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U.S. public vehicle records

2003 Mercedes Benz S CLASS problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

28 owner complaints analyzed

2 distinct recall campaigns

55,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2003 model year. Data updated: . 21 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 5 of 28 complaints (17.9%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Steering behavior310.7%
Braking behavior27.1%
Transmission and shifting13.6%
Engine operation13.6%
Electrical and battery issues13.6%

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
5
Suspension:Front
5
Suspension
4
Air Bags
3
Seat Belts
3
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
2
Interior Lighting
2
Latches/Locks/Linkages
2
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Electrical System5
Suspension:Front5
Suspension4
Air Bags3
Seat Belts3
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine2
Interior Lighting2
Latches/Locks/Linkages2

Electrical System: 5; Suspension:Front: 5; Suspension: 4; Air Bags: 3; Seat Belts: 3; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 2; Interior Lighting: 2; Latches/Locks/Linkages: 2

Reported problems by failure mileage

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

Under 25,000
6
25,000 to 49,999
1
50,000 to 74,999
10
75,000 to 99,999
3
100,000 to 149,999
1
150,000 and above
0
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0006
25,000 to 49,9991
50,000 to 74,99910
75,000 to 99,9993
100,000 to 149,9991
150,000 and above0

Under 25,000: 6; 25,000 to 49,999: 1; 50,000 to 74,999: 10; 75,000 to 99,999: 3; 100,000 to 149,999: 1; 150,000 and above: 0

50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (10). 7 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.

2003
4
2004
4
2005
2
2006
1
2008
3
2009
6
2010
3
2011
2
2012
1
2013
1
2014
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20034
20044
20052
20061
20083
20096
20103
20112
20121
20131
20141

2003: 4; 2004: 4; 2005: 2; 2006: 1; 2008: 3; 2009: 6; 2010: 3; 2011: 2; 2012: 1; 2013: 1; 2014: 1

Pattern summary

Electrical System leads the component reports. Steering behavior appears in 3 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting 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 10029303 · 2003-07-27 (July 27, 2003)

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…

Owner-reported narrative. 3,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10029303 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10046758 · 2003-11-12 (November 12, 2003)

2003 S5004MATIC BY DAIMLER CHRYSLER. AT 9000 MILES HAD REAR ROTORS WARPED BY PARKING BRAKE. AT 11000 MILES HAD FRONT ROTORS WARPED BY UNKNOWN REASONS. AT 11500 MILES SHIMMY IN STEERING WHEEL CANNOT BE FIXED. DEALER HAS TRIED TO FIX IT ON 4 OCCASIONS. UNABLE TO DO SO. *LA

Owner-reported narrative. 10,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10046758 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10576261 · 2014-04-01 (April 1, 2014)

THE SRS SYSTEM (AIRBAGS) HAVE BEEN DEEMED INOPERABLE BY THE DEALER AND MAY EITHER DEPLOY AT ANY TIME OR NOT DEPLOY AT ALL IN A COLLISION. THIS IS DUE TO A DEFECTIVE SEATBELT BUCKLE AND A DEFECTIVE PASSENGER RECOGNITION SENSOR PAD LOCATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WHICH DISABLES/ENABLES THE AIRBAGS FUNCTIONALITY. BOTH A VERY COMMON DEFECT IN THE 2000 TO 2006 MODEL YEAR MERCEDES BENZ S CLASS VEHICLES. THE SEATBELT BUCKLE CONTAINS A SENSOR THAT EVENTUALLY FAILS FOR NO APPARENT REASON OR WARNING WHICH COMPROMISES THE AIR BAG'S FUNCTIONALITY. THE …

Owner-reported narrative. 50,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10576261 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10011910 · 2003-03-17 (March 17, 2003)

THE ENGINE STALLED 3 TIMES. MODEL S430. *JB ON ONE OCCASION THE SPEED SUDDENLY DROPPED FROM 47-15MPH. SCC

Owner-reported narrative. 5,430 miles reported. Look up ODI 10011910 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10260594 · 2009-03-03 (March 3, 2009)

