Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

2001 Mercedes Benz S430 problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

73 owner complaints analyzed

0 distinct recall campaigns

90,500 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2001 model year. Data updated: . 52 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 23 of 73 complaints (31.5%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Electrical and battery issues912.3%
Braking behavior68.2%
Steering behavior68.2%
Transmission and shifting22.7%
Fuel system concerns11.4%

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
23
Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel
13
Interior Lighting
11
Exterior Lighting
6
Suspension
4
Unknown Or Other
4
Power Train:Driveline:Driveshaft
2
Structure
2
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Electrical System23
Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel13
Interior Lighting11
Exterior Lighting6
Suspension4
Unknown Or Other4
Power Train:Driveline:Driveshaft2
Structure2

Electrical System: 23; Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel: 13; Interior Lighting: 11; Exterior Lighting: 6; Suspension: 4; Unknown Or Other: 4; Power Train:Driveline:Driveshaft: 2; Structure: 2

Reported problems by failure mileage

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

Under 25,000
3
25,000 to 49,999
6
50,000 to 74,999
11
75,000 to 99,999
11
100,000 to 149,999
12
150,000 and above
9
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0003
25,000 to 49,9996
50,000 to 74,99911
75,000 to 99,99911
100,000 to 149,99912
150,000 and above9

Under 25,000: 3; 25,000 to 49,999: 6; 50,000 to 74,999: 11; 75,000 to 99,999: 11; 100,000 to 149,999: 12; 150,000 and above: 9

100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (12). 21 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
4
2002
6
2003
1
2004
1
2005
2
2006
17
2007
1
2008
1
2009
1
2010
3
2011
3
2012
1
2013
6
2014
1
2015
12
2016
4
2017
2
2018
5
2020
2
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20014
20026
20031
20041
20052
200617
20071
20081
20091
20103
20113
20121
20136
20141
201512
20164
20172
20185
20202

2001: 4; 2002: 6; 2003: 1; 2004: 1; 2005: 2; 2006: 17; 2007: 1; 2008: 1; 2009: 1; 2010: 3; 2011: 3; 2012: 1; 2013: 6; 2014: 1; 2015: 12; 2016: 4; 2017: 2; 2018: 5; 2020: 2

Pattern summary

Electrical System leads the component reports. Electrical and battery issues appears in 9 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 6 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 6 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 10158159 · 2006-05-24 (May 24, 2006)

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE DASHBOARD ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED AND THE GAUGES NO LONGER REGISTER THE SPEED OR FUEL LEVEL. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 06V028000, REGARDING THE INTERIOR LIGHTING. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL.

Owner-reported narrative. 92,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10158159 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10159754 · 2006-06-13 (June 13, 2006)

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER IS HAVING ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS. THE GAUGES ARE UNREADABLE DURING THE DAY AND AT NIGHT. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 06V028000, REGARDING THE INTERIOR LIGHTING. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN ALERTED.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. 70,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10159754 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10124896 · 2005-06-28 (June 28, 2005)

DT: CONTACT STATES THE THERE WAS COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE AT 23,000 MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. SERVICE DEALER STATED THEY COULDN'T FIND WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE BRAKES. *AK WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS ABOVE 40 MPH THE VEHICLE VIBRATED. ON SEVERAL OCCASION THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THIS RESULTED IN SEVERAL NEAR ACCIDENTS. THE DEALER/MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED AND CONCLUDED THAT THE BRAKE WEAR WAS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR AND THAT THEY JUST NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CENTER CONSOLE WOULD NOT OPE…

Owner-reported narrative. 23,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10124896 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10780692 · 2015-10-07 (October 7, 2015)

I WAS IN CRUISE CONTROL ON I-95 AT 70MPH. HAD BEEN DRIVING FOR 1 HOUR WHEN CAR SUDDENLY STARTED ACCELERATING. I DISENGAGED CRUISE AND TOOK FOOT OFF ACCELERATOR WITH NO EFFECT. RPM/SPEED CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE AND I SLAMMED ON BRAKES WITH TRIVIAL DECELERATION. I STARTED TO DOWNSHIFT ON TRANSMISSION TO BLEED SPEED. IN ORDER TO AVOID COLLIDING WITH VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME AT 90MPH, I SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL, SLAMMED ON BRAKES, AND SWERVED OFF ROAD. THE ENGINE REDLINED (RPM) AND I TURNED OFF CAR. MERCEDES OF FT. LAUDERDALE LATER FOUND THAT THE …

Owner-reported narrative. 89,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10780692 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10219195 · 2008-02-26 (February 26, 2008)

MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR MERCEDES 2001 S430 AND THE FRONT SUSPENSION DROPPED ALL OF A SUDDEN ON A BACK ROAD IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE. FIRST IT HAD DROPPED SO LOW IT PREVENTED STEERING AND WAS DIFFICULT TO PUT VEHICLE ON THE SHOULDER WITHOUT DAMAGING CAR. THEN WE HAD THREE TOWING COMPANIES WHICH WOULD NOT TOW THE VEHICLE BECAUSE OF LIABILITY TO FRONT END DAMAGE. I CHANGED THE RELAY THROUGH RESEARCH AND WAS ABLE TO GET IT UP ENOUGH TO BE TOWED. TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION THIS WAS TAKEN FOUR DAYS TO EXECUTE. THEN I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO HAPPY TO HAVE A V…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10219195 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10202668 · 2007-09-06 (September 6, 2007)

CONSUMER OF A 2001 S430 V FAULTY SUNROOF, LED SIDE MIRRORS, AND TURN SIGNALS. CUSTOMER STATES THE VEHICLE HAS COST HIM A LOT OF MONEY TO REPAIR AND WOULD LIKE IT TO BE FIXED AND BE REPAID IN SOMEWAY. **NAR**KB THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS SUCH AS PERSISTENT TAIL LIGHT AND HEAD LIGHT ASSEMBLY FAILURES, ENGINE, FUEL, ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY, ALTERNATOR, BATTERY, INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, VACUUM DOOR PUMP, ELECTRICAL, FRONT SUSPENSION FAILURES SUCH AS THE AIRMATIC SHOCKS, THE THRUST ARMS, BALL JOINTS AND THE AIRMATIC…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10202668 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 8008650 · 2002-04-25 (April 25, 2002)

WHEN FILLING UP TANK GAS PUMP DOES NOT SHUT OFF. CONSUMER FEELS THERE'S A DEFECT IN FUEL TANK. CAUSE IS UNKNOWN. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 8008650 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

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

71.2%Usable mileage52 / 73 records
94.5%Valid incident date69 / 73 records
100.0%Valid filing date73 / 73 records
94.5%Ordered incident and filing dates69 / 73 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
Component2000200120022003200420052006
Electrical System
939.1%
ODI 10525736

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ S430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED. THE FAILURE AFFECTED THE ALL OF THE GAUGES, TURN SIGNALS, HEAD LIGHTS, THE HORN AND PREVENTED THE CONTACT FROM BEING ABLE TO OPEN THE TRUNK. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO CONCERNED THAT THE AIR BAG WOULD NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN, BUT THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000. *TR

Look up ODI 10525736 at NHTSA ↗

2331.5%
ODI 10124896 · 23,000 mi

DT: CONTACT STATES THE THERE WAS COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE AT 23,000 MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. SERVICE DEALER STATED THEY COULDN'T FIND WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE BRAKES. *AK WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS ABOVE 40 MPH THE VEHICLE VIBRATED. ON SEVERAL OCCASION THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THIS RESULTED IN SEVERAL NEAR ACCIDENTS. THE DEALER/MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED AND CONCLUDED THAT THE BRAKE WEAR WAS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR AND THAT THEY JUST NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CENTER CONSOLE WOULD NOT OPE…

Look up ODI 10124896 at NHTSA ↗

1961.3%
ODI 10457736 · 100,230 mi

CLUSTER IN DASH BLEW OUT. *TR

Look up ODI 10457736 at NHTSA ↗

1142.3%
ODI 10297283 · 1,700 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 S430 MERCEDES BENZ. THE PLASTIC COVER FOR THE HEAD LIGHT BULB MELTED . THE DEALER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER REQUESTING ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIR COST OF $500.00. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT RESPONDED. SHE ALSO EXPERIENCED FAILURE WITH THE BATTERY. THE DEALER REPLACED THE BATTERY, BUT IT CONTINUED TO DISCHARGE. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER, BUT THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. ADDITIONALLY SHE CANNOT READ ANY OF THE GAUGES OR DISPLAY ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL. THE FAI…

