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U.S. public vehicle records

2001 Mercedes Benz E430 problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

19 owner complaints analyzed

0 distinct recall campaigns

65,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2001 model year. Data updated: . 15 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Air Bags is the most frequently named component, appearing in 2 of 19 complaints (10.5%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Transmission and shifting421.1%
Electrical and battery issues210.5%
Braking behavior15.3%
Steering behavior15.3%
Fuel system concerns15.3%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Air Bags
2
Air Bags:Frontal
2
Electrical System
2
Engine And Engine Cooling
2
Unknown Or Other
2
Air Bags:Side/Window
1
Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel
1
Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery
1
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Air Bags2
Air Bags:Frontal2
Electrical System2
Engine And Engine Cooling2
Unknown Or Other2
Air Bags:Side/Window1
Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel1
Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery1

Air Bags: 2; Air Bags:Frontal: 2; Electrical System: 2; Engine And Engine Cooling: 2; Unknown Or Other: 2; Air Bags:Side/Window: 1; Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel: 1; Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
2
25,000 to 49,999
2
50,000 to 74,999
4
75,000 to 99,999
2
100,000 to 149,999
2
150,000 and above
3
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0002
25,000 to 49,9992
50,000 to 74,9994
75,000 to 99,9992
100,000 to 149,9992
150,000 and above3

Under 25,000: 2; 25,000 to 49,999: 2; 50,000 to 74,999: 4; 75,000 to 99,999: 2; 100,000 to 149,999: 2; 150,000 and above: 3

50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (4). 4 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2001
1
2002
2
2003
2
2005
1
2006
1
2007
3
2008
1
2009
1
2010
1
2011
1
2012
1
2013
1
2016
1
2017
1
2019
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20011
20022
20032
20051
20061
20073
20081
20091
20101
20111
20121
20131
20161
20171
20191

2001: 1; 2002: 2; 2003: 2; 2005: 1; 2006: 1; 2007: 3; 2008: 1; 2009: 1; 2010: 1; 2011: 1; 2012: 1; 2013: 1; 2016: 1; 2017: 1; 2019: 1

Pattern summary

Air Bags leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 4 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 2 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10142522 · 2005-11-12 (November 12, 2005)

A VERY SMALL AMOUNT OF LIQUID FROM A CUP SITTING IN THE CUP HOLDER SPILLED INTO THE GEARBOX AND THE CAR BEGAN TO SPUTTER AND SHAKE, WOULDN'T SHIFT OR ACCELERATE. I HAD TO PULL OVER AND CALL FOR THE CAR TO BE TOWED TO THE NEAREST MB DEALER. THE CAR WOULD NOT FUNCTION AT ALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE OVER $600.00 WAS SPENT TO GET A BRAND NEW GEARBOX INSTALLED FOR THE CAR TO BE FUNCTIONAL AGAIN. THE SERVICE ADVISOR SAID ALL IT TOOK WAS "LESS THAN A TEASPOON OF LIQUID" TO DROP INTO THAT AREA TO CAUSE THE CAR TO FAIL AND IT WAS VE…

Owner-reported narrative. 88,048 miles reported. Look up ODI 10142522 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10260264 · 2009-02-27 (February 27, 2009)

MY 2001 MERCEDES BENZ E430 SLIPS OUT OF GEAR FOR NO REASON WHILE DRIVING. THIS OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY AND WITH NO WARNING . IT OCCURS ALMOST EVERY DAY AND IN ORDER TO RE-ENGAGE THE DRIVE GEAR I HAVE TO STOP THE CAR, PUT GEARS IN PARK OR NEUTRAL AND THEN BACK INTO DRIVE, SOMETIME DURING THIS OPERATION SEVERAL TIMES . I CONTACTED A MERCEDES SPECIALIST AND HE SHOWED ME THE PROBLEM. APPARENTLY THE SYNTHETIC TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKS INTO THE ELECTRONICS OF THE TRANSMISSION AND IS ACTUALLY DRAWN UP THE WIRING AND INTO THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE LOC…

Owner-reported narrative. 22,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10260264 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10199423 · 2007-08-13 (August 13, 2007)

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ E430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPLODED WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO START THE ENGINE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE BATTERY WAS DEFECTIVE, WHICH CAUSED ACID TO SPILL ALL OVER THE ENGINE AND CAUSE THE EXPLOSION. HE STATED THAT THIS WAS THE VEHICLE'S ORIGINAL BATTERY. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 179,000.

