The contact owns a 2024 Mercedes-Benz E Sprinter. The contact stated that while driving at 10 MPH, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the passenger’s side of the vehicle. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over to the right side of the road and turned off the vehicle for an hour. The vehicle was then restarted and worked as intended; however, after the vehicle was parked in a public parking lot, several undisclosed electrical failures occurred. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and it was determined that the A-frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 22,000.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11731864 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

The Rear Axle Drivetrain Assembly failed. Specifically, a critical structural fastener (bolt) associated with NHTSA Recall #25V090 (MBUSA #2025020010) completely detached from the rear axle. The vehicle is currently in my possession and the failed component/repair is photographed. The detachment of this structural bolt caused a complete loss of propulsion while the vehicle was in a commercial driveway. Had this occurred minutes earlier during my 500-mile round trip on the I-95 highway, it would have resulted in a catastrophic drivetrain separation or axle lock-up at highway speeds (65+ mph). This posed a fatal risk to myself, my passengers, and other motorists. The failure was confirmed and documented by an independent service center (Crown Auto, [XXX] ) and subsequently confirmed by an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer (Mercedes-Benz of White Plains). White Plains issued a strict "Do Not Drive" order and dispatched emergency roadside assistance to transport the vehicle. The vehicle has been inspected by Mercedes-Benz of White Plains (authorized manufacturer representative) and Crown Auto. I have photographic evidence of the failed component prior to the re-repair. Mercedes-Benz of El Cajon (the originating dealer) has also been provided with photographic evidence but has refused to acknowledge the failure. No warning lamps or messages appeared prior to the failure. The first symptom was a complete loss of propulsion and a "spinning" sensation from the rear axle upon arriving in Queens. This lack of warning is particularly dangerous as the vehicle gave no indication of the impending structural failure during a 500-mile highway journey. The Service Director at the originating dealership, Ernie Serrano, initially denied the existence of the safety recall in writing and subsequently suggested that I misrepresent the nature of the failure to avoid a 'failed recall' record. This suggests a systemic attempt to hide safety-critical repair failures from the manufacturer a INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11735959 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov