Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

2001 Mercedes Benz S CLASS problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

36 owner complaints analyzed

5 distinct recall campaigns

96,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2001 model year. Data updated: . 31 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 11 of 36 complaints (30.6%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Braking behavior38.3%
Electrical and battery issues25.6%
Steering behavior25.6%
Transmission and shifting12.8%

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.

Electrical System
11
Interior Lighting
7
Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel
6
Electrical System:Wiring:Interior/Under Dash
4
Suspension
2
Suspension:Front
2
Air Bags
1
Child Seat
1
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Electrical System11
Interior Lighting7
Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel6
Electrical System:Wiring:Interior/Under Dash4
Suspension2
Suspension:Front2
Air Bags1
Child Seat1

Electrical System: 11; Interior Lighting: 7; Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel: 6; Electrical System:Wiring:Interior/Under Dash: 4; Suspension: 2; Suspension:Front: 2; Air Bags: 1; Child Seat: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

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

Under 25,000
1
25,000 to 49,999
4
50,000 to 74,999
6
75,000 to 99,999
5
100,000 to 149,999
12
150,000 and above
3
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0001
25,000 to 49,9994
50,000 to 74,9996
75,000 to 99,9995
100,000 to 149,99912
150,000 and above3

Under 25,000: 1; 25,000 to 49,999: 4; 50,000 to 74,999: 6; 75,000 to 99,999: 5; 100,000 to 149,999: 12; 150,000 and above: 3

100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (12). 5 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
2004
1
2005
3
2006
11
2007
2
2008
5
2009
2
2010
1
2011
5
2012
3
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20011
20022
20041
20053
200611
20072
20085
20092
20101
20115
20123

2001: 1; 2002: 2; 2004: 1; 2005: 3; 2006: 11; 2007: 2; 2008: 5; 2009: 2; 2010: 1; 2011: 5; 2012: 3

Pattern summary

Electrical System leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 3 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 2 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 2 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 10133955 · 2005-08-23 (August 23, 2005)

VEHICLE IS A 2001 S-500. ALMOST WORD FOR WORD THE SAME ISSUE(S) AS ODI ID NUMBER : 10100807. SAME CAR, SAME PROBLEMS, SAME SENTIMENT. REPLACING FUSES ONLY RESULTS IN FLICKERING INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LIGHTING, AND EVEN THEN THE BACKLIGHT IS STILL NON-FUNCTIONAL. GAUGE NEEDLES FLICKER AS WELL, UNTIL THEY TOO GO OUT COMPLETELY. FUSES LAST ONLY FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS, WHEREUPON THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER REMAINS ENTIRELY BLACK. PROBLEM COULD BE REMEDIED SIMPLY BY REPLACING FAULTY TRANSISTORS, OR REDESIGNING AN IMPROPERLY LAID-OUT INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, …

Owner-reported narrative. 49,700 miles reported. Look up ODI 10133955 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10285343 · 2009-09-26 (September 26, 2009)

FOR THE PAST FEW MONTHS MY CAR HAS BEEN GETTING STUCK IN PARK. THE PROBLEM IS BECOMING MORE FREQUENT. THE LAST TIME THE SHIFTER GOT STUCK IN PARK, THE ONLY WAY I COULD GET IT OUT OF PARK WAS TO HIT THE TOP OF SHIFTER WITH A RUBBER MALLET (THIS IS THE METHOD USED BY MERCEDES BENZ ROADSIDE SERVICE). THIS IS AN UNSAFE, POTENTIALLY DEADLY PROBLEM. I RECENTLY RAN OUT OF GAS ON THE HIGHWAY AND AS I COASTED ONTO AN OFF RAMP, MY CAR CAME TO A STOP ON A NARROW SECTION OF ROAD WHERE THE CARS DRIVE BY VERY FAST. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK TO TRY TO RESTART THE…

Owner-reported narrative. 170,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10285343 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10163101 · 2006-07-21 (July 21, 2006)

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE STARTING THE ENGINE, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DARKENED. AFTER THIS INCIDENT OTHER ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS OCCURRED; FUSES BECAME BLOWN, THE HIGH BEAMS, RADIO AND INTERIOR LIGHTS FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER DECLARED THERE IS A RECALL FOR S MODELS AND PROVIDED THE CAMPAIGN NUMBER 06V08000. THE VEHICLE'S VIN# WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. UPDATED 8/17/2006 - THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER HAD AN INTERNAL SHORT WHICH CAUSED THE FUSES TO BLOW. THE DEALER REPLACED THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. *NM

Owner-reported narrative. 103,200 miles reported. Look up ODI 10163101 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10178846 · 2007-01-16 (January 16, 2007)

TL* - THE CONTACT RECEIVED RECALL NUMBER 04V227000 FOR HIS 2001 MERCEDES S CLASS' ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND FUSES. THE VEHICLE HAS APPROXIMATELY 74,000 MILES. THE CONTACT STATED HE BELIEVES THAT DUE TO THIS FAILURE, THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM WAS DISABLED. THEREFORE, IF THERE IS AN EMERGENCY THE SOS SYSTEM IS INOPERABLE. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN FOR THE CONTACT. THE DEALER HAS STATED TO THE CONSUMER THEY WILL INVESTIGATE, BUT AT THIS TIME THEY WILL NOT REPAIR THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM UNDER THE RECALL. *NM UPDATED 02/22/07.*JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10178846 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10157585 · 2006-05-15 (May 15, 2006)

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THE FRONT END MADE A CREAKING NOISE WHILE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THE LOWER CONTROL ARM SUPPORT LINK, REAR ENGINE TRANSMISSION MOUNTS, AND MOTOR MOUNTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.

Owner-reported narrative. 61,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10157585 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10170717 · 2006-10-13 (October 13, 2006)

LIGHTING (INSTRUMENT CLUSTER) ON THE DASHBOARD OF MY 2001 MERCEDES BENZ S500[XXX] FLICKERED FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS THEN WENT OUT COMPLETELY. IT AFFECTED MY AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS AND SIDE MIRROR SIGNAL INDICATORS. I CANNOT VIEW THE GAUGES/SPEEDOMETER AND USE THE PRESET BUTTONS ON THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE OPERATING THIS VEHICLE. *NM UPDATED 07/12/2012*JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Owner-reported narrative. 60,100 miles reported. Look up ODI 10170717 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

36 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

86.1%Usable mileage31 / 36 records
100.0%Valid incident date36 / 36 records
100.0%Valid filing date36 / 36 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates36 / 36 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
Component1998199920002001200220032004200520092012
Electrical System
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