Owner-reported narrative. 179,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10199423 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11032752 · 2017-10-10 (October 10, 2017)

BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH KEEPS BREAKING CAUSING VEHICLE TO HAVE NO ILLUMINATION FOR BRAKING

Owner-reported narrative. 10 miles reported. Look up ODI 11032752 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10025341 · 2003-07-03 (July 3, 2003)

I HAD A AUTO ACCIDENT AND NONE OF MY AIRBAGS WENT OFF. I HAD A SIDE IMPACT (PASSENGER SIDE) FIRST AND WAS DRIVEN HEAD ON INTO A TELEPHONE POLE. THE FORCE OF THE ACCIDENT BROKE THE POLE. MY FACE HIT THE WINDSHIELD AND MY CHEST WAS IMPACTED BY THE STEERING WHEEL. WINDSHIELD BROKE, GLASS WAS IMBEDDED IN MY FOREHEAD. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. 31,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10025341 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 566736 · 2002-07-24 (July 24, 2002)

10 DAYS AFTER TAKING DELIVERY OF THE VEHICLE THE FUEL PUMP FAILED. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED AT 32,000 MILES. NLM

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 566736 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

19 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

78.9%Usable mileage15 / 19 records
84.2%Valid incident date16 / 19 records
100.0%Valid filing date19 / 19 records
84.2%Ordered incident and filing dates16 / 19 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component19981999200020012002
Air Bags
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

523.8%
ODI 10058422 · 54 mi

AFRAID THAT AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY PROPERLY BECAUSE OF CRACKS. LOCAL DEALER AND REGIONAL MANAGER REFUSED TO REPAIR/REPLACE. *AK

Look up ODI 10058422 at NHTSA ↗

315.8%
ODI 10313191

2000 MERCEDES BENZ E430. THE CONSUMER WAS IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION AND AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *DT THE CONSUMER STATED AN OUT OF CONTROL VEHICLE HIT THE RIGHT FRONT OF HER VEHICLE. THE OTHER DRIVER'S AIR BAG DEPLOYED. A REPRESENTATIVE FROM MB STATED THE SRS FUNCTIONED AS DESIGNED; IT DIDN'T DEPLOY BECAUSE THE IMPACT WAS BELOW DEPLOYMENT THRESHOLD. THE CONSUMER THEN RECEIVED A LETTER IN THE MAIL WHICH STATED THE DAMAGE SUSTAINED BY THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SEVERE ENOUGH TO REACH AN AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. THE LETTER ALSO STATED THE SEAT BELT WOULD HAVE R…

Look up ODI 10313191 at NHTSA ↗

210.5%
ODI 10427164

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ E430. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH THE SIDE AIR BAGS FOR THE FRONT AND REAR SEATS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING NOR WAS IT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Look up ODI 10427164 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Electrical System
225.0%
ODI 10443248 · 150,045 mi

THE VEHICLE HAS EXHIBITED SYMPTOMS FOR 15 MONTHS RESULTING IN $2,000 IN ATTEMPTED REPAIRS: REPLACED IGNITION AND KEY, K MODULE, AND AIR REGULATOR. ANY AND ALL THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS MAY AND DO OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING: ENGINE LIGHT GOES ON, BAS ASR, BAS, EMERGENCY BREAK LIGHT, DEFECTIVE DISPLAY LIGHT, DEFECTIVE BULB, ALL WARNING LIGHTS GO ON AT ONCE. ALL THE LIGHTS WILL CLEAR WHEN RESTARTING THE CAR, AND THE ENGINE LIGHT WILL TURN OFF IN A DAY OR TWO. MECHANICALLY THE FUEL GAUGE AND RPM GAUGE WILL SWING WILDLY WHILE THE SPEEDOMETER SWINGS OR DROPS…

