Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mercedes benz e500. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle accelerated independently. Additionally, the brake warning light illuminated and the brakes failed to respond. The emergency brake was engaged in order to stop the vehicle. The contact then shut off the vehicle and was able to restart after multiple attempts. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 125,000.
2004 Mercedes Benz E500 brakes complaints
Page 2 of 2: complaints 11 to 26 of 26, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mercedes benz e500. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the brake warning light illuminated and the brake pedal became stuck. In order for the brake pedal to release, it needed to be depressed several times. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 148,000.
The cars brakes just quit without any warning which I was driving, as described below. This vehicle is equipped with sensotronic brake control that has a service threshold. When this threshold is reached the brake system defaults to non power assisted hydraulic mode to the front wheels only. This occurs without any prior warning and results in increased stopping distance. I have sent a copy of the mercedes service bulletin s142.46-p-0012a which addresses this issue. Mercedes stopped installing this system in 2006. At the very least, mercedes should issue a mandatory recall to interrogate these vehicles with star das to determine how close to the service threshold the sbc unit is and replace them at the dealer's expense. This is a major safety issue that needs to be addressed.
Benz e500/55k miles. I have had two major safety issues with the car. One being fuel tank related and the second sbc pump failure while driving. On the first, too little too late, so many years after the incident and purchase of the car, mercedes benz has sent a letter covering the repair and parts for 15 years. I think that in itself is an offense and a crime. On the second issue, sbc pump mercedes benz refused to give me in detail the effect of failing sbc pump on other parts of the car or the effect of failed sbc pump. More importantly, service managers are telling customers that they are expecting all models equipped with sbc pump to come to the shop. Now that the 10 years is up in most cars and out of warranty.that is a scam when the dealer knows all these customers will come to the shop (because it cannot be fixed in any auto shop) thereby taking advantage of a safety issue. How do car manufacturers get away with things like this and how dealers get away with things like this. The right thing to do is extend the warranty on sbc pump to 15 years just like they did in fuel tank, that way dealer won't take advantage and customers have peace of mind and won't compromise on safety. Even that is a slap on the wrist compared to the offense and crime.
Benz2004 e500.original owner/55k miles.driving back from a long road trip, the "service brake" message came on.thinking it was just the pads, thought we could reach home.later, we realized what a dangerous thing we had done, by driving a car with sbc pump failure.we could have taken off a bridge or thrown into a swamp or put someone else in danger.this problem cannot be fixed at any auto shop, it has to be towed to the dealer, from wherever you are stuck and only dealer can fix it.dealer said mfr, will not assist in repair because it is past 10 years.and we have to pay $2350. There were two recalls in 2004/05 regarding sbc pump,but mercedes benz has conveniently designed a 10 year warranty to their advantage and dealers advantage.when they know all cars equipped with it, is guaranteed to fail in 10 -15 years and in some cases, even before that.it was not court ordered or govt. Ordered, but set up by them for them.once there was a recall, there should have been lifetime warranty on these.it is a safety issue.tried negotiating with mbusa to reimburse, but they refused. And they refused to give me in writing about the refusal or anything related.after paying to fix it, they don't even install a new unit, they install a re manufactured unit.they threaten you with core charges for the old part and recycle again for the next customer.when I left the dealer ship, I had this feeling like I was set up and mugged by benz/dealer, since they were expecting it.since they have discontinued sbc pump,they know it has a problem, but they never admit it.when they call back they don't even leave message with any substance. They expect you call back and they will deny it over the phone or do some tap dancing. They will stone wall you, play dump or talk to you like a 5th grader.they are so guilty that they try to cover every track and watch what they say, what they do and what they write.
While traveling along a 2 lane highway in a snow storm, the sbc pump failed and caused the ABS to fail as well as the brakes to barely work. The subsequent skid forced a very close call with a fully laden logging truck, and could have easily been a fatal accident were it not for good luck. Under the federal safety agency recall 2004 050014, and recall campaign 2005070007 apr06 by mercedes, the sbc pump failure is a known safety issue. The local mercedes benz has offered to sell me a new one for $1700 as mercedes benz USA is not willing to replace this failed part under the recall as they only offer a 10 year window. Isn't a safety recall a recall? Brakes are a vital aspect of safety...
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mercedes benz e500. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the "you have reduced capacity" warning sensor illuminated. The contact attempted to merge to the emergency lane, when the brake pedal was depressed and sank to the floor failing to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was turn off and restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician stated that the sensotronic brake control (sbc) unit was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 124,839.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mercedes benz e500. The contact stated that the brake sensor illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who replaced the brake pads and rotors but failed to indicate if there were any required repairs in order to remedy the failure. The brake sensor illuminated after the repair. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who indicated that the brakes may lock at any time, the vehicle was not safe to drive and the sbc pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mercedes benz e500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 25 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and traveled abnormally to the floorboard. As a result, the vehicle failed to reduce in speed and the vehicle was shifted into neutral. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 127,000.