MY CAR IS HAVING ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS. THE INTERIOR LIGHTS INSIDE MY CAR ARE MALFUNCTIONING. THE LIGHTS ON MY DASHBOARD ARE MALFUNCTIONING. I CAN'T SEE HOW FAST I'M DRIVING BECAUSE I CAN'T SEE THE SPEEDOMETER. THIS IS VERY UNSAFE FOR ME. WHEN THE ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS OCCUR, NOTHING ELECTRICAL, LIGHTS, SEATS WORK IN THE CAR. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 61,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10260594 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

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

75.0%Usable mileage21 / 28 records
100.0%Valid incident date28 / 28 records
100.0%Valid filing date28 / 28 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates28 / 28 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 SystemToo few reports for a range29,000 mi4 (sparse)
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 ↗

ODI 10113945 · 127 mi

THIS AUTO'S COMMAND (COMMUNICATIONS) SYSTEM (RADIO/CASS/CELL PHONE/NAVIGATION SYSTEM) HAS FAILED, INTERMITTANTLY ELEVEN TIMES OVER THE PAST 2 YEARS. SINCE I PURCHASED THIS AUTO FOR MONTHLY TRIPS BETWEEN MAINE AND GEORGIA, I REALLY NEED SAFE AND CONSISTENT COMMUNICATIONS AND NAVIGATION SYSTEMS TO OPERATE PROPERLY. I'VE NOW LOST FAITH IN THE SAFE OPERATION OF THIS VEHICLE; PURCHASED EXPRESSLY FOR SAFE, LONG DISTANCE, ALL-WEATHER, & DEPENDABLE TRIPS OF 2,600 MILES EACH MONTH. WHILE THE FACTORY HAS ATTEMPTED TO REPAIR/REPLACE THE COMMAND SYSTEM TEN…

Look up ODI 10113945 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10137974 · 55,000 mi

I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY WHEN CAR JUST STOPPED. I HAD TO GET OUT OF THE CAR AND PUSH IT FOR IT TO START AGAIN. AFTER 500 IT STOPPED AGAIN AND HAD TO BE TOWED AWAY. *JB

Look up ODI 10137974 at NHTSA ↗

Suspension:FrontToo few reports for a range47,000 mi2 (sparse)
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 ↗

ODI 10291036 · 84,500 mi

MY SUSPENSION IS HORRIBLE!! WITHOUT WARNING MY S430 AIRMATIC LIGHT DISPLAYED "VISIT WORKSHOP", I PULLED OVER AND NOTICED MY VEHICLE WAS RIDING EXTREMELY LOW...ALMOST TOUCHING MY FRONT AND BACK TIRES. FURTHERMORE, THERE IS A RUBBING SOUND WHEN THE WHEELS ARE BEING TURNED. I CONTACTED 4 DEALERS AND THEY ALL CLAIMED THE SUSPENSION AND/OR AIRMATIC SYSTEM HAS BEEN A COMMON PROBLEM ...MY CONCERN IS WHY WASN'T I NOTIFIED ABOUT A RECALL? SECONDLY, AFTER SCHEDULING AN APPOINTMENT FOR THIS WEEK, MB IS CLAIMING THAT I WILL BE CHARGED FOR SERVICE A. …

Look up ODI 10291036 at NHTSA ↗

SuspensionToo few reports for a range74,000 mi3 (sparse)
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 ↗

ODI 10291036 · 84,500 mi

MY SUSPENSION IS HORRIBLE!! WITHOUT WARNING MY S430 AIRMATIC LIGHT DISPLAYED "VISIT WORKSHOP", I PULLED OVER AND NOTICED MY VEHICLE WAS RIDING EXTREMELY LOW...ALMOST TOUCHING MY FRONT AND BACK TIRES. FURTHERMORE, THERE IS A RUBBING SOUND WHEN THE WHEELS ARE BEING TURNED. I CONTACTED 4 DEALERS AND THEY ALL CLAIMED THE SUSPENSION AND/OR AIRMATIC SYSTEM HAS BEEN A COMMON PROBLEM ...MY CONCERN IS WHY WASN'T I NOTIFIED ABOUT A RECALL? SECONDLY, AFTER SCHEDULING AN APPOINTMENT FOR THIS WEEK, MB IS CLAIMING THAT I WILL BE CHARGED FOR SERVICE A. …