Look up ODI 10297283 at NHTSA ↗

633.3%
ODI 10534935 · 29,066 mi

I PURCHASED A CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED 2004 MERCEDES BENZ S430-4MATIC IN MARCH 2007, AFTER RETIRING. I ALSO BROUGHT AN EXTENDED WARRANTY COSTING OVER $3000 DOLLARS. I HAVE RETURNED THIS VEHICLE TO A MERCEDES BENZ DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS OVER APPROXIMATELY 27 TIMES SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. THE PROBLEMS INCLUDE THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (DOOR LOCKS); TRUNK LID LOCK, SUSPENSION SYSTEM, TIRE PRESSURE SENSORS, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM (AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM WILL ONLY DISPENSE COLD AIR AT 55 DEGREES AND LOWER) AND MOST RECENTLY THE RADIO AN…

Look up ODI 10534935 at NHTSA ↗

545.5%
ODI 10379699 · 90,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCEDES BENZ S430. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT TURNED THE IGNITION AND TOOK THE KEY OUT OF THE VEHICLE BUT THE IGNITION CONTINUED TO RUN. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT OPENED THE HOOD AND NOTICED FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND DID NOT NOTICE A FLAME BUT PULLED THE VEHICLE OUT OF THE DRIVE WAY DUE TO FEAR IT COULD EXPLODE. THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF ON ITS OWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC. THE AIR PUMP AND AIR MODULE PUMP COMPRESSO…

Look up ODI 10379699 at NHTSA ↗

433.3%
ODI 10482773 · 87,597 mi

WE HAVE BEEN RECEIVING MESSAGES FOR THINGS HAPPENING IN CAR ( EX LIGHT OUT TRUNK WON'T OPEN ETC.) WE HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT IT IS A WIRING HARNESS PROBLEM. THEY ARE WELL AWARE OF THE PROBLEM IN THE CARS BUT HAVE NOT TURNED IT IN AS A RECALL. *TR

Look up ODI 10482773 at NHTSA ↗

Suspension
417.4%
ODI 10486624 · 93,000 mi

TRAVELING WITH A FAMILY OF FOUR, THE CAR LOWERED COMPLETELY TO GROUND AND CAUSED TO ALMOST SPIN OUT OF CONTROL IT WAS THE AIRMATIC SHOCKS ALMOST $ 2,000 IN REPAIRS...NOW RECENTLY IS DROPPING CONSTANTLY WHILE DRIVING RESEARCHED AND FOUND HUNDREDS UPON HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE THAT HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUES INCLUDING ONE THAT LOST CONTROL DUE TO FRONT AIR SHOCK SUDDEN DROP MERCEDES ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM AS A CONTINUOUS PROBLEM WITH THESE MODELS. *TR

Look up ODI 10486624 at NHTSA ↗

45.5%
ODI 10257053 · 118,400 mi

VEHICLE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER PANEL HAS FAILED. NO LIGHTS OR INSTRUMENT INDICATORS FUNCTION. ALL LIGHTS WITH IN THE PANEL DO NOT OPERATE. ALSO SUSPENSION OF VEHICLE FAILING. AFFECTED BY WEATHER. COLD WEATHER AFFECTS VEHICLE NOT ALLOWING RISE OF CAR. *TR

Look up ODI 10257053 at NHTSA ↗

825.8%
ODI 10458206 · 80,000 mi

THE GEAR SHIFTER HAD LOCKED INITIALLY OUT OF THE BLUE, I COULDN'T GET THE CAR OUT OF DRIVE. I TURNED IT OFF TO STOP IT AND THEN IT WOULDN'T GO INTO PARK. AFTER THE MERCEDES TECH CAME OUT IT WOULDN'T START AT ALL. THE TECH SAID IT WAS MOST LIKELY A SAFETY FEATURE WHICH HAD KICKED IN. THEN THE WHOLE RIGHT SIDE WENT DOWN. I AM TOLD THE AIRMATIC SUSPENSION WENT OUT. WHY? THE CAR SAID STOP AIRMATIC TO LOW. I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS WHICH MAY HAVE LEAD UP TO THESE ISSUES. UNFORTUNATELY I CAN NOT AFFORD THE $2,000 TO REPAIR THIS ISSUE WITH THE AIR…

Look up ODI 10458206 at NHTSA ↗

415.4%
ODI 10363647 · 68,000 mi

ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH S-CLASS MERCEDES BENZ NAVIGATION SYSTEM SHUTDOWNS AND ALOT OF ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS FAILURES. *TR

Look up ODI 10363647 at NHTSA ↗

422.2%
ODI 10449204 · 59,900 mi

AIR SUSPENSION FAILED DUE TO CRACKS IN THE TOP OF THE FRONT STRUTS. THIS LEAD TO LOSS OF AIR PRESSURE, OVERLOAD AND FAILURE OF THE AIR COMPRESSOR. THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AS THE FRONT OF THE CAR COULD NO LONGER BE SAFELY SUPPORTED BY THE SUSPENSION. *TR

Look up ODI 10449204 at NHTSA ↗

19.1%
ODI 10790183 · 30 mi

ON 7-26-2015 I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE FROM COMMONWEALTH MOTORS LLC. AFTER 24 HOURS ON THE HIGHWAY WHILE TRAVELING AT 55MPH, I CALLED BACK AND I FILED A COMPLAINT OF THE BRAKES BEING WORN TO THE METAL, THAT THE SUSPENSION WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON, THAT THE LEFT DRIVER MIRROR WAS BROKEN, AND THE REAR TIRE KEPT GOING FLAT. I RETURNED THE CAR TO THE DEALER WHOM CLAIM ITS THE STATE INSPECTOR MADE AN ERROR THEREFORE ITS THE STATES REPSONSIBILTY. I SCHEDULED A FOLLOW UP WHICH THEY DECLINE TO REPSOND TO. THE SECOND THIRD DAY THE HEAD LIGHTS WENT ON AND …

Look up ODI 10790183 at NHTSA ↗

216.7%
ODI 10480063

THE "AIRMATICS-VISIT WORKSHOP" WORDING CAME ON MY SCREEN YESTERDAY ON THE HIGHWAY. HITTING THE UNLOCK BUTTON KICKED ON SUSPENSION AS IT SHOULD AND IT WAS SPUTTERING INSTEAD OF THE USUAL RAISE NOISE. IT SAT OVERNIGHT AND NOW IT SITTING PRETTY LOW. THIS IS THE 2ND TIME IN 6 MONTHS THE AIR COMPRESSOR HAS GONE OUT. *TR

Look up ODI 10480063 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel
417.4%
ODI 10525504 · 94,500 mi

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER ON DASH GOES BLANK/DARK, CAUSING DANGEROUS DRIVING AT NIGHT DUE TO LOSS OF SPEEDOMETER, GAS GAUGE, TEMPERATURE, AND ALL OTHER GAUGES ON DASH. *TR

Look up ODI 10525504 at NHTSA ↗

1317.8%
ODI 10155622 · 42,000 mi

THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WENT OUT WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE. THIS LEFT ME WITH NO SPEEDOMETER NOR ANY OTHER INSTRUMENTATION. EVEN THE TURN SIGNAL INDICATORS WERE INOPERATIVE. *NM

Look up ODI 10155622 at NHTSA ↗

13.2%
ODI 10644902 · 115,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING, MY CAR INSTRUMENT CLUSTER BEGAN TO FLICKER. INITIALLY IT JUST DIMMED BUT AFTER A FEW MINUTES OF FLICKERING IT STOPPED. LATER THAT DAY IT WENT. *TR

Look up ODI 10644902 at NHTSA ↗

27.7%
ODI 10297283 · 1,700 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 S430 MERCEDES BENZ. THE PLASTIC COVER FOR THE HEAD LIGHT BULB MELTED . THE DEALER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER REQUESTING ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIR COST OF $500.00. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT RESPONDED. SHE ALSO EXPERIENCED FAILURE WITH THE BATTERY. THE DEALER REPLACED THE BATTERY, BUT IT CONTINUED TO DISCHARGE. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER, BUT THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. ADDITIONALLY SHE CANNOT READ ANY OF THE GAUGES OR DISPLAY ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL. THE FAI…

