Mercedes-benz Ml430 2000

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Bulletins are notices put out by manufacturers in conjunction with the NHTSA to notify the public of manufacturing issues or changes.

• Brake lamp switch failure. investigation as of 20101221

  Odi opened the investigation based on reports that the subject vehicle brake lamp switch (switch) failure caused 1) inoperative brake lamps (stay on or fail to illuminate), and/or 2) shift interlock failure (shifter locked in park), and/or 3) the cruise control to fail to cancel with brake application.Consumers also reported the illumination of a warning lamp on the instrument panel.The switch contains three sets of electrical contacts and a (normally extended) spring loaded plunger that actuates the contacts as it moves.As installed in the vehicle, the plunger contacts the brake pedal arm and is pushed into the switch; as the driver applies the pedal the plunger extends.One set of contacts (bls) operates the stop lamps, a second set (ewm) controls the shift interlock system, and a third set (bs) is used by an on-board diagnostic (obd) system to monitor switch operation.The cruise control monitors the bls signal to determine when the brake is applied, the primary way the system is disabled when set.The relative timing of contact actuation in response to plunger movement allows the obd system to detect a switch fault.When a fault is detected a malfunction indication lamp (mil) is illuminated (driver alert), a diagnostic trouble code (dtc) is stored (for the service technician), and cruise control operation is inhibited (as a failsafe).In its response to odis january 2011 information request letter, mb explained its assessment of switch failures which was based primarily on evaluation of field return failures.Mb identified both 1) electrical contact and 2) mechanical switch failure mechanisms.According to mbs analysis, electrical contact failure is the predominate failure type and the failure consequence depends on which contact fails.For instance mb claims that bls contact failures are momentary in nature and do not affect brake light operation but are nonetheless detected by the obd system, resulting in a dtc and subsequent replacement.Electrical contact failures of the bs and ewm contacts result in a dtc also, and ewm contact failures result in the shifter being stuck in the park (which can be overridden by the consumer).Accordingly mb maintains that electrical contact failures of the switch have no safety consequence since the brake lamps remain operational and the cruise control is always disabled.Mb determined that mechanical failures of the switch, which are rare in their assessment, can result from internal wear and/or increased switch operating temperatures.High temperatures occur due to overheating of the bls contacts and can cause the internal plastic components to melt.In one scenario overheated bls contacts may melt to the extended plunger and are damaged when the brake pedal is released resulting in the brake lights staying on.In another scenario the increased temperatures and/or internal wear can cause the plunger to stick in the fully depressed position.In this case the cruise may not cancel when the brake is applied and the driver may have to use high brake pedal forces or other means (shifting to neutral or using the cruise master switch) to disengage the cruise.Additionally the vacuum assist can be depleted if the driver pumps the brakes resulting in reduced braking effectiveness and even higher pedal forces.In its march 31, 2011 defect notification, mb stated that to remediate the potential need for excessive brake force it would conduct a safety recall (11v-208) to replace the switch with a more robustly designed component.The recall includes 136,751 model year 2000 - 2002 m-class and model year 2000 - 2004 m-class amg vehicles.Owner notification letters will be mailed to consumers in september 2011.This action taken by mb is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.
  

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• Brake line chafe investigation as of 20080428

  Analysis of complaints to odi and mercedes and warranty claim data submitted by mercedes indicates that the alleged defect has occurred at a low rate (36.5 complaints per 100,000 vehicles and 0.29 percent warranty claim rate), with no discernable defect trend indicating that the rate of chafing related brake line failures is increasing.There have been no new complaints since january 2009.When the analysis is limited to incidents of brake line leakage that resulted in allegations of reduced brake effectiveness, the rate drops even further (22.3 complaints per 100,000 vehicles and 0.04 percent warranty claim rate). Mercedes provided data showing that in the rare instances when chafing did progress to brake line leakage the driver would be immediately alerted to a problem by illumination of the bright yellow esp/bas warning lamp and changes in brake pedal feel.Continued operation with a leaking brake line would result in illumination of the bright red brake warning lamp and an audible chime due to low master cylinder reservoir level. Continued operation with the brake warning lamp illuminated would ultimately drain the reservoir for the affected circuit, resulting in loss of the circuit and an approximately 80% increase in stopping distances. Surveys conducted by odi and vrtc indicate that routing anomalies may be more common than the complaint and warranty data suggest for the subject line bundle, with line contact or other routing anomaly noted in 13 of 51 vehicles surveyed by odi and vrtc (25.5%).While evidence of contact between the fuel line and subject brake in a particular vehicle is not necessarily predictive of eventual line failure/leakage, significant chafing wear was noted in two survey vehicles (3.9%).To address concerns with line routing and ensure that lines with evident chafing do not progress to a leak condition, mercedes will conduct an owner notification program instructing owners to bring the vehicles to a dealer for a free inspection and repair.Lines that do not have a spacer (rubber grommet or omega-clip) between the subject fuel and brake lines will have an omega-clip spacer installed to ensure adequate clearance between the lines.Brake lines with chafe marks will be replaced. Accordingly, this investigation has been closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency will continue to monitor complaints and other information relating to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles and take further action in the future if warranted. For additional information regarding this engineering analysis refer to the ea08-009 closing report.
  