Look up ODI 10291036 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10292477 · 74,000 mi

I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT THERE IS NOT OR WILL NOT BE A RECALL ON THE "SUSPENSION" ISSUE. I TOO HAD THE FATE OF MY CAR COLLAPSING ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK-WHICH IS 35 MILES AWAY-IT HAPPENED. ON THE DASH IT STATED IN BID BOLD LETTERS "AIRMATIC CAR TOO LOW". I PULLED OVER AND STEPPED OUT-MY HEART FELT LIKE IT WAS GOING TO COME THROUGH MY CHEST. EVERYONE IN THAT SITUATION UNDERSTANDS JUST HOW I FELT AT THAT TIME. THE FRONT OF THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY COVERING HALF OF THE FRONT TIRES-IF I TURNED THE WHEEL IT WOULD HAVE SCRAPED THE FENDERS. I LEFT THE C…

Look up ODI 10292477 at NHTSA ↗

Air BagsToo few reports for a range62,000 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10292477 · 74,000 mi

I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT THERE IS NOT OR WILL NOT BE A RECALL ON THE "SUSPENSION" ISSUE. I TOO HAD THE FATE OF MY CAR COLLAPSING ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK-WHICH IS 35 MILES AWAY-IT HAPPENED. ON THE DASH IT STATED IN BID BOLD LETTERS "AIRMATIC CAR TOO LOW". I PULLED OVER AND STEPPED OUT-MY HEART FELT LIKE IT WAS GOING TO COME THROUGH MY CHEST. EVERYONE IN THAT SITUATION UNDERSTANDS JUST HOW I FELT AT THAT TIME. THE FRONT OF THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY COVERING HALF OF THE FRONT TIRES-IF I TURNED THE WHEEL IT WOULD HAVE SCRAPED THE FENDERS. I LEFT THE C…

Look up ODI 10292477 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10576261 · 50,000 mi

THE SRS SYSTEM (AIRBAGS) HAVE BEEN DEEMED INOPERABLE BY THE DEALER AND MAY EITHER DEPLOY AT ANY TIME OR NOT DEPLOY AT ALL IN A COLLISION. THIS IS DUE TO A DEFECTIVE SEATBELT BUCKLE AND A DEFECTIVE PASSENGER RECOGNITION SENSOR PAD LOCATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WHICH DISABLES/ENABLES THE AIRBAGS FUNCTIONALITY. BOTH A VERY COMMON DEFECT IN THE 2000 TO 2006 MODEL YEAR MERCEDES BENZ S CLASS VEHICLES. THE SEATBELT BUCKLE CONTAINS A SENSOR THAT EVENTUALLY FAILS FOR NO APPARENT REASON OR WARNING WHICH COMPROMISES THE AIR BAG'S FUNCTIONALITY. THE …

Look up ODI 10576261 at NHTSA ↗

Seat BeltsToo few reports for a range50,000 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10464097 · 120,000 mi

THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY DURING HOT WEATHER. MORE PARTICULARLY, THE BELT WILL NOT EXTEND. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PULL THE BELT OUT ENOUGH TO FASTEN IT. THUS, THE ONLY WAY THE CAR CAN BE DRIVEN IN HOT WEATHER IS WITHOUT THE DRIVER WEARING A SEAT BELT. THE BELT WORKS PROPERLY IN THE MORNING WHEN LEAVING OUR AIR-CONDITIONED GARAGE, BUT WHEN RETURNING TO THE CAR WHILE IT HAS BEEN PARKED OUTSIDE IN HOT WEATHER THE SEAT BELT DOES NOT WORK. *JS

