Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

Mercedes Benz S recalls by model year

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

4 owner complaints analyzed

3 distinct recall campaigns

58,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1995 to 2010 model years. Data updated: . 2 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Compare model years

Recalls by model year

All campaigns in the snapshot affecting each model year, including recalls announced years later.

Recall campaigns

Shared campaigns appear once in each affected model year.

1995
0
2001
0
2007
2
2008
2
2009
0
2010
0
Recall campaigns data
CategoryCount
19950
20010
20072
20082
20090
20100

1995: 0; 2001: 0; 2007: 2; 2008: 2; 2009: 0; 2010: 0

Year-by-year records

Mercedes Benz S model-year comparison
Model yearComplaintsRecallsChange in recalls
199510Not available
200110Not available
200702Not available
2008020
200910-2
2010100

Recall history

3 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

08V303000 · Electrical System

Reported: 2008-07-07 (July 7, 2008) · Model years: 2007, 2008

MERCEDES-BENZ IS RECALLING MY 2006-2008 M-CLASS, R-CLASS, MY 2005-2009 SLK-CLASS, MY 2005-2008 C-CLASS, MY 2003-2004 AND 2006-2008 CLK-CLASS, MY 2003-2008 E-CLASS, MY 2004 AND 2008 CL-CLASS, MY 2008 CLS-CLASS, MY 2004 AND 2007-2008 S-CLASS, MY 2003 G-CLASS, AND MY 2003-2004, 2006 AND 2009 SL-CLASS VEHICLES. A SOFTWARE CALIBRATION NUMBER (SCN) CODING RECEIVED ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES DURING A RECENT WORKSHOP VISIT WAS INCORRECT. DEPENDING ON THE MODEL YEAR AND MODEL AFFECTED, THE RESULTS OF AN INCORRECT SCN CODING CAN AFFECT A NUMBER OF VEHICLE SAFETY AND EMISSION FUNCTIONS INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF FUNCTIONS: (1) THE FUEL GAUGE READINGS MAY BE INCORRECT; (2) A STUCK FUEL-LEVEL SENSOR MAY NOT BE DISPLAYED IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER; (3) THE OBD SYSTEM MAY CAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE INCORRECTLY; AND, (4) THE SPEEDOMETER MAY BE OUT OF TOLERANCE.

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE ELECTRICAL FUEL PUMP MAY NOT RECEIVE A CRASH SIGNAL THAT IS REQUIRED FOR THE FUEL PUMP TO DISCONNECT AND PREVENT FUTURE FUEL DELIVERY AS DESIGNED.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL RECODE THE SCN FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 30, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
08V608000 · Suspension:Front

Reported: 2008-11-24 (November 24, 2008) · Model years: 2007

MERCEDES-BENZ IS RECALLING 1,515 MY 2007 S-CLASS VEHICLES. THE RADIAL KNUCKLE OF THE FRONT STRUT MAY FAIL. THE RADIAL KNUCKLE FLAW MAY OCCUR AFTER SIGNIFICANT MILEAGE ACCUMULATION COMBINED WITH EXPOSURE TO HIGH CONTINUOUS STRESS BY DRIVING ON ROUGH ROADS.

Consequence: IF A RADIAL KNUCKLE FAILS, THE STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE MAY BE AFFECTED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL CHECK AND REPLACE, IF NECESSARY, THE BALL JOINT(S). THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING FEBRUARY 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
08V122000 · Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer:Motor | Exterior Lighting:Headlights

Reported: 2008-03-19 (March 19, 2008) · Model years: 2008

MERCEDES-BENZ IS RECALLING 3,283 MY 2008 S-CLASS AND CL-CLASS PASSENGER VEHICLES. A MALFUNCTION MAY OCCUR ON THE SIGNAL ACQUISITION AND ACTUATION MODULE-FRONT (SAM-F) TRANSISTORS. THE SAM-F IS A DOUBLE TRANSISTOR THAT HELPS CONTROL VEHICLE FUNCTIONS AND THE LIGHTING OF THE CENTER CONSOLE. INCORRECT STORAGE OF THE TRANSISTORS LED THE TRANSISTORS TO BE EXPOSED TO EXCESS HUMIDITY.

