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U.S. public vehicle records

2003 Mercedes Benz S500 problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

10 owner complaints analyzed

0 distinct recall campaigns

59,125 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2003 model year. Data updated: . 8 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Seat Belts is the most frequently named component, appearing in 3 of 10 complaints (30.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Braking behavior110.0%
Electrical and battery issues110.0%

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.

Seat Belts
3
Electrical System
2
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
1
Equipment:Appliance:Air Conditioner
1
Exterior Lighting
1
Power Train
1
Seat Belts:Front:Retractor
1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
1
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Seat Belts3
Electrical System2
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine1
Equipment:Appliance:Air Conditioner1
Exterior Lighting1
Power Train1
Seat Belts:Front:Retractor1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip1

Seat Belts: 3; Electrical System: 2; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 1; Equipment:Appliance:Air Conditioner: 1; Exterior Lighting: 1; Power Train: 1; Seat Belts:Front:Retractor: 1; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

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

Under 25,000
2
25,000 to 49,999
1
50,000 to 74,999
2
75,000 to 99,999
0
100,000 to 149,999
2
150,000 and above
1
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0002
25,000 to 49,9991
50,000 to 74,9992
75,000 to 99,9990
100,000 to 149,9992
150,000 and above1

Under 25,000: 2; 25,000 to 49,999: 1; 50,000 to 74,999: 2; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 2; 150,000 and above: 1

Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (2). 2 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
2
2004
1
2013
1
2014
2
2015
2
2018
1
2020
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20032
20041
20131
20142
20152
20181
20201

2003: 2; 2004: 1; 2013: 1; 2014: 2; 2015: 2; 2018: 1; 2020: 1

Pattern summary

Seat Belts leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 1 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues 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 10097157 · 2004-10-03 (October 3, 2004)

WHILE APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT, THE CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THEY FAILED, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SLOWLY CONTINUE INTO THE CENTER OF THE INTERSECTION. THE OWNER LATER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THIS OCCURRED WITH ALL BRANDS OF CARS NOT JUST MERCEDES AND THAT A CERTAIN PERCENTAGE OF BRAKE FAILURES IS ACCEPTABLE IN THE AUTO INDUSTRY SO LONG AS THAT PERCENTAGE DOES NOT GET TOO HIGH. *JB CONSUMER STATED THAT THE INFO WAS HARD TO ACCEPT WHEN HE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED BY CROSS TRAFFIC AT THE INTERSECTION WHERE HE…

Owner-reported narrative. 12,905 miles reported. Look up ODI 10097157 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10007378 · 2003-02-13 (February 13, 2003)

THE GEARS BECAME STUCK, AND THE ENGINE DID NOT SHUT OFF, CONSUMER HAD TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY TO SHUT OFF THE ENGINE.*JB

Owner-reported narrative. 250 miles reported. Look up ODI 10007378 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

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

80.0%Usable mileage8 / 10 records
90.0%Valid incident date9 / 10 records
100.0%Valid filing date10 / 10 records
90.0%Ordered incident and filing dates9 / 10 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
Component1993199419951996199920002001200220032004200520062007
Electrical System
2100.0%
ODI 10763582 · 232,637 mi

WHEN THE ENGINE IS RUNNING AT IDLE, THE ENGINE WILL MISS IN A RANDOM MANNER UNTIL THERE IS A LOUD POP FROM THE RADIO SPEAKER, THE BATTERY LIGHT COMES ON, AND THE ENGINE STOPS. SOMETIMES THE ENGINE WILL CONTINUE TO RUN, CONTINUE TO MISS, UNTIL THE ENGINE EVENTUALLY STOPS. WHEN RUNNING AT SPEED AND THE ENGINE IS UNDER LOAD THERE IS A LOUD POP FROM THE RADIO SPEAKER, THE ENGINE MISSES, BUT THE ENGINE WILL KEEP RUNNING. THE MB DEALER AND AN INDEPENDENT SHOP BOTH INDICATED THE WIRING HARNESS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS DETERIORATED AND NEED…

Look up ODI 10763582 at NHTSA ↗

2100.0%
ODI 10954983

THE MAIN ELECTRICAL CABLE HARNESS FOR THE STARTER, ALTERNATOR AND VEHICLE BATTERY IS AFFECTED BY THE BAD WIRING.