Look up ODI 10443248 at NHTSA ↗

29.5%
ODI 10608241 · 99,829 mi

SAFETY ISSUES: SRS WARNING LIGHT IS ON. AC BLOWING WARM AIR, SIDE POWER WINDOWS DO NOT OPERATE., FRONT PASSENGER SEAT CANNOT ADJUST-SENSOR FAULT INDICATED L/ VALVE COVER BREATHER NIPPLE BROKEN -REPLACED L/SIDE VALVE COVER -($1524.89). *TR

Look up ODI 10608241 at NHTSA ↗

15.3%
ODI 10157330

CONSUMER 2000 MERCEDES BENZ ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SHUT DOWN. *TS *JB

Look up ODI 10157330 at NHTSA ↗

210.5%
ODI 10456477 · 50,000 mi

THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER BEGAN VERY LIGHTLY RATTLING AT LOW SPEEDS ONLY INTERMITTENTLY AT ONLY AROUND 50000 MILES. IT NOW HAS APPROX. 60000 MILES ON IT AND HAS A LOUD NOTICEABLE RATTLE WHICH IS ALSO CAUSING VIBRATION IN THE CAR AND HAS MADE THE HARD SHIFTING FROM FIRST GEAR IN THE TRANSMISSION WORSE AND OF COURSE IT IS NOW "OUT OF WARRANTY" WHEN IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND I WILL HAVE TO PAY THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO REPLACE A PART THAT SHOULD LAST A LOT LONGER ESPECIALLY FOR A VEHICLE THAT IS PRISTINE AND GARAGE KEPT. HOPEFULLY THE OEM REMANUFACT…

Look up ODI 10456477 at NHTSA ↗

250.0%
ODI 10652310 · 79,178 mi

THE WIRING HARNESS HAS MULTIPLE EXPOSED COPPER WIRING DUE TO DISINTEGRATING INSULATION FROM NORMAL USE. THE WIRING INSULATION IS VIRTUALLY CRACKED OR COMPLETELY MISSING, EXPOSING IT TO DIRECT ENGINE HEAT AND THE ENVIRONMENT. THIS POSES SAFETY AND RISK OF HEADLIGHT FAILURE WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THIS COSTS OWNERS THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO FULLY REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS AND RELATED COMPONENTS. MY CAR HAS SPECIFICALLY ALWAYS BEEN GARAGED, KEEPING A STRICT MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE AND FOLLOWING ROUTINE ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE, ALL BY ONLY TRA…

Look up ODI 10652310 at NHTSA ↗

Suspension
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

314.3%
ODI 10425082 · 147,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCEDES BENZ E430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE COLLAPSED. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE COIL SPRING ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WAS DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SPRING PERCH FRACTURED BECAUSE IT WAS NOT WELDED ONTO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 147,000…

Look up ODI 10425082 at NHTSA ↗

210.5%
ODI 10618643 · 105,000 mi

MOUNTING FOR SUSPENSION SPRING FAILED, CAUSING THE SUSPENSION SPRING TO FALL OUT. I WAS BACKING OUT OF MY GARAGE, AND IT HAPPENED AT THE END OF MY DRIVEWAY. HAD I BEEN CRUISING ON THE HIGHWAY, IT WOULD HAVE CAUSED A CRASH. *TR

Look up ODI 10618643 at NHTSA ↗

15.3%
ODI 11242017 · 137,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES-BENZ E430. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE SHOCK SPRING FOR THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE AND LANDED IN THE ROAD. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AT A FUEL STATION AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT CORROSION MAY HAVE CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,000.