911.1%
ODI 10137827

FAILURE: 2000 MERCEDES S CLASS INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILURE. ALL ELECTRONIC GAUGES, INCLUDING MPH, RPMS, FUEL GAUGE, HEAT SENSOR, ETC., CEASED WORKING ON APPROXIMATELY SEPTEMBER 10, 2005, AND HAVE NOT WORKED SINCE. I HAVE CALLED DEALERSHIP AND WILL BE TAKING CAR IN FOR SERVICE. I HAVE ALSO CALLED MERCEDES DIRECTLY. I HAVE HEARD THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MAKE OF CAR. I CONSIDER THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. *NM

Look up ODI 10137827 at NHTSA ↗

1130.6%
ODI 10133955 · 49,700 mi

VEHICLE IS A 2001 S-500. ALMOST WORD FOR WORD THE SAME ISSUE(S) AS ODI ID NUMBER : 10100807. SAME CAR, SAME PROBLEMS, SAME SENTIMENT. REPLACING FUSES ONLY RESULTS IN FLICKERING INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LIGHTING, AND EVEN THEN THE BACKLIGHT IS STILL NON-FUNCTIONAL. GAUGE NEEDLES FLICKER AS WELL, UNTIL THEY TOO GO OUT COMPLETELY. FUSES LAST ONLY FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS, WHEREUPON THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER REMAINS ENTIRELY BLACK. PROBLEM COULD BE REMEDIED SIMPLY BY REPLACING FAULTY TRANSISTORS, OR REDESIGNING AN IMPROPERLY LAID-OUT INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, …

Look up ODI 10133955 at NHTSA ↗

510.4%
ODI 10083037

WHILE DRIVING, I LOST ALL ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS IN MY MERCEDES. POWER STEERING, POWER BRAKES, LIGHTS, DISPLAY, POWER WINDOWS ETC.*AK

Look up ODI 10083037 at NHTSA ↗

517.9%
ODI 10029303 · 3,000 mi

RE: 2003 S600 [XXX] MY RELATIVELY NEW (3000 MILES) S600 HAS A PERSISTENT PROBLEM WITH THE NEW V12 ENGINE THAT HAS NOW DEVELOPED INTO A SERIOUS SAFETY RISK FOR THE DRIVER. MY CAR HAS BEEN IN SERVICE MORE THAN 4 TIMES FOR THIS PROBLEM - IT HAS BEEN ESCALATED TO THE TECH CENTER BY MY DEALER - IT HAS NOT EVER BEEN FIXED. THE SPARK PLUGS ARE REGULARLY FOULED BY MISFIRING CYLINDERS (1,2,7,8) - THE DEALER SAYS IT MAY BE A SOFTWARE PROBLEM THAT MBUSA HAS FAILED TO FIX..AND NOW - WHEN DRIVEN AT SPEED OVER RELATIVELY MODEST BUMPS - THE CAR TOTALLY DIE…

Look up ODI 10029303 at NHTSA ↗

320.0%
ODI 10076163 · 4,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE LOST POWER. THE ENGINE CONTINUED RUNNING, BUT THERE WAS NO POWER BRAKE OR POWER STEERING. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND HAD BEEN THERE FOR 3 WEEKS, BUT THEY COULD NOT IDENTIFY THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS PERFORMED, BUT NO FAILURE CODE WAS FOUND. DEALERSHIP WAS AWAITING A FACTORY REPRESENTATIVE TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THIS PROBLEM COULD BE ATTRIBUTED TO AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE.*AK

Look up ODI 10076163 at NHTSA ↗

150.0%
ODI 10268698 · 38,717 mi

AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON IN 2005 SMART CAR. MAINTENANCE BOOK SAYS GET TO DEALER IMMEDIATELY, SO WE DID. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT SHOULD BE A RECALL. THE WIRING HARNESS NEEDED REPLACED. *TR

Look up ODI 10268698 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

2024.7%
ODI 10159079 · 87,000 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BEGAN DIMMING INTERMITTENTLY UNTIL IT WAS COMPLETELY DARK. AS A RESULT, NONE OF THE GAUGES ARE ILLUMINATED. THERE IS AN NHTSA RECALL, # 06V028000, REGARDING THE INTERIOR LIGHTING. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *AK

Look up ODI 10159079 at NHTSA ↗

616.7%
ODI 10163101 · 103,200 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE STARTING THE ENGINE, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DARKENED. AFTER THIS INCIDENT OTHER ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS OCCURRED; FUSES BECAME BLOWN, THE HIGH BEAMS, RADIO AND INTERIOR LIGHTS FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER DECLARED THERE IS A RECALL FOR S MODELS AND PROVIDED THE CAMPAIGN NUMBER 06V08000. THE VEHICLE'S VIN# WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. UPDATED 8/17/2006 - THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER HAD AN INTERNAL SHORT WHICH CAUSED THE FUSES TO BLOW. THE DEALER REPLACED THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. *NM

Look up ODI 10163101 at NHTSA ↗

612.5%
ODI 10156943 · 59,475 mi

FAILURE OF INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, HAD TO BE REPLACED. *JB

Look up ODI 10156943 at NHTSA ↗

13.6%
ODI 10262744 · 75,000 mi

THE INTERIOR LIGHTS ARE MALFUNCTIONING IN MY CAR AND I CAN'T READ MY GAUGES ON THE SPEEDOMETER DURING THE DAY OR AT NIGHT. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

Look up ODI 10262744 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.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Interior Lighting
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

1721.0%
ODI 10142662 · 39,000 mi

MY 200 S430 PANEL WAS BLACK OUT EVEN THE ENGINE WAS TURN ON. AFTER A FEW TRIES AND RESET, IT WENT BACK TO NORMAL. *JB

Look up ODI 10142662 at NHTSA ↗

719.4%
ODI 10133955 · 49,700 mi

VEHICLE IS A 2001 S-500. ALMOST WORD FOR WORD THE SAME ISSUE(S) AS ODI ID NUMBER : 10100807. SAME CAR, SAME PROBLEMS, SAME SENTIMENT. REPLACING FUSES ONLY RESULTS IN FLICKERING INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LIGHTING, AND EVEN THEN THE BACKLIGHT IS STILL NON-FUNCTIONAL. GAUGE NEEDLES FLICKER AS WELL, UNTIL THEY TOO GO OUT COMPLETELY. FUSES LAST ONLY FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS, WHEREUPON THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER REMAINS ENTIRELY BLACK. PROBLEM COULD BE REMEDIED SIMPLY BY REPLACING FAULTY TRANSISTORS, OR REDESIGNING AN IMPROPERLY LAID-OUT INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, …