Look up ODI 10297283 at NHTSA ↗

15.6%
ODI 10870790 · 120,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES-BENZ S430. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CONTROL MODULE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 06V028000 (INTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

Look up ODI 10870790 at NHTSA ↗

218.2%
ODI 10268180 · 3,801 mi

I LEASED A NEW MERCEDES BENZ S430 DURING DECEMBER 2004 FROM WALTER'S MB IN RIVERSIDE, CA. PROBLEMS WITH THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY SYSTEM (ESP) BEGAN MARCH 2005 AND ON MARCH 16, 2005 REPORTED PROBLEMS TO WALTERS MB DURING SERVICE VISIT. ON DECEMBER 9, 2005 REPORTED PROBLEM AGAIN TO WALTER'S MB DURING SERVICE VISIT. BOTH TIMES I REPORTED HOW VEHICLE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER BOARD LIGHTING WOULD BLINK AND BLACK OUT BUT ESP LIGHT IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WOULD TURN ON CAUSING VEHICLE BRAKING SYSTEM TO SHUT DOWN SPEED TO 15 MILES PER HOUR ON FREEWAY. DURI…

Look up ODI 10268180 at NHTSA ↗

216.7%
ODI 10891477

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES-BENZ S430. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER FAILED, BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 06V028000 (INTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Look up ODI 10891477 at NHTSA ↗

Exterior Lighting
521.7%
ODI 10525504 · 94,500 mi

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER ON DASH GOES BLANK/DARK, CAUSING DANGEROUS DRIVING AT NIGHT DUE TO LOSS OF SPEEDOMETER, GAS GAUGE, TEMPERATURE, AND ALL OTHER GAUGES ON DASH. *TR

Look up ODI 10525504 at NHTSA ↗

68.2%
ODI 10202668

CONSUMER OF A 2001 S430 V FAULTY SUNROOF, LED SIDE MIRRORS, AND TURN SIGNALS. CUSTOMER STATES THE VEHICLE HAS COST HIM A LOT OF MONEY TO REPAIR AND WOULD LIKE IT TO BE FIXED AND BE REPAID IN SOMEWAY. **NAR**KB THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS SUCH AS PERSISTENT TAIL LIGHT AND HEAD LIGHT ASSEMBLY FAILURES, ENGINE, FUEL, ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY, ALTERNATOR, BATTERY, INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, VACUUM DOOR PUMP, ELECTRICAL, FRONT SUSPENSION FAILURES SUCH AS THE AIRMATIC SHOCKS, THE THRUST ARMS, BALL JOINTS AND THE AIRMATIC…

Look up ODI 10202668 at NHTSA ↗

722.6%
ODI 10465533 · 111,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ S-CLASS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS MALFUNCTIONED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE HOW FAST THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING OR DETERMINE ANY OF THE OTHER READINGS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN I.D. 06V028000 (INTERIOR LIGHTING) AND CALLED THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE RECALL WAS CLOSED DUE TO THE YEAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,000.

Look up ODI 10465533 at NHTSA ↗

27.7%
ODI 10715495 · 122,000 mi

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FLICKER WHEN STOPPED AT LIGHT.

Look up ODI 10715495 at NHTSA ↗

15.6%
ODI 11258159 · 188,872 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES-BENZ S430. DUE TO INADEQUATE ILLUMINATION OF THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, THE CONTACT WAS NOT ABLE TO READ THE GAUGES AND INDICATORS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE FUSE WAS REPLACED FOR THE GAUGES, BUT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER STILL WAS NOT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 188,872.

Look up ODI 11258159 at NHTSA ↗

19.1%
ODI 10790183 · 30 mi

ON 7-26-2015 I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE FROM COMMONWEALTH MOTORS LLC. AFTER 24 HOURS ON THE HIGHWAY WHILE TRAVELING AT 55MPH, I CALLED BACK AND I FILED A COMPLAINT OF THE BRAKES BEING WORN TO THE METAL, THAT THE SUSPENSION WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON, THAT THE LEFT DRIVER MIRROR WAS BROKEN, AND THE REAR TIRE KEPT GOING FLAT. I RETURNED THE CAR TO THE DEALER WHOM CLAIM ITS THE STATE INSPECTOR MADE AN ERROR THEREFORE ITS THE STATES REPSONSIBILTY. I SCHEDULED A FOLLOW UP WHICH THEY DECLINE TO REPSOND TO. THE SECOND THIRD DAY THE HEAD LIGHTS WENT ON AND …

Look up ODI 10790183 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Interior Lighting
14.3%
ODI 11474799 · 96,000 mi

The contact called on behalf of his wife who owns a 2000 Mercedes-Benz S430. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed, the instrument panel was inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to the NHTSA Campaign Number: 06V028000 (Interior Lighting). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure milea…

Look up ODI 11474799 at NHTSA ↗

1115.1%
ODI 10152404 · 100,700 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE INTERIOR LIGHTING IS INOPERABLE. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 06V028000, REGARDING THE INTERIOR LIGHTING. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.

Look up ODI 10152404 at NHTSA ↗

13.2%
ODI 11377484 · 209,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES-BENZ S430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ILLUMINATION OF THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WAS INADEQUATE TO SEE THE GAUGES. FLETCHER JONES IMPORTS (7300 W SAHARA AVE, LAS VEGAS, NV 89117, [phone removed]) WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WARRANTY EXPIRED IN 2012. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT A DIAGNOSTIC TEST NEEDED TO BE PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 06V0…

Look up ODI 11377484 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

19.1%
ODI 10268180 · 3,801 mi

I LEASED A NEW MERCEDES BENZ S430 DURING DECEMBER 2004 FROM WALTER'S MB IN RIVERSIDE, CA. PROBLEMS WITH THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY SYSTEM (ESP) BEGAN MARCH 2005 AND ON MARCH 16, 2005 REPORTED PROBLEMS TO WALTERS MB DURING SERVICE VISIT. ON DECEMBER 9, 2005 REPORTED PROBLEM AGAIN TO WALTER'S MB DURING SERVICE VISIT. BOTH TIMES I REPORTED HOW VEHICLE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER BOARD LIGHTING WOULD BLINK AND BLACK OUT BUT ESP LIGHT IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WOULD TURN ON CAUSING VEHICLE BRAKING SYSTEM TO SHUT DOWN SPEED TO 15 MILES PER HOUR ON FREEWAY. DURI…

Look up ODI 10268180 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Vehicle Speed Control
313.0%
ODI 10525737 · 95,000 mi

DASH LIGHTS GO OUT LOSING SPEEDOMETER AND ALL INSTRUMENT AIDS SUCH AS LIGHTS HIGH & LOW, TURNING SIGNALS, AND AIR BAG JUST TO MENTION A FEW. THE DASH PANEL CLUSTER CONTROLS SO MANY FUNCTIONS THAT CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE BECOMES DANGEROUS ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT. MANUFACTURE HAS TREATED PROBLEM AS A WARRANTY ISSUE BUT IT SHOULD BE RECALLED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT. *TR

Look up ODI 10525737 at NHTSA ↗

22.7%
ODI 10722367 · 110,000 mi

THE INSTRUMENT PANEL (SPEEDOMETER, TACHOMETER, FUEL GAUGES, ETC) LIGHT WENT COMPLETELY OUT. I CANNOT SEE HOW FAST I'M GOING, HOW HOT MY ENGINE IS RUNNING, HOW MUCH FUEL I HAVE LEFT, ETC. MY MAKE AND MODEL OF CAR WAS KNOWN TO HAVE DEFECTIVE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING (UNDER MERCEDES RECALL CAMPAIGN 2006080004) BUT MERCEDES REFUSES TO HONOR THE RECALL CAMPAIGN AND WANTS $2000 TO FIX THIS DEFECTIVE INSTRUMENT PANEL.

Look up ODI 10722367 at NHTSA ↗

13.2%
ODI 10854495 · 16,200 mi

AFTER OWNING MY USED CAR INSURANCE HAD TO REPLACE THE CLUSTER. FOUND OUT LATER IT WAS ON A RECALL LIST.

