Instrument Panel problems of the 2005 Mercedes Benz S430

The contact owns a 2005 mercedes-benz S430. While driving approximately 30 mph, the instrument cluster failed to operate. The vehicle was driven to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the instrument cluster failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 105,000.

I leased a new Mercedes Benz S430 during December 2004 from walter's mb in riverside, CA. Problems with the electronic stability system (esp) began March 2005 and on March 16, 2005 reported problems to walters mb during service visit. On December 9, 2005 reported problem again to walter's mb during service visit. Both times I reported how vehicle instrument cluster board lighting would blink and black out but esp light in the instrument cluster would turn on causing vehicle braking system to shut down speed to 15 miles per hour on freeway. During December 2005 I sent complaint letter to NHTSA recall office in washington, DC. Regarding problems with instrument cluster lighting and esp collateral problem. I included copy of June 2004 Mercedes Benz recall in japan of 98,000 sclass vehicles with esp problems and suggested same problem existed here in united states. Later during February 2006 esp problem returned and reported problem to walters mb vehicle was serviced during February, March and may 2006 with same symptoms. Walter's mb made me feel like I did not know what I was talking about. I sent follow-up complaint letter to NHTSA recall mr. George person in washington, DC. Finally I received a recall notice letter dated November 2006 and a second recall notice #2006-080004 dated December 2006 both from mb. On February 6, 2007 walter's mb performed the repairs for recall #2006-080004. Esp problems came back during November 2007 and walter's serviced unit 1/16/2008. I have copies of letters from 10 other individuals that have experienced similar problems with the esp system and can provide copies for your review. I believe the esp problem is caused by "collateral damage" in connection with the "instrument cluster illumination" and should be included in the recall campaign #2006-080004. My recommendation is for the NHTSA to inspect all records for mb vehicles repaired by the recall.