Feb 27, 2026Transmission & drivetrainWheelsDriver assistanceCrash
During interstate travel in rainy conditions, the vehicle appeared to lose traction and hydroplane. The tires appeared to have adequate remaining tread; however, they did not provide expected traction and the vehicle felt as though it was driving on ice. This was inconsistent with my prior experience operating the vehicle for over a year in various weather conditions without encountering similar issues. The Electronic Stability Program (ESP), traction control system, and 4MATIC all-wheel drive system did not appear to intervene to stabilize the vehicle. The vehicle spun and was involved in a crash. Despite the impact, no airbags deployed. The vehicle was rendered undrivable and towed from the scene. It is currently located at a collision repair facility and is available for inspection upon request. The suspected systems involved include the Electronic Stability Program (ESP), traction control system (TCS), 4MATIC all-wheel drive system, and Supplemental Restraint System (SRS/airbags). The vehicle has not yet undergone a full manufacturer engineering inspection, but such a review has been requested. The loss of traction at interstate speed in wet conditions created a serious safety risk to the occupants of the vehicle and surrounding motorists. The apparent lack of stability control intervention and the absence of airbag deployment increased the potential risk of injury. The vehicle was inspected by law enforcement at the scene, towed, and has been reviewed by insurance representatives as part of a claim. A manufacturer inspection is pending based on a defective claim that was filed. There were no warning lights, alerts, or messages related to traction control, stability control, or airbags prior to the incident.
NHTSA ODI 11721041
Jun 30, 2025Wheels
On [XXX], my wife and I were driving our 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 when I pulled over after sensing vibration on the highway. Upon inspection, all four tires were found to be severely worn, with the right rear tire completely bald and showing exposed steel belts. I have attached photos of the tires. The vehicle had been serviced at Mercedes-Benz of Wesley Chapel, FL at 10,000 miles in January 2025, and the dealer noted the rear tires were at 3–4/32" tread depth. Despite this, we were not warned that the tires were unsafe. The dealership did not contact us, did not send photos, and did not recommend immediate replacement — even though they did follow that protocol on our other vehicle (a GLE 350) serviced the same day. This inconsistency in communication led us to unknowingly drive 4,000 miles — including 60 miles at highway speed — on dangerously unsafe tires. The dealership has admitted the tread depth was low at the time of service but is attempting to shift responsibility despite not alerting us to the risk. This is a serious safety oversight. If we had experienced a tire failure at highway speeds, we could have been injured or killed. This type of service-related negligence should be tracked, as it may indicate broader issues in service safety practices at this and other dealerships. The Dealer refuses to take responsibility for their negligence. I have had other issues with the quality of their service, including a recent engine failure on my GLE 350 while crossing a 4 lane highway. Wesley Chapel Mercedes Benz had serviced the GLE 350 two months earlier, including the ignition system. My wife was driving at the time and could have been hit by on-coming traffic. So I have has two dangerous driving incidents because of Mercedes Benz Wesley Chapel Florida’s Service Department. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI 11670282