Look up ODI 10854495 at NHTSA ↗

13.8%
ODI 10279458 · 64,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ S430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DOES NOT ACCELERATE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE REACTED AS IF THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PROGRAMMED IN THAT MANNER. THE DEALER KEPT THE VEHICLE AND PROVIDED HIM WITH A LOANER. THE LOANER WAS A MERCEDES ALSO, BUT THE FAILURE DID NOT OCCUR. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT ASSIST. …

Look up ODI 10279458 at NHTSA ↗

211.1%
ODI 10458809 · 70,000 mi

WHILE CHANGING GEARS FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR VEHICLE SHIFTED HARSHLY AND ENTERED INTO A LIMP MODE. ONCE AT A CERTIFIED MECHANIC THE PROBLEM WAS DISCOVERED TO BE A CONDUCTOR PLATE AND VALVE BODY WHICH HAS BEEN DISCOVERED TO BE DEFECTIVE ON MOST VEHICLES WITH 6 SPEED TRANSMISSION AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. *TR

Look up ODI 10458809 at NHTSA ↗

19.1%
ODI 10133754 · 13,000 mi

DT: CONTACT STATED ON 8-9-05 WAS ON A TRIP TO OREGON AND WAS GOING TO PARK THE CAR WHEN IT SURGED FORWARD AND WENT DOWN AN EMBANKMENT AND HUGE BOULDERS STOPPED THE CAR. HE HAD IT TOWED TO DEALER. THEY WERE FIXING THE CAR AND CHECKING TO SEE WHAT MAY HAVE HAPPENED. HAS BEEN WAITING FOR APPROXIMATELY 2 WEEKS TO SEE WHAT THE PROBLEM MAY HAVE BEEN. THEY WERE WAITING FOR SOMEONE FROM MERCEDES TO CHECK IT OUT. THE CONTACT WAS VERY CONCERNED ABOUT SAFETY EVEN AFTER THEY REPAIRED THE CAR.*AK THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED A SECOND FAILURE ON 1/3/06 . …

Look up ODI 10133754 at NHTSA ↗

325.0%
ODI 10294849 · 112,601 mi

AS YOU SLOW DOWN TO BRAKE THE CAR ACCELERATES ON ITS OWN CAUSING IT TO HIT A BUILDING. *TR

Look up ODI 10294849 at NHTSA ↗

Power Train
14.3%
ODI 10937111

ON 11/18/16 I WAS DRIVING MY 2000 S430 WHEN WILE ACCELERATING TO MERGE ONTO THE FREEWAY MY TRANSMISSION SLIPPED CAUSING MY ENGINE TO REV. I RELEASED THE GAS PEDAL & TRIED TO PRESS IT AGAIN TO RE ENGAGE THE TRANSMISSION BUT IT DIDN'T WORK. I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, PLACED THE CAR IN PARK, THEN BACK TO DRIVE. I CAUTIOUSLY DROVE BACK HOME & PARKED THE CAR UNTIL I WAS ABLE TO GET A SHOP APPOINTMENT. ON 11/21/16 I TOOK THE CAR TO THE SHOP, THEY SAID THE FLUID WAS FULL BUT THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING & NEEDED TO BE REPLACED? SO I TOOK IT HO…

Look up ODI 10937111 at NHTSA ↗

11.4%
ODI 10534708 · 82,000 mi

THE VEHICLE WILL NOT "SHIFT" OUT OF PARK. AS I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM, I HAVE LEARNED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS PARTICULAR MODEL AND THERE IS NO WAY TO OVERRIDE. THE PART FOR REPAIR COSTS LESS THAN $5; IT IS A SMALL PLASTIC "WASHER" TYPE PIECE. IF I HAD BEEN IN TRAFFIC AND THIS PIECE WENT, IT COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A COLLISION BECAUSE MY VEHICLE IS IMMOBILE. AS THE VEHICLE IS BEING TOWED, DUE TO THE FACT THE CAR CANNOT BE PLACED IN "NEUTRAL", THE REAR WHEELS WILL NOT TURN TO LOAD ON TOW VEHICLE. POSSIBLY RESULTING IN FURTHER …

Look up ODI 10534708 at NHTSA ↗

26.5%
ODI 10442782 · 57,063 mi

WE HAD TO HAVE OUR CAR TOWED FROM INSIDE THE CAR WASH BAY BECAUSE THE CAR WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK. THE NEUTRAL SAFETY SWITCH, WHICH IS PLASTIC, BROKE PROHIBITING THE CAR FROM SHIFTING OUT OF PARK. THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER MERCEDES BENZ ROADSIDE SENT TO US TOLD US HE SEES THIS ALL OF THE TIME WITH THIS PARTICULAR CAR. ALSO BY THE FORUMS, YOU CAN SEE THAT THIS IS A PARTICULAR PROBLEM FOR CERTAIN YEARS. FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND, THE NEW SHIFT BOX FROM MERCEDES HAS AN ALUMINUM SAFETY SWITCH OR "BILLET". WE ATTEMPTED TO BUY THE NEW "BILLET" BUT O…

Look up ODI 10442782 at NHTSA ↗

27.7%
ODI 10731759 · 58,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ S430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER SEIZED AND WAS UNABLE TO MOVE TO ANOTHER GEAR. THE CONTACT HAD TO PULL AND JERK THE SHIFTER IN ORDER FOR IT TO MOVE INTO ANOTHER GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000.

Look up ODI 10731759 at NHTSA ↗

316.7%
ODI 10458809 · 70,000 mi

WHILE CHANGING GEARS FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR VEHICLE SHIFTED HARSHLY AND ENTERED INTO A LIMP MODE. ONCE AT A CERTIFIED MECHANIC THE PROBLEM WAS DISCOVERED TO BE A CONDUCTOR PLATE AND VALVE BODY WHICH HAS BEEN DISCOVERED TO BE DEFECTIVE ON MOST VEHICLES WITH 6 SPEED TRANSMISSION AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. *TR

Look up ODI 10458809 at NHTSA ↗

218.2%
ODI 10268180 · 3,801 mi

I LEASED A NEW MERCEDES BENZ S430 DURING DECEMBER 2004 FROM WALTER'S MB IN RIVERSIDE, CA. PROBLEMS WITH THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY SYSTEM (ESP) BEGAN MARCH 2005 AND ON MARCH 16, 2005 REPORTED PROBLEMS TO WALTERS MB DURING SERVICE VISIT. ON DECEMBER 9, 2005 REPORTED PROBLEM AGAIN TO WALTER'S MB DURING SERVICE VISIT. BOTH TIMES I REPORTED HOW VEHICLE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER BOARD LIGHTING WOULD BLINK AND BLACK OUT BUT ESP LIGHT IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WOULD TURN ON CAUSING VEHICLE BRAKING SYSTEM TO SHUT DOWN SPEED TO 15 MILES PER HOUR ON FREEWAY. DURI…

Look up ODI 10268180 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Unknown Or Other
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

45.5%
ODI 10379883 · 57,000 mi

2001 MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS. VEHICLE STUCK IN PARK. DISCONNECT BATTERY, LEAVE OFF FOR 24HRS, RECONNECT WORKS FINE. STUCK IN PARK LATER AGAIN, NOTHING HELPED. HAD TO TOW TO A DEALER, SPENT $1300 TO REPLACE THE GEAR SHIFTER BOX. *LN

Look up ODI 10379883 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

27.7%
ODI 10893718

HEATER AND AIR CONDITIONER FAN MOTOR FAILED ON MY 2003 S430. WHICH IS DANGEROUS IN SEASONAL CLIMATE CONDITIONS I'VE HAD TO REPLACE THIS PART 2X AT 700.00 ON BOTH OCCURANCES AT MY OWN EXPENSE WHICH I DONT UNDERSTAND WHEN THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS SAME ISSUE FOR PREVIOUS YEARS 2000,2001.. RECALL#2004 070010. I'VE ALSO HAD TO CHANGE MY SHIFTER GEAR BOX WHICH JAMS IN THE PARK POSITION AND DOESN'T ALLOW YOU TO DRIVE THE VECHICLE THIS IS CAUSED BY A PLASTIC PIECE THAT IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO BREAK WITHIN THE GEAR BOX THIS ISSUE IS ALSO EXPENSIVE FOR JU…

Look up ODI 10893718 at NHTSA ↗

15.6%
ODI 11289649

IF THE TRUNK LID IS MANUALLY LIFTED, IT MAY NOT REMAIN IN THE UP POSITION AND COULD CAUSE INJURY IF IT COMES DOWN WHILE SOMEONE IS REACHING INTO THE TRUNK. THIS HAPPENED TO ME SEVERAL TIMES.

