Investigation PE08030: 2007 Mercedes-Benz ML350

Status

CLOSED

Opened

Apr 25, 2008

Closed

Sep 9, 2008

Model years

2007

Subject

Seat back warmer overheats/burns

Component: Seats › Front assembly › Seat heater/cooler

Summary

This preliminary evaluation investigation concerns the seat back warmer installed in the subject vehicles built through may 2007, equipped with the ctx' carbotex seat warmer design.the data disclose few complaints and warranty reports concerning this issue.none of the fire reports involved open flame, but were thermal incidents in which the seat cushion sustained discoloration or a hole burned in the seat cover.the reported injury appeared to be minor.the subject seat warmer design was also installed in my 2006 m-class vehicles and those data also show few incidents.a safety defect trend has not been identified.this investigation has been closed.

An NHTSA investigation looks into whether a safety defect exists. Opening one is not a finding. Outcomes can include a recall, closure without action, or further inquiry.

Model years covered

• 2007 Mercedes-Benz ML35083 complaints