Consumer Complaint Detail
MERCEDES BENZ / SL / 1994
1 Injured
0 Death
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 |