Look up ODI 11289649 at NHTSA ↗

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 System77,500–165,000 mi111,705 mi19
ODI 10124896 · 23,000 mi

DT: CONTACT STATES THE THERE WAS COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE AT 23,000 MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. SERVICE DEALER STATED THEY COULDN'T FIND WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE BRAKES. *AK WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS ABOVE 40 MPH THE VEHICLE VIBRATED. ON SEVERAL OCCASION THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THIS RESULTED IN SEVERAL NEAR ACCIDENTS. THE DEALER/MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED AND CONCLUDED THAT THE BRAKE WEAR WAS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR AND THAT THEY JUST NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CENTER CONSOLE WOULD NOT OPE…

Look up ODI 10124896 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10168099 · 29,031 mi

COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER THUS LEAVING ME WITH NO INFORMATION IN REGARDS TO THE FUNCTIONS OF THE AUTOMOBILE. "IN THE DARK. *JB

Look up ODI 10168099 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10413303 · 173,704 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES S430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WAS MALFUNCTIONING. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WAS BLANK AND NONE OF THE GAUGES WOULD PROVIDE ACCURATE READINGS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 173,704.

Look up ODI 10413303 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel39,200–88,527 mi60,029 mi11
ODI 10155622 · 42,000 mi

THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WENT OUT WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE. THIS LEFT ME WITH NO SPEEDOMETER NOR ANY OTHER INSTRUMENTATION. EVEN THE TURN SIGNAL INDICATORS WERE INOPERATIVE. *NM

Look up ODI 10155622 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10165222 · 63,000 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY THE INSTRUMENT PANEL MALFUNCTIONED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER.

Look up ODI 10165222 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10168099 · 29,031 mi

COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER THUS LEAVING ME WITH NO INFORMATION IN REGARDS TO THE FUNCTIONS OF THE AUTOMOBILE. "IN THE DARK. *JB

Look up ODI 10168099 at NHTSA ↗

Interior Lighting60,007–110,197 mi94,500 mi10
ODI 10152404 · 100,700 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE INTERIOR LIGHTING IS INOPERABLE. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 06V028000, REGARDING THE INTERIOR LIGHTING. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.

Look up ODI 10152404 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10158159 · 92,000 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE DASHBOARD ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED AND THE GAUGES NO LONGER REGISTER THE SPEED OR FUEL LEVEL. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 06V028000, REGARDING THE INTERIOR LIGHTING. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL.

Look up ODI 10158159 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10161136 · 56,900 mi

THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER ON MY 2001 MERCEDES S 430 WENT COMPLETELY BLACK AS I WAS TRAVELING AT NIGHT, SOME DISTANCE AWAY FROM MY HOME. THERE WAS NO WAY FOR ME TO DETERMINE MY GAS AMOUNT, AND NO WAY FOR ME TO DETERMINE THE SPEED AT WHICH I WAS DRIVING. *JB

Look up ODI 10161136 at NHTSA ↗

Exterior LightingToo few reports for a range105,000 mi4 (sparse)
ODI 10722367 · 110,000 mi

THE INSTRUMENT PANEL (SPEEDOMETER, TACHOMETER, FUEL GAUGES, ETC) LIGHT WENT COMPLETELY OUT. I CANNOT SEE HOW FAST I'M GOING, HOW HOT MY ENGINE IS RUNNING, HOW MUCH FUEL I HAVE LEFT, ETC. MY MAKE AND MODEL OF CAR WAS KNOWN TO HAVE DEFECTIVE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING (UNDER MERCEDES RECALL CAMPAIGN 2006080004) BUT MERCEDES REFUSES TO HONOR THE RECALL CAMPAIGN AND WANTS $2000 TO FIX THIS DEFECTIVE INSTRUMENT PANEL.

Look up ODI 10722367 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10762571 · 100,000 mi

CANNOT GIVE THE VEHICLE MILEAGE BECAUSE YOU CANNOT SEE THE MILES DUE TO THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LIGHTS NOT BEING ON, CANNOT SEE THE SPEEDOMETER, GAUGES OR ANYTHING ELSE, THE INSTRUMENTS ARE DARK BOTH AT NIGHT AND DURING THE DAY. THE CAR STILL OPERATES BUT WHEN YOU TRY TO SEE THE SPEEDOMETER, YOU HAVE TO LEAN FORWARD TO SEE THE MILEAGE, WHICH IS DANGEROUS BECAUSE WHILE YOU ARE STRAINING TO SEE THE MILEAGE, YOU ARE NOT LOOKING AT THE ROAD, THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION. I FOUND NHTSA RECALL 060V028 WHICH IDENTIFIES THE PROBLEM BUT MERCEDES SAYS…

Look up ODI 10762571 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10782883 · 113,363 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ S430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DURING RAINY WEATHER CONDITIONS, WATER ENTERED INTO THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE DOORS, THE WINDOWS, AND SOAKED THE SEATS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,363. UPDATE MA 01/13/16 RECALLS 05V505000 AND 06V028000. UPDATED 03/02/16.*JB; UPDATED 04/20/18*JB *CN

Look up ODI 10782883 at NHTSA ↗

SuspensionToo few reports for a range118,400 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10257053 · 118,400 mi

VEHICLE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER PANEL HAS FAILED. NO LIGHTS OR INSTRUMENT INDICATORS FUNCTION. ALL LIGHTS WITH IN THE PANEL DO NOT OPERATE. ALSO SUSPENSION OF VEHICLE FAILING. AFFECTED BY WEATHER. COLD WEATHER AFFECTS VEHICLE NOT ALLOWING RISE OF CAR. *TR

Look up ODI 10257053 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10981095 · 222,400 mi

JANUARY 30, 2015, I NOTICED MY CAR SITTING ON THE GROUND. I STARTED THE CAR, RAISED THE AIRMATICS UP, PULLED OUT MY DRIVEWAY, STOPPED AT THE STOP SIGN AND MY CAR LOWERED AND SHUT OFF. I REPEAT BY TURNING THE CAR BACK ON AND RAISING THE CAR BACK UP. ON MY WAY HOME I RECEIVED AN EMERGENCY CALL STATED MY COUSIN WAS ABOUT TO BE JUMPED AND TO COME TO THEIR BUS STOP. I ASKED MY FAMILY, "WHERE ARE YOU?" WHEN I ARRIVED AROUND THE CORNER, MY CAR BEGAN LOWERING WHILE DRIVING, I CAME OVER THE HILL AND WAS SHOCKED THAT TRAFFIC WAS COMPLETELY IMPEDED AS MY…

Look up ODI 10981095 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11318409 · 60,000 mi

2001 WAS WHEN THE AIRMATICS FIRST CAME OUT MERCEDES PERFECTED IN 2002 THERE WAS A RECALL BUT I DID NOT GET THE LETTER TIL AFTER THE DATE AND MERCEDES WOULDN'T HONOR IT I PURCHASED THIS CAR AND IT'S BROKEN SUCH A WASTE THE AIRMATICS WON'T GO UP IT'S SLAMMED LOW WE'LL NEED TO TOW IT W THE BIG TOW TRUCK BECAUSE IT'S TOO LOW IT'LL SCRATCH

Look up ODI 11318409 at NHTSA ↗

Unknown Or OtherToo few reports for a range76,000 mi4 (sparse)
ODI 10379883 · 57,000 mi

2001 MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS. VEHICLE STUCK IN PARK. DISCONNECT BATTERY, LEAVE OFF FOR 24HRS, RECONNECT WORKS FINE. STUCK IN PARK LATER AGAIN, NOTHING HELPED. HAD TO TOW TO A DEALER, SPENT $1300 TO REPLACE THE GEAR SHIFTER BOX. *LN

