NHTSA Complaint #11497646 — 2021 MERCEDES-BENZ AMG E53

SEAT BELTS issue reported to NHTSA

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Complaint Details

ODI Number 11497646
Vehicle 2021 MERCEDES-BENZ AMG E53
Component SEAT BELTS
Date of Incident
Date Filed
Mileage N/A miles
Crash No
Fire No
Injuries 0
Deaths 0
Vehicle Towed No
State VT

Consumer Description

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Automatic Emergency Braking / Selt Belt Pretensioner. Car can be inspected at dealer during a scheduled service if needed. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I was driving on a local road (paved, no painted road markings, some small cracks/pot holes but all minor) that I frequently drive without issue. This time as I was coming out of a minor left-hand curve and about 30 meters from a slightly sharper right hand turn the Automatic Emergency Braking warning light activated, as well as the warning alarm, and the Seal Belt Pretensioner engaged and yanked me (driving) back (as it would if the vehicle was preparing for a collision. However, the vehicle never activated the brakes to slow the vehicle and the warning light and alarm deactivated and the seat belt released the tension. There were no vehicles coming from the other direction, no animals or pedestrians in sight. There is a utility pole located about 2-3ft off the right side of the road near this area. I've now had this occur two more times (three total) in the same location driving in the same direction. Twice I was the only occupant, and once there were two occupants, one in the driver's seat and one in the passenger seat (the Seat Belt Pretensioner activated for both occupants). Safety Issue: Automatic Emergency Braking System activating unexpectedly and unnecessarily. When Automatic Emergency Braking System is activated the Seat Belt Pretensioner activates and forcefully restrains the occupant (as I assume it should the vehicle expects a collision or harsh braking). This is very surprising and distracting for the driver (and in one instance also a passenger, who afterwards said they remarked they felt like it almost gave them a heart attack). This can lead to an accident given the unexpectedness. Additionally, the brakes never engaged or slowed the vehicle in any of the three instances.

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