2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK280

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

TAKATA RECALL NOTIFIED OVER A YEAR AGO OF RECALL. WE HAVE CALLED 4 TIMES TO DEALER SINCE WE RECEIVED NOTICE AND THEY STILL CANNOT TELL US ANYTHING. NOW I SEE THEY HAVE FILED BANKRUPCY. I HAVE A CAR THAT I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING AND CANNOT PUT ANYONE IN THE OTHER SEAT.

NHTSA ID

11043915

Incident

Feb 8, 2016

"TAKATA RECALL" - MY 2008 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK280 HAS NOT HAD THE AIRBAG REPLACED AS OF OCT. 26, 2016. MY VEHICLE HAS AN AIRBAG WITH A TAKATA MADE INFLATOR, ACCORDING TO THE RECALL NOTICE.

NHTSA ID

10919046

Incident

Oct 26, 2016

TAKATA RECALL#16V-081 TRYING TO GET HELP FROM DEALERSHIP HAVING DIFFICULTIES. I'M UNCERTAIN IF I HAVE OTHER UNKNOWN ISSUES AS CHECKED MARKED. THIS IS THE 2ND RECALL. I AM HAVING A SAFETY CONCERN ON THIS VEHICLE I PURCHASED AND MANAGEMENT IS NOT COOPERATING/ ASSISTING UPSET OVER A PREVIOUS DEFECTIVE BATTERY. I AM UNCERTAIN IF THE SAME ISSUE IS RECURRING AND OR EFFECTING THE DOOR LOCKS, DOME LIGHTS, ELECTRONICS, LIGHTS, VEHICLE WILL NOT START.

NHTSA ID

10881280

Incident

Jun 15, 2016

THE CONVERTIBLE HARD TOP HYDRAULIC SYSTEM START TO LEAK OIL TO DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT. THE HARD TOP DOES NOT MOVE AND DIFFICULT TO CLOSE. I HAVE RECEIVED NOTIFICATION FROM SEVERAL OWNERS THAT IT IS A CURRENT PROBLEM OF ALL VEHICLES OF MODELS. THIS IS AN UNSAFELY PROBLEM, SINCE THE HARD TOP, REAR GLASS AND TRUNK HAS PROBLEM TO BE LOCKED COMPLETELY. APPARENTLY THE MERCEDES BENZ MANUFACTURER KNOW THAT THE HYDRAULIC CYLINDERS SEALS FAIL, ONCE THE MINERAL OIL LOSE ITS PROPERTY. THIS MEAN THAT HYDRAULIC SYSTEM GET NOT PROTECTED AFTER SUCH OIL IS INAPPROPRIATE TO PROTECT THE SEAL, RESULTING ON LEAKING AND CAR FINISH WITHOUT PROTECTION,. IF IT HAPPEN WHEN IT IS SNOWING OR RAINING OR FAR AWAY, IT WILL BECOME IN A POTENTIAL SAFETY HARMFUL PROBLEM FOR THE DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS. I REQUESTED A SERVICE TO MERCEDES BENZ AND THE ANSWER VWAS THE REPAIR WILL BE ALMOST $ 5000.00 MERCEDS BENZ SHOULD REPAIR ALL THE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM FOR HARD TOP UNDER A RECALL. *TR

NHTSA ID

10651290

Incident

Oct 20, 2014

Mileage

29,120 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES BENZ SLK280. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, HE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE CONTACT SUSTAINED CHEST INJURIES FROM THE SEAT BELT. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED SEVERE DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END AND WAS TOWED TO A COLLISION CENTER FOR REPAIRS. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,000.