Look up ODI 10954983 at NHTSA ↗

4100.0%
ODI 10522780 · 130,000 mi

I NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FROM MB THAT THERE WAS A RECALL IN 2009 REGARDING EXTERIOR LIGHTING AND WAS NOT INFORMED THAT THE 1995 S SERIES MERCEDES WERE RECALLED FOR THE ELECTRICAL HARNESS. MY VEHICLE'S ENGINE HARNESS IS COMPLETELY BURNED OUT AND DETERIORATED .APPARENTLY MERCEDES BENZ KNOWINGLY INSTALLED BIODEGRADEABLE INFERIOR WIRE HARNESSES THAT DISINTEGRATE OVER TIME. THE FIRST EFFECT OF THIS FAULTY ELECTRICAL HARNESS CAUSED THE SPEEDOMETER TO STOP WORKING UPON INVESTIGATION BY A LOCAL MB DEALER FOR THE SPEEDOMETER, THE SERVI…

Look up ODI 10522780 at NHTSA ↗

1100.0%
ODI 10615534 · 99,000 mi

DISINTEGRATED WIRING IN ALL THE WIRING HARNESSES AND IS SHORTING OUT EVERYTHING. *TR

Look up ODI 10615534 at NHTSA ↗

150.0%
ODI 11035055

1999 MERCEDES-BENZ 2500. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VARIOUS SAFETY DEFECTS ON VEHICLE. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS SEVERAL SAFETY DEFECTS CONCERNING ELECTRIC STABILITY CONTROL, BRAKES, BODY, STEERING, SUSPENSION, WHEELS, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, AND THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. UPDATED 10/23/2017*JS

Look up ODI 11035055 at NHTSA ↗

2749.1%
ODI 10011709 · 39,608 mi

THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED MULTIPLE MECHANICAL FAILURES. SEAT BELT STICKS, WHILE DRIVING DASH LIGHTS GO OUT, POWER STEERING DROPPED, ATEANNA FELL OFF, POWER WINDOWS MALFUNCTION. *TS *NLM

Look up ODI 10011709 at NHTSA ↗

1544.1%
ODI 10044261 · 28,000 mi

WHENEVER THE TURN SIGNALS ARE IN USE THEY WOULD MALFUNCTION. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP TO HAVE MECHANIC REPAIR THE PROBLEM. MECHANIC REPLACED THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND SEVERAL ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS. BUT, PROBLEM STILL EXISTS.*AK

Look up ODI 10044261 at NHTSA ↗

624.0%
ODI 10147652 · 66,286 mi

DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL THERE WAS A THREE SECOND DELAY. THE VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE SUDDENLY. THE DELAY PROGRESSIVELY BECAME WORSE WHILE DRIVING AND EVENTUALLY THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESPOND AT ALL. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE GAS PEDAL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE LOCKED IN PARK; IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE GEAR SELECTOR HOUSING. *AK THE GEAR WOULD NOT COME OUT OF PARK. UPDATED 021/21/06. *JB

Look up ODI 10147652 at NHTSA ↗

220.0%
ODI 10547686 · 55,000 mi

SPECIAL ACQUISITION MODULE (SAM) MY CAR WOULD NOT START THE MERCEDES ROADSIDE CAME OUT AND STARTED THE CAR AND I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR DIAGNOSTIC. UPON REVIEW THE DEALER STATED THE SAM MODULE PLASTIC COVER HAD WATER DROPS ON IT. THEY ALSO STATED THE MALE AND FEMALE CONNECTORS TO THE MODULE WAS CORRODED, AND I WOULD NEED A NEW SPECIAL ACQUISITION MODULE (SAM) AT THE COST OF $1590.00. THEY ASK IF I HAD LEFT THE WINDOWS DOWN, BUT I HAD NOT THE INSIDE OF THE CAR HAS NEVER BEEN WET, BUT I DID NOTICE EVERYTIME I WENT TO THE CAR WASH THE INFOR…

