| Issue ID | 938181 |
| Internal NHTSA # | 10472816 |
| Manufacurer | MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC. |
| Brand | MERCEDES BENZ |
| Model | E350 |
| Model Year | 2012 |
| File date | 29/07/12 |
| Component | VISIBILITY/WIPER |
| Product type code | VEHICLE |
| Description of the problem | The interior dash vents (shiny items) are reflected unto the side mirrors making it dangerous when changing lanes because one cannot be sure what one is seeing in those lanes because the reflection is very pronounce. These vents and other dash items are also reflected on the windshield, almost like an obstruction when one is driving. In addition, the adjustable front seats, are so uncomfortable that one is constantly adjusting the seat setting while driving. These issues can cause quite a distraction and are obviously dangerous. When we reported these items to the dealership, mbcharlotte, and mbusa, they took no action. If there was ever an accident with this vehicle, and the cause and effect was related to these issues as contributing factors, how can one ever prove that they caused the accident or contributed to the cause. One would need a whole lot of experts to show that the manufacturer build in the problem by not addressing it, or testing for the effect that these issues cause the driver('s). One of the dealers product expert, solution to the reflection problem was to roll down the windows when driving to get rid of the reflections. The individual who sold us the car, [xxx], tells me, now, that he notices this reflection on all these cars. The dealership is indifferent about these items brought to their attention. Even though they, in our eyes, are safety issues. Hopefully nhtsa can look into this and can do something to resolve it. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6). |
| Vehicle Mileage at Failure | 70 |
| Number of Occurences | 1 |
| Source of the issue | NHTSA WEB SITE |
| City and State | CHARLOTTE, NC |
| VIN pattern | WDDHF5KBXCAXXXXXX |
| 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 | 0 |
| No. of fatalities | 0 |
| 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 | 45 |
| 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 | |
| Dealer's telephone number | |
| Dealer's city | |
| Dealer's state code | |
| Dealer's ZIP code |