Look up ODI 10133955 at NHTSA ↗

48.3%
ODI 10170182 · 92,000 mi

INSTRUMENT PANEL HAS FAILED, NO ILLUMINATION. I CAN NOT SEE MY GAUGES. I CONTACTED A LOCAL DEALER AND THEY SAID MY VIN # DOES NOT APPLY TO THE RECALL. IT IS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ S430. *JB

Look up ODI 10170182 at NHTSA ↗

27.1%
ODI 10262744 · 75,000 mi

THE INTERIOR LIGHTS ARE MALFUNCTIONING IN MY CAR AND I CAN'T READ MY GAUGES ON THE SPEEDOMETER DURING THE DAY OR AT NIGHT. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

Look up ODI 10262744 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.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Suspension
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

111.1%
ODI 10253298

MERCEDES S-CLASS W220 AIRMATIC PROBLEMS,DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT ! THEY ARE SUCKING USS OUTTTTTT! *TR

Look up ODI 10253298 at NHTSA ↗

89.9%
ODI 10070712 · 46,521 mi

MY MAJOR CONCERN IS THE FAILURE OF MY ACCELERATOR TO RESPOND. THIS COULD HAVE EASILY BEEN A FATAL ACCIDENT. I WAS BEGINNING TO ENTER THE INTERSTATE AND THE ACCELARATOR SIMPLY FAILED TO RESPOND. IMMEDIATELY GOT IT TO THE SHOP AND THEY REPLACED THE PEDAL VALVE SENDER, PEDAL HOUSING ASSEMBLY,AND INPUT NEW CODES FOR THE PEDAL VALVE SENSOR. I WAS CHARGED $361.03. APPARENTLY MANY OF THE S CLASS CARS HAVE COMPUTER PROBLEMS AND I BELIEVE THIS MODEL SHOULD BE RECALLED TO CHECK PEDAL VALVE SENSORS AND TO INSTALL A SAFTEY BACK UP OF SOME TYPE. MANY PEOPLE…

Look up ODI 10070712 at NHTSA ↗

25.6%
ODI 10239277 · 129,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ S 500. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED, THE AIRMATIC REMAINS LOWERED WHEN IT SHOULD NOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT CORROSION OCCURRED IN THE INNER STEEL PORTIONS OF THE ACTIVE BODY CONTROL'S (ABC) HIGH PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION HOSE DUE TO EXTENSIVE EXPOSURE TO HUMIDITY, WHICH CAUSED DETERIORATION OF THE HOSE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V263000 (SUSPENSION), ALTHOUGH THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 129,…

Look up ODI 10239277 at NHTSA ↗

1225.0%
ODI 10150390 · 5,100 mi

AFTER DRIVING AND PLACING GEAR OF 2002 MERCEDES BENZ S430 IN PARK, MY CAR COLLAPSED SO LOW THAT CAR COULD NOT BE DRIVEN, LEAVING ALL OCCUPANTS STRANDED. AIRMATIC COMPRESSOR SYSTEM, WHICH IS CAR'S SUSPENSION SYSTEM TOTALLY FAILED. CAR TOWED ON FLAT BED TO DEALERSHIP. SEVERAL PARTS REPLACED, INCLUDING AIRMATIC COMPESSOR, SENSOR, FUSE, PUMP, AND MORE. CAR REPAIR COST ME $1000. *NM

Look up ODI 10150390 at NHTSA ↗

414.3%
ODI 10235915 · 73,000 mi

THE AIRMATIC WARNING CAME ON MY VEHICLE WITHOUT PRIOR INCIDENT. WHILE DRIVING NORMALLY LAST WEEK, I SUDDENLY NOTICED THE PANEL FLASHING THIS WARNING. THE CAR DID NOT COMPLETELY FAIL, BUT THE CAR IS MUCH LOWER THAN IT NEEDS TO BE. WHEN I SEARCHED THIS ON-LINE I CAME ACROSS A FORUM CALLED BENZWORLD.ORG OR COM. THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND MANY PEOPLE ARE CALLING FOR MBUSA TO RECALL THIS ITEM. I CALLED THE CORPORATE HQ AND WAS TOLD TO TAKE THE CAR IN TO THE DEALER, I WAS TO ASK THE SERVICE MANAGER FOR A" AFTER WARRA…

Look up ODI 10235915 at NHTSA ↗

16.7%
ODI 10256937 · 86,666 mi

IN 12-06 I BOUGHT A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ S500. SINCE THAN I TOOK THE CAR BACK THE DEALER MORE TEN TIMES THE LATEST WAS 1-09 FOR THE SAME REASON THE AIR MATIC DEFECTED ORCOMPRESSURE LEAK,PRESSURE SENSOR MALFUNCTION,AIR MATIC VALVE BLOCK DEFECTIVE. SOME TIME THEY FOUND THE AIR MATIC COMPRESSORS W/ EXTERNAL LEAK CAUSE THE SUSPENSION TO BE LOW. IN MAY 2008 FOR LEAK IN THE COMPRESSOR THEY TOLD ME IT WAS FIXED. AGAIN IN JULY 2008 AIR MATIC COMPRESSOR AGAIN LEAK. AUG 2008 THEY TOLD ME IT RELAY DEFECTIVE THE AIRMATIC PUMP WAS STUCK AND THE AIRMATIC PUMP …

Look up ODI 10256937 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.

Suspension:Front
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

33.7%
ODI 10303020 · 84,000 mi

I'M PROBABLY NOT THE FIRST COMPLAIN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT, AS A SIMPLE SEARCH ON WWW.GOOGLE.COM WOULD REVEAL THAT THIS PROBLEM IS NATION WIDE. I OWN A 2000 S-CLASS MERCEDES-BENZ (W220 CHASIS), AND I TOO GOT SOME AROMATIC (AIR SUSPENTION) PROBLEM. WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A SIDE STREET, MY VEHICLE DISPLAYED A WARNING SIGN SAYING "AROMATIC STOP VEHICLE TOO LOW". I BEGAN TO PULL OVER TOWARD THE SIDE OF THE STREET BY SLIGHTLY TURNING THE WHEEL TO THE RIGHT, WHEN I NOTICED THAT THE CAR WAS SHAKING FROM THE FRICTION OF THE WHEEL RUBBING AGAINST THE BUMP…

Look up ODI 10303020 at NHTSA ↗

25.6%
ODI 10283045 · 67,000 mi

2001 MERCEDES S500 PASSENGER SIDE FRONT WHEEL DROPPED DUE TO AIRMATIC PROBLEM. IT CAUSED THE PASSENGER SIDE TIRE TO DAMAGE THE INSIDE FENDER AND THE FRONT BUMPER. FORTUNATELY THE CAR WAS TRAVELED WITH SLOW SPEED AND WAS ABLE TO STOP WITHOUT CAUSING FURTHER DAMAGE. IF THIS WAS ON THE FREEWAY IT WILL CAUSING ACCIDENT AND DANGER TO DRIVER & PASSENGERS AND OTHER CARS SURROUNDING. *TR

Look up ODI 10283045 at NHTSA ↗

36.3%
ODI 10278310 · 88,000 mi

REGULAR DRIVING THEN FRONT RIGHT OF CAR FALLS TO THE GROUND. *TR

Look up ODI 10278310 at NHTSA ↗

517.9%
ODI 10055275 · 9,500 mi

THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE COLLAPSED WHILE PARKED. THE DEALER COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NM *MR

Look up ODI 10055275 at NHTSA ↗

16.7%
ODI 10109231

THE FRONT SUSPENSION FALLS DOWN DURING COLD WEATHER, CAUSING THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE TO SINK DOWN ON THE WHEELS. A WARNING LIGHT TURNS ON INFORMING THE DRIVER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BY OWNER.*AK

Look up ODI 10109231 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.

