MERCEDES-BENZ IS RECALLING 3,283 MY 2008 S-CLASS AND CL-CLASS PASSENGER VEHICLES

Mar 19, 2008 — Recall Campaign #08V122000

MERCEDES-BENZ IS RECALLING 3,283 MY 2008 S-CLASS AND CL-CLASS PASSENGER VEHICLES. A MALFUNCTION MAY OCCUR ON THE SIGNAL ACQUISITION AND ACTUATION MODULE-FRONT (SAM-F) TRANSISTORS. THE SAM-F IS A DOUBLE TRANSISTOR THAT HELPS CONTROL VEHICLE FUNCTIONS AND THE LIGHTING OF THE CENTER CONSOLE. INCORRECT STORAGE OF THE TRANSISTORS LED THE TRANSISTORS TO BE EXPOSED TO EXCESS HUMIDITY.

The recall was influenced by the manufacturer with about 3,283 units affected.

See recall notice

NHTSA Safety Recall Notice

08V122000

Manufacturer:	Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Recall date:	March 19, 2008
NHTSA Campaign #:	08V122000
Units affected:	3,283

Description:: MERCEDES-BENZ IS RECALLING 3,283 MY 2008 S-CLASS AND CL-CLASS PASSENGER VEHICLES. A MALFUNCTION MAY OCCUR ON THE SIGNAL ACQUISITION AND ACTUATION MODULE-FRONT (SAM-F) TRANSISTORS. THE SAM-F IS A DOUBLE TRANSISTOR THAT HELPS CONTROL VEHICLE FUNCTIONS AND THE LIGHTING OF THE CENTER CONSOLE. INCORRECT STORAGE OF THE TRANSISTORS LED THE TRANSISTORS TO BE EXPOSED TO EXCESS HUMIDITY.
Consequeces:: THE PRESENCE OF THIS MOISTURE IN COMBINATION WITH THE THERMAL STRESS DURING THE "REFLOW SOLDERING" MAY DAMAGE THE TRANSISTORS AND PREVENT THEM FROM PROPERLY FUNCTIONING WHICH WILL INCREASE THE RISK OF CRASH.
Corrective action:: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE ALL POTENTIALLY AFFECTED SAM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 2, 2008. OWNER MAY CONTACT MERCEDES BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.
Notes:: MERCEDES-BENZ RECALL NO. 2008030005.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

Affects the following:

2008 MERCEDES BENZ CLS550 Complaints
The failed component of the car was the drivers side fuel transfer pump. After noticing the faint smell of gas in my car i checked under the rear driver side passenger seat. I was shocked to find more than 16 fluid ounces of gas floating freely around the well of the gas pump.the insulation under the rear passenger seat is soaked in gas. I can only imagine what could’ve happened if there was an accident or if someone even sparked a cigarette in my car. Not only is this extremely dangerous, there are negative consequences that result from inhaling gas constantly while driving. Gas contains cancerous properties, people should not be subject to unknowingly driving around a car that is manufactured to the defect of releasing cancerous vapors. Who knows what damage inhaling gas fumes for the past months has done to me or my passengers. In the even that someone were to spark a cigarette in the car it was possible that the car could’ve caught fire. The passengers in the rear right seats would be affected the most, the insulation under their seat is soaked in gas. This problem has possibly been noticed by dealers and identified in a warranty that expired on 4/24/2023. This warranty was issued for fuel tanks and fuel components. I am not sure whether the gas pump was affected but the gas pump alone constitutes a recall. This is a very common problem as well, apparently there are multiple youtube videos demonstrating gas leaks in the back seat. Upon contacting dealer I was informed that they did not know if the gas pump was included in a warranty that expired in 4/24/2023. I would have to pay for an inspection to determine if the gas pump is related to the warranty. In the case that it was related the financial obligation to repair is my burden. The dealer wont inspect the vehicle unless I pay, I have documented photo and video of the gas well and the extent of the leakage. There was no warning or any indication that I was driving around with this dangerous issue.;
2008 MERCEDES BENZ S550 Complaints
I’m reporting a serious safety issue with the balance shaft sprocket in my Mercedes-Benz S550 (M273 engine, 273.968). This is a known defect that causes the sprocket to wear out far too early due to poor material design. When it wears, it throws off the engine timing, leading to check engine lights, rough idling, reduced power, and even stalling. In some cases, the engine can shut down while driving, which is a major safety risk. Thousands of people have experienced this exact problem, and it’s all over Mercedes forums, Reddit, and technical bulletins. Mercedes quietly updated the part in later models, which shows they knew the early ones were defective. Some people got repairs under warranty or “goodwill,” but most of us are stuck with thousands in repair bills for something that clearly shouldn’t have failed. This isn’t just a mechanical issue—it’s a safety concern. Imagine merging onto a highway or turning through an intersection when the engine loses power. That’s a real risk with this defect. Mercedes should be held accountable, and NHTSA needs to investigate and push for a recall before someone gets hurt or worse.;