| Issue ID | 461090 |
| Internal NHTSA # | 10056660 |
| Manufacurer | MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC. |
| Brand | MERCEDES BENZ |
| Model | C CLASS |
| Model Year | 2004 |
| File date | 04/02/04 |
| Component | OTHER |
| Product type code | VEHICLE |
| Description of the problem | This defect/concern is a general safety complaint with respect to all vehicles which should be addressed by enactment of standards to be used by all manufacturers. Mainly the standardization of the location and function of key controls and switches on all automobiles. In todays driving, drivers are placed behind the wheel of unfamiliar vehicles all the time as travel and business puts them in rental cars. With each vehicle having different locations for light switches, flashers, windsheild wipers/washers, dimmers and cruise controls. Drivers can end up having accidents, especially in hurried situations, when trying to find the location of the controls in an unfamiliar car. One might argue that if you are driving a new vehicle you should familiarize yourself with all the controls before starting to drive... But often times in an emergency situation, (windshield splashed with mud), you instinctively respond to where your everyday vehicles controls are. This not only delays resolution of the situation but takes your attention away from driving. Setting a standard would make auto manufactures put all these controls in a standard position so when you go from one car to the next they are always where you would expect them! *ak |
| Vehicle Mileage at Failure | |
| Number of Occurences | 1 |
| Source of the issue | NHTSA WEB SITE |
| City and State | NORTHFIELD, MN |
| VIN pattern | XXXXXX |
| Was vehicle invloved in a crash? | N |
| Was vehicle involved in a fire? | N |
| Was incedent reported to police? | N |
| Was medical attention required? | |
| Was part original equipment? | |
| No. of injured persons | |
| No. of fatalities | |
| Date of purchase | 07/08/26 |
| Was original owner? | N |
| Anti-lock brakes | N |
| Cruise control | N |
| Number of cylinders | |
| Drive train type | |
| Transmission type | |
| Vehicle speed | |
| DoT tire identifier | |
| Tire size | |
| Location of tire code | |
| Type of tire failure code | |
| Was defective tire repaired? | |
| Date of manufacture | |
| Type of child seat code | |
| Type of restraint | |
| Dealer's name | NONE |
| Dealer's telephone number | |
| Dealer's city | |
| Dealer's state code | |
| Dealer's ZIP code |