2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Visibility & Wipers Problems

Wednesday Dec 27th 2023 at approx 6pm. While enroute on Interstate 81 South at Hagerstown VA in heavy rain, darkness and heavy traffic at highway speed the windshield wiper arm on the passenger side (right) suddenly collided with the drivers side arm - the wiper blade flew off and was lost the wiper arms then became entangled and ceased to operate. I believe I was quite fortunate to find an opening between trucks to get to the right side shoulder and pull the vehicle off the road. On investigation I found that the right side wiper arm was rotating freely and not operating - obviously having suffered a mechanical failure. I could not determine any immediate cause. The left side wiper arm seemed to operate normally and after waiting for the rain to subside I was able to continue the journey to an overnight stop. In my view this is an event that should never occur - the right side wiper arm is a complex mechanical linkage which operates at high velocity to sweep the area. This resulted in a complete loss of visibility at 55mph. There could have been very serious consequences. There was no warning, sound or sign of an impending failure. I will record a video of the current state of the wiper arms. I will be giving the vehicle to the Mercedes Dealer in Naples, Florida for inspection and repair. It is my judgement that given reasonable weather my trip can be completed safely.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ GLE350. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED WITHOUT IMPACT. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED BEFORE THE FAILURE. NO INJURIES OCCURRED FROM THE SHATTERED GLASS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF WEST HOUSTON (1025 HWY 6, HOUSTON, TX 77079, (281) 492-5800) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT A NEW SUN ROOF WOULD HAVE TO BE PAID FOR BY THE CONTACT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000.