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For many, the Mercedes-Benz represents the height of automotive engineering, or something. For many others, it's a status symbol. The latter it most certainly is. The former some of our readers aren't so sure about.
One reason for the recent spate of complaints may have to do with the growing reliance on electronics in today's cars and porked-up SUVs. European cars have always been known for, shall we say, delicate electrical systems. Adding gadgets of the complexity now common in the Benz is a recipe for big trouble -- and very big repair bills.
Here are a few of the more recent complaints ...
Lisa of Atlanta GA (06/17/08)
Ive had my car every since 1999, I know for a fact you have a defect with your lighting system. I've replaced my whole entire system, bought bulbs over and over again and my lights still goes out to this date. I've gotten tickets for no tail lights. I also drive around with my child in the car and if someone ever hit me because of no lights, I would hate to think of what may come of it.
Diana of Burlingame CA (06/16/08)
We have owned many Mercedes Benz over the course of 30 years. It seems clear to me that Mercedes quality has hit an all time low. We now own the 430 model and have had nothing but problems with it. I was recently told that Mercedes is building their cars for the leasing market and they only want their cars to last 3 or 4 years. I am begining to believe this is true. I have had problems with basic items in the car, my visor, the air conditioner, the windows are growing mold between the two pieces of glass on 3 of the 4 windows, I have had so many problems with the engine noise I have stopped counting. I am purchasing a new car this week and I will not be going to a mercedes dealer. Lexus will be the first stop we make. How sad!
Roshawn of Los Angeles CA (06/16/08)
I brought a brand new C230 Mercedes Benz in 2006 and the anti-lock brakes caught on fire and burned my car to the medal.A total loss .The car had been parked for a week because i was out of the country.Imagine if I was in it,what would of happened or if it would of caught my house on fire! I service the car on time and every time maintenances was required.I spent a lot of time and money for service and now to find out that the electrical anti lock brake burned my car to the ground.If you have a 2006 Mercedes Benz C230,BEWARE of the defects.
Richard of Salem MA (06/12/08)
We were loyal MB customers who bought 7 and leased 1 of their cars from 1976-2005. All were diesels save the chintzy 2006 E350 (lease). The diesels were something to behold, built to standards that epitomized Mercedes Benz in the eyes of the world and earned them the reputation they have chosen to throw away. Our travails begain when the badly designed 603.970 6 cylinder diesel engine gave out on our 1991 350SDL. Research proves that MB knew since the beginning about the defects in 30-50% of these engines, but kept it a secret as the dealers waltzed the customer with this and that explanation for 1 quart/500 mile oil consumption. When the warranty expired, MB swiftly told the customer where he or she could go. When we contacted MB USA, one Ron St. Pierre, the NE Manager, said MB couldnt help us as news of that could get around?. We wrote to the company in Germany and got an impertinent letter from one of their little minions at MBUSA named Lisa Tognetti. She told us that she was happy to deny our request for assistance and thanked us? for the opportunity our letter had afforded the little twit to confirm MBs corporate position. Ill ride a large dog before I buy another Mercedes. The design and quality of their post-1998 cars has declined appallingly. Anyone thinking of doing business with them should know that Daimler Benz and MB USA have the morals of opium dealers. Buy a Mercedes at your peril.
Nizam of Titusville FL (06/02/08)
I bought a Mercedes C240 and now it just sits in my garage and looks good. I cant drive it because the check engine light is on. I took it to a technition and the said I needed new plugs after running the test. $400 dollars and a day later, the light is back on. Now they tell me the car needs a new computer box. I work hard to pay for this car and I cant afford to fix it. With the gas prices going up every day, I think I will just let the bank take it back. For now it will make me look good in the neighbourhood
Haysha of El Centro CA (04/01/08)
I went on:oct/30/07 to this dealer and ask for a oil change and a tune-up, they told me that they will perfome this services with service named b or c something like it,they even told me that it wasnt call like that anymore(since am a woman)so i agree on their promises believing on them. i came back the next day to pick up my vehicle and the guy who perfom the service told me that he only did a oil change on it, so i went inside and talk to criss and he told me that after i sign the agreement there was nothing else to do with it and that they couln't refound me anymore, so i left and next day i calld the manager asking him to refound me for the tune-up that wasn't made but it was charged up to a total $285.70 dlls he told me same,this was my first experience going to this dealer and for sure the last one. I couln gone to this other place on west covina,ca that charge me $75 dlls for oil change instead i opted to go to this dealer since i was planning on them to do my tune-up,and i dont wanted to get mess-up. I will very pleased if someone please can help me out on this matter, this was too pricie for the poor service they did. Thank you one again.
