What 295 owners told NHTSA about the 2011 Mercedes-benz E-class

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The back of the driver seat failed due to my car being rear ended. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Unable to sit looking straight forward when driving. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. By Mercedes Benz dealer Fletcher Jones of Newport Beach, CA. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? I have reported the problem to my auto insurance co.: AAA. AAA said they need to send their own appraiser to confirm the finding of the Mercedes Benz dealer. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? None. My auto was rear ended on 3-22-21. Immediately, the problem was reported to AAA. Prior to 3-22-21, my auto was with my regular repair shop for regular oil changes and nothing was reported was wrong with the driver seat. I waiting for AAA decision in order to do repairs. I have three emails from Mercedes dealer and from AAA auto insurance. I could not figure out to forward them to you.

NHTSA ODI 11433714

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ E350. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED AN ABNORMAL SMOKE ODOR IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEATING ELEMENT IN THE DRIVER SEAT BECAME OVERHEATED AND BURNED THROUGH THE LEATHER SEAT CUSHION AND THE CONTACT'S PANTS. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,890. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI 10888754