While driving my 2002 Mercedes CL500, I noticed smoke coming from the engine bay and the smell of something burning. Upon inspection it was discovered that a hydraulic suspension hose ruptured and sprayed fluid onto a catalytic converter. This resulted in a large amount of smoke and small flames starting to appear right before the passenger side engine bay was hosed down with water. The Mercedes dealership advised this was a known issue and a recall was issued/performed back in 2005/2007. Mercedes advised me no further work would be done under the recall. I am reporting this to NHTSA as this is a dangerous safety related recurring defect reported on many websites/forums, yet Mercedes refuses to take appropriate action to permanently resolve it.

- Sherman Oaks, CA, USA