Trung of Coon Rapids MN (03/24/08)
Car C320 2001. Too many things wrong with this vehicle. Thing break as soon as 2 week of driving. Signal and head light goes out. EPS system does not work. Fuel Pump break after one year. Rear window curtain fail after two year of rarely use. Care seat control computer keep draning the battery if left car off for 24 hours.
Zoraida of Miami FL (02/20/08)
In the 2002 C320 (Sedan/Wagon)and later models, there is a command module under the seat which controls multiple functions including the SRS (Supplemental Restrain System/air bags), plus power seats, mirrors, etc. The modules appear to fail after 40-50K miles. They begin to draw current and drain the battery. This impacts other sub-systems causing the vehicle to issue multiple failures. Lossing power and jump starting the vehicle can also damage several sensitive convenience features. These can only de diagnosed, reset,reprogrammed or repaired at the costly MB dealer. A command module repair itself costs well over $600.00 and there are two of them (left/right)under the front seats. Although every Mercedes Benz service shop and Technician I have contacted is aware of the issue, MB will not recall the part. This is a safety issue plain and simple and I cannnot understand why it would be ignored. Our family owns/owned multiple Mercedes Benz models over the years; CLK's, E's SLK's and we still believe them to be safe, well engineered cars. Unfortunately, Mercedes Benz reliability is now well below the mark throughout the entire line. Toyota/Lexus and Honda/Acura clearly surpassed them long ago. I have been told to ask for the factory representative at my local dealership and argue the issue. They may agree to a 50/50 compromise. However, would you want to take a 50/50 chance with your life or the lives of your loved ones?
Sharad of Yorktown VA (02/05/08)
I purchased a new E320 in 2003. I am very disappointed with one aspect of this car. In approximately four and half years, its climate control system has failed five times. I do put about 20k miles per year. But this car has its climate control system failing about every 20K miles. For a fifty eight thousand dollar car, FIVE failures in a common comfort system are unacceptable. I suppose Luxury Car means luxury from these hassles of every day problems. 1. Apr 8, 2006 Leak Detection Drier Bottle O-Ring in A/C 2. Sept 8, 2006 Leak at Drier Bottle 3. Jan 8, 2007 A/C Sensor Replaced 4. Sept 29, 2007 Clear Fault Code in A/C System 5. Jan 30, 2008 Heating system failed Every car I owned Mazda, Honda, Acura or Saab, it is the only car where climate control system fails on an average every 20K miles. BYT, there were other service issues with this car which I dont wish to expand. On the reliability rating, this vehicle did not meet our expectations at all. Now lets look at the service level, I wrote to the Mercedes two times and I got nasty replies like this one: We regret you disappointment with the performance of your vehicle and any inconvenience you may have experienced while attending to repair. Lacking direct involvement in the operation and maintenance of your vehicle prevent us from commenting the specifics. Your dealer is in the best position to evaluate vehicle performance and, if necessary, request technical assistance for repairs from Mercedes-Benz USA. . We value your patronage of our products and are sorry that your E320 did not meet your expectations. Please accept our best wishes for many years of safe and pleasant driving.. Read this an ARROGANT response to my second complaint from General Manager, Customer Assistance Center, Mercedes-Benz USA: If your request is that we continue to cover repairs to your vehicle indefinitely, then we must decline.? After full explanation that problems have started well within the warranty period and still continuing a Customer Service General Manager cant determine what a customer is saying. This car and this company both sucks. I bought a new car this month and I am glad to report it is not Mercedes but Lexus.
Ierachmiel of Elkins Park PA (01/29/08)
own two MB's : one a 1999 300 Diesel Turbo and a 2002 SLK 230. My issue is with the 300D. Suddenly in the last 2 months the car, without any prior warning would not start, although it cranks very well, be it in the garage or after a long or short drive. It was towed in 4 times in the last 2 months to my dealership . They cannot find the problem because the car starts on the first try immediately after sitting a few hours . On their recommendations, I replaced a battery, voltage regulator, all fuel filters ( including the ones in the tank) checked glow plugs etc. They claim to have consulted even their national experts and no one has an answer. They would allow me a trade in towards any of their cars. I am not enthusiastic about the 350 E Class. I simply hope that someone will come up with the brilliant idea and solve my issue.
