2013 MERCEDES-BENZ ML350

NHTSA VEHICLE SAFETY COMPLAINT SUPPORTING STATEMENT Vehicle: 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350 I am submitting this complaint regarding a continuing safety concern involving water intrusion and electronic system damage in my 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350. My vehicle was subject to a Mercedes-Benz recall involving water intrusion and related components. Despite recall-related repairs being performed, moisture and water intrusion concerns remain unresolved. During the diagnostic process, Mercedes-Benz personnel identified evidence of water and humidity in areas associated with vehicle electronics and control modules. The vehicle has experienced repeated mechanical and electronic issues following discovery of the water intrusion condition. Multiple repair facilities have been involved, and I have incurred significant diagnostic and repair expenses while attempting to determine the full extent of the damage. The primary concern is not ordinary wear and tear. The concern is that water intrusion has affected vehicle systems and that the recall remedy has not resulted in a complete resolution of the condition. I am concerned that moisture exposure may continue to impact vehicle electronics, control modules, sensors, and other safety-related systems. Mercedes-Benz USA has been notified and a case has been opened. The dealership has also been involved. However, despite escalation requests and requests for management review, I have not received a meaningful resolution. The dealership continues directing me back to Mercedes-Benz USA while Mercedes-Benz USA has not provided a final management response. I respectfully request that NHTSA review whether the recall remedy adequately addressed the water intrusion condition and whether additional investigation is warranted regarding continuing moisture intrusion, electronic system exposure, and potential safety risks associated with this condition. I am prepared to provide repair orders, recall documentation, photographs, diagnostic findin

Re: My 2013 ML350- Intermittent Start/ Vehicle cutting off while in heavy traffic. Fuel Pump and Fuel modulator failed due to water collecting in the spare tire wheel-weld causing water intrusion into the fuel system. I paid out of pocket for this service twice, AND then found out from MB Tacoma there was a RECALL with the exact same issue. I took the vehicle in to the closest dealer- Seattle Mercedes to handle the outstanding recall issues. I was advised to contact MERCEDES BENZ USA GOODWILL DEPARTMENT. My initial claim was approved, as I submitted ALL DOCUMENTATION of the repairs related to this issue. NOW, after 5 months of my RECALL REIMBURSEMENT CLAIM BEING BOUNCED AROUND by customer service agents that were not trained to handle recall issues- my dealership needed approval to process it. I even provided MB-USA w/a Bulletin # (FROM MB-USA) that clearly states to claim reimbursement IF THESE PARTS FAILED AND THE CUSTOMER PAID OUT OF POCKET.

Good morning ! I am an owner of a 2013 ML 350 . I live in San Diego ,CA ,92103 . I was driving my car on [XXX] and it was raining a lot . After around 30 miles I got to my destination parking area and my car died 20 feet away from the parking zone .I tried to reignite it but it wouldn’t start . I checked it with a OBD2 scanner and it was indicating a code U0109 - Lost communication with fuel pump control module . After looking into solutions and reasons for the issue online I came across a post regarding an existing recall with NHTSA with ID 22v955 regarding water intrusion in the spare wheel well portion of the trunk( The Wheel well is not water proofed and doesn’t have a drain port for water to escape ) . I proceeded with inspecting the area and of course it was full of water . The fuel pump control module is located in that area and it was damaged which shorted it and cause the malfunction of the vechile and the error code U0109 stated above . Tried calling Mercedes Benz but they confirmed about that specific recall but said my VIN is not part of it and I should file a claim or complain with you . I will attach proof and pictures of the water and the damaged component. My car now need to be towed and fixed on my expense because of Mercedes Benz negligence… Hopefully you can add my car to this recall and when this happens I would get some kind of reimbursement… Thank you for your time and understanding. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Fuel system failed carbon and shut off without any notification while driving two times put me at risk of getting hit both times as the vehicle was not in a safe spot. This has been confirmed at the dealership where my vehicle is at this point. It has been inspected by the dealership in Georgetown, Texas. Again, no warning lights just cut off two times while driving. I already had one recall fixed two times dealing with the fuel system and now it’s shutting off with no notice while I’m driving 60 70 mph and causing a dangerous safety hazard. Dealer stated… pressure regulator and control valve field as it is designed to maintain and regulate the amount fuel flowing into the engine.

On [XXX], while driving on the highway about 30 miles from Columbus, Ohio my 2013 Mercedez Benz ML350 suddenly stalled and lost power. There was no prior warning. Luckily, we were in the outer lane with no car close behind us so my husband slowly guided the car to the side road. The car has since been towed and is currently at the Service Department at Mercedez Benz of North Olmsted, Ohio, 44070, for repairs. I have been informed by the Service Manager that they have identified the fuel pump to the problem and that it needs to be replaced. Coincidentally, this vehicle went for Maintenance Servicing at the same dealership and was returned to me on Monday December 16th. No problem with the fuel pump was identified or reported to me. This vehicle is available for inspection About 4 years ago, the exact same incident happened with this same vehicle where it suddenly stalled and completely lost power on the highway in the middle of nowhere on our way from Ohio to Iowa. There was no prior warning. Similarly, the car was towed to Mercedez Benz North Olmsted but per the same service manager their inspection revealed no problem and the car restarted on its own so nothing needed to be fixed. I am reporting this recurring problem with my vehicle because of the obvious safety risk of sudden stalling and power loss on the highway, the fact that 4 years ago when this happened Mercedez Benz should have recognized what the issue was and replaced the fuel pump but did nothing about it, and also due to the fact that many Mercedez Benz vehicles have experienced this same problem leading to multiple recalls including many 2013 ML 350s. I believe my vehicle has a defective fuel pump from the manufacturer just like the recalled vehicles and that my vehicle and many more need to be recalled INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I participated in the Emission Recall Campaign 2020050014. I have a 2013 ML350BlueTec. I have been back to the dealer 10 times to fix my car after the recall was performed. The check engine continues to return in an on (orange light) position after only a few days. On trip 5 my car could not accerlate and lost power. The problem related to the NOX sensors that are being replaced each visit. MB USA replaced b19/9 temp upstream of turbo charger and b9/11 temperature sensor upstream of catalyst. Also remove and replace 3 temp sensors. Again, I have been back 10 times to the dealer for continual problems related to the recall. Since Nov. 29, 2021, the warning light (check engine) remains on and MBUSA does not respond to fixing it. MBUSA reported that there is a software issue they are working on. Can you help please?

VEHICLE HAS 129,000 MILES. WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP, MOSTLY NOTICEABLE WHEN FUEL IS LOWER IN THE TANK AND/OR ON AN INCLINE, RPM DROPS TO ZERO, NO AMOUNT OF PRESSURE ON GAS PEDAL DOES ANYTHING UNTIL THE ENGINE SPEED PICKS UP, USUALLY WITH A JERK FORWARD. MAKES GOING ONTO A BUSY STREET VERY UNSAFE. HAVE READ IT MAY BE SOFTWARE RELATED.