Look up ODI 10547686 at NHTSA ↗

541.7%
ODI 10692762 · 68,000 mi

ON MAY 16, 2014, I PURCHASED A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ S500 WITH 61,649 MILES FROM CAR CREDIT NATION.AFTER A FEW WEEKS OF DRIVING THE VEHICLE, AND VISITING WITH THE MERCEDES BENZ DEALERSHIP FOR ROUTINE INSPECTIONS, WE FOUND FURTHER ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE, THAT WE FELT WERE LIFE THREATENING AND HAZARDOUS TO THE ROAD, OTHER DRIVERS, AND OUR SAFETY. MERCEDES BENZ STATED THAT THE ROTORS AND BRAKES WERE EXTREMELY BAD ON THE VEHICLE, WHICH THEY NOTICE AT THE TIME OF THEIR INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE.WE NOTICED THAT THERE WERE ELECTRICAL ISSUES WITH THE V…

Look up ODI 10692762 at NHTSA ↗

654.5%
ODI 10228778 · 3,592 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCEDES BENZ S-500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE AND SERVICE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THERE WAS A LOSS OF BRAKES. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED 16 TIMES. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WOULD NOT PROVIDE DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,591 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000. UPDATE 06/10/08 *BF THE SHIFTER WOULD GET STUCK IN PARK, THE BRAKE WEAR LIGHT ILLUMININATED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE REAR PADS AND ROTORS, THE LEFT RERAR MARKED LIGHT WAS REPLACED, …

Look up ODI 10228778 at NHTSA ↗

430.8%
ODI 10392405 · 68,000 mi

THE TELEMATICS DEVICE IN MY 2006 MB S500 SPONTANEOUSLY MALFUNCTIONED. NO KNOWN EVENTS LEAD UP TO THE FAILURE, TOTAL LOSS OF INFORMATION AND SAFETY UPLINK, TOTAL LOSS OF NEW $300 MBRACE SUBSCRIPTION VALUE, AS OF 21 MAR 2011, NOTHING DONE TO CORRECT OTHER THAN CALL TO DEALER. WAS A PRIOR RECALL DONE THAT WOULD HAVE IMPACTED THE VEHICLE TELEMATICS UNIT OR THE ASSOCIATED VEHICLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM? *TR

Look up ODI 10392405 at NHTSA ↗

150.0%
ODI 10169985 · 1,200 mi

SUDDEN ESP FAILURE ON 2007 MERCEDES E 350 4 MATIC ON SEPT 12, 2006 WHICH WAS PURCHASED ON AUG 03, 2006. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN HBL MERCEDES TYSONS CORNER, VIENNA VA FOR REPAIR SINCE SEPT 13, 2006. THE CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR REPAIR 23 CONSECUTIVE DAYS AS OF TODAY (OCT 05, 2006) MAY BE OTHER OWNERS HAVE TO BE AWARE OF PROBLEMS AND INABILITY OF MERCEDES TO REPAIR TO DATE....*JB

Look up ODI 10169985 at NHTSA ↗

Interior Lighting
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.