Ken of Kentfield CA (01/17/08)
I discussed the price of a car listed on the internet with a sales associate and in great detail. I provided a time that I would arrive to purchase the vehicle the next day. On the day of, I called in the morning to confirm the time. 25 minutes before arriving, I called again to confirm. Upon arrival, I was told that the sales associate had left for the day, and was given a new sales person. The price of the vehicle offered by the second sales associate was wildly different and was informed that a mistake must have been made as the price the original sales associate had provided was clearly 'too good to be true'. Additionally I was informed that the car had undergone a comprehensive inspection. Unfortunately, this is not possible as the car's trouble indicator lights began going off within 125 miles, and the car had over 60 trouble codes in it's computer. The car has had no servicing whatsoever and had pretty significant issues that any mechanic would have identified by the naked eye (completely non-functional thermostat, severely bent tire-rod, etc.). I believe that this dealership made false representations about the inspections they perform on these vehicles, and as well used unethical sales practices to get me to drive 50 miles to visit their dealership. Additionally, when discussing the price, the sales person manipulated the terms of the deal (price and interest rate changes while holding the payment constant) and represented this as the exact same thing, I presume on the assumption that the same thing to him meant that as long as the payments were the same it makes no difference to a buyer. Quite possibly he was gaming his own commission system, but in any event the terms of these deals (sales price to be taxed on, interest rate over time) do affect buyers and by stating that it is the exact same thing is a misrepresentation that will possibly mislead a less than savvy buyer. In short, unethical sales process, false representations of inspections or service performed on the vehicle, misleading financial term negotiations.
Gary of Farmington GA (01/17/08)
I have a two page letter written in Microsoft that I forwarded as an attachment to Mercedes. I cannot cut and paste it on this form. Please send an e-mail address for me to send it to or a physical address for me to mail it to. My 2003 C230K has been to the shop too many times for similar recurring problems, supposedly fixed under warranty. The four year warranty has expired and the last little bag of rubber gaskets and hoses cost me $1080. The car was in the shop for three days as parts were not in stock. One of the little hoses (crankcase ventilator hose) cost $15 and $460 to replace. Temperature sensor and thermostat cost about the same for labor to replace. The temperature sensor had been replaced under warranty about a year ago. I have many complaints about cheap plastic trim and accessories breaking and not repaired under warranty. From reading other complaints about this model, mine are quite similar. I doubt Mercedes will respond favorably to my note requesting the last bill to be refunded and covered by warranty. The problems were all pre-existing and not repaired or repaired with faulty parts prior to the warranty expiring. I am all for joining a class action suit.
Craig of Melbourne FL (12/04/07)
I have learned through two Mercedes ownership experiences never to buy or lease a Mercedes product ever again. I am currently being held hostage by what I can only describe as reprehensible customer service policies by a company that simply does not care about the people who buy the cars as ling as people buy them. The Mercedes brand was a valuable and impressive one and luckily for them, it does not die overnight, but I believe things are starting to catch up with current management. Mercedes refused to support me with a problem the local dealership was having in repairing my new Mercedes and was very clear in their hands off approach that they do not get involved at the dealership level. I was appalled at how little they cared and tried to call again just to see if it was a fluke and got the same response from a supervisor. I can't help you, was his closing line to me. Now I have a buyer who would like to take over one of my leased vehicles and has been approved and Mercedes wants to take 8 weeks to process as they do not deem this service as a priority to them. They get their money no matter what so why would they offer a service to a current and multi-car owner? I think the lack of support in multiple incidents with separate vehicles points to a serious problem that consumers must be made aware of. If the manufacturer is not going to support owners as they have clearly demonstrated, this should be public knowledge.
Philip of Rancho Cucamonga CA (11/13/07)
Since I purchased the vehicle I have had problems all time. One in particular has occurred 3 to four times. the seat belt trim loosens and then it breaks. I have taken to fix but I still continue to have problems with it.
Raffeal of Laurel MD (09/27/07)
On Saturday July 7th, approximately at 10:45pm or so, my Mercedes Benz CL 500 caught fire. I was on my way out for a night out in DC when suddenly on M St and Mass, I heard a pop or like something exploded. Immediately smoke started coming from the car but the strange thing was it was coming from both sides of my front fender wells and it was white as a cloud in the sky. I immediately pulled over, and was very upset because it just happened out of the blue; no warning.
At this time my light indicator came on and said ABC control.... drive carefully. I just pulled over. Not 5 minutes had gone by and I was calling AAA, a guy drove past me and stop at the light. He got out of his car and yelled, theres a fire under your car!! I WAS STILL IN THE CAR! I go out and look under the car, and there was some fire that fell to the ground. I immediately called the Fire Dept. By time they got there the whole front of the car was completely engulfed in flames. It was very embarrasssing because on a Saturday night in the middle of DC, there are plenty of people everywhere, and its not everyday you see a Benz like mine which was decked out on fire. I notified my isurance company that very night.
