MERCEDES-BENZ Complaints

The instrument cluster on my 2011 Mercedes-Benz S550 (W221) is locked by a persistent red “Battery Not Charged” warning message. This message appears even though the charging system is working correctly (normal charging voltage, new battery, and new battery sensor installed). Because the cluster is locked, I can no longer: • View or reset tire pressure (TPMS) • Access the digital speed display • Adjust or enable certain lighting functions, including daytime running lights • Adjust seatbelt settings • Turn the blind spot monitor on or off • Control PRE-SAFE braking / related safety systems • Use other instrument cluster menus and driver information displays The problem began after a low-voltage event (battery went dead and the car only partially cranked). Clearing fault codes does not permanently resolve it — the message returns immediately. This is a known software issue on facelift W221 models that requires an instrument cluster software update and SCN coding to fix. The locked cluster prevents access to required safety information and multiple safety-related vehicle functions. The vehicle and components are available for inspection.

The contact owned a 2025 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE 53. The contact stated that after his son parked the vehicle on a flat surface with the engine running, with the parking brake engaged, the driver walked away from the vehicle and the vehicle unexpectedly started rolling away. The driver attempted to re-enter the vehicle but was unable to enter the vehicle to stop the vehicle. The vehicle rolled down a 5-foot embankment and then another 4-foot embankment before coming to a stop near a residence. The contact stated that the gear shifter remained in park(P) during the failure. There was pink fluid underneath the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The driver sustained injuries to the right shoulder and foot, and several bruises. Medical attention was not needed. A Police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer and then referred to a body shop. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The insurance company deemed the vehicle a total loss. The manufacturer was contacted online and determined that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.

An Intoxalock ignition interlock device was installed in my 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class on May 7, 2026. Following installation, the vehicle experienced repeated electrical/no-start problems and incidents in which it became immobilized and could not be moved, requiring towing. On one occasion the vehicle became disabled on a roadway/highway, leaving me in a dangerous position with traffic passing around me. When the vehicle is immobilized, I cannot simply move it to a safe location, and Intoxalock has not been able to restore vehicle operation remotely. I have had to wait for towing assistance, sometimes for extended periods. Independent diagnostic/service facilities have evaluated the vehicle. One attributed battery drain to the Intoxalock-related problem. Another attributed starter damage to it. Service documentation also reflects diagnosis of the Intoxalock system and reinstallation/reconnection of the device and wiring. Documentation is available, and the equipment/vehicle can be made available for inspection upon request. The vehicle now displays numerous dashboard warning lights and is not operating normally. Safety-related systems are malfunctioning, including ABS, parking assistance, camera functions, and automatic braking/collision-avoidance functions that previously operated normally. I am concerned that the Intoxalock device, its installation/wiring, or its interaction with this vehicle’s electrical/electronic systems may be contributing to these failures. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether this aftermarket ignition-interlock equipment presents a safety or compatibility risk, particularly when a vehicle can become immobilized in traffic and safety systems may be affected.

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle felt like it had shifted sideways. The contact stated that it seemed as if the steering wheel and the front driver's seat had shifted. In addition, the contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the trunk latch was enabled; however the trunk failed to open or close. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed subframe and brake line. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not being released because the vehicle was deemed unsafe. The contact was informed that the subframe repair was covered under an unknown recall repair. The contact requested a quote for the additional repair. The dealer then requested that the contact remove the vehicle from the dealer lot. The vehicle was towed to an alternative dealer. The contact was disabled and was without transportation. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 47,574.

The suspension has malfunctioned on a car with only 89,000 miles. Upon starting the car, the vehicle says to please wait while it is rising. However, when I drive it, a red alert says to stop driving because it's too low to drive, and the car looks very low and lopsided. This is a safety concern when driving on the highway and around town. This appears to be an issue on other Mercedes models, such as the 2020 model; please consider 2019 as a year of concern as well.

Active Brake Assist unexpectedly and forcefully engaged while driving on the highway 3 times. The dashboard display light goes completely black while driving.

Shifting gears when stopped and the car lunged forward while I was stopped at a red light. I almost hit the car in front of me at the red light. Very rough gear changes and changing out of the correct gear to the wrong one and then back into another one. Severe speed changes - jerking the car back or it lunges forward, while driving results in loss of reasonable control of the vehicle and inability to to shift correctly out of traffic. Mercedes benz has a technical service bulletin on this problem and is aware that the 9G-Tronic - internally designated as the 725 transmission (fault code P07B700) is defective and known to experience sudden pressure sensor failures or valve body faults within the transmission control unit which prevents the car from shifting gears corrected or forces limp mode. The repair is a minimum of $5,200. MBZ has known this is a defect and wide spread issue but unwilling to contribute to the repair or recall or respond to my letters and the inquiries of other vehicle owners I have spoken to that have the same issues. It is a catastrophic mechanical failure from a sensor they know is bad and is occurring shortly after warranties are expiring. It is putting all of our lives and the lives of others at risk of an accident due to the failure of their part. Thank you for your consideration.

A bicyclist claims I almost ran him over. I didn’t hit him, but he fell over and made sued my insurance company. He claims he was at the right side of my car as I was merging towards the right to make a turn. If he was indeed in my blind spot, then it’s important to note that the blind spot assist didn’t alarm and that the design of the passenger seat does create a blind spot, especially for someone of short stature since I cannot see over the passenger seat. To avoid anything like this, I’ve had to remove the passenger headrest, it even at the lowest to the ground setting, the top of the passenger seat is higher than the rear passenger window, but at least the headrest no longer obstructs the view over my shoulder

Complete engine failure mid driving on highway. NO engine light prior to complete engine failure. Vehicle has been towed to two different Mercedes Benz auto dealerships. Both service directors concur that this should not have occurred with zero warning and low mileage of 64,856 with an impeccable service record at Mercedes Benz Came on suddenly Julie 2026 and no engine warning lights

The door latch and or roller failed which prevents the door from closing properly. Since the door does not close all the way, there is the risk that it opens while driving. This is a recurring issue I have on this vehicle and triggered a lemon-law buyback.