Look up ODI 11242017 at NHTSA ↗

125.0%
ODI 11467857

Engine mount bracket broke causing steering problems from cv axel on drivers side

Look up ODI 11467857 at NHTSA ↗

Unknown Or Other
337.5%
ODI 10014159 · 90,000 mi

OUR PHONE/RADIO IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. MERCEDES SAYS THERE IS NO REPLACEMENT (THEY NO LONGER STOCK THE PART). I THOUGHT THAT MANUFACTURERS HAD TO STOCK REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR SO MANY YEARS. OUR CAR IS A 1998 MODEL. I CONSIDER THIS A SAFETY PROBLEM BECAUSE MY WIFE CAN NO LONGER GET A HOLD OF ANYONE BY THE PHONE IN CASE ON AN EMERGENCY. *NLM

Look up ODI 10014159 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

210.5%
ODI 10138804

CONSUMER'S CONCERNS REGARDING THE DESIGN OF THE 2000 MERCEDES BENZ CUP HOLDER WHICH SITS OVER THE GEAR SHIFT MECHANISM.*MR THE CONSUMER HAD LIQUID IN THE CUP WHICH SPILLED INTO THE GEAR SHIFTER AND CAUSED THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM TO SHUT DOWN. *JB

Look up ODI 10138804 at NHTSA ↗

210.5%
ODI 10142522 · 88,048 mi

A VERY SMALL AMOUNT OF LIQUID FROM A CUP SITTING IN THE CUP HOLDER SPILLED INTO THE GEARBOX AND THE CAR BEGAN TO SPUTTER AND SHAKE, WOULDN'T SHIFT OR ACCELERATE. I HAD TO PULL OVER AND CALL FOR THE CAR TO BE TOWED TO THE NEAREST MB DEALER. THE CAR WOULD NOT FUNCTION AT ALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE OVER $600.00 WAS SPENT TO GET A BRAND NEW GEARBOX INSTALLED FOR THE CAR TO BE FUNCTIONAL AGAIN. THE SERVICE ADVISOR SAID ALL IT TOOK WAS "LESS THAN A TEASPOON OF LIQUID" TO DROP INTO THAT AREA TO CAUSE THE CAR TO FAIL AND IT WAS VE…

Look up ODI 10142522 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Air Bags:Frontal
112.5%
ODI 899165

WHILE DRIVING 10-15 MPH ANOTHER VEHICLE HIT CONSUMERS VEHICLE ON DRIVERS SIDE. SEATBELT DID NOT RESTRAIN CONSUMER PROPERLY AS HE WAS TOSSED FROM SIDE TO SIDE. *AK CONSUMER WAS INJURED IN ACCIDENT. VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING. ACID DAMAGE FROM BATTERY DUE TO MISSING VENT HOSE. BRAKES SQUEAKED, DEALER REPLACED FRONT PADS AND ROTORS. GLOVE COMPARTMENT BROKE. *SLC

Look up ODI 899165 at NHTSA ↗

14.8%
ODI 10032524 · 65,000 mi

PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG HAS DEVELOPED CRACKS IN THE DASH BOARD THAT SEPARATE THE AIR BAG FROM THE OCCUPANTS. I FEEL THE AIR BAG MAY NOT FIRE PROPERLY SINCE THE DASH BOARD IS CRACKED ALL THE WAY THROUGH ON 1/2 OF THE TOTAL AREA THAT SURROUNDS THE AIRBAG. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP BUT THEY DID NOT DO ANYTHING AND REALLY DID NOT CARE. I ALSO TRIED TO REACH THE AREA DSM FOR MERCEDES BUT THE LOCAL SERVICE MANAGER WOULD NEVER PATCH ME THROUGH. THE CRACKS HAVE DEVELOPED THROUGH THE DASH BOARD DECOMPOSING UNUSUALLY QUICKLY FOR A CAR TH…

Look up ODI 10032524 at NHTSA ↗

15.3%
ODI 10297766

ON E-CLASS MERCEDES, PASSENGER SEAT HAS FUNCTION TO DISABLE AIRBAGS IF A CHILD SEAT IS IN PLACE. FUNCTION IS FAILING SUCH THAT ANYONE SITTING IN PASSENGER SEAT TRIGGERS THE AIRBAG DISABLE FUNCTION SO NO FRONT PASSENGERS HAVE AIRBAG. MERCEDES IS AWARE BUT TAKING NO ACTION.*TR