The following week I get a letter from Mercedes Benz in the mail. Its a recall letter stating that there is a defective part in my model care from a certain year to another and that it could possible cause a fire. well, IT WAS TO LATE! I immediately called my insurance company and faxed them this information. I haven't followed up with Mercedes Benz about this but I have been encouraged to do so because not only did I lose the car I loved, my insurance didn't cover the full cost of my vehicle, and I ended up paying $5000 to cover the rest of my car loan. So its a lose/lose for me. I'm currently gathering all my info and I will be sending the comany a letter along with all the info I can provide. I should be compensated somehow....
Dave of Solana Beach DE (09/05/07)
The Mercedes Benz CLK 350 I bought a few months ago suddenly bolted backward at the top of a hill as a light turned from red to green. It is a new, more hilly route I have to take. The car has NO HILL START ASSIST to freeze the brake pedal for about 2 seconds to allow the right foot to transfer to the accelerator. Conseuqently, the car slides backward on all hills, even the slightest incline, such as a driveway. I NEARLY HIT THE CAR IN BACK OF ME. Now, I'm very afraid to stop on any hill, especially at a red light. They essentially will do nothing about it and claim the sliding is normal. They say if I want to trade my car in for another, I have to drive a SUV (which is too large for me) or else pay $200 MORE a month to PURCHASE a 2004 SLK that does not have the problem, caused by the newer 7-speed transmission. I can't BELIEVE they are so uncaring. Thank you for your response!!
Alex of The Woodlands TX (09/04/07)
I own a MB C238 Kompressor with 40,000 miles - and have had nothing but problems with this car. While it is supposed to be the best of cars, and while performance in general is good, every 6,000 miles or so, something big breaks down. To-date I've had to replace the supercharger 2 times, the computer 2 times and just recently even the sunroof!!!!!!
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Wes & Marie of Lindon UT (04/07/07)
I have a 1999 Mercedes Benz ML320 that developed cracks in the catalytic converters. The dealer said they would fix them at a cost of over $1000 a piece. After some research I see that this is a common problem on ML vehicles from 1998 to 2001.
The EPA sued MB and a recall was supposed to be performed; however, MB failed to notify the owners of the affected vehicles. MB tells me they did not send me a recall letter nor will they fix my vehicle under the recall since I'm not on their VMI list, even though my VIN is on the list of affected vehicles on the EPA documents and the MB service campaign documents.
The more research I do, the more I see that this is common complaint with ML owners. It appears that MB is doing all they can to avoid the issue. The dealer even told me, before I knew about the recall, to take it to a muffler shop to have them weld the faulty converter, prbably in hopes that I would do that and never find out about the recall. In addition, the emission control pump has failed om my vehicle (second time) that I suspect is being caused by the faulty converters. Is their anyone else you are working with with the same complaint? Is there any way to enforce the EPA mandated recall?
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Angelo of Atlanta GA (03/14/07)
I purchase a brand new 2006 G55 Amg, 8 mos ago and I had a aftermarket navigation system installed. The car has been in their service department for at least 60 days, because of electrical problems. Now I have been told they aren't going to repair or replace the vehicle. I also purchased a extended warranty for the vehicle.
Kevin of Alexandria VA (02/11/07)
On my Mercedes 2002 CLK series. The drain plugs around the trunk were defective allowing water to leak onto the amplifer which is placed directly below the plugs, each time the car became wet including going thru car washes and getting morning dew which dripped into the area where the amplifier is housed.
The amplifier would malfunction, ultimately blowing with a extremely load feedback noise which blew out the speaker on the driver door and my left ear. Mercedes replaced the amplifier several times before discovering the problem with the drain plugs.
Unfortunately I suffered acoustic trauma which has resulted in permanent ringing in my ears, and sensitivity to normal levels of sound which sound loader. Excellerated loss of hearing and a life which I can no longer enjoy quite.
Hai of San Jose CA (02/10/07)
My 2006 Mercedes C230 sport sedan had transmission problem since day one. The transmission shifts funny, slips, bangs into gear, and consistently chooses the wrong gear.
I took it to the shop three times within 10 months. Every time, my advisor said it should be okay after updating the transmission with new software. It is getting better after the service, but the problem still exists.
The transmission still has very rough up/down-shift from 1st to 2nd gear, especially in cold weather. After 10,000 miles, the engine starts to make noise, and it gets worse when the air conditioner is turned on
Dennis of Chicago IL (01/28/07)
I hope MBenz finaly realizes that this is an embarassment to all us who own such a prestige vehicle that realy is a LEMON. PLEASE FORWORD THIS EMAIL... I was a proud owner of a 2001 C320 and now looking to buying a LEXUS because of the ongoing battery/electrical draining problem with this car and noticed there are thousands of other benz customers with the same situation in which nothing is being done about exept drainging our wallets. I would understand that if you took your car into the Benz dealer and you pay that money that problem would get fixed and you would be on your way and not back for a while.