Consequence: THE PRESENCE OF THIS MOISTURE IN COMBINATION WITH THE THERMAL STRESS DURING THE "REFLOW SOLDERING" MAY DAMAGE THE TRANSISTORS AND PREVENT THEM FROM PROPERLY FUNCTIONING WHICH WILL INCREASE THE RISK OF CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE ALL POTENTIALLY AFFECTED SAM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 2, 2008. OWNER MAY CONTACT MERCEDES BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

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

50.0%Usable mileage2 / 4 records
100.0%Valid incident date4 / 4 records
100.0%Valid filing date4 / 4 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates4 / 4 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
Component20012007200820092010
Electrical System
1100.0%
ODI 10426647 · 112,000 mi

2001 MERCEDES S500 INSTRUMENT PANEL GOES DARK WHILE ON INTERSTATE AT HIGHWAY SPEED. NO TURN SIGNAL INDICATOR ,SPEED, LIGHTS, TEMP OR GAS GAUGE. DISCOVER RECALL NOTICE IN 2006 BUT VIN NUMBERS NOT INCLUDED.. ALSO FOUND OUT THAT MERCEDES WOULD REPLACE CLUSTER IF FAILED WITHIN 10 YEARS OF IN SERVICE DATE. CLUSTER FAILED 10 YEAR 2 MONTHS. NO HELP FROM MERCEDES DEALER. *TR

Look up ODI 10426647 at NHTSA ↗

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Equipment
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

1100.0%
ODI 10372024

I WAS ONLINE WATCHING YELLOW SPRINTER AND WHITE SPRINTER? ( NOT FORD TRANSIT) FOR FRAUDULENT CRASH TEST DISCRIPTION. WHILE VEHICLE MUST BE EARLY SPRINTER? HTTP://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH? AND V=C3KN6WF5VAAHTTP://WWW.GOOGLE.COM/#SCLIENT=PSY&HL=EN&SITE=&SOURCE=HP&Q=SPRITNER+CHASH+TEST&AQ=F&AQI=G-L1&AQL=&OQ=&GS_RFAI=&PSJ=1&FP=CA05A7BB65E82229.* TR

Look up ODI 10372024 at NHTSA ↗

Exterior Lighting
1100.0%
ODI 10426647 · 112,000 mi

2001 MERCEDES S500 INSTRUMENT PANEL GOES DARK WHILE ON INTERSTATE AT HIGHWAY SPEED. NO TURN SIGNAL INDICATOR ,SPEED, LIGHTS, TEMP OR GAS GAUGE. DISCOVER RECALL NOTICE IN 2006 BUT VIN NUMBERS NOT INCLUDED.. ALSO FOUND OUT THAT MERCEDES WOULD REPLACE CLUSTER IF FAILED WITHIN 10 YEARS OF IN SERVICE DATE. CLUSTER FAILED 10 YEAR 2 MONTHS. NO HELP FROM MERCEDES DEALER. *TR

Look up ODI 10426647 at NHTSA ↗

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Latches/Locks/Linkages
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

1100.0%
ODI 10279823 · 4,000 mi

WE TOW A 2009 SMART PASSION CAB BEHIND OUR RV, AS ALLOWED BY SMART AND IN WRITING WITHIN ITS OWNERS MANUAL. TWICE NOW, WE HAVE LOST THE HOOD (OR AS SMART REFERS TO IT, THE SERVICE FLAP) WHILE TOWING. THE HOOD COMPLETELY DISENGAGES FROM ITS LOCATION AND BASICALLY FLAPS AROUND UNTIL THE CAR IS PULLED OVER TO A STOP. DAMAGE HAS OCCURRED TO THE HOOD, AND THE FIRST TIME WE IMMEDIATELY REPLACED IT AT A SMART DEALER WHO STATED IT MAY HAVE BEEN OUR PROBLEM DUE TO THE POSSIBILITY THAT WE MAY HAVE IMPROPERLY INSTALLED IT.. THE SECOND TIME IT OCCURRED…

Look up ODI 10279823 at NHTSA ↗

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 range112,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10426647 · 112,000 mi