NHTSA ID

10562409

Incident

Jan 15, 2014

Mileage

56,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES BENZ SLK280. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE HARD CONVERTIBLE TOP WOULD NOT RELEASE OPEN WHEN ACTIVATED BY THE CONTROL DEVICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT OF A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V303000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT'S VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED O THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID

10536746

Incident

Aug 8, 2013

Mileage

10,000 mi

OWNED A BRAND NEW 2007 MERCEDES SLK 280 AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS PUSHING AND PULLING TO THE POINT THAT IT WENT OUT AND HAD TO BE COMPLETELY REPLACED; AND ULTIMATELY, IT WAS A 'BUY-BACK.' AFTERWARDS, I HAD ANOTHER NEW MERCEDES 280, NOW A 2008, AND THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT ON THAT ONE TOO. BIG MISTAKE ON MY PART; WHAT ARE THE ODDS THAT ANOTHER NEW ONE WOULD GO BAD? THE MERCEDES 7 SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS WAS A COMPLETE NIGHTMARE EXPERIENCE FOR ME. SINCE 2008, EVERY TIME I SEE A MERCEDES SLK, I SOMETIMES ATTEMPT TO TAKE A MOMENT AND ASK THE DRIVER OF THE CAR: "HEY, HOW'S THE TRANSMISSION?" *KB

NHTSA ID

10413765

Incident

May 1, 2008

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES BENZ SLK280. THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH BRIDGESTONE POTENZA TIRES, TIRE SIZE 225/4.5/17. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH WHEN HE HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHENEVER TRAVELING AT LOW SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOUR DIFFERENT TIMES WHERE THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THAT BOTH REAR TIRES EXHIBITED UNEVEN TREAD WEAR. ALSO, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE TIRE DEALER ON SIX SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE VEHICLE REQUIRED AN ALIGNMENT AND TIRE ROTATION. AN ALIGNMENT WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE TIRE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY INFORMED THAT THE TIRES WERE NOT DESIGNED TO BE INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLE. THERE HAD BEEN NO ADDITIONAL REPAIR OR TIRE REPLACEMENT AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CONTACT WAS DISPLEASED TO KNOW THAT THE INCORRECT TIRES WERE INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLE BY THE TIRE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000. DOT NUMBER WAS 7GH8L4T2108.

NHTSA ID

10340563

Incident

Apr 12, 2010

Mileage

25,000 mi

Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. Note: Sound file in attachment Cause If the complaint is eliminated by experimentally loosening the outboard collar nut (by 1 turn), the problem is due to cracking of the microweld between the wheel bearing inner race and the joint housing of the side shaft. Note: The collar nut must always be replaced after being loosened. See also LI33.20-P-078406 Remedy Coat contact surface of side shaft with wheel bearing with Molykote paint. To do this, proceed as follows: 1. Remove side shafts 2. Clean contact surface A (see image file in attachment "Outer joint housing before") before coating with Molykote, using "spirit" (free of dust and grease) 3. Coat contact surface A (see image file in attachment "Outer joint housing after") with Molykote and leave to dry for "one hour" in removed condition 4. Reinstall side shafts Note: Before using the antifriction coating (Molykote), stir it or shake it thoroughly for (at least 1 minute).