I don't think the Dealers even know what the problem is with the C320. Why has there not been a recall issue we are all wondering. In my eyes and in thousands of others with this electrical/battery problem should have a recall. Please go to this website - and not only hear this from me. THANK YOU!
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Carlos of Port Orange FL (01/09/07)
This is related to a critical safety issue on Mercedes-Benz vehicles manufactured approximately from 1993-1997. All these vehicles have an acknowledged and widely known problem with the engine wiring harness that has caused fires, vehicle sudden stalls on highways and other incidents. The harness will fail on all these vehicles as it is defectively constructed with an unsuitable insulation that prematurely disintegrates over time regardless of usage or mileage. The harness is a critical element of the vehicles operation as it directly affects ignition, fuel injection, timing, cooling, rpm, mixture and other critical functions of the engine. The manufacturer is aware of the problem, and, absent involvement from the NHTSA or civil action, has refused to address it in a proactive and responsible manner. It is of the utmost importance that the DOT gets actively involved before a very preventable ang regrettable fatal accident occurs as a result of this defect.
Russel of Reno NV (12/20/06)
I leased a C-230 in Feb, 2006. Within 3 months, I was bringing the vehicle in because the tires were rubbing in the turns. It took 3 times of bringing the car in for the dealer's mechanics to notice a problem. They then started replacing parts in the suspension of the front end, struts, shocks and then put in a sway bar. The vehicle continued to rub but this time they diagnosed it as from the rear. They then replaced the springs and shocks in the rear. I had a rear tire go out and had a local tire shop tell me it was from the tire rubbing against the rear strut. Mercedes at first did not want to honor the tire but the service manager did after reviewing the history. Electrical problems started occurring such as the interior lights not functioning, the doors locks worked when they wanted to and the turn signals would not return to neutral. The ESP malfunction light went off on the dash and did so during a snow storm that had ice on the roads.
Gordon of East Falmouth MA (11/21/06)
Regards Gulfstream--they painted my vehicle with new state of the art painting system direct from Germany. 3 years later and present vehicle has almost complete;y peeled 1994M-B C280 I have owned since brand new. As of 11/20/06 vehicle has 63,000 oroginal miles.
Also, this vehicle has many many electrical problems. We have had to have service to make brake lights work and directionals. At this time no radio and headlights switch harness started smoking two days ago.
Ben of Pompano Beach FL (11/15/06)
I read the consumer complaint from Pam Columbia CA and had one of my greates fun evening in my life. Obviously she used such extravagant and sophisticated car for anything but what it is built for, especially without any information about that it does not need a oil stick by no means, because it will have always the right amount, even if the computer fails. Computer are men made and new on the market, Mercedes does not built them, others do and sell them. 190 years of German technology can never be beaten by immitations. Beside my Mercedes CLK 430 I have a Chevy Van, this computer failed and there is no one on the market to exchange. True is, also Mercedes Benz cars are built in these days from human beings like other cars are, and this is for all cars the same. Different is that Mercedes Benz still is focused on quality products and technic, which is unique. You drive it you feel it!
Rachel of South Pasadena CA (11/06/06)
I bought a new Mercedes GL 450/ year 2007 SUV on July 04,2006. This car has less than 3,000 mile on as of today. More than 2/3 of time I own this car, I was fixing this car for SRS light on dash board, the message also states retrained system mel fuction, drive the car to workshop. It's has been fixed five times and the very same light showed up less than a half hour I got the car back from dealers. At first, my dealer tried to help me. They pick up my car at my work, so at least I do not need to take off work to fix my new car! But no one can either fix the car or shut off the dangous message! Finally, I asked dealer to buy back the car. Last week, The Mercedes corp. told me that they are reviewing my case. Every day I have to drive this over $70,000 dangous car transport my seven years old daugtor on free way to school or after school program. One of the major reason for purchasing this car is the their Safy features for my young kid. Not only I have to pay the expense payments for all the time the MBZ trie to figure out how to fix this car, everyday I will receive a letter from my dealer for recomminding their excellent service (?) and some computer even call me and left me a message about my car is been recall that I should contact my dealer! (It is so strange that there is no commuication between the Corp. office and dealer!) The Mercedes Benz coustomer service department refuse to help, the woman called me back one day (after I left a message as directed) told me her name was Robin(no last name) and they are reviewing this case, I should contact my own dealer for further assissant! The ball kick back to my dealer again! Does Mercedes Benz understand all business condoucts in USA should comply US law? Does Lemon law apply to German Cars? How long it should take for my to continue my payments for the new car that no one know how to fix?
