This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
The auto dimming rear view mirror turned black and I cannot see out of it dealer wants like $800 to replace it. There are many people on the forums with the same problem, also the auto dimming drivers side mirror has a similar problem and can't see out of that either, again many people on the forums complain about this too. At one time the manufacturer of the mirror was sending free replacements since there were some quality control problems, but no more.
Instrument cluster failure. All lighting for instrument dark/unreadable (speedometer, tach, odometer, fuel, temp, turn signal etc). Taken to dealer and I paid for rebuild to unit. Identical failure occured again after approx 3 months.
On starting the vehicle, the instrument panel was black without illumination or reading. As a result, gauges to speedometer, odometer, fuel, warnings to malfunctions, tachometer, oil pressure, & engine temperature are not present.
The contact owns a 2002 Mercedes Benz S-class. The contact stated that while driving 58 mph, all of the instrument panel lights and gauges failed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's home and the dealer was contacted. The dealer advised the contact that there was an electronic malfunction. The manufacturer confirmed that the vehicle was not included in any recalls. The failure mileage was 98500.
: the contact stated the brake light has darkened and it is not related to the bulb. The electrical system has become defective causing the vehicle left rear brake to darkened. There is a similar recall on the Mercedes 170, but not on the Slk series.
- Kailua Kona, HI, USA
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The contact stated that the vehicle is experiencing electrical problems pertaining to the alternator, speedometer, and electrical system causing engine lights to illuminate. The vehicle was taken to the dealers who determined that the problem was the voltage regulator electrical system. The vehicle was taken in to be serviced by the dealers. As vehicle was being released from service the speedometer experienced problems with the RPM not functioning properly. The dashboard also gave off a foul burning/ gas odor that caused the passenger to get sick. Vehicle was taken back to the dealers and contact states that the dealers refused to inspect vehicle or to provide service. The contact stated that the service manager/ director of the dealers has called and harassed the contact on three occasions. The contact also states that she spoke to an NHTSA representative who was able to check in the database for recalls and electrical problem recall matched the same symptoms to the vehicle. The vehicle is currently seeking service for the existing problems.
2002 Mercedes Slk 230- when stopping the car, and then take off again the car loses power. Indicator light does not come on at this time. This does not happen every time while driving the car. The vehicle has been to the dealership three or four times in past year and a half. The last time it was in the shop five days and driven 163 miles and the dealership could not duplicate the problem. However, when I picking up the vehicle drove it about 10 mph, stopped at a stop sign the car lost power. Then a few minutes later it happened again.
When there was a quick acceleration from a complete stop position, the esp(electrical stabilizer program) system engaged. This resulted in the vehicle stopping after accelerating for only 2 feet. The vehicle did not accelerate until the esp system disengaged.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Liberty, UT, USA