Look up ODI 10379883 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10716319 · 87,000 mi

THE HVAC BLOWER FUSE REGULATOR STOPPED DEFROSTING, HEATING MY CAR, AND COOLING THE CAR! THIS SAME DEFAULT WAS RECALLED IN 2004 FOR THE S430 2001 MERCEDES BENZ (NHTSA#04V227000, MB#2004070010). THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS! IN THE FREEZING WINTER; THE CAR WOULDN'T HEAT UP OR DEFROST. NOW, THE HVAC SYSTEM WON'T BLOW THE A/C! OCCASIONALLY, IT'LL COME ON, BUT THEN IT DIES RIGHT OUT! PLEASE! PLEASE INCLUDE MY VIN NUMBER IN A RECALL! IF THIS SAME EXACT HVAC MALFUNCTION HAPPENED TO THE S430 2001 YEARS AGO......IT'S STILL RELEVANT TODAY! THANK YOU FOR…

Look up ODI 10716319 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10907561 · 65,000 mi

TWO YEARS AGO THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER JUST QUIT WHILE IN HEVEY TRAFFIC. NO SPEED NO TAC NO GAS NO NOTHING AND IT COULD CAUSE ACCIDENT INJURY AND FURTHER DAMAGE TO THE CAR ALSO. THIS ITEM WAS A FEDERAL MANDATE RECALL AND MERCEDES SAYS NOT SO AFTER 10 YEARS AND WONT HONOR THE LAW WHICH STIPULATES ITS FOREVER, AND DEALERS INSIST ON A BUY OF A NEW ONE CANT EVEN GET ONE AT COST.

Look up ODI 10907561 at NHTSA ↗

StructureToo few reports for a range23,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10124896 · 23,000 mi

DT: CONTACT STATES THE THERE WAS COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE AT 23,000 MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. SERVICE DEALER STATED THEY COULDN'T FIND WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE BRAKES. *AK WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS ABOVE 40 MPH THE VEHICLE VIBRATED. ON SEVERAL OCCASION THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THIS RESULTED IN SEVERAL NEAR ACCIDENTS. THE DEALER/MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED AND CONCLUDED THAT THE BRAKE WEAR WAS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR AND THAT THEY JUST NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CENTER CONSOLE WOULD NOT OPE…

Look up ODI 10124896 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

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

1 reports2024-102026-09

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

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

No examples available for this selection.

2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-09 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

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

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

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

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

Age 0Age 1Age 22 reports

2005: 2 complaints · 2006: 1 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2005222
2006111
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
20051100
20061200

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 SystemElectrical System: Instrument Cluster/PanelInterior LightingExterior LightingSuspensionUnknown Or OtherPower Train:Driveline:DriveshaftStructure
Electrical System—
1
ODI 10168099 · 29,031 mi

COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER THUS LEAVING ME WITH NO INFORMATION IN REGARDS TO THE FUNCTIONS OF THE AUTOMOBILE. "IN THE DARK. *JB

Look up ODI 10168099 at NHTSA ↗

0
3
ODI 10202668

CONSUMER OF A 2001 S430 V FAULTY SUNROOF, LED SIDE MIRRORS, AND TURN SIGNALS. CUSTOMER STATES THE VEHICLE HAS COST HIM A LOT OF MONEY TO REPAIR AND WOULD LIKE IT TO BE FIXED AND BE REPAID IN SOMEWAY. **NAR**KB THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS SUCH AS PERSISTENT TAIL LIGHT AND HEAD LIGHT ASSEMBLY FAILURES, ENGINE, FUEL, ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY, ALTERNATOR, BATTERY, INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, VACUUM DOOR PUMP, ELECTRICAL, FRONT SUSPENSION FAILURES SUCH AS THE AIRMATIC SHOCKS, THE THRUST ARMS, BALL JOINTS AND THE AIRMATIC…

Look up ODI 10202668 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10722367 · 110,000 mi

THE INSTRUMENT PANEL (SPEEDOMETER, TACHOMETER, FUEL GAUGES, ETC) LIGHT WENT COMPLETELY OUT. I CANNOT SEE HOW FAST I'M GOING, HOW HOT MY ENGINE IS RUNNING, HOW MUCH FUEL I HAVE LEFT, ETC. MY MAKE AND MODEL OF CAR WAS KNOWN TO HAVE DEFECTIVE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING (UNDER MERCEDES RECALL CAMPAIGN 2006080004) BUT MERCEDES REFUSES TO HONOR THE RECALL CAMPAIGN AND WANTS $2000 TO FIX THIS DEFECTIVE INSTRUMENT PANEL.

Look up ODI 10722367 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10907561 · 65,000 mi

TWO YEARS AGO THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER JUST QUIT WHILE IN HEVEY TRAFFIC. NO SPEED NO TAC NO GAS NO NOTHING AND IT COULD CAUSE ACCIDENT INJURY AND FURTHER DAMAGE TO THE CAR ALSO. THIS ITEM WAS A FEDERAL MANDATE RECALL AND MERCEDES SAYS NOT SO AFTER 10 YEARS AND WONT HONOR THE LAW WHICH STIPULATES ITS FOREVER, AND DEALERS INSIST ON A BUY OF A NEW ONE CANT EVEN GET ONE AT COST.

Look up ODI 10907561 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 11318409 · 60,000 mi

2001 WAS WHEN THE AIRMATICS FIRST CAME OUT MERCEDES PERFECTED IN 2002 THERE WAS A RECALL BUT I DID NOT GET THE LETTER TIL AFTER THE DATE AND MERCEDES WOULDN'T HONOR IT I PURCHASED THIS CAR AND IT'S BROKEN SUCH A WASTE THE AIRMATICS WON'T GO UP IT'S SLAMMED LOW WE'LL NEED TO TOW IT W THE BIG TOW TRUCK BECAUSE IT'S TOO LOW IT'LL SCRATCH

Look up ODI 11318409 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 10907561 · 65,000 mi

TWO YEARS AGO THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER JUST QUIT WHILE IN HEVEY TRAFFIC. NO SPEED NO TAC NO GAS NO NOTHING AND IT COULD CAUSE ACCIDENT INJURY AND FURTHER DAMAGE TO THE CAR ALSO. THIS ITEM WAS A FEDERAL MANDATE RECALL AND MERCEDES SAYS NOT SO AFTER 10 YEARS AND WONT HONOR THE LAW WHICH STIPULATES ITS FOREVER, AND DEALERS INSIST ON A BUY OF A NEW ONE CANT EVEN GET ONE AT COST.

Look up ODI 10907561 at NHTSA ↗

0
2
ODI 10124896 · 23,000 mi

DT: CONTACT STATES THE THERE WAS COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE AT 23,000 MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. SERVICE DEALER STATED THEY COULDN'T FIND WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE BRAKES. *AK WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS ABOVE 40 MPH THE VEHICLE VIBRATED. ON SEVERAL OCCASION THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THIS RESULTED IN SEVERAL NEAR ACCIDENTS. THE DEALER/MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED AND CONCLUDED THAT THE BRAKE WEAR WAS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR AND THAT THEY JUST NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CENTER CONSOLE WOULD NOT OPE…

Look up ODI 10124896 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10202668

CONSUMER OF A 2001 S430 V FAULTY SUNROOF, LED SIDE MIRRORS, AND TURN SIGNALS. CUSTOMER STATES THE VEHICLE HAS COST HIM A LOT OF MONEY TO REPAIR AND WOULD LIKE IT TO BE FIXED AND BE REPAID IN SOMEWAY. **NAR**KB THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS SUCH AS PERSISTENT TAIL LIGHT AND HEAD LIGHT ASSEMBLY FAILURES, ENGINE, FUEL, ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY, ALTERNATOR, BATTERY, INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, VACUUM DOOR PUMP, ELECTRICAL, FRONT SUSPENSION FAILURES SUCH AS THE AIRMATIC SHOCKS, THE THRUST ARMS, BALL JOINTS AND THE AIRMATIC…

Look up ODI 10202668 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel
1
ODI 10168099 · 29,031 mi

COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER THUS LEAVING ME WITH NO INFORMATION IN REGARDS TO THE FUNCTIONS OF THE AUTOMOBILE. "IN THE DARK. *JB