Look up ODI 10464097 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10509561 · 50,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ S55. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RETRACT PROPERLY WHENEVER THERE WERE WARMER TEMPERATURES. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER AND THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE FAILURE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRUNK LID WOULD EITHER BECOME RESISTANT WHEN ATTEMPTING TO CLOSE THE HATCH, OR IT WOULD CLOSE INDEPENDENTLY. ON ONE OCCASION, THE TRUNK LID CLOSED UNEXPECTEDLY ON THE CONTACT AS SHE ATTEMPTED TO REMOVE ITEMS FROM THE TRUNK AREA. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A …

Look up ODI 10509561 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10576261 · 50,000 mi

THE SRS SYSTEM (AIRBAGS) HAVE BEEN DEEMED INOPERABLE BY THE DEALER AND MAY EITHER DEPLOY AT ANY TIME OR NOT DEPLOY AT ALL IN A COLLISION. THIS IS DUE TO A DEFECTIVE SEATBELT BUCKLE AND A DEFECTIVE PASSENGER RECOGNITION SENSOR PAD LOCATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WHICH DISABLES/ENABLES THE AIRBAGS FUNCTIONALITY. BOTH A VERY COMMON DEFECT IN THE 2000 TO 2006 MODEL YEAR MERCEDES BENZ S CLASS VEHICLES. THE SEATBELT BUCKLE CONTAINS A SENSOR THAT EVENTUALLY FAILS FOR NO APPARENT REASON OR WARNING WHICH COMPROMISES THE AIR BAG'S FUNCTIONALITY. THE …

Look up ODI 10576261 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling:EngineToo few reports for a range4,215 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10011910 · 5,430 mi

THE ENGINE STALLED 3 TIMES. MODEL S430. *JB ON ONE OCCASION THE SPEED SUDDENLY DROPPED FROM 47-15MPH. SCC

Look up ODI 10011910 at NHTSA ↗

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 ↗

Interior LightingToo few reports for a range58,500 mi2 (sparse)
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 ↗

ODI 10276466 · 42,000 mi

MY INSTRUMENT CLUSTER CONTINUES TO CUT OFF RANDOMLY ON MY 2003 MERCEDES BENZ S430 . WHILE I THOUGHT THIS WAS A MB RECALL THEY TOLD ME NY VIN NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED. A CLEAR PROBLEM THAT IS ALL OVER THE INTERNET IS BEING IGNORED BY MERCEDES. THIS HAPPENED AT NIGHT LAST NIGHT WITH MY TEENAGE SON DRIVING. HE HAD NO DASH LIGHTS AT ALL AND PULLED OFF THE ROAD AND CALLED. WITHOUT SPEED, GAS ,TURN INDICATORS ETC THIS KNOWN ISSUE IS SERIOUS. *TR

Look up ODI 10276466 at NHTSA ↗

Latches/Locks/LinkagesToo few reports for a range59,000 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10326942 · 68,000 mi

SHIFTER STUCK IN PARK DUE TO THE ONLY PLASTIC PART ( SHIFTER MODULE) IN THE SHIFTER BOX. MERCEDES HEADQUARTERS TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR SUCH AN EXPENSIVE FIX WHEN PLASTIC PART BREAKS. *TR

Look up ODI 10326942 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10509561 · 50,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ S55. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RETRACT PROPERLY WHENEVER THERE WERE WARMER TEMPERATURES. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER AND THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE FAILURE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRUNK LID WOULD EITHER BECOME RESISTANT WHEN ATTEMPTING TO CLOSE THE HATCH, OR IT WOULD CLOSE INDEPENDENTLY. ON ONE OCCASION, THE TRUNK LID CLOSED UNEXPECTEDLY ON THE CONTACT AS SHE ATTEMPTED TO REMOVE ITEMS FROM THE TRUNK AREA. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A …