Look up ODI 10297766 at NHTSA ↗

210.5%
ODI 10025341 · 31,000 mi

I HAD A AUTO ACCIDENT AND NONE OF MY AIRBAGS WENT OFF. I HAD A SIDE IMPACT (PASSENGER SIDE) FIRST AND WAS DRIVEN HEAD ON INTO A TELEPHONE POLE. THE FORCE OF THE ACCIDENT BROKE THE POLE. MY FACE HIT THE WINDSHIELD AND MY CHEST WAS IMPACTED BY THE STEERING WHEEL. WINDSHIELD BROKE, GLASS WAS IMBEDDED IN MY FOREHEAD. *AK

Look up ODI 10025341 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Suspension:Front
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

419.0%
ODI 10231289 · 65,425 mi

1999 MERCEDES BENZ E430 RH FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE FROM ITS MOUNT DURING DRIVING AND JAMMED INTO THE FRONT SUSPENSION CONTROL ARMS. CAR HAS 65,400 MILES. NO CORRECTIVE ACTION STEPS HAVE HAPPENED SO FAR. *TR

Look up ODI 10231289 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

15.3%
ODI 10316277 · 119,698 mi

I WAS TRAVELING 65 MPH ON INTERSTATE ROUTE 70 WHEN THE RIGHT FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING PERCH FAILED AND BROKE OFF OF MY 2001 MERCEDES E430 SEDAN (W210 BODY STYLE), CAUSING THE HIGH PRESSURE SUSPENSION COIL SPRING TO DISMOUNT AND DRAG ALONG THE UNDERSIDE OF MY VEHICLE. THE DISMOUNTED FRONT RIGHT COIL SPRING CAUSED THE RIGHT FRONT END OF MY VEHICLE TO COLLAPSE WHILE TRAVELING 65 MPH ON A BUSY INTERSTATE (CARS IN FRONT, BEHIND, AND ALONGSIDE MY VEHICLE). I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE TO A SAFE SPOT WHERE UPON INSPECTION, I NOTICED THAT THE F…

Look up ODI 10316277 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine
225.0%
ODI 10705113 · 120,000 mi

4.11.15//1233HRS (MT) -- 1998 MERCEDES BENZ E430 STALLING, ENGINE FAILURE PROBLEM: MULTIPLE INCIDENTS (MORE THAN 15 IN 7 YEARS) OF ENGINE FAILURE SINCE 2008. WITHOUT WARNING OR ANY SIGN OF A PROBLEM, THE ENGINE COMPLETELY SHUTS OFF. THIS OCCURS: WHILE STARTING - NO RESPONSE , WHILE STOPPED, DRIVING AT SURFACE STREET AND HIGHWAY SPEEDS, TURNING AT LOW SPEEDS AND EVEN BACKING UP. HAVE REPLACED/REPAIRED OR INSPECTED PLUGS&WIRES, WIRING HARNESS, K40 RELAY, FUSES, BATTERY, MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR, CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR, EGR VALVE, F…

Look up ODI 10705113 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

250.0%
ODI 10652310 · 79,178 mi

THE WIRING HARNESS HAS MULTIPLE EXPOSED COPPER WIRING DUE TO DISINTEGRATING INSULATION FROM NORMAL USE. THE WIRING INSULATION IS VIRTUALLY CRACKED OR COMPLETELY MISSING, EXPOSING IT TO DIRECT ENGINE HEAT AND THE ENVIRONMENT. THIS POSES SAFETY AND RISK OF HEADLIGHT FAILURE WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THIS COSTS OWNERS THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO FULLY REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS AND RELATED COMPONENTS. MY CAR HAS SPECIFICALLY ALWAYS BEEN GARAGED, KEEPING A STRICT MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE AND FOLLOWING ROUTINE ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE, ALL BY ONLY TRA…

Look up ODI 10652310 at NHTSA ↗

Suspension:Front:Springs:Coil Springs
112.5%
ODI 11563337 · 170,000 mi

The contact owns a 1998 Mercedes-Benz E430. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the passenger’s side front coil spring collapsed. The contact referenced NHTSA Action Number: PE07021. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer but was not diagnosed due to a possible safety risk. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was 170,000.