Look up ODI 10168099 at NHTSA ↗

—
2
ODI 10172192 · 60,029 mi

WHILE DRIVING, ENTIRE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WHEN DARK COULD NOT SEE GAUGES INCLUDING SPEEDOMETER. FIND THIS FAILURE VERY DANGEROUS DUE TO LACK OF INFORMATION. NO ACTION TAKEN THUS FAR. AWAITING CALL FROM DEALERSHIP. *JB

Look up ODI 10172192 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10452287 · 206,400 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ S430. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE GAUGES ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED AND THE SPEEDOMETER BECAME STUCK ON 70 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 06V028000 (INTERIOR LIGHTING) THAT COULD POSSIBLY HAVE BEEN RELATED TO THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 206,400. ..UPDA…

Look up ODI 10452287 at NHTSA ↗

00000
Interior Lighting0
2
ODI 10172192 · 60,029 mi

WHILE DRIVING, ENTIRE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WHEN DARK COULD NOT SEE GAUGES INCLUDING SPEEDOMETER. FIND THIS FAILURE VERY DANGEROUS DUE TO LACK OF INFORMATION. NO ACTION TAKEN THUS FAR. AWAITING CALL FROM DEALERSHIP. *JB

Look up ODI 10172192 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10452287 · 206,400 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ S430. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE GAUGES ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED AND THE SPEEDOMETER BECAME STUCK ON 70 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 06V028000 (INTERIOR LIGHTING) THAT COULD POSSIBLY HAVE BEEN RELATED TO THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 206,400. ..UPDA…

Look up ODI 10452287 at NHTSA ↗

—
1
ODI 10782883 · 113,363 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ S430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DURING RAINY WEATHER CONDITIONS, WATER ENTERED INTO THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE DOORS, THE WINDOWS, AND SOAKED THE SEATS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,363. UPDATE MA 01/13/16 RECALLS 05V505000 AND 06V028000. UPDATED 03/02/16.*JB; UPDATED 04/20/18*JB *CN

Look up ODI 10782883 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 10257053 · 118,400 mi

VEHICLE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER PANEL HAS FAILED. NO LIGHTS OR INSTRUMENT INDICATORS FUNCTION. ALL LIGHTS WITH IN THE PANEL DO NOT OPERATE. ALSO SUSPENSION OF VEHICLE FAILING. AFFECTED BY WEATHER. COLD WEATHER AFFECTS VEHICLE NOT ALLOWING RISE OF CAR. *TR

Look up ODI 10257053 at NHTSA ↗

000
Exterior Lighting
3
ODI 10202668

CONSUMER OF A 2001 S430 V FAULTY SUNROOF, LED SIDE MIRRORS, AND TURN SIGNALS. CUSTOMER STATES THE VEHICLE HAS COST HIM A LOT OF MONEY TO REPAIR AND WOULD LIKE IT TO BE FIXED AND BE REPAID IN SOMEWAY. **NAR**KB THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS SUCH AS PERSISTENT TAIL LIGHT AND HEAD LIGHT ASSEMBLY FAILURES, ENGINE, FUEL, ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY, ALTERNATOR, BATTERY, INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, VACUUM DOOR PUMP, ELECTRICAL, FRONT SUSPENSION FAILURES SUCH AS THE AIRMATIC SHOCKS, THE THRUST ARMS, BALL JOINTS AND THE AIRMATIC…

Look up ODI 10202668 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10722367 · 110,000 mi

THE INSTRUMENT PANEL (SPEEDOMETER, TACHOMETER, FUEL GAUGES, ETC) LIGHT WENT COMPLETELY OUT. I CANNOT SEE HOW FAST I'M GOING, HOW HOT MY ENGINE IS RUNNING, HOW MUCH FUEL I HAVE LEFT, ETC. MY MAKE AND MODEL OF CAR WAS KNOWN TO HAVE DEFECTIVE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING (UNDER MERCEDES RECALL CAMPAIGN 2006080004) BUT MERCEDES REFUSES TO HONOR THE RECALL CAMPAIGN AND WANTS $2000 TO FIX THIS DEFECTIVE INSTRUMENT PANEL.

Look up ODI 10722367 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10907561 · 65,000 mi

TWO YEARS AGO THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER JUST QUIT WHILE IN HEVEY TRAFFIC. NO SPEED NO TAC NO GAS NO NOTHING AND IT COULD CAUSE ACCIDENT INJURY AND FURTHER DAMAGE TO THE CAR ALSO. THIS ITEM WAS A FEDERAL MANDATE RECALL AND MERCEDES SAYS NOT SO AFTER 10 YEARS AND WONT HONOR THE LAW WHICH STIPULATES ITS FOREVER, AND DEALERS INSIST ON A BUY OF A NEW ONE CANT EVEN GET ONE AT COST.

Look up ODI 10907561 at NHTSA ↗

0
1
ODI 10782883 · 113,363 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ S430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DURING RAINY WEATHER CONDITIONS, WATER ENTERED INTO THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE DOORS, THE WINDOWS, AND SOAKED THE SEATS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,363. UPDATE MA 01/13/16 RECALLS 05V505000 AND 06V028000. UPDATED 03/02/16.*JB; UPDATED 04/20/18*JB *CN

Look up ODI 10782883 at NHTSA ↗

—0
1
ODI 10907561 · 65,000 mi

TWO YEARS AGO THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER JUST QUIT WHILE IN HEVEY TRAFFIC. NO SPEED NO TAC NO GAS NO NOTHING AND IT COULD CAUSE ACCIDENT INJURY AND FURTHER DAMAGE TO THE CAR ALSO. THIS ITEM WAS A FEDERAL MANDATE RECALL AND MERCEDES SAYS NOT SO AFTER 10 YEARS AND WONT HONOR THE LAW WHICH STIPULATES ITS FOREVER, AND DEALERS INSIST ON A BUY OF A NEW ONE CANT EVEN GET ONE AT COST.

Look up ODI 10907561 at NHTSA ↗

0
1
ODI 10202668

CONSUMER OF A 2001 S430 V FAULTY SUNROOF, LED SIDE MIRRORS, AND TURN SIGNALS. CUSTOMER STATES THE VEHICLE HAS COST HIM A LOT OF MONEY TO REPAIR AND WOULD LIKE IT TO BE FIXED AND BE REPAID IN SOMEWAY. **NAR**KB THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS SUCH AS PERSISTENT TAIL LIGHT AND HEAD LIGHT ASSEMBLY FAILURES, ENGINE, FUEL, ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY, ALTERNATOR, BATTERY, INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, VACUUM DOOR PUMP, ELECTRICAL, FRONT SUSPENSION FAILURES SUCH AS THE AIRMATIC SHOCKS, THE THRUST ARMS, BALL JOINTS AND THE AIRMATIC…

Look up ODI 10202668 at NHTSA ↗

Suspension
1
ODI 11318409 · 60,000 mi

2001 WAS WHEN THE AIRMATICS FIRST CAME OUT MERCEDES PERFECTED IN 2002 THERE WAS A RECALL BUT I DID NOT GET THE LETTER TIL AFTER THE DATE AND MERCEDES WOULDN'T HONOR IT I PURCHASED THIS CAR AND IT'S BROKEN SUCH A WASTE THE AIRMATICS WON'T GO UP IT'S SLAMMED LOW WE'LL NEED TO TOW IT W THE BIG TOW TRUCK BECAUSE IT'S TOO LOW IT'LL SCRATCH

Look up ODI 11318409 at NHTSA ↗

0
1
ODI 10257053 · 118,400 mi

VEHICLE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER PANEL HAS FAILED. NO LIGHTS OR INSTRUMENT INDICATORS FUNCTION. ALL LIGHTS WITH IN THE PANEL DO NOT OPERATE. ALSO SUSPENSION OF VEHICLE FAILING. AFFECTED BY WEATHER. COLD WEATHER AFFECTS VEHICLE NOT ALLOWING RISE OF CAR. *TR

Look up ODI 10257053 at NHTSA ↗

0—0
1
ODI 8002232

VEHICLE WILL START TO SHAKE WHEN TRAVELING AT 50 MPH AND HIGHER. ENTIRE VEHICLE WILL SHAKE, NOT JUST THE STEERING. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER REPLACED THE DRIVESHAFT, BUT THE PROBLEM STILL OCCURRING. *AK

Look up ODI 8002232 at NHTSA ↗

0
Unknown Or Other
1
ODI 10907561 · 65,000 mi

TWO YEARS AGO THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER JUST QUIT WHILE IN HEVEY TRAFFIC. NO SPEED NO TAC NO GAS NO NOTHING AND IT COULD CAUSE ACCIDENT INJURY AND FURTHER DAMAGE TO THE CAR ALSO. THIS ITEM WAS A FEDERAL MANDATE RECALL AND MERCEDES SAYS NOT SO AFTER 10 YEARS AND WONT HONOR THE LAW WHICH STIPULATES ITS FOREVER, AND DEALERS INSIST ON A BUY OF A NEW ONE CANT EVEN GET ONE AT COST.