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• Electronic stability control malfunction investigation as of 20070201

  There is no summary currently available
  

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• Engine crankshaft pulley failure investigation as of 20031217

  There is no summary currently available
  

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Common OBD Error codes specific to this vehicle.

• U1454 [1] U1454
• C1200 [1] ABS Inlet Valve Coil LF Circuit Short To Battery
• C1208 [1] ABS Inlet Valve Coil Rear Circuit Short To Battery
• C1142 [1] Wheel Speed Sensor RF Tone Ring Tooth Missing Fault

The contact owned a 2000 mercedes benz ml430. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 mph the abs light had illuminated and smoke was present coming from the steering column. Moments later flames were present coming from under the hood and the subframe of the vehicle. The driver exited the vehicle and the local fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. During the incident, the vehicle was destroyed and later towed away. A police report was filed at the scene. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 135,000. The vin was not available.

Srs light on

Srs light on

While driving at 60 miles per hour on expressway, car suddenly braked on only the left front wheel. Braking was a severe pumping that lasted about 2 seconds. Was able to move off to the side of the road onto an exit ramp without causing an accident. Fortunately traffic was not heavy and cars behind me were able to avoid hitting me as the car bucked and i moved to the side of th road onto an exit ramp. I stopped to see what may have happened. Noting nothing related to the left ront wheel, i exited the exit ramp and proceeded down a side street at ab out 35 mph when suddenly the left front wheel braked again. I turned off the esp electronic stability function and proceeded slowly down the road. Noting no further incident, i eventually got back on the expressway and proceeded home with no further incident.

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 mercedes-benz ml430. While driving 30 mph, the power steering, est, and abs warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to mercedes-benz of pittsburgh (4709 baum blvd, pittsburgh, pa 15213) where it was diagnosed, but no codes were populated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The failure mileage was 172,000. Updated 11/03/17*lj the consumer provided codes C114214 and C114209 updated 12/1/2017*js

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 mercedes-benz ml430. The contact stated that various warning indicators flashed on the instrument panel several times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer (bobby rahal motorcar company, 10701 perry hwy, wexford, pa 15090, (724) 935-9300) who was unable to replicate and diagnose the failure with the dtc present when the vehicle was inspected by the dealer's mechanic(s). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure to determine if they could provide a technician and a solution to repair the vehicle. The approximate failure mileage was 172,000. Updated 10/26/17*lj the consumer stated problems with van control, abs light on, ball joint light on, transmission, bas malfunction, ets malfunction, and transmission in low range. *tr

My vehicle was under recall and was serviced on feb 9th 2015 for brake switch dealing with cruise control and power steering low pressure hose on 3/11/2017 the same probelms occured and it is a manufactor issue and not getting justice for getting my vehicle repaired for same issue vehicle as i was driving car it was fixed by mercedes-benz of wappingers falls on feb 9th 2015 but same issue returned.

On 3 seperate occasions, while driving mercedes benz ml430, at either slow speed or 50+ mph, brakes automatically stop the car and skid the tires. I have almost been hit by 5 cars at one time because i was unable to move. Today, 8/15/16, while traveling at a speed of 25 mph, it happened again. Its a very scary situation, especially when you have a baby in your back seat. The chances of getting rear ended or hit by traffic is a huge concern. Why has there not been a recall on this?!?! I have done my research and there have been hundreds upon hundreds of complaints for the same exact thing. It is going to cost over 1,000$ to have this issue fixed, when, if it keeps happening to others, why should it be my responsibility?!?! Recall this already!! Before somebody gets severly injured, or, god forbid, a death occurs!! Come on, get ya'lls acts together. The roads are dangerous enough!!!