Look up ODI 10509561 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 SystemSuspension:FrontSuspensionAir BagsSeat BeltsEngine And Engine Cooling:EngineInterior LightingLatches/Locks/Linkages
Electrical System—0000
1
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 ↗

00
Suspension:Front0—
2
ODI 10273771

INCIDENT ONE: 1. WHILE DRIVING IN ATLANTA, GA IN FEBRUARY OF 2007. THE FRONT AIRMATIC SUSPENSION FAILED WHILE CROSSING AN "INACTIVE" RAILROAD TRACK. JUST IMAGINE IF IT WAS ACTIVE. MERCEDES-BENZ TOWED THE CAR AND REPLACED THE DEFECT. 2. A FEW DAYS AGO, I'M DRIVING ON A 40 MPH SPEED LIMIT ROAD AND MY CAR STARTS TO LOWER. AGAIN. I WAS LUCKY THAT NO ONE WAS BEHIND ME, OTHERWISE IT COULD HAVE HAD A DIFFERENT OUTCOME. HOW MANY TIMES WILL SOMEONE NEED TO REPORT THIS "SAFETY HAZARD" TO THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY AND TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTR…

Look up ODI 10273771 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10291036 · 84,500 mi

MY SUSPENSION IS HORRIBLE!! WITHOUT WARNING MY S430 AIRMATIC LIGHT DISPLAYED "VISIT WORKSHOP", I PULLED OVER AND NOTICED MY VEHICLE WAS RIDING EXTREMELY LOW...ALMOST TOUCHING MY FRONT AND BACK TIRES. FURTHERMORE, THERE IS A RUBBING SOUND WHEN THE WHEELS ARE BEING TURNED. I CONTACTED 4 DEALERS AND THEY ALL CLAIMED THE SUSPENSION AND/OR AIRMATIC SYSTEM HAS BEEN A COMMON PROBLEM ...MY CONCERN IS WHY WASN'T I NOTIFIED ABOUT A RECALL? SECONDLY, AFTER SCHEDULING AN APPOINTMENT FOR THIS WEEK, MB IS CLAIMING THAT I WILL BE CHARGED FOR SERVICE A. …

Look up ODI 10291036 at NHTSA ↗

00000
Suspension0
2
ODI 10273771

INCIDENT ONE: 1. WHILE DRIVING IN ATLANTA, GA IN FEBRUARY OF 2007. THE FRONT AIRMATIC SUSPENSION FAILED WHILE CROSSING AN "INACTIVE" RAILROAD TRACK. JUST IMAGINE IF IT WAS ACTIVE. MERCEDES-BENZ TOWED THE CAR AND REPLACED THE DEFECT. 2. A FEW DAYS AGO, I'M DRIVING ON A 40 MPH SPEED LIMIT ROAD AND MY CAR STARTS TO LOWER. AGAIN. I WAS LUCKY THAT NO ONE WAS BEHIND ME, OTHERWISE IT COULD HAVE HAD A DIFFERENT OUTCOME. HOW MANY TIMES WILL SOMEONE NEED TO REPORT THIS "SAFETY HAZARD" TO THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY AND TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTR…

Look up ODI 10273771 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10291036 · 84,500 mi

MY SUSPENSION IS HORRIBLE!! WITHOUT WARNING MY S430 AIRMATIC LIGHT DISPLAYED "VISIT WORKSHOP", I PULLED OVER AND NOTICED MY VEHICLE WAS RIDING EXTREMELY LOW...ALMOST TOUCHING MY FRONT AND BACK TIRES. FURTHERMORE, THERE IS A RUBBING SOUND WHEN THE WHEELS ARE BEING TURNED. I CONTACTED 4 DEALERS AND THEY ALL CLAIMED THE SUSPENSION AND/OR AIRMATIC SYSTEM HAS BEEN A COMMON PROBLEM ...MY CONCERN IS WHY WASN'T I NOTIFIED ABOUT A RECALL? SECONDLY, AFTER SCHEDULING AN APPOINTMENT FOR THIS WEEK, MB IS CLAIMING THAT I WILL BE CHARGED FOR SERVICE A. …