Air Bags
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

222.2%
ODI 10169599 · 81,000 mi

AIRBAGS IN 1999 S500 MERCEDES FAILED TO DEPLOY IN FRONTAL COLLISION WITH A UTILITY POLE AT SPEED ESTIMATED BETWEEN 15-25 MPH. DRIVER WAS WEARING HIS SEAT BELT. *NM

Look up ODI 10169599 at NHTSA ↗

11.2%
ODI 10152519 · 67,400 mi

VEHICLE WAS HIT BY A SEMI-TRUCK ON DRIVER SIDE THROWING DRIVERS HEAD AND BODY INTO SIDE DOOR/GLASS WINDOWS. NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED! CAR WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED AND WAS REPAIRED BY FARMERS INSURANCE REPAIR. AIR BAGS WERE NOT REPLACED!!!! DRIVER SUFFERED UPPER BODY TRAUMA, PARTICULARLY RIB CAGE. TOTAL AIR BAG FAILURE. *NM

Look up ODI 10152519 at NHTSA ↗

12.8%
ODI 10229908 · 46,000 mi

WHEN A PASSANGER SITS IN THE FRONT SEAT THEIR WEIGHT ENABLES THE AIR BAGS TO WORK. HOWEVER AFTER THEY HAVE SAT AND EXITED THE VEHICLE THE SRS LIGHT COMES ON AND DISABLES THE AIR BAGS. IF THE PASSANGER SITS IN THE SEAT AND BRINGS THEIR LEGS AS CLOSE TO THE FRONT SEAT AS POSSIBLE THE SRS LIGHT WILL COME ON AND DISABLE THE FRONT AIR BAGS EVEN THOUGH THEIR IS A PERSON SITTING IN THE FRONT SEAT. THIS SENSOR IS THE CHILD SEAT SENSOR ON MY 2001 MERCEDES BENZ 430S. *TR

Look up ODI 10229908 at NHTSA ↗

24.2%
ODI 10274243 · 78,139 mi

MY CAR IS AN 2002 MERCEDES S430 AIRMATIC SYSTEM FAILURE STRUTS AND PUMP FIRST THE STRUTS FAILED IN NOV 2008 WHICH LOWERS THE CAR ON TOP OF THE TIRES AND MAKES THE CAR UNDRIVEABLE. NOW IN JUNE 2009, THE PUMP FAILED WHICH LOWERED THE CAR ON TOP OF THE TIRES AND MAKES AND CAR UNDRIVEABLE. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM. IF THIS SYSTEM FAILS WHILE DRIVING, THE CAR AND DAMAGE THE TIRES AND CAUSE A BLOW-OUT RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. THESE FAILURES HAVE BEEN REPORTED BY MANY OWNERS AND HAVE CAUSED INJURIES AND EXTENSIVE COSTS TO OWNERS. …

Look up ODI 10274243 at NHTSA ↗

310.7%
ODI 10093017

THE AIR BAGS ARE DEPLOYING. SO FAR NO INJURIES. THE AIR BAGS HAVE DEPLOYED ON TWO SERVICE TECHS. AND ONE TOW TRUCK DRIVER. DEPLOYMENT IS DO TO A DEFECT. THE CAR IS AN SLK 320. *AK

Look up ODI 10093017 at NHTSA ↗

16.7%
ODI 10575184 · 108,749 mi

SRS SYSTEM NOT OPERATING ON PASSENGER SIDE. *TR

Look up ODI 10575184 at NHTSA ↗

150.0%
ODI 10268698 · 38,717 mi

AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON IN 2005 SMART CAR. MAINTENANCE BOOK SAYS GET TO DEALER IMMEDIATELY, SO WE DID. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT SHOULD BE A RECALL. THE WIRING HARNESS NEEDED REPLACED. *TR

Look up ODI 10268698 at NHTSA ↗

150.0%
ODI 10349604 · 8,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCEDES BENZ S CLASS. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 55 MPH WHEN A VEHICLE AHEAD OF HIM ABRUPTLY STOPPED. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES AS THE PEDAL WAS APPLIED DOWN TO THE FLOORBOARD AND REMAINED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RELEASE THE BRAKE PEDAL AND CRASHED INTO THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE SOS SYSTEM DID NOT ENGAGE. THERE WERE NO REPORTED INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE (SP1L15000802). THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE…

Look up ODI 10349604 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Suspension:Front:Springs:Air Suspension System
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

1012.3%
ODI 10108181 · 75,000 mi

AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE US280, AT 65 MPH, THE FRONT END OF MY 2000 MERCEDES S430 SUDDENLY DROPPED ALMOST 12 INCHES. A MESSAGE APPEARED ON MY DASH SAYING SOMETHING LIKE: CAR TOO LOW, STOP IMMEDIATELY. *AK AS I TURNED THE STEARING WHEEL TO EXIT TO THE ROAD'S SHOULDER, A LOAD SQUEALING SOUND BEGAN BECAUSE MY WHEELS WERE STRIKING THE CAR'S WHEEL WELLS. THEREFORE, I HAD TO SLOWLY NAVIGATE TO THE RIGHT SO THAT MY TIRES WEREN'T TORN TO SHREADS. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO PARK AVENUE MOTORS AND THEY REPLACED A HYDRAULIC PUMP THAT CONTROLS RAISING AN…

Look up ODI 10108181 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

24.2%
ODI 10182366 · 69,000 mi

I OWN A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ S-430 WITH 69,000 MILES THAT I PURCHASED NEW. ON FEBRUARY 7TH & 8TH I HAD THE DEALER PERFORM A SCHEDULED SERVICING OF MY CAR WHICH WAS AN EXTENSIVE CHECKUP (COST OVER $1,000) DESPITE HAVING NO PROBLEMS. THE FOLLOWING DAY MY FAMILY TOOK AN AUTOMOBILE TRIP OF 140 MILES. ON FEBRUARY 10TH, WHILE DRIVING I EXPERIENCED A FAILURE OF THE AIRMATIC SUSPENSION SYSTEM. THE CAR'S WARNING SYSTEM ALERTED ME TO STOP THE CAR AND NOT DRIVE IT. AFTER TALKING TO MERCEDES ON THEIR EMERGENCY RESPONSE SYSTEM, I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO MY DEALE…

Look up ODI 10182366 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.