Narasinghal of Independence OR (11/05/06)
My 2005 C-230 Sports Sedan leased on January 7, 2005 showed Check Engine on November 4, 2005 and again on December 4, 2005. The first time, the service garage of Valley Motor corrected what they said was a computer problem and the second time they took 10-12 days to replace valve springs on exhaust valves, update control unit and perform SCN coding. Thereafter, on August 2, 2006, I complained about soft brake paddle and on October 10, about a foul order emission from the AC system. On October 30 last, the SRS malfunction light came on. They fixed it. When I wondered why a new Mecedes C-230 was not functioning satisfactorily, the service supervisor said all this was normal and even suggested that my expectations for a C class was unrealistic. I leased the vehicle at the price of $ 34,000.00 and I have never felt secure while driving it at night or long distance.
So far I have not incurred any economic or physical damage. But I am psychologically upset and even have become apprehensive of any sudden erratic behavior of the car's engine. It seems I am saddled with a lemon with a 48-month lease payment @$440.00 per month. I have never been so suspicious of a new car and this all the more galling and sad as this one happens to be a Mercedes!
Elizabeth of Elverson PA (10/22/06)
My husband and I purchased a new Mercedes C240 in 2001 for $35,000.00 from the dealership. Like many other people we were so excited to own such a fun little car. Soon afterward, we started feeling the suck from our wallet to keep this fun little car running. The electrical system has been replace many times, the first time about 3 months after we purchased the car. When the car is repaired it runs for only a few weeks before it breaks down again. It has cost us over $15,000.00 in repairs and has been dealer maintained! Over the years we expressed our concern many times to the dealership and they said that we were the only customers who have expressed such a problem. One gentleman said that he understood our frustration but Mercedes would never do anything about it. For the past year it has sat in our driveway because every time we use it, the electrical system wipes out whether we were on a highway or at home. The car is now undrivable. The electrical system is frozen and we are afraid to sink anymore money into the car for fear that it will break down immediately again. I have never felt so frusterated & taken advantage of by a company before. We can't trade the car in and we can't sell it because it is undrivable so for right now it makes an expensive lawn ornament.
Thousands of dollars spent in good faith to maintain what we now feel was a lemon. Looking back we were taken advantage of by Mercedes Benz.
Leon of Los Angeles CA (10/09/06)
On November 25,2005,I purchased acertified pre-owned 2002 Mercedes ML-320 from Mercedes Benz of Beverly Hills.This car had 40,629 miles on the odometer, and was sold to me with an 18-month warranty,which runs until July 17 2007.On June 30,2006 I took the car to Mercedes Benz of Beverly Hills for servicing.I specifically asked them to check the reer tires. When I picked the car up that evening,they told me they forgot to check the tires,and told me to return another day.I returned on July 10.When I came to picked up the car, they said they could not fix the problem as I had wrecked the car.The car has the right rear susp. tie rod damage,right upr.rear susp. control arm and right rear susp.knuckle damage.On the Pre-Owned inspection and Certification Report has writen-right front fender and right rear fender was painted. I have only put 3,000 miles on the car in the 8 months since I purchased it.I suspect there was an accident involving this car which they did not disclose to me at the time of purchase. And obviously if the tires are worn out after only 3,000 miles, they were not new as they told me when I purchased it.
The damage is $2,163.
Kristie of San Diego CA (10/03/06)
On 9/25/05 I drove from S.D. to L.B. in order to look at a car at Mercedes-Benz long beach. I traded in my pristine 2000 S430 for what I thought was a certified preowned vehicle only to find out it was a certified piece of junk. According to MB Certified program the car was to be in like new condition with very specific guidelines in order for a car to meet their certified criteria. It was not. When driving the car, it always would go towards the right. There was wind coming in from around the side frame when I drove. There was a hole in the carpet they tried to cover up with floor mats. Yellow began coming through the leather w/in a day. It needed tires badly. It had no spare keys nor any owners manuals. etc etc etc. Finally 3 days later I took off of work to return it to mb long beach. They were horrible!They said I couldn't get my S430 back, I couldn't return the ML320 that was in service just 3 days after purchasing it, but I could pay $5,000 more for a comporable vehicle.. UNACCEPTABLE
Well, I went from an S430 mercedes to an ML320 to walking. I have a loan out on the S430 that they won't give back. I have notified MB finance that I am flat cancelling the loan for the ML320 and told my credit union to reject any payoff from them. But I have 2 days off of work, rental car fees, insurance I am paying for no car, I have the $8500 downpayment they haven't mention and I'm still walking.