Look up ODI 10291036 at NHTSA ↗

—
1
ODI 10292477 · 74,000 mi

I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT THERE IS NOT OR WILL NOT BE A RECALL ON THE "SUSPENSION" ISSUE. I TOO HAD THE FATE OF MY CAR COLLAPSING ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK-WHICH IS 35 MILES AWAY-IT HAPPENED. ON THE DASH IT STATED IN BID BOLD LETTERS "AIRMATIC CAR TOO LOW". I PULLED OVER AND STEPPED OUT-MY HEART FELT LIKE IT WAS GOING TO COME THROUGH MY CHEST. EVERYONE IN THAT SITUATION UNDERSTANDS JUST HOW I FELT AT THAT TIME. THE FRONT OF THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY COVERING HALF OF THE FRONT TIRES-IF I TURNED THE WHEEL IT WOULD HAVE SCRAPED THE FENDERS. I LEFT THE C…

Look up ODI 10292477 at NHTSA ↗

0000
Air Bags00
1
ODI 10292477 · 74,000 mi

I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT THERE IS NOT OR WILL NOT BE A RECALL ON THE "SUSPENSION" ISSUE. I TOO HAD THE FATE OF MY CAR COLLAPSING ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK-WHICH IS 35 MILES AWAY-IT HAPPENED. ON THE DASH IT STATED IN BID BOLD LETTERS "AIRMATIC CAR TOO LOW". I PULLED OVER AND STEPPED OUT-MY HEART FELT LIKE IT WAS GOING TO COME THROUGH MY CHEST. EVERYONE IN THAT SITUATION UNDERSTANDS JUST HOW I FELT AT THAT TIME. THE FRONT OF THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY COVERING HALF OF THE FRONT TIRES-IF I TURNED THE WHEEL IT WOULD HAVE SCRAPED THE FENDERS. I LEFT THE C…

Look up ODI 10292477 at NHTSA ↗

—
1
ODI 10576261 · 50,000 mi

THE SRS SYSTEM (AIRBAGS) HAVE BEEN DEEMED INOPERABLE BY THE DEALER AND MAY EITHER DEPLOY AT ANY TIME OR NOT DEPLOY AT ALL IN A COLLISION. THIS IS DUE TO A DEFECTIVE SEATBELT BUCKLE AND A DEFECTIVE PASSENGER RECOGNITION SENSOR PAD LOCATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WHICH DISABLES/ENABLES THE AIRBAGS FUNCTIONALITY. BOTH A VERY COMMON DEFECT IN THE 2000 TO 2006 MODEL YEAR MERCEDES BENZ S CLASS VEHICLES. THE SEATBELT BUCKLE CONTAINS A SENSOR THAT EVENTUALLY FAILS FOR NO APPARENT REASON OR WARNING WHICH COMPROMISES THE AIR BAG'S FUNCTIONALITY. THE …

Look up ODI 10576261 at NHTSA ↗

000
Seat Belts000
1
ODI 10576261 · 50,000 mi

THE SRS SYSTEM (AIRBAGS) HAVE BEEN DEEMED INOPERABLE BY THE DEALER AND MAY EITHER DEPLOY AT ANY TIME OR NOT DEPLOY AT ALL IN A COLLISION. THIS IS DUE TO A DEFECTIVE SEATBELT BUCKLE AND A DEFECTIVE PASSENGER RECOGNITION SENSOR PAD LOCATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WHICH DISABLES/ENABLES THE AIRBAGS FUNCTIONALITY. BOTH A VERY COMMON DEFECT IN THE 2000 TO 2006 MODEL YEAR MERCEDES BENZ S CLASS VEHICLES. THE SEATBELT BUCKLE CONTAINS A SENSOR THAT EVENTUALLY FAILS FOR NO APPARENT REASON OR WARNING WHICH COMPROMISES THE AIR BAG'S FUNCTIONALITY. THE …