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
Electrical System68,550–111,994 mi96,000 mi11
ODI 10133955 · 49,700 mi

VEHICLE IS A 2001 S-500. ALMOST WORD FOR WORD THE SAME ISSUE(S) AS ODI ID NUMBER : 10100807. SAME CAR, SAME PROBLEMS, SAME SENTIMENT. REPLACING FUSES ONLY RESULTS IN FLICKERING INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LIGHTING, AND EVEN THEN THE BACKLIGHT IS STILL NON-FUNCTIONAL. GAUGE NEEDLES FLICKER AS WELL, UNTIL THEY TOO GO OUT COMPLETELY. FUSES LAST ONLY FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS, WHEREUPON THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER REMAINS ENTIRELY BLACK. PROBLEM COULD BE REMEDIED SIMPLY BY REPLACING FAULTY TRANSISTORS, OR REDESIGNING AN IMPROPERLY LAID-OUT INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, …

Look up ODI 10133955 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10136503 · 79,500 mi

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILURE 2001 MERCEDES BENZ S500. ONCE THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILS, THE GAS GAUGE, CHECK ENGINE, ODOMETER, INSIDE INDICATORS FOR TURN SIGNALS, PARKING ASSIST LIGHTS DO NOT WORK. EVERYTHING IS LINKED TO THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. ONE DAY THIS IS GOING TO CAUSE A REAL SERIOUS PROBLEM. MERCEDES CHARGES AROUND $1800 TO REPLACE THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. PHONE INTERVIEW UPDATE (SEPTEMBER 23, 05): NO WARNINGS PRIOR TO INSTRUMENT CLUSTER BLACKOUT. THE CONSUMER SAID THAT HE COULDN'T SEE THE GAUGES AND WAS TOLD BY M-B ROADSIDE ASSISTANC…

Look up ODI 10136503 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10163785 · 77,000 mi

DEFECT IN MERCEDES BENZ 2001 S500 WITH THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER YOU LOOSE ALL YOUR IN DASH LIGHTS, GAUGES THE WHOLE PANEL GOES DEAD YOU CAN'T TELL HOW FAST YOUR GOING, HOW MUCH GAS YOU HAVE ,OR IF YOUR CAR IS OVERHEATED, NOTHING WORKS, NO MILES,NOTHING THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND MERCEDES IS DOING NOTHING TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM,THERE DROPPING THE BALL I WENT IN TO HAVE IT CHECKED AND WAS TOLD IT COST 2300.00 TO REPAIR THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE ,THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD A RECALL IS VERY MUCH NEEDED THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF OTHERS OUT THERE WITH THIS PR…

Look up ODI 10163785 at NHTSA ↗

Interior Lighting41,350–98,000 mi60,100 mi7
ODI 10133955 · 49,700 mi

VEHICLE IS A 2001 S-500. ALMOST WORD FOR WORD THE SAME ISSUE(S) AS ODI ID NUMBER : 10100807. SAME CAR, SAME PROBLEMS, SAME SENTIMENT. REPLACING FUSES ONLY RESULTS IN FLICKERING INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LIGHTING, AND EVEN THEN THE BACKLIGHT IS STILL NON-FUNCTIONAL. GAUGE NEEDLES FLICKER AS WELL, UNTIL THEY TOO GO OUT COMPLETELY. FUSES LAST ONLY FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS, WHEREUPON THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER REMAINS ENTIRELY BLACK. PROBLEM COULD BE REMEDIED SIMPLY BY REPLACING FAULTY TRANSISTORS, OR REDESIGNING AN IMPROPERLY LAID-OUT INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, …

Look up ODI 10133955 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10161763 · 33,000 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED DUE TO INADEQUATE DASHBOARD ILLUMINATION, ONE IS UNABLE TO READ THE GAUGES AND INDICATORS. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 06V028000 REGARDING THE INTERIOR LIGHTING. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL.*AK UPDATED 7/25/2006 - *NM

Look up ODI 10161763 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10168546 · 35 mi

I OWN A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ S500. I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON FRIDAY AND ALL OF A SUDDEN, THE LIGHTS IN THE DASHBOARD WENT OUT. IT FRIGHTENED ME BECAUSE I COULDN'T TELL HOW FAST I WAS GOING AND IT HAMPERED ME FROM BEING AS ALERT AS I NEEDED TO BE BY TRYING TO FIND OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. THESE LIGHTS NEED TO BE FUNCTIONAL WHENEVER YOU ARE OPERATING THE VEHICLE. BECAUSE OF THE TIME, THE DEALERSHIPS HAD CLOSED AND I COULDN'T DRIVE IT TO THEM WHEN IT HAPPENED. THIS COULD HAVE RESULTED IN MY HAVING AN ACCIDENT AND HURTING AND/OR POSSIBLY …

Look up ODI 10168546 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel83,250–104,550 mi102,600 mi6
ODI 10163101 · 103,200 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE STARTING THE ENGINE, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DARKENED. AFTER THIS INCIDENT OTHER ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS OCCURRED; FUSES BECAME BLOWN, THE HIGH BEAMS, RADIO AND INTERIOR LIGHTS FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER DECLARED THERE IS A RECALL FOR S MODELS AND PROVIDED THE CAMPAIGN NUMBER 06V08000. THE VEHICLE'S VIN# WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. UPDATED 8/17/2006 - THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER HAD AN INTERNAL SHORT WHICH CAUSED THE FUSES TO BLOW. THE DEALER REPLACED THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. *NM

Look up ODI 10163101 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10163785 · 77,000 mi

DEFECT IN MERCEDES BENZ 2001 S500 WITH THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER YOU LOOSE ALL YOUR IN DASH LIGHTS, GAUGES THE WHOLE PANEL GOES DEAD YOU CAN'T TELL HOW FAST YOUR GOING, HOW MUCH GAS YOU HAVE ,OR IF YOUR CAR IS OVERHEATED, NOTHING WORKS, NO MILES,NOTHING THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND MERCEDES IS DOING NOTHING TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM,THERE DROPPING THE BALL I WENT IN TO HAVE IT CHECKED AND WAS TOLD IT COST 2300.00 TO REPAIR THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE ,THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD A RECALL IS VERY MUCH NEEDED THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF OTHERS OUT THERE WITH THIS PR…

Look up ODI 10163785 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10165228 · 102,000 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WITHOUT WARNING THE DASHBOARD PANEL LIGHTS DARKENED COMPLETELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS A RECALL, 06V028000 REGARDING INTERIOR LIGHTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.

