Failure Analysis Report: 2013 ML350 Engine Failure at Mile 3459

PROBLEM: Engine Light ON, vehicle takes too long to start
FIX: Replaced Passenger Side Cylinder Head and Camshaft
MindMap-ML350-2013-EngineFailureAt3459Miles

• Vehicle Information
  • 2013 Mercedes ML350 Light Truck 4DR AW
  • Obsidian Black Metallic
  • Delivery Date: 20130622
  • VIN: xxx256017
  • Miles: 3,459 Miles
  • Days: 275 Days
  • Months: 8 Months
  • Weeks: 39 Weeks
  • Hours: 6600 Hours
• Date of Failure
  • 20140207
• Date Repaired
  • 20140221, 15 Days in the shop
• Failure Mode
  • Check Engine Light ON
  • Car turns over too long to start
• Failure Effect
  • Engine failure
• Failure Mechanism
  • Misalignment of critical parts in the cylinder causing damage to the cylinder head.
• Cause of Failure
  • Improper assembly, misaligned pin
• Repair Action
  • Replaced right cylinder head and cam shaft
  • 1, 276-156-07-90, Solenoid,
  • 1, 276-010-44-09, Passenger Side Cylinder head
  • 1, 276-070-12-30, Housing F Pump
  • 1, 276-016-05-20, Cylinder Head
  • 1, 276-142-01-80, Multi Hole Seal
  • 6, 276-141-00-80, Flange Gasket
  • 6, 276-141-01-80, Flange Gasket
  • 3, 000-053-51-58, Seal
  • 1, 003-989-98-20-10, Sealant MB
  • 1, 276-050-58-01, Camshaft
  • 1, 276-050-26-00, Chain Tensioner
  • 1, Q-1-03-0004 Anti Corrosion
• Post Repair Check
  • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I60suKOxtLM 

My reason for posting this failure report is to share how Mercedes Benz took care of a car problem and made the customer 100% satisfied.  There was a slight misalignment internally in the cylinder [technical talk] and they went ahead and replaced the cylinder head and the camshaft just to make sure that the damage are contained and repaired back to factory quality.  I asked if the cause of failure was a design problem but the service manager assured me that it was a misalignment or improper assembly that leads to the catastrophic failure. The engine did not die, it was still running and I was able to drive to the MB shop, I  categorized the issue as an ‘Engine Failure’ because if that was a Mars Rover engine, the rover is not coming back to earth or will not be able to perform the desired function in Mars. 

I have a 2006 ML350 with 40,000 miles on it with no issue, I am hoping that this 2013 version will be able to last that long.  Only time will tell.

Did I lost my MB confidence? No. 

Texas Lemon Law:
http://txdmv.gov/motorists/consumer-protection/lemon-law

How many “reasonable attempts” to repair a defect is the manufacturer allowed?

One way to show the dealer has had a reasonable number of attempts to fix a defect is to pass the following tests. Mileage requirements in the tests do not apply to travel trailers.

The Four Times Test

You pass this test if you have taken your vehicle to the dealership for repair

• twice for the same problem within the first 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first; and
• twice more during the 12 months or 12,000 miles following the second repair attempt, and
• the problem continues to exist.

The Serious Safety Hazard Test

A serious safety hazard is a life-threatening malfunction that substantially impedes your ability to control or operate the vehicle normally, or that creates a substantial risk of fire or explosion. You pass this test if you have taken your vehicle to the dealership two or more times for the repair of a serious safety hazard

• once during first 12 months or 12,000 miles, and
• once more during the 12 months (or 12,000 miles) following the first repair attempt, and
• the problem continues to exist.

The 30 Day Test

If your new vehicle has been out of service for repair due to a defect that substantially impairs the use or market value of the vehicle due to defects covered by the warranty for a total of 30 or more days during the first 24 months or 24,000 miles, and there were at least two repair attempts during the first 12 months or 12000 miles, and the problem still exists. If no loaner vehicle was provided to you by the dealer during this time period, you pass the test.

It is advisable to contact the Lemon Law Section of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) for more specific information and assistance at (888) 368-4689.