The pixels on the instrument cluster went out and you can no longer tell what gear you are in. I've brought the car to my local dealer for their inspection and I was quoted $1500 for the repair because it is not cover under warranty.

- Campbell, CA, USA

At 55,178 miles (only 5,000 over warranty) I had to have my faulty electronic ignition system replaced. During this repair at an authorized dealership, the technicians blew out the rear sam (computer controlling directional signals, hazard lights, etc), while the car was in their shop. They attempted to make me believe that the rear sam failure was an underlying failure that they were not able to detect with the first inspection. However, this rear sam failure was never disclosed to me until after they had installed the electronic ignition system, approximately one week later. In other words, the initial inspection was 100% about the faulty electronic ignition system. Ironically, the ignition did turn on during the initial inspection and I was there to observe the service manager scroll through the display, find my mileage, etc. There was no indication of rear sam failure on 9/19/06, ie, visit workshop on display. No matter what the circumstances, having electronic issues of such a magnitude (both ignition and rear sam) on a car that had only 55,000 miles on it, indicates that Mercedes Benz has tremendous electronics problems. Furthermore, while I was willing to pay for the electronic ignition problem that I came to the dealership to fix, I expected the dealership to take care of the rear sam failure they caused. They would not offer to take care of this problem. I have since learned that they could have availed themselves of M-B's good will replacement parts program for the part and they would have been out very little time and money. The dealership subsequently said they did offer to take care of the problem, which is a lie! I have been in contact with both the California department of Consumer Affairs and with my credit card customer service department to seek redress for the dealerships handling of this matter. The ca department of Consumer Affairs recommended that I file a complaint with the nhts.

- Menlo Park, CA, USA

I have a 2001 Mercedes cl 500 that I paid 90K for and has less than 40 K miles. The lights went out and I could smell electrical smoke. Every time I turn on the ignition, I smell burning. I noticed on an internet search that there was supposed to be a recall for this problem but the dealership says it has not been finalized, I know that there is a problem with the instrument clusters burning up on these vehicles as my partner's car ( also a Mercedes) had his do the same thing. I request that you take action on this matter as I don't feel I should have to pay $2000 to fix a defective product after paying that kind of money for a vehicle. The VIN number on my car [xxx]. respectfully, [xxx]. updated 07/12/2012 information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Tifton, GA, USA

: the contact stated the left light bulb warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealership and the wiring harness, rear exterior light bulb, and adapter cable for the tail lamps were replaced. The park light error light illuminated and the dealership replaced the rear light bulbs. Another, unknown, light illuminated on the dash and the vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop who determined the sam module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who determined the same solution. Updated 10/04/06.

- Voorhees, NJ, USA

Beginning on 10/18/01 to present, this vehicle has been taken into the dealership 34 different times for the following reasons: (1) remote inop - 10/18/01; (2) remote inop - 11/14/01; (3) replaced remote - 12/3/01; (4) remote inop - 12/11/01; (5) replaced front pads & sensors - 12/26/02; (6) replaced right front door window motor - 4/24/03; (7) replaced remotes - 5/15/03; (8) replaced crankshaft sensor & connector module - 12/2/03; (9) replaced faulty rear sam control module - 12/2/03; (10) replaced A/C pressure switch - 12/2/03; (11) replaced air mass meter sensor - 12/11/03; (12) replaced right door window regulator - 1/5/04; (13) replaced rear shade roller blind - 1/5/04; (14) replaced side bag connector all doors - 1/9/04; (15) replaced right front door window seal - 2/27/04; (16) replaced oil level sensor & resealed oil pan - 4/28/04; (17) replaced sway bar bushing and caster arms - 4/28/04; (18) resealed elec plug for trans - 4/28/04; (19) replaced right rear door linkage and knob - 7/22/04; (20) replaced A/C blower & fan speed regulator - 8/23/04; (21) replaced right rear door window regulator - 8/23/04; (22) replaced mounting clips & bearings driver seat - 8/23/04; (23) replaced right rear door window motor - 2/7/05; (24) low oil light on, changed oil & filter - 2/7/05; (25) replaced oil sending unit - 3/17/05; (26) replaced right front seat control module - 5/20/05; (27) replaced alternator and regulator - 5/20/05; (28) replaced driver side seat clamps & pins - 5/20/05; (29) replaced brake pads, shoes, rotors and disc - 5/20/05; (30) replaced leaking trans plug and leaking pan gasket - 5/20/05; (31) fuel gauge inop - 6/27/05. At present "remote will not open trunk & malfunction (elect stab prog esp) is on. I have asked that vehicle be replaced with a reliable vehicle of same type and mileage, hq Mercedes llc has refused on 2 occasions. I have contact with the dept of Consumer Affairs.

- Columbia, SC, USA

Consumer went to start the vehicle and discovered that electrical components such as navigation, radio/cd, telephone, voice command, gas gauges, and power windows were not working. Since then the brake lights and turn signals were replaced twice, and will be replaced the third time in less than a year. Took vehicle to a dealer and contacted Mercedes, who said they could replace navigation and the radio/cd which S\were connected by same computer for $3,000. Dealer did not know why this happened, but there was an electrical short. Have not been replaced or repaired.

- Winston Salem, NC, USA

Steering wheel loose and making noise when turning right or left, dealer found power steering pump leaking and was replaced. Next day engine light on, ABS system fails, esp elec, stability, program fails, bas brake assist system fails, the car does not change gear and would not pick up speed eventhough I'm pressing hard on the gas pedal. Dealer attempted fixing the problem 4X and still there for the 5th time. Each time they find different causes like cracked thrust arms and was replaced. Then they said there's an open circuit at the right speed censor and they replaced right rear speed sensor.another cause found crankshaft position sensor open circuit.. ignition system replaced.

- Stevenson Ranch, CA, USA

Vehicle breakdowns.

- Lakewood, CO, USA

Gas fumes so over powering that you had to drive with the windows down after you filled up the car with gasoline. Gas tank had a leak and all the dash was replaced at dealer. However there are shortages in the electrical system that cause the visor lamps to not work and the automatic lights and relays in the wipers do not operate properly. When the heat is on the gas fumes and monoxide is strong again. I thought the problem was rectified when they fixed it but it still tends to act up.

- Schaumburg, IL, USA