Look up ODI 10165228 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System:Wiring:Interior/Under DashToo few reports for a range54,850 mi4 (sparse)
ODI 10133955 · 49,700 mi

VEHICLE IS A 2001 S-500. ALMOST WORD FOR WORD THE SAME ISSUE(S) AS ODI ID NUMBER : 10100807. SAME CAR, SAME PROBLEMS, SAME SENTIMENT. REPLACING FUSES ONLY RESULTS IN FLICKERING INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LIGHTING, AND EVEN THEN THE BACKLIGHT IS STILL NON-FUNCTIONAL. GAUGE NEEDLES FLICKER AS WELL, UNTIL THEY TOO GO OUT COMPLETELY. FUSES LAST ONLY FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS, WHEREUPON THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER REMAINS ENTIRELY BLACK. PROBLEM COULD BE REMEDIED SIMPLY BY REPLACING FAULTY TRANSISTORS, OR REDESIGNING AN IMPROPERLY LAID-OUT INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, …

Look up ODI 10133955 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10144960 · 81,450 mi

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILED (NO LIGHTS, OR GAUGES OPERABLE IN INSTRUMENT CLUSTER) FOR NO APPARENT REASON. SPEEDOMETER, FUEL GAUGE, LIGHTS ARE OUT CAUSING A DANGEROUS SITUATION. *JB

Look up ODI 10144960 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10148237 · 60,000 mi

I HAVE A 2001 MECEDES S-CLASS. THE INSTURMENT CLUSTER JUST FAILED LAST WEEK. THE ENTIRE THING JUST WENT DARK. NOTHING WORKS!! I NOTICE YOU HAVE A OPEN INVESTIGATION REGARDING THIS ISSUE. YOUR # PE 05-062. *NM

Look up ODI 10148237 at NHTSA ↗

SuspensionToo few reports for a range146,500 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10239277 · 129,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ S 500. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED, THE AIRMATIC REMAINS LOWERED WHEN IT SHOULD NOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT CORROSION OCCURRED IN THE INNER STEEL PORTIONS OF THE ACTIVE BODY CONTROL'S (ABC) HIGH PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION HOSE DUE TO EXTENSIVE EXPOSURE TO HUMIDITY, WHICH CAUSED DETERIORATION OF THE HOSE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V263000 (SUSPENSION), ALTHOUGH THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 129,…

Look up ODI 10239277 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10459994 · 164,000 mi

WENT TO MY CAR IN THE A.M. TO GO TO WORK. TURNED CAR ON, A RED LIGHT CAME ON THAT SAID VEHICLE TOO LOW. SENSOR CAME ON AND SAID AIRMATIC SYSTEM WAS NOT OPERATING PROPERLY. IN APRIL 2010 I PAID ABOUT $2500 TO FIX THIS ISSUE. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS PART ARE ONLY UNDER WARRANTY FOR ONE YEAR AND THIS HAPPENS. AS MY CAR IS VERY WELL MAINTAINED, AND THIS IS THE SECOND OCCURRENCE, AND MOST LIKELY ANOTHER $2500, I HAVE GIVEN UP. I WOULD MERCEDES WOULD STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT. *TR

Look up ODI 10459994 at NHTSA ↗

Suspension:FrontToo few reports for a range84,500 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10283045 · 67,000 mi

2001 MERCEDES S500 PASSENGER SIDE FRONT WHEEL DROPPED DUE TO AIRMATIC PROBLEM. IT CAUSED THE PASSENGER SIDE TIRE TO DAMAGE THE INSIDE FENDER AND THE FRONT BUMPER. FORTUNATELY THE CAR WAS TRAVELED WITH SLOW SPEED AND WAS ABLE TO STOP WITHOUT CAUSING FURTHER DAMAGE. IF THIS WAS ON THE FREEWAY IT WILL CAUSING ACCIDENT AND DANGER TO DRIVER & PASSENGERS AND OTHER CARS SURROUNDING. *TR

Look up ODI 10283045 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10335598 · 102,000 mi

MY CAR'S AIR-MATIC SUSPENSION SYSTEM FAILED AND MY CAR IS VERY, VERY LOW. IT FAILED WHILE I WAS DRIVING FAST ON THE FREEWAY; I ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR. *TR

Look up ODI 10335598 at NHTSA ↗

Air BagsToo few reports for a range46,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10229908 · 46,000 mi

WHEN A PASSANGER SITS IN THE FRONT SEAT THEIR WEIGHT ENABLES THE AIR BAGS TO WORK. HOWEVER AFTER THEY HAVE SAT AND EXITED THE VEHICLE THE SRS LIGHT COMES ON AND DISABLES THE AIR BAGS. IF THE PASSANGER SITS IN THE SEAT AND BRINGS THEIR LEGS AS CLOSE TO THE FRONT SEAT AS POSSIBLE THE SRS LIGHT WILL COME ON AND DISABLE THE FRONT AIR BAGS EVEN THOUGH THEIR IS A PERSON SITTING IN THE FRONT SEAT. THIS SENSOR IS THE CHILD SEAT SENSOR ON MY 2001 MERCEDES BENZ 430S. *TR

Look up ODI 10229908 at NHTSA ↗

Child SeatToo few reports for a range46,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10229908 · 46,000 mi

WHEN A PASSANGER SITS IN THE FRONT SEAT THEIR WEIGHT ENABLES THE AIR BAGS TO WORK. HOWEVER AFTER THEY HAVE SAT AND EXITED THE VEHICLE THE SRS LIGHT COMES ON AND DISABLES THE AIR BAGS. IF THE PASSANGER SITS IN THE SEAT AND BRINGS THEIR LEGS AS CLOSE TO THE FRONT SEAT AS POSSIBLE THE SRS LIGHT WILL COME ON AND DISABLE THE FRONT AIR BAGS EVEN THOUGH THEIR IS A PERSON SITTING IN THE FRONT SEAT. THIS SENSOR IS THE CHILD SEAT SENSOR ON MY 2001 MERCEDES BENZ 430S. *TR

Look up ODI 10229908 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

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

1 reports2024-112026-10

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
2024-110None

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.