Look up ODI 10907561 at NHTSA ↗

00
1
ODI 10907561 · 65,000 mi

TWO YEARS AGO THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER JUST QUIT WHILE IN HEVEY TRAFFIC. NO SPEED NO TAC NO GAS NO NOTHING AND IT COULD CAUSE ACCIDENT INJURY AND FURTHER DAMAGE TO THE CAR ALSO. THIS ITEM WAS A FEDERAL MANDATE RECALL AND MERCEDES SAYS NOT SO AFTER 10 YEARS AND WONT HONOR THE LAW WHICH STIPULATES ITS FOREVER, AND DEALERS INSIST ON A BUY OF A NEW ONE CANT EVEN GET ONE AT COST.

Look up ODI 10907561 at NHTSA ↗

0—00
Power Train:Driveline:Driveshaft0000
1
ODI 8002232

VEHICLE WILL START TO SHAKE WHEN TRAVELING AT 50 MPH AND HIGHER. ENTIRE VEHICLE WILL SHAKE, NOT JUST THE STEERING. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER REPLACED THE DRIVESHAFT, BUT THE PROBLEM STILL OCCURRING. *AK

Look up ODI 8002232 at NHTSA ↗

0—0
Structure
2
ODI 10124896 · 23,000 mi

DT: CONTACT STATES THE THERE WAS COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE AT 23,000 MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. SERVICE DEALER STATED THEY COULDN'T FIND WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE BRAKES. *AK WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS ABOVE 40 MPH THE VEHICLE VIBRATED. ON SEVERAL OCCASION THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THIS RESULTED IN SEVERAL NEAR ACCIDENTS. THE DEALER/MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED AND CONCLUDED THAT THE BRAKE WEAR WAS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR AND THAT THEY JUST NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CENTER CONSOLE WOULD NOT OPE…

Look up ODI 10124896 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10202668

CONSUMER OF A 2001 S430 V FAULTY SUNROOF, LED SIDE MIRRORS, AND TURN SIGNALS. CUSTOMER STATES THE VEHICLE HAS COST HIM A LOT OF MONEY TO REPAIR AND WOULD LIKE IT TO BE FIXED AND BE REPAID IN SOMEWAY. **NAR**KB THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS SUCH AS PERSISTENT TAIL LIGHT AND HEAD LIGHT ASSEMBLY FAILURES, ENGINE, FUEL, ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY, ALTERNATOR, BATTERY, INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, VACUUM DOOR PUMP, ELECTRICAL, FRONT SUSPENSION FAILURES SUCH AS THE AIRMATIC SHOCKS, THE THRUST ARMS, BALL JOINTS AND THE AIRMATIC…

Look up ODI 10202668 at NHTSA ↗

00
1
ODI 10202668

CONSUMER OF A 2001 S430 V FAULTY SUNROOF, LED SIDE MIRRORS, AND TURN SIGNALS. CUSTOMER STATES THE VEHICLE HAS COST HIM A LOT OF MONEY TO REPAIR AND WOULD LIKE IT TO BE FIXED AND BE REPAID IN SOMEWAY. **NAR**KB THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS SUCH AS PERSISTENT TAIL LIGHT AND HEAD LIGHT ASSEMBLY FAILURES, ENGINE, FUEL, ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY, ALTERNATOR, BATTERY, INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, VACUUM DOOR PUMP, ELECTRICAL, FRONT SUSPENSION FAILURES SUCH AS THE AIRMATIC SHOCKS, THE THRUST ARMS, BALL JOINTS AND THE AIRMATIC…

Look up ODI 10202668 at NHTSA ↗

000—

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.

4 patterns with matching reports.

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

2 mentions · 2.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 99,054 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10172989

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE AIRBAG'S WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SERVICE DEALER, THEY DETERMINED THE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. WITHOUT THE SENSOR REPLACEMENT, THE AIRBAGS WOULD NOT DEPLOY IN AN ACCIDENT. UPDATED 12/28/2006 - *NM

Look up ODI 10172989 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10538301 · 99,054 mi

MY CAR REGISTRATION WAS (IS) DUE AND I WENT TO A SMOG STATION HERE IN SAN JOSE, CA. HOWEVER, THE CAR FAILED THE TEST AS THE 'CHECK ENGINE' LIGHT WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE UPON THE KEY/IGNITION BEING TURNED. THE 'CHECK ENGINE' LIGHT IS NOT A SERVICEABLE BULB, BUT INSTEAD AN LED WIRED TO THE BOARD. BESHOFF MOTORS (WHERE I BOUGHT THE THEN CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED VEHICLE IN 2004) ADVISED ON AUGUST 31, 2013 THAT A REBUILT UNIT WAS AVAILABLE FOR $1,308 DOLLARS, BUT NEVER ADVISED ME THAT THIS CAR WAS THE SUBJECT OF A RECALL AS RELATES TO THE INSTRUMENT CLUS…

Look up ODI 10538301 at NHTSA ↗

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

Battery drain and no-start mentions

1 mentions · 1.4% of complaints

Median mileage: 120,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 11094045 · 120,000 mi

I DROVE MY WORK TO WORK WHICH IS ONE KILOMETER AWAY. AFTER DROPPING, I PARKED FOR 5 MINUTES. WHEN I TRIED TO START, IT WON'T START. AFTER FEW MINUTES, I TRIED TO START AND IT DID. AFTER A FEW YARDS, THE CAR STOPPED IN THE ROAD. I CALLED THE TOWING COMPANY AND BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE REPAIR SHOP. THE BATTERY WAS CHANGED BUT WHEN THEY STARTED, THEY JUST HEARD A SOUND OF NOT GOING THRU. THEY DIAGNOSED THE CAR AND THEY CHANGED THE CRANK CENSORCSS 825. I DROVE THE CAR BACK HOME.

Look up ODI 11094045 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(parasitic drain|battery drain\w*|dead battery|won.t start|would not start|no.start)\b

Brake response concerns

1 mentions · 1.4% of complaints

Median mileage: 23,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10124896 · 23,000 mi

DT: CONTACT STATES THE THERE WAS COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE AT 23,000 MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. SERVICE DEALER STATED THEY COULDN'T FIND WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE BRAKES. *AK WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS ABOVE 40 MPH THE VEHICLE VIBRATED. ON SEVERAL OCCASION THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THIS RESULTED IN SEVERAL NEAR ACCIDENTS. THE DEALER/MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED AND CONCLUDED THAT THE BRAKE WEAR WAS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR AND THAT THEY JUST NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CENTER CONSOLE WOULD NOT OPE…

Look up ODI 10124896 at NHTSA ↗

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

Steering assistance concerns

1 mentions · 1.4% of complaints

Median mileage: 23,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10124896 · 23,000 mi

DT: CONTACT STATES THE THERE WAS COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE AT 23,000 MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. SERVICE DEALER STATED THEY COULDN'T FIND WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE BRAKES. *AK WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS ABOVE 40 MPH THE VEHICLE VIBRATED. ON SEVERAL OCCASION THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THIS RESULTED IN SEVERAL NEAR ACCIDENTS. THE DEALER/MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED AND CONCLUDED THAT THE BRAKE WEAR WAS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR AND THAT THEY JUST NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CENTER CONSOLE WOULD NOT OPE…

Look up ODI 10124896 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b