Complaint There are several types of complaint about noises or poor windshield wiper wiping performance: A: Wiper blades squeaking, chattering, shuddering B: The windshield is not wiped completely (streaking) C: During the downward movement water is pulled back onto the windshield from the A-pillar (Figure 1) D: After windshield cleaning, water keeps spraying onto the windshield for several wipe cycles (Figure 2) A1: The windshield and wiper blades are contaminated with residues from car washing facilities, identifiable by the water beading. The resulting differences in the friction values between the wiper blades and the windshield can excite the wiper blades to vibrate. Note: It is mostly wax residue from the washer system, but also water-repellent nano-particle coating for paint and/or silicone-based washer fluid, that could cause this problem. A partially dry windshield also has different friction values, which can likewise result in squeaking of the wiper blades A2: The wiper blades are worn by mechanical damage (wiper lip damaged by ice or insect debris, or deformed by long periods of disuse). A3: Incorrect angle of incidence of the wiper arms to the windshield. Because of this, the rubber lip of the wiper blade may not flip over at the reversal point. Cause B: B1: Wax/ dirt residues on the windshield B2: Wiper blades deformed or worn B3: Downforce of wiper arm not OK (Figure 3) Cause C: Water is pulled back onto the windshield by the differential pressure created as the wiper arm moves downwards. Cause D: Washer water collects in the fastening of the wiper blade and is blown onto the windshield by the airstream over several wipe cycles. Note and supporting information: Wiper blades are wear parts which, even when "not used" for long periods (kept in park position), may become permanently deformed and damaged. Further stresses on the rubber wiper blade arise due to various environmental influences which progressively change the effectiveness of the rubber wiper blade and accelerate the aging process. Due to the natural aging process and wear, the wiper blades should be replaced twice a year, preferably in Spring and Fall (see operator's manual). Remedy Remedy A: A1: Cleaning entire windshield with A 000 986 40 71. A2: Checking water's flow behavior after windshield has been cleaned (see Video 1). If, after cleaning, there are still areas with water beading, then the cleaning process must be carried out again until a rejection reaction is no longer present. • Note: On the vehicle in the video (Video 1), water still beads on the bottom left of the windshield. The windshield is still not properly clean, even though it appears to be clean. The windshield is only properly clean when there are no more areas on the windshield where water beads. A3: Replace wiper blades with genuine wiper blades. Important: Only exchange wiper blades if windshield no longer has water-repellent areas Note: Replacement of wiper blades is not covered under warranty and can be replaced at the expense of the customer. Remedy B: B1: Clean windshield with intensive cleaner A 000 986 40 71. Important: Do not clean the wiper blades otherwise the graphite coating will be damaged. B2: Replace wiper blades with genuine wiper blades • Note: Replacement of wiper blades is not covered under warranty and can be replaced at the expense of the customer. B3: Check the wiper arm for excessive resistance in the bearing. Restore mobility or replace wiper arm if necessary. Remedy C: Problem inherent in design for which there is no technical remedy. Exception: X204 up to 02/2014. In these vehicles, it is possible to install the design configuration of vehicles as of 02/2014. This includes wiper arms (styled arms) with improved behavior in this respect. It is also necessary to replace the wiper blades because the styled arms feature a Top Lock connection (previously Side Lock).

Complaint Potential corrosion on the rear axle carrier Cause Due to market-specific conditions such as moisture, ingress of dirt and/or environmental influences, corrosion can occur on the rear axle carrier Remedy In the event of a complaint, the optimized repair method must be used when replacing the rear axle carrier. The repair method for the respective model series can be found in the attachment. Repair packages are available in Xentry Repair Packages for the special processing of rear axle carriers Note: Please utilize flexible wand (319-SAT1058826) along with the Cavity Preservation Gun (W 000 588 03 72 00) for cavity wax application to improve coverage and reduces labor efforts. The flexible wand may be obtained through the Mercedes-Benz Standard Service Equipment Program website.

Complaint The sliding sunroof glass panel of the panoramic roof reverses during the closing process, either once or multiple times, without an entrapment (anti‑pinch) event being detected. The concern may occur temporarily or repeatedly during normal closing operation. Cause The automatic reversing function of the panoramic roof is overly sensitive due to parameterization in combination with seal counter‑pressure. This condition can cause the roof to reverse even though no obstruction is present. Remedy Retrofit the vehicle to meet Cleanpoint status “Panoramic sliding sunroof glass panel reverses during closing without a pinch event.” The retrofit includes: • Hardware modification (installation of a cover rail / EPDM lip) • Corresponding software update for the panoramic roof control unit The prescribed retrofit steps must be performed in the specified sequence as outlined in this document. 1) Retrofit the EPDM lip onto the rear edge of the panoramic sliding roof panel: • Clean the underside of the rear edge of the sliding sunroof panel (marking, Figure 1) (e.g., isopropanol). • Subsequently install the cover rail on the underside of the sliding sunroof panel (Figure 2). - Distance from the cover rail to the rear edge of the sliding sunroof panel A = 5 mm - Distance from the cover rail to the right and left edges of the sliding sunroof panel B = 9 mm - Apply firm pressure by hand along the entire bonding surface of the COVER RAIL - The wider flange at the ends of the cover rail (see Figure 3) must point in the direction of travel 2) Submit an XSS Ticket with the following requests to add SA code O75 to the Vehicle Data Card • Enter code "O75" (Oscar 75) in Vehicle Documentation System (Vedok): • Add the following AO text to KG 78: AO code O75 added as specified in LI77.21-P-075806 (Version 7). 3) Install new software from the panoramic roof control unit (TSSR296, A98, PSD) and teach in the anti-pinch protection again: • Connect XENTRY Diagnosis. - always use the current XENTRY Diagnosis software release with all available add-ons. - Strict compliance with the operation steps in XENTRY Diagnosis is absolutely essential! - Ensure adequate power supply to the vehicle's on-board electrical system battery (greater than 12.5 V) using a battery charger. • Commission the panoramic roof control unit - To do this, select "A98 – control module 'panoramic sliding sunroof' → adaptation → commissioning → Commission the control unit." - Then follow user guidance in XENTRY Diagnosis. • Disconnect XENTRY Diagnosis.

Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged. Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. If a pressure compensation diaphragm is fitted in the housing cover, then the lamp unit is a "closed system". Remedy Headlamp: Remedy 1 Clearing fogged/condensed LED headlamps: 1. Drive vehicle into workshop (temperature higher than +18 °C/+64.4 °F) and connect the exhaust extraction. Note: Do not perform an engine wash before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine and connect battery support via a charger. 3. Open the hood. 4. Switch on the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Clearing of fogged/condensed LED headlamps and LED rear lamps on electric vehicles: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 °C/+64.4°F). 2. Connect battery backup via a charger. 3. Open the front-end flap and ensure sufficient ventilation. 4. Switch on the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Clearing fogged/condensed halogen/xenon headlamps: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 °C/+64.4°F). Note: Do not perform an engine wash before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine. 3. Open the hood. 4. Switch off the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Note: If there is no visible reduction in condensation, check the headlamp for malfunctions. (see Remedy 2) It is not physically possible to defog the headlamps completely. Fogging does not impair the operation or the service life of the headlamp. Note: Only implement Remedy 1 for model series 463 (from model year 2018) and model series 465. Remedy 2 A defective headlamp can be identified as follows: 1. Check the headlamp for external damage and that the cover caps and the diaphragm are correctly seated. 2. Check the electrical connectors of the plugs and pins. 3. Check for leak tightness according to LI82.10-P-078307. The test can only be conducted on headlamps. 4. If the headlamp or the rear lamp has any external damage, replace the component part in accordance with the WIS instructions. Note: External damage to the headlamp/rear lamp or faulty seating of the cover caps does not present a warranty or goodwill case. Note: With headlamps, it is possible to install desiccant packs if the problem occurs repeatedly. • Open ventilation system LI82.10-P-078302 • Closed ventilation system LI82.10-P-078304

Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. If a pressure compensation diaphragm is fitted in the housing cover, then the lamp unit is a "closed system". Remedy Headlamp: Remedy 1 Clearing fogged/condensed LED headlamps: 1. Drive vehicle into workshop (temperature higher than +18 °C/+64.4 °F) and connect the exhaust extraction. Note: Do not perform an engine wash before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine and connect battery support via a charger. 3. Open the hood. 4. Switch on the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Clearing of fogged/condensed LED headlamps and LED rear lamps on electric vehicles: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 °C/+64.4°F). 2. Connect battery backup via a charger. 3. Open the front-end flap and ensure sufficient ventilation. 4. Switch on the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Clearing fogged/condensed halogen/xenon headlamps: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 °C/+64.4°F). Note: Do not perform an engine wash before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine. 3. Open the hood. 4. Switch off the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Note: If there is no visible reduction in condensation, check the headlamp for malfunctions. (see Remedy 2) It is not physically possible to defog the headlamps completely. Fogging does not impair the operation or the service life of the headlamp. Note: Only implement Remedy 1 for model series 463 (from model year 2018) and model series 465. Remedy 2 A defective headlamp can be identified as follows: 1. Check the headlamp for external damage and that the cover caps and the diaphragm are correctly seated. 2. Check the electrical connectors of the plugs and pins. 3. Check for leak tightness according to LI82.10-P-078307. The test can only be conducted on headlamps. 4. If the headlamp or the rear lamp has any external damage, replace the component part in accordance with the WIS instructions. Note: External damage to the headlamp/rear lamp or faulty seating of the cover caps does not present a warranty or goodwill case. Note: With headlamps, it is possible to install desiccant packs if the problem occurs repeatedly. • Open ventilation system LI82.10-P-078302 • Closed ventilation system LI82.10-P-078304