2026-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-10 (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 21 reports

2009: 1 complaints · 2012: 1 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2009011
2012111
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
2009200
2012100

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
ComponentElectrical SystemInterior LightingElectrical System: Instrument Cluster/PanelElectrical System:Wiring:Interior/Under DashSuspensionSuspension:FrontAir BagsChild Seat
Electrical System—
5
ODI 10133955 · 49,700 mi

VEHICLE IS A 2001 S-500. ALMOST WORD FOR WORD THE SAME ISSUE(S) AS ODI ID NUMBER : 10100807. SAME CAR, SAME PROBLEMS, SAME SENTIMENT. REPLACING FUSES ONLY RESULTS IN FLICKERING INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LIGHTING, AND EVEN THEN THE BACKLIGHT IS STILL NON-FUNCTIONAL. GAUGE NEEDLES FLICKER AS WELL, UNTIL THEY TOO GO OUT COMPLETELY. FUSES LAST ONLY FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS, WHEREUPON THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER REMAINS ENTIRELY BLACK. PROBLEM COULD BE REMEDIED SIMPLY BY REPLACING FAULTY TRANSISTORS, OR REDESIGNING AN IMPROPERLY LAID-OUT INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, …

Look up ODI 10133955 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10168546 · 35 mi

I OWN A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ S500. I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON FRIDAY AND ALL OF A SUDDEN, THE LIGHTS IN THE DASHBOARD WENT OUT. IT FRIGHTENED ME BECAUSE I COULDN'T TELL HOW FAST I WAS GOING AND IT HAMPERED ME FROM BEING AS ALERT AS I NEEDED TO BE BY TRYING TO FIND OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. THESE LIGHTS NEED TO BE FUNCTIONAL WHENEVER YOU ARE OPERATING THE VEHICLE. BECAUSE OF THE TIME, THE DEALERSHIPS HAD CLOSED AND I COULDN'T DRIVE IT TO THEM WHEN IT HAPPENED. THIS COULD HAVE RESULTED IN MY HAVING AN ACCIDENT AND HURTING AND/OR POSSIBLY …

Look up ODI 10168546 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10168989 · 96,000 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE INTERIOR LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING SUDDENLY WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, # 06V028000, REGARDING THE INTERIOR LIGHTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. UPDATED 10/17/2006 - INTERMITTENTLY THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS DIMMED THEN SURGED TO FULL STRENGTH. *NM

Look up ODI 10168989 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 10163785 · 77,000 mi

DEFECT IN MERCEDES BENZ 2001 S500 WITH THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER YOU LOOSE ALL YOUR IN DASH LIGHTS, GAUGES THE WHOLE PANEL GOES DEAD YOU CAN'T TELL HOW FAST YOUR GOING, HOW MUCH GAS YOU HAVE ,OR IF YOUR CAR IS OVERHEATED, NOTHING WORKS, NO MILES,NOTHING THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND MERCEDES IS DOING NOTHING TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM,THERE DROPPING THE BALL I WENT IN TO HAVE IT CHECKED AND WAS TOLD IT COST 2300.00 TO REPAIR THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE ,THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD A RECALL IS VERY MUCH NEEDED THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF OTHERS OUT THERE WITH THIS PR…

Look up ODI 10163785 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 10133955 · 49,700 mi

VEHICLE IS A 2001 S-500. ALMOST WORD FOR WORD THE SAME ISSUE(S) AS ODI ID NUMBER : 10100807. SAME CAR, SAME PROBLEMS, SAME SENTIMENT. REPLACING FUSES ONLY RESULTS IN FLICKERING INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LIGHTING, AND EVEN THEN THE BACKLIGHT IS STILL NON-FUNCTIONAL. GAUGE NEEDLES FLICKER AS WELL, UNTIL THEY TOO GO OUT COMPLETELY. FUSES LAST ONLY FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS, WHEREUPON THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER REMAINS ENTIRELY BLACK. PROBLEM COULD BE REMEDIED SIMPLY BY REPLACING FAULTY TRANSISTORS, OR REDESIGNING AN IMPROPERLY LAID-OUT INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, …

Look up ODI 10133955 at NHTSA ↗

0000
Interior Lighting
5
ODI 10133955 · 49,700 mi

VEHICLE IS A 2001 S-500. ALMOST WORD FOR WORD THE SAME ISSUE(S) AS ODI ID NUMBER : 10100807. SAME CAR, SAME PROBLEMS, SAME SENTIMENT. REPLACING FUSES ONLY RESULTS IN FLICKERING INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LIGHTING, AND EVEN THEN THE BACKLIGHT IS STILL NON-FUNCTIONAL. GAUGE NEEDLES FLICKER AS WELL, UNTIL THEY TOO GO OUT COMPLETELY. FUSES LAST ONLY FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS, WHEREUPON THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER REMAINS ENTIRELY BLACK. PROBLEM COULD BE REMEDIED SIMPLY BY REPLACING FAULTY TRANSISTORS, OR REDESIGNING AN IMPROPERLY LAID-OUT INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, …

Look up ODI 10133955 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10168546 · 35 mi

I OWN A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ S500. I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON FRIDAY AND ALL OF A SUDDEN, THE LIGHTS IN THE DASHBOARD WENT OUT. IT FRIGHTENED ME BECAUSE I COULDN'T TELL HOW FAST I WAS GOING AND IT HAMPERED ME FROM BEING AS ALERT AS I NEEDED TO BE BY TRYING TO FIND OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. THESE LIGHTS NEED TO BE FUNCTIONAL WHENEVER YOU ARE OPERATING THE VEHICLE. BECAUSE OF THE TIME, THE DEALERSHIPS HAD CLOSED AND I COULDN'T DRIVE IT TO THEM WHEN IT HAPPENED. THIS COULD HAVE RESULTED IN MY HAVING AN ACCIDENT AND HURTING AND/OR POSSIBLY …

Look up ODI 10168546 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10168989 · 96,000 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE INTERIOR LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING SUDDENLY WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, # 06V028000, REGARDING THE INTERIOR LIGHTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. UPDATED 10/17/2006 - INTERMITTENTLY THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS DIMMED THEN SURGED TO FULL STRENGTH. *NM

Look up ODI 10168989 at NHTSA ↗

—0
1
ODI 10133955 · 49,700 mi

VEHICLE IS A 2001 S-500. ALMOST WORD FOR WORD THE SAME ISSUE(S) AS ODI ID NUMBER : 10100807. SAME CAR, SAME PROBLEMS, SAME SENTIMENT. REPLACING FUSES ONLY RESULTS IN FLICKERING INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LIGHTING, AND EVEN THEN THE BACKLIGHT IS STILL NON-FUNCTIONAL. GAUGE NEEDLES FLICKER AS WELL, UNTIL THEY TOO GO OUT COMPLETELY. FUSES LAST ONLY FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS, WHEREUPON THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER REMAINS ENTIRELY BLACK. PROBLEM COULD BE REMEDIED SIMPLY BY REPLACING FAULTY TRANSISTORS, OR REDESIGNING AN IMPROPERLY LAID-OUT INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, …