1221.8%
ODI 10160666

THE MERCEDES S-CLASS HAS A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH MANY ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS AND EVEN WHEN RECALLS ARE MADE, MERCEDES BENZ NORTH AMERICA UNDERSTATES THE NUMBER OF UNITS AFFECTED TO MINIMIZE THEIR LOSS DUE TO DEFECTIVE ENGINEERING. MY MERCEDES DEALER (CROWN MERCEDES IN DUBLIN, OHIO - TEL [phone removed]) HAS REFUSED TO REPLACE MY DEFECTIVE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, WHICH DOES NOT ILLUMINATE, NOR DO THE GAUGES WORK, EVEN THOUGH A RECALL WAS MANDATED AS PER NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER 06V028000. HOWEVER, INSTEAD OF HONORING THEY REFUSE TO FIX THE VERY…

Look up ODI 10160666 at NHTSA ↗

617.6%
ODI 10161975 · 99,000 mi

THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER IS DEAD MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE ALL THE GAUGES INCLUDING SPEEDOMETER. THERE IS A RECALL BUT MERCEDES SAID THAT MY VIN NUMBER IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL, BUT IT IS THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL. *JB

Look up ODI 10161975 at NHTSA ↗

416.0%
ODI 10241600 · 81,640 mi

THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER IN THE COMPANY CAR I AM DRIVING WHICH IS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ MODEL S500 JUST RECENTLY WENT OUT COMPLETELY. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR IN TO BE REPAIRED AND A NEW FUSE WAS PUT IN AND IT BLEW WITHIN AN HOUR. I HAVE CALLED MERCEDES BENZ DIRECTLY AND THEY SAID THAT THE RECALL 06V028000 DOES NOT APPLY TO ME. I ALSO CALLED THE FLETCHER JONES MOTORCAR DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THE SAME THING. BOTH THE DEALERSHIP AND MERCEDES BENZ REFUSE TO REPLACE THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER MODULES BASED ON THE SAFETY RECALL 06V028000. THE PROBLEM IS…

Look up ODI 10241600 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

18.3%
ODI 10643349 · 158,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ S500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 06V028000 (INTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 158,000. UPDATED 12/2/14*CN UPDATED 08/30/2017*CT

Look up ODI 10643349 at NHTSA ↗

19.1%
ODI 10205241 · 140,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCEDES BENZ S500. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS WENT OUT. IN ADDITION, THE TURN SIGNALS WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE FUSE. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE INTERIOR LIGHTING (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID # 06V028000) HOWEVER, HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 140,000.

Look up ODI 10205241 at NHTSA ↗

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.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

150.0%
ODI 11035055

1999 MERCEDES-BENZ 2500. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VARIOUS SAFETY DEFECTS ON VEHICLE. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS SEVERAL SAFETY DEFECTS CONCERNING ELECTRIC STABILITY CONTROL, BRAKES, BODY, STEERING, SUSPENSION, WHEELS, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, AND THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. UPDATED 10/23/2017*JS

Look up ODI 11035055 at NHTSA ↗

712.7%
ODI 10178648

WHILE DRIVING MY 2000 S500 THE AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM MALFUNCTION WITHOUT WARNING. I HAD THE AIRMATIC SENSOR REPLACE 6 MONTHS AGO. THEN A AIR KIT WAS INSTALLED A MONTH LATER, AND NOW THE COMPRESSOR HAS BURNT OUT. RESULTING IN THE CAR COMPLETELY COLLAPSING. THE CAR WAS NOT ABLE TO DRIVE AND WAS TOWED TO THE MB DEALER. THE COMPRESSOR WAS REPLACE, BUT THE COMPRESSOR RUNS AFTER CAR IS OFF AND IS VERY LOUD. THE CAUSE HAD NOT BEEN DETERMINED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB

Look up ODI 10178648 at NHTSA ↗

514.7%
ODI 10306227 · 98,000 mi

MERCEDES W200 OR S500 MODEL AIRMATIC SUSPENSION PROBLEMS, LEAKING SEALS, STRUTS AND AIR COMPRESSOR. DEALER REPAIRS CAN TOTAL OVER $7000. ALL MERCEDES CARS WITH THIS SUSPENSION FAIL AND MAKE THE CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE AS THE TIRES RUB HARSHLY WHEN SUSPENSION FAILS, CAR DROPS TO GROUND. *TR

