Date: 2008-04-28
Mercedes-Benz
USA, LLC
NHTSA Action Number: EA08009
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Subject:
BRAKE LINE CHAFE
Opened From: 2008-04-28 - 2009-12-16
Summary
ANALYSIS OF COMPLAINTS TO ODI AND MERCEDES AND WARRANTY CLAIM DATA SUBMITTED BY MERCEDES INDICATES THAT THE ALLEGED DEFECT HAS OCCURRED AT A LOW RATE (36.5 COMPLAINTS PER 100,000 VEHICLES AND 0.29 PERCENT WARRANTY CLAIM RATE), WITH NO DISCERNABLE DEFECT TREND INDICATING THAT THE RATE OF CHAFING RELATED BRAKE LINE FAILURES IS INCREASING.THERE HAVE BEEN NO NEW COMPLAINTS SINCE JANUARY 2009.WHEN THE ANALYSIS IS LIMITED TO INCIDENTS OF BRAKE LINE LEAKAGE THAT RESULTED IN ALLEGATIONS OF REDUCED BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS, THE RATE DROPS EVEN FURTHER (22.3 COMPLAINTS PER 100,000 VEHICLES AND 0.04 PERCENT WARRANTY CLAIM RATE). MERCEDES PROVIDED DATA SHOWING THAT IN THE RARE INSTANCES WHEN CHAFING DID PROGRESS TO BRAKE LINE LEAKAGE THE DRIVER WOULD BE IMMEDIATELY ALERTED TO A PROBLEM BY ILLUMINATION OF THE BRIGHT YELLOW ESP/BAS WARNING LAMP AND CHANGES IN BRAKE PEDAL FEEL.CONTINUED OPERATION WITH A LEAKING BRAKE LINE WOULD RESULT IN ILLUMINATION OF THE BRIGHT RED BRAKE WARNING LAMP AND AN AUDIBLE CHIME DUE TO LOW MASTER CYLINDER RESERVOIR LEVEL. CONTINUED OPERATION WITH THE BRAKE WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED WOULD ULTIMATELY DRAIN THE RESERVOIR FOR THE AFFECTED CIRCUIT, RESULTING IN LOSS OF THE CIRCUIT AND AN APPROXIMATELY 80% INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCES. SURVEYS CONDUCTED BY ODI AND VRTC INDICATE THAT ROUTING ANOMALIES MAY BE MORE COMMON THAN THE COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY DATA SUGGEST FOR THE SUBJECT LINE BUNDLE, WITH LINE CONTACT OR OTHER ROUTING ANOMALY NOTED IN 13 OF 51 VEHICLES SURVEYED BY ODI AND VRTC (25.5%).WHILE EVIDENCE OF CONTACT BETWEEN THE FUEL LINE AND SUBJECT BRAKE IN A PARTICULAR VEHICLE IS NOT NECESSARILY PREDICTIVE OF EVENTUAL LINE FAILURE/LEAKAGE, SIGNIFICANT CHAFING WEAR WAS NOTED IN TWO SURVEY VEHICLES (3.9%).TO ADDRESS CONCERNS WITH LINE ROUTING AND ENSURE THAT LINES WITH EVIDENT CHAFING DO NOT PROGRESS TO A LEAK CONDITION, MERCEDES WILL CONDUCT AN OWNER NOTIFICATION PROGRAM INSTRUCTING OWNERS TO BRING THE VEHICLES TO A DEALER FOR A FREE INSPECTION AND REPAIR.LINES THAT DO NOT HAVE A SPACER (RUBBER GROMMET OR OMEGA-CLIP) BETWEEN THE SUBJECT FUEL AND BRAKE LINES WILL HAVE AN OMEGA-CLIP SPACER INSTALLED TO ENSURE ADEQUATE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE LINES.BRAKE LINES WITH CHAFE MARKS WILL BE REPLACED. ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN CLOSED. THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST. THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND OTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THIS ENGINEERING ANALYSIS REFER TO THE EA08-009 CLOSING REPORT.
Investigation Documents
For Latest Documents related to this Investigation, visit the NHTSA Website.
Click the (+) Plus Sign
Then click Associated Document(s).
- [J2534 Pass-Thru Programmer] - TOPDON RLink J2534 is...
- [All-in-One OEM Reprogramming and Diagnostics] - When...
- [Tested, Trusted, and Proven for Accuracy] - TOPDON RLink...
- [One-Click Installation, Continuous Updates] - The exclusive...
- [Works with Windows Compatibility and OEM Software...
Last update on 2026-06-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Search NHTSA Database for Recalls
Search NHTSA Database for (TSB's) Technical Service Bulletins
Technical Service Bulletins TSB's List
Previous Investigation | Next Investigation |
- Obd2 Bluetooth Scanner Lifetime Update: Ediag Elite offers revolutionary Advantage Lifetime Updates with unlimited access to the superior 15 reset service, bidirectional testing and full system diagnostics.The Ediag Elite is an excellent Bluetooth obd2 scanner diagnostic tool ideal for diy's and private car owners
- Bidirectional Control for Quickly Locating Problems: The Bidirectional Scan tool allows you to send commands directly from your smartphone to your vehicle for active testing. This feature helps to quickly narrow down problems such as air conditioning clutches, windows, doors, sunroofs, etc., reducing diagnostic time for mechanics and helping Diy users locate faults more easily. In addition, Ediag Elite provides fault analysis and repair guidance to help you solve problems efficiently.
- 15 Maintenance Resets: The current version introduces 15 popular special features: Oil Reset, Headlight Matching, Bleeding Reset, TPMS Reset, BMS Reset, Gear Box Relearn, Throttle Learning, Injector Coding, SAS Reset and more special functions in system diagnose menu. These functions make it easy for owners to carry out the necessary maintenance and servicing, ensuring that your vehicle stays in top condition, prolonging its service life and preventing common problems and breakdowns. Note: The Special function vary by model& year, Reach us check compatibility.
