Table 1 shows three common visibility related problems of the 2014 Mercedes Benz S550.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Wiper problems | |
| Exterior Rearview Mirror problems | |
| Sun Roof problems |
This vehicle was purchased new in 2014. The vehicle has a reverse tilt function feature on the right passenger mirror. When functioning properly, the right passenger mirror tilts downward and to the right when the vehicle is placed in reverse so that the driver can see all objects to the right rear of the vehicle (in the vehicle's blind spot). Once the vehicle is shifted into drive, the right mirror is supposed to return to the driver's (memory) setting position for the mirror so that the driver is able to see out of the right mirror when driving on the highway. The mirror on this vehicle fails to return to the driver's (memory) setting after shifting the vehicle into drive after being in reverse. The mirror remains in the downward and to the right position thus leaving the driver completely unable to see out of the mirror when driving on the highway. The driver is forced to take his/her eyes off of the road, and the surrounding vehicles, to manually adjust the mirror thus placing the driver and all passengers at a significant risk of injury. While it is unconfirmed, this vehicle was involved in a side-swipe type motor vehicle accident, and it is suspected that this mirror defect was a contributing cause to the accident. Mercedes-benz USA is aware of this defect and is aware that at least two cases have been reported in the united states in the 2014 S550 model. Mercedes-benz USA is also aware that this defect exists in the 2015 S550 model. Mercedes-benz USA has been given numerous opportunities to cure this defect and it has failed/refused to make the repair, thus exposing all 2014 and 2015 S550 drivers, and their passengers, to a significant risk of injury.
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes Benz S550. While driving approximately 10 mph, the vehicle downshifted and suddenly there was a hard shift when the accelerator pedal was depressed or when stopped at a traffic light. The contact also noticed that there was a loud noise near the rear of the vehicle. The contact also noticed that the tilt function feature on the right passenger mirror failed. When functioning properly, the right passenger mirror tilted downward and to the right when the vehicle was placed in reverse; therefore, the driver could see all objects to the rear passenger side of the vehicle and in the vehicle's blind spot. The mirror failed to return to the driver's setting after shifting the vehicle into drive after being in reverse. The failure recurred multiple times. The dealer stated that the rear suspension system and the rear brakes needed to be replaced. The dealer also stated that they were unable to locate a failure with the mirror. The rear suspension system and the rear brakes were replaced; however, the failure with the mirror persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 2,000. The VIN was unavailable.
The contact owns a 2014 mercedes-benz S550. While driving 50 mph merging on the interstate, the sun roof shattered without warning. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer (mercedes-benz of mobile, 3060 dauphin st, mobile, al, 36606) where it was confirmed that the sun roof failed. Due to the failure, the vehicle also sustained body damage to the hood and trunk. The manufacturer was stated that they would give the contact a call back and send an investigator. The contact was referred to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact also sustained a cut on the right side of the face due to the shattered glass. The contact did not receive medical attention. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.