Look up ODI 10306227 at NHTSA ↗

416.0%
ODI 10383008

I OWNED 2002 MERCEDES MODEL S430. ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO I NOTICED MY CAR DROPPED LOWER TO THE TIRES AS I STARTED, THEN I TURN IT OFF AND BACK ON FOR THE CAR TO FUNCTION NORMALLY. NOW, FOR PAST 2 WEEKS THE PROBLEM HAS COME BACK AND ACTED VERY OFTEN. I ALSO TALKED TO FEW FRIENDS AND THEY SAID OTHER VEHICLES WITH SAME MODEL ARE EXPERIENCING SAME PROBLEM. IS THIS A RECALL FROM MERCEDES TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM YET. I LIKE TO KNOW A LITTLE BIT MORE INFO ON THIS PROBLEM AND HOW TO CORRECT IT. *TR

Look up ODI 10383008 at NHTSA ↗

110.0%
ODI 10809693 · 147,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ S500. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKING A RIGHT OR LEFT TURN, AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE WAS PERSISTENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 147,000.

Look up ODI 10809693 at NHTSA ↗

325.0%
ODI 10564568 · 121,431 mi

ISSUES WITH AIRMATIC SYSTEM. WILL NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. CAR IS SITTING TOO LOW TO THE GROUND TO DRIVE SAFELY. ISSUES WITH PUMP. *TR

Look up ODI 10564568 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

215.4%
ODI 10562229 · 125,000 mi

WENT OUT TO THE CAR TO GO TO THE PHARMACY TO GET MY ASTHMA MEDS AND THE CAR WAS DOWN ON THE GROUND,TOTALLY DEFLATED SHOCKS. START CAR AND RISES TO HEIGHT BUT SINKS WHEN CAR IS OFF, THIS IS A DANGER IF DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 55 MPH, I HAVE A WIFE AND A YOUNG SON. I FEEL THAT THE DEALERS SHOULD RECALL AND FIX THIS PROBLEM CORRECTLY, AND NOT HAVE PEOPLES LIVES IN DANGER ON THE ROADS OF AMERICA, ANY HELP WOULD GREATLY BE APPRECIATED. THANK YOU , A CAUTIOUS DRIVER. *TR

Look up ODI 10562229 at NHTSA ↗

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.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

35.5%
ODI 10257529 · 87,878 mi

MY 2000 MERCEDES BENZ S-500 INSTRUMENT CLUSTER STARTED FLICKERING OFF AND ON ABOUT 3 MONTHS AGO, THEN WENT COMPLETELY OUT ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2009 WHILE RETURNING FROM A SUPER BOWL PARTY. I HAD TO DRIVE APPROXIMATELY 90 MILES WITH ABSOLUTELY NO HELP FROM MY INDICATION AND SAFETY SYSTEM ON A $80,000 VEHICLE. AFTER DAYS OF TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT TO DO AND COUNTLESS HOURS OF SEARCHING ON THE INTERNET, I DECIDED TO DISCONNECT THE NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE TO RESET TO CARS COMPUTER. THIS IS WHAT I HAVE TO DO APPROX TWICE A YEAR WHEN MY RADIO, CD,…

Look up ODI 10257529 at NHTSA ↗

617.6%
ODI 10167680 · 150,000 mi

I WAS DRIVING AT NIGHT AND THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LIGHTING BEGAN FLICKERING, AND AFTER A COUPLE OF MINUTES WENT COMPLETELY DARK. THE CONSEQUENCE OF THIS FAILURE IS HAZARDOUS, THE DRIVER HAS NO INFORMATION AS TO THE STATUS OF ANY OF THE CAR'S SYSTEMS. ALL OF THE FOLLOWING GAUGES AND DISPLAYS ARE DISABLED AND NONFUNCTIONAL AS A RESULT: FUEL GAUGE, VEHICLE TEMPERATURE, MPH, RPM'S, THE GEAR THE VEHICLE IS IN, TURN SIGNAL OPERATION, AS WELL AS, ALL OF THE WARNING LIGHTS AND DISPLAYS. ADDITIONALLY, THE STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS WHICH PROVIDE THE DRIVER…