Look up ODI 10576261 at NHTSA ↗

—00
1
ODI 10509561 · 50,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ S55. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RETRACT PROPERLY WHENEVER THERE WERE WARMER TEMPERATURES. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER AND THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE FAILURE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRUNK LID WOULD EITHER BECOME RESISTANT WHEN ATTEMPTING TO CLOSE THE HATCH, OR IT WOULD CLOSE INDEPENDENTLY. ON ONE OCCASION, THE TRUNK LID CLOSED UNEXPECTEDLY ON THE CONTACT AS SHE ATTEMPTED TO REMOVE ITEMS FROM THE TRUNK AREA. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A …

Look up ODI 10509561 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
1
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 ↗

0000—00
Interior Lighting000000—0
Latches/Locks/Linkages0000
1
ODI 10509561 · 50,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ S55. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RETRACT PROPERLY WHENEVER THERE WERE WARMER TEMPERATURES. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER AND THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE FAILURE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRUNK LID WOULD EITHER BECOME RESISTANT WHEN ATTEMPTING TO CLOSE THE HATCH, OR IT WOULD CLOSE INDEPENDENTLY. ON ONE OCCASION, THE TRUNK LID CLOSED UNEXPECTEDLY ON THE CONTACT AS SHE ATTEMPTED TO REMOVE ITEMS FROM THE TRUNK AREA. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A …

Look up ODI 10509561 at NHTSA ↗

00—

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.

3 patterns with matching reports.

Brake response concerns

1 mentions · 3.6% of complaints

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

ODI 10576261 · 50,000 mi

THE SRS SYSTEM (AIRBAGS) HAVE BEEN DEEMED INOPERABLE BY THE DEALER AND MAY EITHER DEPLOY AT ANY TIME OR NOT DEPLOY AT ALL IN A COLLISION. THIS IS DUE TO A DEFECTIVE SEATBELT BUCKLE AND A DEFECTIVE PASSENGER RECOGNITION SENSOR PAD LOCATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WHICH DISABLES/ENABLES THE AIRBAGS FUNCTIONALITY. BOTH A VERY COMMON DEFECT IN THE 2000 TO 2006 MODEL YEAR MERCEDES BENZ S CLASS VEHICLES. THE SEATBELT BUCKLE CONTAINS A SENSOR THAT EVENTUALLY FAILS FOR NO APPARENT REASON OR WARNING WHICH COMPROMISES THE AIR BAG'S FUNCTIONALITY. THE …

Look up ODI 10576261 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b

Stalling or loss of power

1 mentions · 3.6% of complaints

Median mileage: 5,430 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10011910 · 5,430 mi

THE ENGINE STALLED 3 TIMES. MODEL S430. *JB ON ONE OCCASION THE SPEED SUDDENLY DROPPED FROM 47-15MPH. SCC

Look up ODI 10011910 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

1 mentions · 3.6% of complaints

Median mileage: 61,499 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10373607 · 61,499 mi

AIR BAG-DRIVERS SIDE, STEERING WHEEL. I RECENTLY BECAME AWARE OF YOUR SITE AND THOUGHT IT APPROPRIATE TO INFORM YOU OF THIS ISSUE. THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND THE DEALER CLEARED THE FAULT CODE. THIS LASTED ONE WEEK AND THEN THE WARNING REAPPEARED. THEY DID NOT KNOW IF THIS CONDITION WOULD RESULT IN A DEPLOYMENT WHETHER WARRANTED OR NOT. IT SEEMED TO US THAT IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE REGARDLESS. THEN, DESPITE THE 7 YEAR ,100,000 MILE WARRANTY, THEY SAID AIR BAGS ARE NOT COVERED. WE THEN INCURRED AN EXPENSE OF $1,841 TO REPLACE THE ENTIR…

Look up ODI 10373607 at NHTSA ↗

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