Consumer Complaint Detail

MERCEDES BENZ / SL / 1994

Recalls
1 Injured
Investigations
0 Death
Complaints
Yes Fire
Components - Details
NHTSA Complaint Number: 005057510 Incident Date: Nov, 30 2005
Consumer's City: BELLAIRE Consumer's State: TX
Vehicle Transmission Type: AUTO Manufacturers Name: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Model Name: SL Model Year: 1994
Vehicle Involved in a Crash: No Component's Description: Electrical system:wiring
Vehicle Involved in a Fire: Yes Persons Injured: 1
Vehicle's VIN#: WDBFA76EXRF Date added to File: May, 23 2021
Date Complaint Received: Feb, 26 2006 Complaint Type: IVOQ
Incident Reported To Police: No Purchase Date: Feb, 09 2000
Was Original Owner: No Anti-lock Brakes: Yes
Number of Cylinders: 12 Date of Manufacturer: -
Was Vehicle Towed: - Description of the Complaints: Total electrical failure, engine stoppage, deactivation of abs, asd, seat belts, electric door locks, lights. when going over a railroad tract, road vibration caused deteriorated wiring insulation (inside a bundle of wires) to fall off causing a massive electrical short circuit. apparently several model years of these cars were manufactured with wire insulation that 'crumbles' to a powder. this condition is not visible during ordinary inspection and required one to cut open the encapsulated wiring harnesses. failed wiring harnesses for these cars are common i learned from searching the mdz bulletin boards. i have 6 failed electronic throttle actuators (at $1800 each!!) exhibiting this type of failure. one exhibited uncommanded wide open throttle. the others failed by entering the 'limp home' mode. mercedes benz north america is aware of this serious defect but refuses to repair or warrant this defective safety system. i was shocked that my car shut off completely and a small fire erupted in the main engine wiring compartment harness. *nm