Look up ODI 10133955 at NHTSA ↗

0000
Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel
1
ODI 10163785 · 77,000 mi

DEFECT IN MERCEDES BENZ 2001 S500 WITH THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER YOU LOOSE ALL YOUR IN DASH LIGHTS, GAUGES THE WHOLE PANEL GOES DEAD YOU CAN'T TELL HOW FAST YOUR GOING, HOW MUCH GAS YOU HAVE ,OR IF YOUR CAR IS OVERHEATED, NOTHING WORKS, NO MILES,NOTHING THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND MERCEDES IS DOING NOTHING TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM,THERE DROPPING THE BALL I WENT IN TO HAVE IT CHECKED AND WAS TOLD IT COST 2300.00 TO REPAIR THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE ,THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD A RECALL IS VERY MUCH NEEDED THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF OTHERS OUT THERE WITH THIS PR…

Look up ODI 10163785 at NHTSA ↗

0—00000
Electrical System:Wiring:Interior/Under Dash
1
ODI 10133955 · 49,700 mi

VEHICLE IS A 2001 S-500. ALMOST WORD FOR WORD THE SAME ISSUE(S) AS ODI ID NUMBER : 10100807. SAME CAR, SAME PROBLEMS, SAME SENTIMENT. REPLACING FUSES ONLY RESULTS IN FLICKERING INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LIGHTING, AND EVEN THEN THE BACKLIGHT IS STILL NON-FUNCTIONAL. GAUGE NEEDLES FLICKER AS WELL, UNTIL THEY TOO GO OUT COMPLETELY. FUSES LAST ONLY FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS, WHEREUPON THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER REMAINS ENTIRELY BLACK. PROBLEM COULD BE REMEDIED SIMPLY BY REPLACING FAULTY TRANSISTORS, OR REDESIGNING AN IMPROPERLY LAID-OUT INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, …

Look up ODI 10133955 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 10133955 · 49,700 mi

VEHICLE IS A 2001 S-500. ALMOST WORD FOR WORD THE SAME ISSUE(S) AS ODI ID NUMBER : 10100807. SAME CAR, SAME PROBLEMS, SAME SENTIMENT. REPLACING FUSES ONLY RESULTS IN FLICKERING INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LIGHTING, AND EVEN THEN THE BACKLIGHT IS STILL NON-FUNCTIONAL. GAUGE NEEDLES FLICKER AS WELL, UNTIL THEY TOO GO OUT COMPLETELY. FUSES LAST ONLY FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS, WHEREUPON THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER REMAINS ENTIRELY BLACK. PROBLEM COULD BE REMEDIED SIMPLY BY REPLACING FAULTY TRANSISTORS, OR REDESIGNING AN IMPROPERLY LAID-OUT INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, …

Look up ODI 10133955 at NHTSA ↗

0—0000
Suspension0000—000
Suspension:Front00000—00
Air Bags000000—
1
ODI 10229908 · 46,000 mi

WHEN A PASSANGER SITS IN THE FRONT SEAT THEIR WEIGHT ENABLES THE AIR BAGS TO WORK. HOWEVER AFTER THEY HAVE SAT AND EXITED THE VEHICLE THE SRS LIGHT COMES ON AND DISABLES THE AIR BAGS. IF THE PASSANGER SITS IN THE SEAT AND BRINGS THEIR LEGS AS CLOSE TO THE FRONT SEAT AS POSSIBLE THE SRS LIGHT WILL COME ON AND DISABLE THE FRONT AIR BAGS EVEN THOUGH THEIR IS A PERSON SITTING IN THE FRONT SEAT. THIS SENSOR IS THE CHILD SEAT SENSOR ON MY 2001 MERCEDES BENZ 430S. *TR

Look up ODI 10229908 at NHTSA ↗

Child Seat000000
1
ODI 10229908 · 46,000 mi

WHEN A PASSANGER SITS IN THE FRONT SEAT THEIR WEIGHT ENABLES THE AIR BAGS TO WORK. HOWEVER AFTER THEY HAVE SAT AND EXITED THE VEHICLE THE SRS LIGHT COMES ON AND DISABLES THE AIR BAGS. IF THE PASSANGER SITS IN THE SEAT AND BRINGS THEIR LEGS AS CLOSE TO THE FRONT SEAT AS POSSIBLE THE SRS LIGHT WILL COME ON AND DISABLE THE FRONT AIR BAGS EVEN THOUGH THEIR IS A PERSON SITTING IN THE FRONT SEAT. THIS SENSOR IS THE CHILD SEAT SENSOR ON MY 2001 MERCEDES BENZ 430S. *TR

Look up ODI 10229908 at NHTSA ↗

—

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.

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

2 mentions · 5.6% of complaints

Median mileage: 64,600 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10133955 · 49,700 mi

VEHICLE IS A 2001 S-500. ALMOST WORD FOR WORD THE SAME ISSUE(S) AS ODI ID NUMBER : 10100807. SAME CAR, SAME PROBLEMS, SAME SENTIMENT. REPLACING FUSES ONLY RESULTS IN FLICKERING INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LIGHTING, AND EVEN THEN THE BACKLIGHT IS STILL NON-FUNCTIONAL. GAUGE NEEDLES FLICKER AS WELL, UNTIL THEY TOO GO OUT COMPLETELY. FUSES LAST ONLY FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS, WHEREUPON THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER REMAINS ENTIRELY BLACK. PROBLEM COULD BE REMEDIED SIMPLY BY REPLACING FAULTY TRANSISTORS, OR REDESIGNING AN IMPROPERLY LAID-OUT INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, …

Look up ODI 10133955 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10136503 · 79,500 mi

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILURE 2001 MERCEDES BENZ S500. ONCE THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILS, THE GAS GAUGE, CHECK ENGINE, ODOMETER, INSIDE INDICATORS FOR TURN SIGNALS, PARKING ASSIST LIGHTS DO NOT WORK. EVERYTHING IS LINKED TO THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. ONE DAY THIS IS GOING TO CAUSE A REAL SERIOUS PROBLEM. MERCEDES CHARGES AROUND $1800 TO REPLACE THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. PHONE INTERVIEW UPDATE (SEPTEMBER 23, 05): NO WARNINGS PRIOR TO INSTRUMENT CLUSTER BLACKOUT. THE CONSUMER SAID THAT HE COULDN'T SEE THE GAUGES AND WAS TOLD BY M-B ROADSIDE ASSISTANC…

Look up ODI 10136503 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b