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 mercedes-benz ml430. While driving various speeds, the abs engaged without warning and caused the vehicle to slide. The contact stated that the brake and accelerator pedal failed to function when the failure occurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the o-sensor needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 137,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 mercedes benz ml430. While coming to a stop, the vehicle suddenly accelerated. The contact was unable to stop the vehicle and it crashed into another vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed and there were no injuries reported. The vin was not available. The failure mileage was 100,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 mercedes benz ml430. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the steering wheel became difficult to turn and the esp fault warning light illuminated. In addition, when the steering wheel was turned, an abnormal noise emitted from the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 174,000.

No idea

2000 mercedes benz ml-430. Consumer writes in regards to brake malfunction while driving vehicle. *smd the consumer discovered there was a recall on the brakes and had the issue addressed. However, she felt there was still a problem. The consumer stated abs, srs, bas, esp and ets lights illuminated on the dashboard, and the brakes locked up and the she had no control over the vehicle. Some of the lights went out, while some have remained on.

On friday (09-28-2012 02:35 pm), i was driving and about 30 miles ne of dallas, tx, i was traveling on south bound highway 75. I was in the center lane of a three lane hwy 75 south bound and i had the cruise control set at 65 mph. All the sudden, my suv started braking and i saw the speedometer drop from 65 down and i could hear my tires catching as it was braking but i did not know what was going on with my vehicle. I tried the gas pedal twice but no response and i switched on my hazard lights. Luckily the minivan behind me was able to reduce speed and as i watched the speedometer needle drop below 20 mph, my suv quit breaking. I was able to operate the vehicle (per usual) and exited off the first chance i got. I pulled into a parking lot and called my mercedes mechanic asking if he knew what might have caused the problem i just experienced. I mentioned that the drivers instrument panel showed the bas/esp indicator light. My mechanic asked if my suv was working okay and if so, he recommended i turn around and head back to tulsa. I got back with no sudden breaking problems and took my suv into the shop on monday (10-01-2012 08:00 am). I got it back later that afternoon and they noted the repair reason was they had reinitialized the yaw sensor. I did a google search and found your website describing my experience exactly and i can say my sudden breaking experience was more than .03 seconds. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 mercedes benz ml430. The contact stated that while reversing at 5 mph, the vehicle suddenly accelerated and crashed into three other vehicles. The contact was depressing the brake but the vehicle would not stop. The air bags deployed causing injuries to the contact's chest, arms and head. The contact was taken to the hospital and the police were notified. A police report was filed and the vehicle was destroyed. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 121,000.

This car has almost wrecked me over 6 times. The brakes would come on and stop the car and you could not go forward until you turned the engine off and restart. This even happened on the interstate once. Each time the bas/esp light would come . The dealer said it was the yaw sensor and would cost around $1,000 to replace. The mercedes dealer acted like they didn't know of other cars locking up while driving but when i searched the internet there were many stories of people experiencing the same near death experience on the interstate. How can mercedes get away with this defect. If a sensor fails it should not lock the brakes up and get you wrecked or start a chain reaction wreck on the interstate. On the way to the dealer on a two lane road the brakes locked up and went off the road lucky no you was hurt. *kb

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 mercedes benz ml430. The contact stated that the vehicle suddenly accelerated when the cruise control was stuck and would not decelerate. As a result, the vehicle crashed into a pole. A police report was file and she sustained a concussion and minor bruising. The vehicle was taken to a local shop who was not able to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure and the vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 200,000.

