Two problems related to horn assembly have been reported for the 2006 Mercedes Benz ML350. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Night before incident the automatic rear lift gate opened when front driver door would be opened or closed. While vehicle was parked and shut off, tail hazard light were activated along with warning alarm for tailgate malfunction or open. During the morning of the incident, vehicle continued to show same issues. When vehicle was later entered, issue with tailgate opening seemed to have stopped, after driving an approximate 5-7 miles, odder of smoke emerged, tailgate warning alarm sounded along with normal traffic horn, in addition cabin lights turned on and warn messages appeared on dash for flat tire,blown bulbs, etc, driver pulled to side of road and turned off vehicle to investigate. Soon after turning off vehicle smoke began to fill cabin, driver immediately exited vehicle, flames over took vehicle within minutes. Remains show upper half of cabin (seats and up) took primary burn, flooring was not burned. Engine bay only has minor fire damage from large flames and heat going out of front windshield.
The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes Benz Ml350. While the contact was driving approximately 45 mph the engine shut off without warning. The contact coasted the vehicle across three lanes of traffic to the side of the road. The engine restarted for a period of two seconds and the automated windows began to operate without assistance. The horn sounded and the front and rear windshield wipers intermittentlyt activated . The "brake fluid low" warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact smelled a burning odor and noticed white smoke coming from the rear door area. The driver and occupants exited the vehicle. The contact stated that the recommened level of brake fluid was in the reservoir. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer for diagnosis where the technician stated the failure was contributed to a build up of moisture from an excessive amount of liquid spilled underneath the front passenger seat or possibly the driver seat. The vehicle had not been repaired at the time of the complaint. The contact stated the failure was life threatening and that the interior carpet should be designed with a waterproof protector. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.