- Wide Compatibility CANFD & FCA
Autoauth: Compatible with GM, Ford, Toyota, Chrysler, Honda, Mazda, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Hyundai, KIA with standard OBD2 port from 1996 to newer. More car brands and features will be released gradually. Newest Ediag Elite scanner supports CANFD Protocol and FCA cars. Note: Coverage may vary on different vehicle by model& year ,Please contact us to confirm compatibility before purchase. - Perfect for Monitoring The Health of Your Vehicle: Ediag Elite is designed to make vehicle maintenance simple and efficient. With intelligent AutoVIN quick recognition, it is easy to connect to your car without the need for manual input. Real-time data is visualized in a variety of formats, including graphs, numeric, meter displays and clear 4-in-1 data charts, allowing you to effortlessly monitor real-time data. Data logging/reporting is available for playback and further analysis.
- No Annual Fees & 2026 Upgraded CAN FD: Why pay $199/year or more for updates? The 2026 newest Kingbolen K7 obd2 scanner features have been upgraded to Lifetime Updates without subscription fees, saving you significant costs in the long run. K7 scan tool also adds the CAN FD protocol for the latest GM models (2019+), enabling faster data transfer, reducing the risk of undetected errors
- 2026 Newest Top-tier Car Scanner: Kingbolen K7 diagnostic scan tool is equipped with most capabilities for daily repair/maintenance: Wireless diagnosis via Bluetooth, Bidirectional Test, ECU Online/Offline Code, 31+ Resets, PMI for Ford, Lincoln, Mazda, Global version for 100+ brand vehicles and 17 languages, no area limit, FCA AutoAuth
- OE-Level Full Systems Scan Tool: K7 professional diagnostic scanner with Auto Vin can do one-click to scan ECUs on most of vehicles, like pcm, ecm, eps, bcm, tpms, sas, a/c system... to read/clear code, view live data, freeze frame, read ecu info. 4-in-1 data stream graphics can make data viewing more intuitive. Detailed diagnostic reports will help you easily master the car situation as it can be shared by bluetooth or email! Adding workshop information can help your customers to know more
- Bidirectional Test/Active Test & ECU Code: Stop guessing and start fixing. Bidirectional scan tool Kingbolen K7 can perform real active test that can send commands to the vehicle's ECU to drive the actuators to work, like window, rear mirrors, sunroof, door, solenoids, wipers, headlamp, etc, helping you quickly find out bad parts and pinpoint faulty issues. K7 bidirectional scanner will be a good choice to save money and time on car repairs when performing complex maintenance and repair
- 31 Reset Functions: Avoid expensive dealership visits for simple services. Experience tells us that just a small repair service may cost a lot of money. Kingbolen K7 is a professional diagnostic scanner with 31 common maintenance services like Oil /SAS/EPB/TPMS Reset, Battery Matching, ABS Bleeding, Injector Code, etc. It effectively handles most of the car reset and relearning jobs, perfect for experienced DIYers and mechanics. Note: Functions in the menu vary across vehicles. Kindly check the compatibility before purchase
- WHY S608 STANDS OUT:2026 Kingbolen S608 is the only scanner <200 bucks that offers powerful active tests on Engine, ABS, SRS, and Transmission systems. Offers 9 resets,Covers 110+ global brands with a 6.2'' larger touchscreen
- KINGBOLEN'S NEW BIDIRECTIONAL SCAN TOOL: As the 2026 upgraded version of S600, our Newest S608 obd2 scanner has the powerful Bi-directional Control on Engine, ABS, SRS, and Transmission systems. It can send commands to the ECUs of actuators for functional tests and work status checks, such as ABS, fuel injectors, adjusting throttle, coolant pumps, EVAP test, fuel trim reset, etc. No more Guesswork. Quickly identify problem components without teardown, get fuss-free results in seconds.
- 【9 HOT RESET SERVICES CAR SCANNER】Tired of costly mechanic trips for common resets? The Kingbolen S608 obd2 scanner lets you do it yourself, even for beginners—quickly and effortlessly! It offers 9 hot reset functions: Oil/EPB Reset, ABS Bleeding, SAS Calibration, DPF Regeneration, Injector Coding, BMS Matching, Throttle Adaptation, Gear Learning. Stop paying mechanics for 5-minute jobs. Save hundreds per year! 🚗*Function vary from vehicle models. reach us to check compatibility firstly!
- 【4 SYSTEM DIAGNOSTIC TOOL + FULL OBDII FUNCTIONS】Kingbolen S608 is an OBDII scanner and 4 systems diagnostic tool made for home mechanics, DIYers, and professionals. You can access Engine, ABS, SRS, Transmission fault codes, track live data in graphs, and onboard DTC library lookup to find the right troubleshooting procedure, and diagnose with full 10 OBD2 test modes to fix most of emission issues. Give your aging cars routine maintenance to avoid costly repairs, a breakdown, or even a crash.
- 【NEW CAN FD, FCA/RENAULT SGW, 140+ BRANDS】Kingbolen S608 scanner for car supports 140+ vehicle brands, 100,000+ models, 28 languages and can be used worldwide. S608 stays up-to-date with modern vehicles, allows secure access to 2017+ FCA cars and 2015+ Renault cars (📢*Need to purchase an AutoAuth/Renault account by yourself), and supports the latest CAN-FD protocol for 2019+ GM/Chrysler, enabling 2X faster data transfer and more precise diagnostics. 🚗*Check compatibility before purchase.
Last update on 2026-06-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This product presentation was made with AAWP plugin.