Kevin of Tulsa OK (08/16/06)
I purchased a 2001 ML430 from Jackie Cooper Imports in Tulsa. 2 years later, the battery was dead. I had the dealership send someone out to replace the battery. When they did my odometer lost 30,000 miles. When I inquired about it they said it was no big deal, but when I went to trade it back in 2 years later, now it is a TMU car (total miles unknown) which dropped it's value in half. After talking to the dealership and customer service, nothing has been done. They really don't care. They just implied that I should lie about the mileage and just sell it. Sorry, can't stoop to their level.
Ken Vancouver WA (08/16/06)
The car pulls to the right when first driven off the lot. It was reported to Mercedes but I was told to drive it 2000 miles before it could be fixed. When 2000 miles was reched it was attemped to be repaired by alignment. This failed and it was returned again for the same complaint. Mercedes repaired this time using an adapter kit which was said to be against Mercedes-Benz advice. The car is better but not perfect as it should be. The total milage is 2,600 now and it still pulls to the right..Now the airconditioning is going weak too.
Monica of Quincy MA (08/08/06)
I had an auto accident with my Mercedes-Benz C-220. I drove the car into a brick wall of a Dunkin-Donuts and the passenger side air bag deployed but the driver side air bag did not. Most of the damage sustained was to the driver's side in the front. The car was a total loss. This leaves me to question the safety of purchasing another Mercedes-Benz automobile. This could cost me more than the price of a new automobile. The airbag along with the safety belt saved my son from serious injury. But the seatbelt alone had to work for me.
Jez of Los Angeles CA (07/19/06)
I leased to purchase a Mercedes Benz ML 350 last June 05. After a month the air bag light came on and there was a squeaking noise when you brake. The dealer had fixed the problem but after a few months later the coolant light came on and they said that the wind shield wiper water levels was low so it triggered the coolant light to come on. Last month my car started to jerk while driving. They said that it was a faulty computer module so they changed it. When I drove the car home it still had the same problem so I took it in again. This time they said it was the transmission valve so they had it replaced.
While I was driving out of the driveway the car jerked so hard my daughter and I almost got into a car accident. Now they are saying that my car needs a new transmission. I thought Mercedes Benz is a reliable high quality vehicle. My car only has 14,000 miles and it needs a new transmission. I've never heard of such thing! I am really disappointed! Now that they are going to operate on my car I don't think I will feel safe in it anymore. Especially, because of the last incident. I am really unhappy about my situation.
Karl of Los Gatos CA (04/14/06)
I purchased a new ML 350 (AMG) on January 13. "Unfortunately I was involved in an accident and had to send the car to a bodyshop 2 days later. AS of today the bodyshop hasn't gotten the right spare parts in order to finish their job. One particular spare part was 2 - 3 times wrongly sent and had to be returned. It also appears that the drawings for this new car aren't 100% accurate and therefore for this AMG version the spare part don't match.
Mercedes Benz has admitted that they have a problem, but are until today unable to determine when and how they are goingf to fix this problem. In the meantime (3 months have passed !!!!) I still don't have my car back and have to pay my car rental bills on an ongoing basis. It is really sad that a big company cannot fix such a simple problem (e.g. sent somebody down to the warehouse, pick up the part and sent it overnight to my body shop).
Michael of Hobe Sound FL (03/09/06)
I have had to replace the window switch 4 times in my 2000 ML 320. The quality control on these Mexican made parts are terrible.
La'verne of Pennsauken NJ (02/23/06)
On February 19, I was driving my vehicle with my child present and the left side suspension fell out onto the road disabling my vehicle. Luckily, I wasn’t moving with considerable speed because we would have been seriously injured, even killed. When I took the vehicle for repairs, it was discovered that the front suspension on both sides had considerable wear on it. In addition, the auto body shops and the Allstate Insurance Adjuster are advising that this is a common problem with this vehicle make
How can the front suspension fall out of a vehicle in such a short period of time, particularly a Mercedes which is supposed to stand for superior quality and workmanship? How is it possible that a vehicle with this much potential to be dangerous to its passengers be certified by a prestigous company as Mercedes?
I put in a claim with my insurance company, which to them will be considered an at-fault claim. As a result, my premium is going to increase. They are only covering me for the side of my car that is now damaged, leaving me to have to pay for the other side (passenger). The damages to the left side only cost $5700. I now feel like I am making monthly payments on a car that is not safe
Alvin of Tiverton RI (01/19/06)
I have a faulty passenger seat occupation sensor in my 2000 Mercedes ML320. This is a safety problem and should be addressed by Mercedes. The device is designed to activate the airbag of the pasenger seat if occupied. I have contacted Mercedes via Tel. They recommended I try to settle the issue with the Dealership. The dealer will not assume responsibility for this safety issue. They want $1000 to remedy the problem.
