NHTSA Complaint #10412231 — 2000 MERCEDES BENZ CLK430

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ CLK430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND SHUT OFF WHEN A CHILD WAS ABLE TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL OR REVERSE, WITHOUT THE PRESENCE OF THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ROLL BACKWARDS DOWN A HILL AS A RESULT. THE CHILD THEN TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A FENCE. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED, BUT IT WAS REPAIRED FOR BODY DAMAGES. A COMPLAINT WAS ALSO FILED WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS RECENTLY REKEYED, WHICH MAY HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.