| Issue ID | 1491113 |
| Internal NHTSA # | 11121091 |
| Manufacurer | Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. |
| Brand | MERCEDES BENZ |
| Model | GL450 |
| Model Year | 2015 |
| File date | 17/05/18 |
| Component | SUSPENSION |
| Product type code | VEHICLE |
| Description of the problem | Gl 450 with vin [xxx] experienced exact problem defined by nhtsa recall # 18v272 in may 2018 (2 or 3 weeks prior to receiving recall notice from mercedes-benz usa). Dealership, mercedes-benz of midlothian virginia, performed repair work required (based urgent need from mil saying "do not drive vehicle. Mb midlothian repaired the active suspension system by replacing the "sealing cap" on the "acs oil reservoir" - the exact repair specified in the recall. I was charged in excess of $400 for this repair as the dealership "had not yet received official notice that the recall would include (my) vehicle." upon receiving the official recall letter in june 2018, i contacted mercedes-benz usa. Mb-usa told me that the work i had paid for was, indeed, covered by the recall, and that mb dealership should reimburse me for the charges and re-charge mb-usa. On august 20, i again contacted mb midlothian who told me that i needed to file with mb-usa for reimbursement. So i, again, contacted mb-usa and asked for reimbursement. Mb-usa, again, told me "no", the dealership must initiate the process and provide reimbursement. Mb-usa rep said that the dealership should reimburse me since the work conducted was now a recall. Payment for the recall is directly between mb-usa and mb-dealership. However mb-midlothian dealership said that "this is not the way it works." this is an issue between mb-usa and mb-dealership-not me. I, the customer, am caught by the finger-pointing in the middle with no resolution. This is a known major safety issue identified by a recall !!! Mb-usa and their dealerships work it out, and not leave customers with no resolution because of their incompetence. I am a phd automotive engineer, but do not work for or get paid by mb. Thus, as a very frustrated customer, i am caught in mb bureaucracy with no resolution or acceptance of responsibility. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6). |
| Vehicle Mileage at Failure | 65000 |
| Number of Occurences | 1 |
| Source of the issue | NHTSA WEB SITE |
| City and State | CHESTERFIELD, VA |
| VIN pattern | 4JGDF6EE9FAXXXXXX |
| Was vehicle invloved in a crash? | N |
| Was vehicle involved in a fire? | N |
| Was incedent reported to police? | N |
| Was medical attention required? | N |
| 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 | AWD |
| Transmission type | |
| Vehicle speed | 55 |
| 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 |