| Issue ID | 929810 |
| Internal NHTSA # | 10466181 |
| Manufacurer | MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC. |
| Brand | MERCEDES BENZ |
| Model | C300 |
| Model Year | 2008 |
| File date | 09/07/12 |
| Component | EXTERIOR LIGHTING |
| Product type code | VEHICLE |
| Description of the problem | Both right and left rear tail lights malfunctioned. First, i noticed that one or the other of the right side turn signals failed to function because i heard a rapid clicking as i made a right turn into a parking lot. Once stopped, i noticed that the mercedes command system said to check the left rear tail and brake light bulbs. I saw no mention of the right turn signal. When i left the parking lot an hour later, there was no indication on the command system as to anything being wrong. At home, i removed the left printed circuit board and saw that the tail light/brake light bulbs were very dark and gave the appearance of having failed. On testing them with an ohmmeter, i discovered that they in fact had not failed. Even so i wanted to replace them, and on the 10th, which turns out to be 1 day after my 4 year warranty expired, i went by the dealership and the service rep gave me two replacement bulbs. I changed out the old bulbs and all appeared okay. However, the next time i drove the car long enough to get it thoroughly warmed up, i got indications from the command system that not only had a left brake light failed but also the right rear turn signal and also a right side marker. I removed the right rear tail light circuit board and found a burned wire and burned spot on the board itself. I saw nothing on the left rear board. On the 13th, i considered having the car towed to the dealership but decided to drive it. Standing outside the car i saw that the right rear turn signal wasn't working at times, but the rear brake lights appeared to function. In summary, there appeared to be a malfunction in one or both tail light assemblies that occurred due to heat. The dealer replaced the printed circuit board on the right and made other necessary and returned the car in what appears to be good condition. My cost was 50% of the total. |
| Vehicle Mileage at Failure | 39000 |
| Number of Occurences | 1 |
| Source of the issue | PORTABLE SAFETY COMPLAINT FORM (PDF) |
| City and State | JACKSONVILLE, FL |
| VIN pattern | WDDGF54X38FXXXXXX |
| 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 | 6 |
| Drive train type | RWD |
| Transmission type | |
| Vehicle speed | 30 |
| 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 |