Look up ODI 11563337 at NHTSA ↗

314.3%
ODI 10068295 · 80,000 mi

I WAS DRIVING DOWN ROUTE 72S AND SUDDENLY MY DRIVER FRONT SIDE COLLASPED. AT FIRST I THOUGHT IT MIGHT OF BEEN THE TIRE WAS BLOWN, BUT AFTER TAKING A LOOK I SAW FROM UNDERNEATH THAT A SPRING WAS HANGING. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO MY HOUSE AND LOOKED UNDERNEATH IT MYSELF. THE UPPER SPRING MOUNT WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED AND WAS TEARING AWAY FROM THE BODY OF THE CAR. THIS IS A 1999 MERCEDES E430 SO IT IS FAIRLY A NEW VEHICLE. I DID SOME RESEARCH ONLINE AND FOUND OUT THAT THERE WAS A SERVICE RECALL FOR THE FRONT SPRING TOWERS ON E CLASS MODELS DATI…

Look up ODI 10068295 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Air BagsToo few reports for a range180,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10899101 · 180,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES-BENZ E430. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 80 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR AND CURTAIN AIR BAGS SUDDENLY DEPLOYED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER AND SIDE, WHICH DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.

Look up ODI 10899101 at NHTSA ↗

Air Bags:FrontalToo few reports for a range59,618 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10025341 · 31,000 mi

I HAD A AUTO ACCIDENT AND NONE OF MY AIRBAGS WENT OFF. I HAD A SIDE IMPACT (PASSENGER SIDE) FIRST AND WAS DRIVEN HEAD ON INTO A TELEPHONE POLE. THE FORCE OF THE ACCIDENT BROKE THE POLE. MY FACE HIT THE WINDSHIELD AND MY CHEST WAS IMPACTED BY THE STEERING WHEEL. WINDSHIELD BROKE, GLASS WAS IMBEDDED IN MY FOREHEAD. *AK

Look up ODI 10025341 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10198569 · 88,235 mi

NON-DEPLOYMENT OF AIRBAGS IN AN ACCIDENT, MY WIFE SUFFERED A BACK INJURY, NOTHING DONE YET. *JB

Look up ODI 10198569 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical SystemToo few reports for a range25,005 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10456477 · 50,000 mi

THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER BEGAN VERY LIGHTLY RATTLING AT LOW SPEEDS ONLY INTERMITTENTLY AT ONLY AROUND 50000 MILES. IT NOW HAS APPROX. 60000 MILES ON IT AND HAS A LOUD NOTICEABLE RATTLE WHICH IS ALSO CAUSING VIBRATION IN THE CAR AND HAS MADE THE HARD SHIFTING FROM FIRST GEAR IN THE TRANSMISSION WORSE AND OF COURSE IT IS NOW "OUT OF WARRANTY" WHEN IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND I WILL HAVE TO PAY THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO REPLACE A PART THAT SHOULD LAST A LOT LONGER ESPECIALLY FOR A VEHICLE THAT IS PRISTINE AND GARAGE KEPT. HOPEFULLY THE OEM REMANUFACT…

Look up ODI 10456477 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11032752 · 10 mi

BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH KEEPS BREAKING CAUSING VEHICLE TO HAVE NO ILLUMINATION FOR BRAKING

Look up ODI 11032752 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine CoolingToo few reports for a range116,174 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10456477 · 50,000 mi

THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER BEGAN VERY LIGHTLY RATTLING AT LOW SPEEDS ONLY INTERMITTENTLY AT ONLY AROUND 50000 MILES. IT NOW HAS APPROX. 60000 MILES ON IT AND HAS A LOUD NOTICEABLE RATTLE WHICH IS ALSO CAUSING VIBRATION IN THE CAR AND HAS MADE THE HARD SHIFTING FROM FIRST GEAR IN THE TRANSMISSION WORSE AND OF COURSE IT IS NOW "OUT OF WARRANTY" WHEN IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND I WILL HAVE TO PAY THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO REPLACE A PART THAT SHOULD LAST A LOT LONGER ESPECIALLY FOR A VEHICLE THAT IS PRISTINE AND GARAGE KEPT. HOPEFULLY THE OEM REMANUFACT…

