NHTSA Complaint #11696370 — 2025 MERCEDES-BENZ E 350 4MATIC

Subject: Electrical System Failure and Safety Hazard – 2025 Mercedes-Benz E350 Dear Sirs, I am writing to formally report a serious safety concern and design flaw involving my 2025 Mercedes-Benz E350, which recently suffered a complete dashboard and display failure. According to the service technician, liquid that entered from the cup-holder area reached wiring and computer modules located directly underneath, causing a total system short. I was informed that this damage was not covered under warranty because it was attributed to “liquid exposure.” However, I never noticed any liquid spill or misuse of the vehicle. When the dashboard failed, the following critical systems were lost: Speedometer and vehicle speed display Warning lights (airbag, ABS, check engine, etc.) Fuel gauge and temperature indicators Navigation and climate control screens This left me driving without any visible speed, warning, or system status, which constitutes a clear safety hazard both to myself and other motorists. The wiring harnesses and control modules located directly under the cup holders are unprotected from moisture or condensation, even from normal use. This placement exposes sensitive electronics to a predictable and foreseeable hazard — a beverage container or minor condensation. A luxury vehicle of this level should not experience catastrophic electrical failure from normal interior use. The design effectively ensures that even the smallest moisture exposure can lead to multi-thousand-dollar damage and loss of all essential vehicle functions. This appears to be a defect in design and safety engineering, not user negligence. The repair estimate for this issue was approximately $3,000–$4,000, which I was forced to process through my insurance. Given that this design could affect other vehicles of the same model.I did write t9 mercedes however nonrefundable. I felt I would forward to tiu as it is a safet issue.A redesign if where Electrical box is is a simple fix.