During a trip driving from Sedona to San Diego, the rear passenger side rim (Part No. 25740120007x23) (see Picture1) failed with a through crack on the shoulder opposite the spoke side (see Picture2). This led to the loss of air pressure in the tire. The tire pressure sensor did indicate a low pressure condition. Upon inspection of the rim, the only possible solution was to have it welded in order to continue the trip. When the rim was taken to the repair shop, three more cracks were discovered on the rim inner surface. None of these three cracks have not gone through the rim wall yet. All crack were on the shoulder opposite the spoke side which cantilevers towards the center of the car. Welded cracks are shown in Picture3 through Picture6. Picture 3 shows the weldment of the crack that went through the rim wall. This cracks developed during normal driving conditions and were not the result of impacts. They could have resulted in a catastrophic failure that might have resulted in loss of control of the car and a potentially serious accident. I had the welded rim replaced by a new one at the Mercedes Benz Service Center in Ontario, CA. The service center retained the welded rim.
- NHTSA ID
- 11472277
- Incident
- Jun 30, 2022