of concern to replace this vehicle, the manufacturer or their representatives, are unable to repair it. I request your assistance to determine my next steps or any actions you can take to compel the manufacturer to resolve this matter.

- Washington, Dc , DC, USA

The vehicle (2003 mb slk320) was purchased on 4/14/2004 in AZ and began noticing problems on the drive back to nm. The most significant safety problem involves the transmission, which has been serviced by the manufacturer 8 times without resolution. The vehicle slips in and out of gear at highway speeds. The vehicle has spent a total of over 68 days in the shop for unsatisfactory repairs in a one-year period. To this date, the manufacturer has been uncooperative in resolving these problems forcing me to seek legal services.

- Albuquerque, NM, USA