Look up ODI 10456477 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10550539 · 182,348 mi

WHILE TRAVELING DOWN A HIGHWAY, I WAS APPROACHING A STOPLIGHT. WHILE SLOWING DOWN TO TRAFFIC, GOING AROUND 20MPH, MY ENGINE DIED WITHOUT WARNING, OVER-HEATING, OR ANYTHING INDICATION. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO RE-START THE CAR, THE ENGINE WOULD ONLY TURN, BUT NO IGNITION. I WAITED NEARLY 20 MINUTES OF TRYING TO RESTART THE CAR, WHEN IT FINALLY DID IGNITE AND START. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME (ABOUT 15 MINUTES) WHERE IT THEN DIED AGAIN, JUST OUTSIDE MY PARKING SPACE. THE CAR WAS CHECKED FOR INDICATION CODES AND THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR …

Look up ODI 10550539 at NHTSA ↗

Unknown Or OtherToo few reports for a range88,048 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10142522 · 88,048 mi

A VERY SMALL AMOUNT OF LIQUID FROM A CUP SITTING IN THE CUP HOLDER SPILLED INTO THE GEARBOX AND THE CAR BEGAN TO SPUTTER AND SHAKE, WOULDN'T SHIFT OR ACCELERATE. I HAD TO PULL OVER AND CALL FOR THE CAR TO BE TOWED TO THE NEAREST MB DEALER. THE CAR WOULD NOT FUNCTION AT ALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE OVER $600.00 WAS SPENT TO GET A BRAND NEW GEARBOX INSTALLED FOR THE CAR TO BE FUNCTIONAL AGAIN. THE SERVICE ADVISOR SAID ALL IT TOOK WAS "LESS THAN A TEASPOON OF LIQUID" TO DROP INTO THAT AREA TO CAUSE THE CAR TO FAIL AND IT WAS VE…

Look up ODI 10142522 at NHTSA ↗

Air Bags:Side/WindowToo few reports for a range88,235 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10198569 · 88,235 mi

NON-DEPLOYMENT OF AIRBAGS IN AN ACCIDENT, MY WIFE SUFFERED A BACK INJURY, NOTHING DONE YET. *JB

Look up ODI 10198569 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/PanelToo few reports for a range65,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10208646 · 65,000 mi

2001 MERCEDES E430. MAYBE AS MUCH AS TWO YEARS AGO THE TIME AND TEMP SECTIONS OF MY INSTRUMENT CLUSTER BEGAN LOSING LINES OR PIXELS SO THE TIME AND TEMP COULD NOT BE READ. I HAD JUST GONE OUT OF WARRANTY DUE TO MILEAGE AND WAS TOLD, ON THE PHONE BY A MERC. SERVICE PERSON, IT COULD BE FIXED BUT NOT UNDER WARRANTY. I HAVE SEEN MANY "FORUM" POSTS ABOUT OTHERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM MAKING ME THINK IT IS NOT AN UNCOMMON PROBLEM. I HEARD OTHER MODELS OF THE SAME YEAR ARE BEING RECALLED FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM. WHY NOT MY MODEL CAR?? THIS IS A COSTLY RE…

Look up ODI 10208646 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System:12v/24v/48v BatteryToo few reports for a range179,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10199423 · 179,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ E430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPLODED WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO START THE ENGINE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE BATTERY WAS DEFECTIVE, WHICH CAUSED ACID TO SPILL ALL OVER THE ENGINE AND CAUSE THE EXPLOSION. HE STATED THAT THIS WAS THE VEHICLE'S ORIGINAL BATTERY. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 179,000.