About 10 minutes after leaving my house to work the red sign came on ( brake malfunction stop vehicles ) I stopped the car and after 5 minute started it and it was ok half way to work red sign came on (bakes longer stopping dist start engine ) and its was doing that all day the next day the when I started the car red sign came on (brake malfunction stop vehicle ) and next sign was (esp malfunction visit work shop )called mercedes dealer and towed the car I was told the car needs( brake pressure pump modulator and aux battery ) I looked up online there was extended warranty for modulator and they it was expire a month ago the only thing they can do 10%discount I think it is not fair since the was serviced at the same dealer for last ten years it should have been free and its brake malfunction and the car shifts to safety mood is un safe.
Car makes an unusual, loud, humming noise from the rear of the car, upon starting and constantly, no matter the speed. On occasion, there is no noise, but more often than not, the humming is present. The noise emanates from the rear of the car, and can be heard on the interior and from the outside. Have brought the car into dealership 3x for the issue, and they claim they cannot duplicate the problem, and claim there is nothing wrong. It has been happening for the last 10k miles. Have also experienced the gas smell issue since 35k miles, and lost the brakes randomly; both issues described by others.
While my wife was driving the vehicle at approximately 45 MPH the dash warning system turned bright red with the following message, brake malfunction, stop the vehicle. She tried to apply the brakes but the brake system had completely failed, she had no brakes. She let off the accelerator to help slow the vehicle as she slowed down she pulled onto the shoulder of the road and the slowly applied the emergency brake to bring the vehicle to a stop and shifted it into park. She then shut the vehicle off and cycled the ignition key. There was no longer the red warning light or message displayed and when testing the brakes everything was functioning normal again. She then slowly drove the vehicle home. I then researched the symptoms online and found many complaints for this exact complaint. I found where the sbc (sensotronic brake control) unit had a safety recall (2005070007) along with an extended warranty of 10 years with unlimited mileage. I then contacted mbusa customer service and was advised to take the vehicle to my local mb dealer. The vehicle was taken to the mb dealer on 7/14/14 to be checked. The dealer service adviser advise that the sbc unit was defective and needed to be replaced. I was given an estimate of 1851.00 to complete the repairs due to the fact that my vehicle had passed the 10 year warranty extension. My vehicles in service date is 4/20/04, so it is now past the 10 year warranty by 2 1/2 months. I then contacted mbusa for post warranty review on 7/15/14. I was contacted by [xxx] from mbusa on 7/16/14 but was not able to make actual contact until 7/18.14. She indicated that she would to discuss with the local mb dealer service manager to review the needed repairs. [xxx] called back on monday morning 7/21/14 to advise me that after talking to the service manager along with the regional manager no financial assistance would be extended. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
Tl*the contact owns 2004 mercedes benz e500. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH the warning light "brake failure and esp failure" were displayed and also indicated that the contact should drive onto the emergency lane. The contact was unable to stop the vehicle by applying the brakes; however, when he was able to stop it by downshifting and engaging the emergency brake. The contact stated this could have caused a major crash. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic who was performing a diagnostic test when the complaint was filed. The contact did not call the manufacturer. The contact had also viewed numerous complaints via the internet regarding brake failure for his year, make and model vehicle. The contact stated the manufacturer was not issued a recall but was fully aware of the brake system failure. The failure mileage was 67,000. Updated 01/13/11*bf the consumer also stated there was a smell of gas. It was determined the gas tank was cracked. Also, the front ball joint broke. The consumer has since traded the vehicle. Updated 01/24/11
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mercedes benz e500. While driving at approximate speeds of 20 MPH, the entire dash board illuminated followed by the illumination of the brake system warning light. The contact attempted to depress the brakes but the brakes would not engage. The contact was able to drive to his residence without incident and utilized the emergency brake to stop the vehicle. The contact was awaiting a tow to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The failure and current mileages were 51,000. Updated 12/10/10 *bf the consumer took the vehicle to the dealer and they diagnosed the problem as sensotronic braking system failure. It was replaced free of charge under the manufacturer's warranty. Updated 12/27/10 the consumer stated when he stepped on the brake, the vehicle not respond. The consumer then decided to use the combination of the foot brake and the hill which brought the vehicle to a stop. Updated 01/31/11
2004 500e anti-lock brake system is not functioning properly. ***no answer required***. *mr the consumer stated the purpose of an anti-lock braking system is that when all brakes are locked, it will then pulsate the brakes so that the driver does not have to. The consumer stated on his vehicle the brakes system could lock without pulsing. The consumer believed the brakes did not lock and the bas did not perform as designed.
While driving 35 miles per hour down hill, the owner heard a warning light stating that the brakes had failed. The owner had to swerve to the right to avoid an accident before the vehicle came to a complete stop. The owner will contact the manufacturer.
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