I own a 2000 mercedes benz ml 430, on 07/12/10, 07/15/10, 07/23/10, 07/25/10, 07/28/10 and 07/29/10 while driving my vehicle at approximately 40 mph the vehicle came to an abrupt and complete stop without pressure being applied to the brake pedal. The vehcile would brake-skid-brake-skid this lasted for approximately one minute; then the bas/esp and est lights would illuminate on my dashboard, the vehicle would then be driveable while these lights were on, once these lights went off the vehicle would start braking & skidding again. I reported this to nhtsa on 07/30/10 under case #10346283. On or about 08/20/10, mercedes benz of usa took responsibility for the malfunction & asked that the vehicle be taken to mercedes benz of miami. The vehicle was repaired on 08/24/2010. Since that time, the vehicle has been taken back to mercedes benz of miami approximately 4 or 5 times for the same problem. The vehicle continues to malfunction while being driven and has come close to causing many accidents. Recently, the vehicle was again taken to mercedes benz of miami for the same problem on 01/28/11 and wasnt able to be repaired until 02/23/11 because the vehicle kept malfunctioning even when they would replace the part they said needed replacing. The braking system on this vehicle is defective and will cause great boldily harm and/or death at one point. The vehicle is designed with a part that causes the vehicle, while being operated, to suddenly,without any warning, come to a complete stop whenever that part malfunctions. I was almost involved in numerous accidents. Two independent mechanics were also almost involved in accidents one resulted in another driver having to swerve to avoid hitting my vehicle and that driver ended up in a ditch. On the lastest visit to mercedes benz of miami one of their own mechanic's experienced this malfunction and had to pull over to the side of the road several times. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 mercedes benz ml430. While the contact was driving approximately 40-50 mph, the vehicle stopped abruptly without applying pressure to the brake pedal. Immediately, the "brake assistance system electronic stability" and "electronic system program" warning light indicators illuminated. The warning indicators remained illuminated until the engine was turned off. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The technician was unable to locate a problem. The identical failure occurred on a separate occasion. The vehicle had not been repaired when the complaint was filed. The failure mileage was 116,885. Updated 10/13/10*bf the consumer stated the bas/esp and est lights illuminated on the dashboard. The vehicle would brake and then skid. Updated 10/19/10*jb updated 12/02/10. *lj

Car was driving down the road and power steering fluid hoses fell off and power steering failed completely. I was able to steer the vehicle off the road and reattach the hoses the best i could. We took the vehicle in for the power steering hose clamp recall and mb performed the replacement. This year, the clamps came off again and the rack itself was damaged and profusely leaks fluid now. The new hose clamps have not fixed the problem and have caused further damage to the steering system as a whole. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 mercedes benz ml430. The contact stated that power steering fluid was leaking, resulting in power steering failure while driving. The vehicle was repaired under nhtsa campaign id number: 08v465000 (steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections), but the failure recurred after repairs. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure, but denied any assistance with repair to the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 75,000 and the current mileage was 100,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 mercedes benz ml430. The contact stated that the air bag and the supplemental restraining system warning lights remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who performed a diagnostic and located the failure at the air bag sensor. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 101,000 and the current mileage was 115,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 mercedes benz ml430. The contact stated that there was a power steering recall related to the hose and the clamp on the rack and pinion. The contact has experienced power steering failure. The dealer advised the contact that they are only required to make the repairs according to recall#03v121000, steering, hydraulic power assist hose, piping, and connections. The failure mileage was 83,000.

1. Acceleration and lane changing on the freeway at around 65 mph 2. The traction control starts bugging out and the car starts frantically pumping the brakes from wheel to wheel trying to find traction, traction control light lights up on dash. Lasts for about 2-4 seconds, very scary. 3. No repairs done yet. *tr

My 2000 mercedes benz ml430 has a severe power steering leakage. Two recalls by the nhtsa have been issued. The dealership claims that my leakage is due to severe leakage at the power steering rack seals and reservoir. I want to notify the nhtsa that there are mechanical failures related to the power steering leakage that may be in addition to the specific recall issues and the dealership/mb declines to address without compensation. My vehicle has 88,900 miles i have lost power steering while driving down the highway at 65 mph and must check the fluid levels constantly. I have been fortunate to have not experienced a major accident. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 mercedes benz ml430. Approximately one month ago, the contact noticed that the rear doors did not open from inside or outside the vehicle. Most states do not want to repair this type of failure due to the air bags in the doors. The dealer stated that this was not a safety issue. It would cost between $300-$500 to remove the doors and inspect the vehicle. The contact believes that this is a huge safety issue because the doors cannot be opened in the event of an emergency. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure and current mileages were 120,000.