Look up ODI 10199423 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-102026-09

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-09 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 24 reports

2001: 4 complaints · 2002: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2001134
2002000
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
20011531
2002400

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentAir BagsAir Bags:FrontalElectrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingUnknown Or OtherAir Bags:Side/WindowElectrical System: Instrument Cluster/PanelElectrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery
Air Bags—0000000
Air Bags:Frontal0—000
1
ODI 10198569 · 88,235 mi

NON-DEPLOYMENT OF AIRBAGS IN AN ACCIDENT, MY WIFE SUFFERED A BACK INJURY, NOTHING DONE YET. *JB

Look up ODI 10198569 at NHTSA ↗

00
Electrical System00—
1
ODI 10456477 · 50,000 mi

THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER BEGAN VERY LIGHTLY RATTLING AT LOW SPEEDS ONLY INTERMITTENTLY AT ONLY AROUND 50000 MILES. IT NOW HAS APPROX. 60000 MILES ON IT AND HAS A LOUD NOTICEABLE RATTLE WHICH IS ALSO CAUSING VIBRATION IN THE CAR AND HAS MADE THE HARD SHIFTING FROM FIRST GEAR IN THE TRANSMISSION WORSE AND OF COURSE IT IS NOW "OUT OF WARRANTY" WHEN IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND I WILL HAVE TO PAY THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO REPLACE A PART THAT SHOULD LAST A LOT LONGER ESPECIALLY FOR A VEHICLE THAT IS PRISTINE AND GARAGE KEPT. HOPEFULLY THE OEM REMANUFACT…

Look up ODI 10456477 at NHTSA ↗

0000
Engine And Engine Cooling00
1
ODI 10456477 · 50,000 mi

THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER BEGAN VERY LIGHTLY RATTLING AT LOW SPEEDS ONLY INTERMITTENTLY AT ONLY AROUND 50000 MILES. IT NOW HAS APPROX. 60000 MILES ON IT AND HAS A LOUD NOTICEABLE RATTLE WHICH IS ALSO CAUSING VIBRATION IN THE CAR AND HAS MADE THE HARD SHIFTING FROM FIRST GEAR IN THE TRANSMISSION WORSE AND OF COURSE IT IS NOW "OUT OF WARRANTY" WHEN IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND I WILL HAVE TO PAY THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO REPLACE A PART THAT SHOULD LAST A LOT LONGER ESPECIALLY FOR A VEHICLE THAT IS PRISTINE AND GARAGE KEPT. HOPEFULLY THE OEM REMANUFACT…

Look up ODI 10456477 at NHTSA ↗

—0000
Unknown Or Other0000—000
Air Bags:Side/Window0
1
ODI 10198569 · 88,235 mi

NON-DEPLOYMENT OF AIRBAGS IN AN ACCIDENT, MY WIFE SUFFERED A BACK INJURY, NOTHING DONE YET. *JB

Look up ODI 10198569 at NHTSA ↗

000—00
Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel000000—0
Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery0000000—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

1 patterns with matching reports.

Hard or delayed shifting

1 mentions · 5.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 50,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10456477 · 50,000 mi

THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER BEGAN VERY LIGHTLY RATTLING AT LOW SPEEDS ONLY INTERMITTENTLY AT ONLY AROUND 50000 MILES. IT NOW HAS APPROX. 60000 MILES ON IT AND HAS A LOUD NOTICEABLE RATTLE WHICH IS ALSO CAUSING VIBRATION IN THE CAR AND HAS MADE THE HARD SHIFTING FROM FIRST GEAR IN THE TRANSMISSION WORSE AND OF COURSE IT IS NOW "OUT OF WARRANTY" WHEN IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND I WILL HAVE TO PAY THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO REPLACE A PART THAT SHOULD LAST A LOT LONGER ESPECIALLY FOR A VEHICLE THAT IS PRISTINE AND GARAGE KEPT. HOPEFULLY THE OEM REMANUFACT…

Look up ODI 10456477 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(hard shift\w*|rough shift\w*|delay\w* shift\w*|shift\w* hard|jerk\w*|lurch\w*)\b