NHTSA Complaint #11474163 — 2006 MERCEDES BENZ C280

The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes-Benz C280. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH and the vehicle in front stopped as a result the contact rear-ended the vehicle. The contact stated that the front passenger and driver's side air bags were deployed with excessive force. The contact stated that the front driver's side and passenger side headrest restraint air bags were deployed. The contact stated that the driver in the vehicle in front was transported to the hospital by ambulance for a back injury. The contact stated that her son sought medical attention a month later for eye irritation. The front passenger sustained eye injuries that lead to blindness which eventually lead to his passing. The driver sustained burns on both arms and fingertips that did not require medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed from the scene. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or independent mechanic for diagnosis or repairs. The contact stated that the air bags were not replaced as she cut them out and was still driving today without air bags. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, her vehicle was not included in a recall. The contact also stated that a month later while driving the sunroof detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic that replaced the sunroof however, the failure cause was not diagnosed. The contact stated that she believed the sunroof failure was due to the excessive force of the air bag deployment. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.