Took the 2000 ml430 in for recall in 11/08. Car started making same noise as before. Took it back for them to re-fix it again. They refused. Wanted me to pay 285. Said even though car acted the same and was still leaking fluid, it wasn't a recall repair. I disagree. I don't have 285!!! I put more power steering fluid in and left. It's still doing the same thing. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 mercedes benz ml430. The vehicle was previously repaired according to nhtsa campaign id number 03v121000 (steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections). After the repair was performed, the contact still experienced failures. When the steering wheel was turned to the left or right, it would make a noise as if there were no power steering fluid in the vehicle. The manufacturer issued a second recall (nhtsa campaign id number 08v465000), which stated that an earlier recall repair performed may be insufficient in preventing a future leakage or failure of the power steering hose connection (please see 03v121). Since it is not possible through inspection to identify specific vehicles that may not have been properly repaired, all vehicles repaired prior to november 15, 2003 will be repaired again. The contact had the repairs performed in 2004 and was informed that his vin was not included in the recall extension. No repairs have been made to correct the failure. The failure and current mileages were less than 85,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 mercedes benz ml430. While driving approximately 10 mph on normal road conditions, the power steering failed. The contact pulled the vehicle over, inspected underneath the hood, and noticed power steering fluid leaking. There were no warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and repaired according to nhtsa campaign id number 08v465000 (steering:hydraulic power assist,hose, piping, and connections). The recall remedy was unsuccessful because the failure recurred the following day. The vehicle is currently being repaired. The failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 130,000.

Passing on the interstate my throttle stuck wide open. It has been to the dealer twice in 2 weeks for attempting to have this issue fixed. *nm

No matter what repair is done to front & rear brakes they will not stop squeaking. *jb

Dt*: the contact stated while driving at 45 mph the vehicle started making a noise in the exhaust area of the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealership and upon inspection a crack was discovered in the catalytic converter. There is a recall manufacturer recall # 2005060014 on the catalytic converter. The contact was notified of the manufacturer recall; however there are no parts available to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was contacted the parts are on backorder.

2000 mercedes benz ml430 hose clamp came off and there was no power steering fluid in the pump resulting in the steering becoming stiff.***no answer required***. *mr the power steering hose and clamp were replaced under recall the power steering rack also leaked and needed to be replaced. The consumer feels that the rack failed as a result of the clamp failure and believes it should have been replaced free of charge. *nm

Short circuit in wiring for seat back rest heater element. *ak

2000 mercedes ml 430: catalytic converter failure at 59,750 miles. Mercedes service in houston has this items on a two week back order. The service reps feel that this is a product defect. The "old" price for the replacement part was about $700. Now, the new, improved, imported from germany part is now $1,140. I feel that although this is not identified as a warranty item, mercedes should treat this as a potential safety issue since the leak from the catalytic coverter allows exhaust fumes to be sucked into the passenger compartment when the hvac system is on.*ak

Consumer stated when applying the brakes vehicle would vibrate. Dealer had replaced brake pads and rotors every 5000 miles, and same problem recurring. *ak

Loss of power steering fluid at low speed, cool engine. *jb

While driving 15 mph the driver suddenly heard a pop and then the driver and passengers seat belts began to retract into the retractor. The consumer also started to smell gas. *nlm all four of the vehicle occupied seat belts became tight and the sirs light illuminated. The dealer replaced the driver and front passenger seat belts along with both rear seat belt assemblies. The sirs control module was also replaced. *cb *nlm

Power steering oil leakage resulting in heavy steering and difficulty turning corners

The air bag light illuminated while driving. *nlm

Power steering failure on power assit - hose comes off - also makes load ginding nosie lost power asst. Makes car very hard to turn mb says also hose clamp can fal off causing loss of control on steering - they have been unable to fix . *ak

Consumer heard a whistling sound while driving at any speed, dealer replaced driveshaft.*ak

In july 2001 transmission pan gasket was leaking and had to be replaced. At this time transmission is leaking again, dealer determined that pump has to be replaced.*ak

Driver's side bolt to chassis of car fell out. Currently, consumer could not fasten seatbelt. *ak

No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak

Consumer called copmplaining about his vehicle. The steering fluid came out of the vehicle, causing steering wheel to lock, and not been able to drive the vehicle.Dealer was contacted, and has not yet called the consumer to let him know waht was wrong with it.*ak