The device is designed to activate the airbag of the pasenger seat if occupied. The faulty sensor my cause the airbag not to activate as designed and could potentially cause bodily harm or death to a unprotected passenger.
D. of Piscataway NJ (01/09/06)
My Mercedes ML430 has a service recall for the catalytic converter. The car is disabled because I have a hole in my converter and it sounds like a blown exhaust when i drive. It is too loud to operate. The problem is I have been waiting over a month for the part to come in from Mercedes. I have called the service dept at the dealer several times and I have also contact Mercedes Benz customer service. I am being told the part is not available and there is no ETA for the part.
I HAVE BEEN WAITING OVER A MONTH FOR THIS PART AND THEY ARE TELLING ME IT COULD BE ANOTHER MONTH OR TWO. They dont really know when. I explained that I have had to rent a car for the past month costing approximately $800 and I will have to continue to do so until my vehicle is fixed. I don't make car parts and I could care less if they are having trouble with their part suppliers. This is totally unfair to the consumer which has to pay for a rent a car in addition to my regular car pmts.
I was told that an expedite request was put in about a month ago. I wonder how long it would take if it wasnt expedited. Can you light a fire under these people for me, even if its just a phone call to the dealer or to Mercedes directly. If I was someone famous this would have been taken care of a long time ago. I'm also going to contact an attorney to see what my rights are.
Myra of Teaneck NJ (01/06/06)
I have a 2001 ML 320 that I hardly used. It only has 26,000 mileage and it is now practically undrivable. The whole computer system shut down and needs complete replacement. It affected the whole braking system that also needs to be replaced otherwise i'd be driving a car that would end up killing me because of brake system failure. It stalled me in the highway when the problem started and literally came to a full stop (in the middle of snow storm). I always brought this car to the dealer for all services that it needs, never found any problems with it until the warranty expired.
Anybody would think that this car would live up with it's "high end" expectations after paying such a high price for it would surely be disappointed. I am VERY disappointed and would never recommend this car to anyone. I truly think that it is not fair for consumers to pay a high price and expect to have a "disposable" car as soon as the warranty expires. In my opinion, this problem is even worse than any of the problems you can get from any cheapest car.
I called the custumer service and the dealership who both told me plainly that the warranty has expired and that i have to pay for any repairs that the damage incurs.
Walter of Rolling Hills Estates CA (12/12/05)
Two months ago my Mercedes E320 broke down because of faulty crankshaft and related parts. Repairs cost $570.00. On December 7 I received a recall notice from Mercedes-Benz for precisely this problem. Seeking re-imbursement, I talked to several representatives of MB and was informed that the recall campaign ended in April, consequently they would not authorize payment. The fact that the only notice to me of the possible problem was the December letter to me made no difference. Apparently, the recall was kept a secret until the customer had no redress.
The cost to me of repairing a defect that Mercedes knew about and did not inform me of until it was too late to have it corrected.
Gabriela of Corona CA (11/16/05)
I purchased a S430 2006 Mercedes-Benz on 10/31/05 it was delivered to me on 11/01/05 I drove the car it felt funny when I pressed the breake it will go foward, I call my sales person he advised me to take it to the nearest Mercedes-Benz for check up, so I did. they said there was a problem with the transmission, I call the original dealer told them I did not want the car since the car the had sold me was defective I took the car back on 11/10/05 and left it at the service center at Laguna Niguel, they call back stating that the only thing they can do is fix the car since I already own the car. I feel this is not fair I bought a car in good faith I never test drove the car.
Jean of Ponte Vedra Beach FL (10/25/05)
I bought a 2002 Mercedes-Benz 320 new from a dealer. The paint is peeling and rust is setting in. So far the dealer has replaced the hood and the roof. Now there is more paint peeling on the right rear panel and the gas tank flap. When I inquired about trading the car in, the dealer gave me an estimate of $16,500 -- because the appraiser saw new paint on the car, he presumed it had been in an accident and had hidden damage.
The car has never been hit. I paid about $50,000 for it, with all the ups and extras including an onboard navigation system. The car only has 14,475 miles on it and is just now qualifying for service B. My friends tell me Mercedes isn't what it used to be. It is now definitely Daimler Chrysler. Including this car, I have purchased six new Mercedes since 1985. I will not ever buy another one.
Salvatore of Commack NY (10/22/05)
Purchased 2001 430 clk. Oct 15' 04 the vehicle is falling into the lemon law. It's been in service 5 times for a multitude of computer issues. They simply said they cannot find the problem. They are refusing to refund my moneys which are 23 thousand dollars. They are now ignoring my calls.
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