Table 1 shows one common equipment related problems of the 2014 Mercedes Benz GLK350.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Equipment problems |
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? -the entire electrical system failed and the power steering, srs, and abs systems malfunctioned. Yes, it’s available for inspection. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? -last night around 9 pm cst we crank the car and started to drive, (no warning light at that time) and all of a sudden the car had a warning message to start the engine or the vehicle would turn off the engine although we were already driving. The car started to show all the lights and the brakes got harder to press while we were driving about 40 miles per hour. We couldn’t stop completely at the traffic light and the srs light came on in the dashboard. After we got off the main road, the power steering locked up as we were trying to turn into a parking lot to safely park. Even after removing the key, the engine remained on and the headlights. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? -no, a dealer has not confirmed electrical problems for this specific VIN, although there has been a “blanket recall” on the models in this class. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? -no, not to my knowledge. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? -the battery light turned on around 9 am when I was driving my son to his appointment. Then the light went off. Later on in the day, I was able to drive approximately 30-40 miles before going home. In the evening, when driving to the grocery store, the battery light came back on and went off. After leaving grocery store, this is when the car malfunctioned. The abs and srs were prominent during the malfunction.
The lift gate has an automatic open feature like many vehicles. When you press the handle or use the remote control to open the rear lift gate, the gate opens all the way. After some time (5 - 30 seconds), the gate slams suddenly either to half way open, or slams completely shut on its own. This is especially dangerous when a person is under the gate getting something out of the trunk, and the heavy metal gate suddenly slams on to their head.
Rear powered tailgate closes by itself. There is no warning. It closes very rapidly. This hit me in the head, but I am mostly concerned with others, such as elderly people and children. It could easily cause a concussion, or worse. I have contacted mbusa advocacy at 1-800-222-0100 three times. I was told all three times that I would be contacted back within 24-48 hours (business days) regarding this safety issue. It has now been two weeks, and I have not received anything such as a returned phone call, email, etc. The vehicle is at my residence and available for any inspection or test, etc. I also have video of this problem. Again, the rear powered tailgate closes by itself, without warning. It closes very rapidly with force far greater than gravity alone.
Rolling, because of gear shift lever, you have to push button to get it into park automatic, Jeep just had a recalled for the same thing. My mecerde roll on me several time. It easy to forget to push button if you don't it stay in neutral.
Light application of the brakes resulted in abrupt full stop and left car in park. Could not get car to shift out of park even when applying brake as indicated in dashboard message. Other screen message indicated "danger of rolling" and displayed picture of car with an arrow above it. No other warning lights. Dealer replaced electronic ignition and provided new keys.