2001 MERCEDES S500 INSTRUMENT PANEL GOES DARK WHILE ON INTERSTATE AT HIGHWAY SPEED. NO TURN SIGNAL INDICATOR ,SPEED, LIGHTS, TEMP OR GAS GAUGE. DISCOVER RECALL NOTICE IN 2006 BUT VIN NUMBERS NOT INCLUDED.. ALSO FOUND OUT THAT MERCEDES WOULD REPLACE CLUSTER IF FAILED WITHIN 10 YEARS OF IN SERVICE DATE. CLUSTER FAILED 10 YEAR 2 MONTHS. NO HELP FROM MERCEDES DEALER. *TR

Look up ODI 10426647 at NHTSA ↗

Exterior LightingToo few reports for a range112,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10426647 · 112,000 mi

2001 MERCEDES S500 INSTRUMENT PANEL GOES DARK WHILE ON INTERSTATE AT HIGHWAY SPEED. NO TURN SIGNAL INDICATOR ,SPEED, LIGHTS, TEMP OR GAS GAUGE. DISCOVER RECALL NOTICE IN 2006 BUT VIN NUMBERS NOT INCLUDED.. ALSO FOUND OUT THAT MERCEDES WOULD REPLACE CLUSTER IF FAILED WITHIN 10 YEARS OF IN SERVICE DATE. CLUSTER FAILED 10 YEAR 2 MONTHS. NO HELP FROM MERCEDES DEALER. *TR

Look up ODI 10426647 at NHTSA ↗

Latches/Locks/LinkagesToo few reports for a range4,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10279823 · 4,000 mi

WE TOW A 2009 SMART PASSION CAB BEHIND OUR RV, AS ALLOWED BY SMART AND IN WRITING WITHIN ITS OWNERS MANUAL. TWICE NOW, WE HAVE LOST THE HOOD (OR AS SMART REFERS TO IT, THE SERVICE FLAP) WHILE TOWING. THE HOOD COMPLETELY DISENGAGES FROM ITS LOCATION AND BASICALLY FLAPS AROUND UNTIL THE CAR IS PULLED OVER TO A STOP. DAMAGE HAS OCCURRED TO THE HOOD, AND THE FIRST TIME WE IMMEDIATELY REPLACED IT AT A SMART DEALER WHO STATED IT MAY HAVE BEEN OUR PROBLEM DUE TO THE POSSIBILITY THAT WE MAY HAVE IMPROPERLY INSTALLED IT.. THE SECOND TIME IT OCCURRED…

Look up ODI 10279823 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 · 2010: 1 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2009111
2010111
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
2009100
2010100

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 SystemEquipmentExterior LightingLatches/Locks/Linkages
Electrical System—0
1
ODI 10426647 · 112,000 mi

2001 MERCEDES S500 INSTRUMENT PANEL GOES DARK WHILE ON INTERSTATE AT HIGHWAY SPEED. NO TURN SIGNAL INDICATOR ,SPEED, LIGHTS, TEMP OR GAS GAUGE. DISCOVER RECALL NOTICE IN 2006 BUT VIN NUMBERS NOT INCLUDED.. ALSO FOUND OUT THAT MERCEDES WOULD REPLACE CLUSTER IF FAILED WITHIN 10 YEARS OF IN SERVICE DATE. CLUSTER FAILED 10 YEAR 2 MONTHS. NO HELP FROM MERCEDES DEALER. *TR

Look up ODI 10426647 at NHTSA ↗

0
Equipment0—00
Exterior Lighting
1
ODI 10426647 · 112,000 mi

2001 MERCEDES S500 INSTRUMENT PANEL GOES DARK WHILE ON INTERSTATE AT HIGHWAY SPEED. NO TURN SIGNAL INDICATOR ,SPEED, LIGHTS, TEMP OR GAS GAUGE. DISCOVER RECALL NOTICE IN 2006 BUT VIN NUMBERS NOT INCLUDED.. ALSO FOUND OUT THAT MERCEDES WOULD REPLACE CLUSTER IF FAILED WITHIN 10 YEARS OF IN SERVICE DATE. CLUSTER FAILED 10 YEAR 2 MONTHS. NO HELP FROM MERCEDES DEALER. *TR

Look up ODI 10426647 at NHTSA ↗

0—0
Latches/Locks/Linkages000—

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.

0 patterns with matching reports.

No narratives match the published patterns.