Look up ODI 10167680 at NHTSA ↗

832.0%
ODI 10155404 · 59,000 mi

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILURE, UNABLE TO READ GAUGES, HEADLIGHTS DO NOT WORK, GOT TICKET FOR SPEEDING-CHECKED ON LINE AND SAW RECALL 2/1/06-NHTSA 06V028000-CALLED 3 DEALERS AND THEY KNEW NOTHING AND SAID THERE WAS NO RECALL, ALSO CALLED MB SERVICE [phone removed] AND THEY KNEW NOTHING ABOUT RECALL--I WAS QUOTED PRICE TO FIX $1850.--WHAT IS GOING ON? DO I HAVE TO WAIT AND NOT DRIVE VEHICLE UNTIL JUNE 10-OR PAY $1850 TO GET PROBLEM FIXED NOW? DOES MB EVER COMMUNICATE WITH ITS DEALERS ABOUT THESE RECALLS? *NM

Look up ODI 10155404 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

18.3%
ODI 10643349 · 158,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ S500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 06V028000 (INTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 158,000. UPDATED 12/2/14*CN UPDATED 08/30/2017*CT

Look up ODI 10643349 at NHTSA ↗

19.1%
ODI 10725540 · 139,995 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCEDES BENZ S500. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED AND CAUSED ALL THE GAUGES TO BECOME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,995.

Look up ODI 10725540 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Exterior Lighting
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.

610.9%
ODI 10569114 · 45,000 mi

MY 2000 MERCEDES BENZ S500'S INSTRUMENT CLUSTER STARTED FLASHING ON AND OFF IN MAY 2013. THEN, JANUARY 2014, THE CLUSTER WENT DARK FOREVER. YES, YOU READ THAT CORRECTLY; THE CAR IS 14 YEARS OLD, IN PERFECT SHAPE, ALWAYS GARAGED, W/ ONLY 45,000 MILES, AND THE CLUSTER COMPLETELY FAILED! QUITE SHOCKING THAT SUCH AN IMPORTANT DATA CENTER WOULD FAIL AT SUCH LOW MILEAGE ON THIS PRICEY $90K CAR. THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER CONTROLS THE INTERIOR DOOR AND FLOOR LIGHTS, STEERING COLUMN CONTROLS, LOCKS, TRUNK; THERE IS TOO MUCH TO LIST THAT NOW DOESN'T WORK. N…

Look up ODI 10569114 at NHTSA ↗

823.5%
ODI 10480149 · 62,100 mi

I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE ENTIRE DASH GAUGE CLUSTER FLICKERED AND WENT TOTALLY DARK AND STOPPED WORKING. I WAS SO DISTRACTED THAT I ALMOST RAN INTO THE CAR THAT WAS IN FRONT OF ME. THE INTERIOR LIGHTING WENT OUT AS WELL. NOW, THERE IS NO WAY OF KNOWING THE SPEED OF THE VEHICLE OR OF SEEING ANY OF THE OTHER IMPORTANT GAUGES INCLUDING GEAR SELECTION. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE THE CAR SAFELY. THE MERCEDES DEALER IN MANHATTAN AND NORTH AMERICA MERCEDES CENTER IN NJ SAYS THE CAR IS NOT COVERED AND THAT THE…

Look up ODI 10480149 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

110.0%
ODI 11153939 · 63,250 mi

THE PASSENGER FRONT SEAT BELT WILL NOT RETRACT. ALSO, THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING MAKING IT VERY HARD TO SEE SPEED/FUEL/GEAR SELECTION. THESE ARE BOTH SAFETY CONCERNS THAT SHOULD BE RECALLED. WE CAN SEND YOU A PICTURE OF THE DEAD DASH IF NEEDED. ALSO VIDEO OF A STUCK SEAT BELT. THANKS, KURT.

Look up ODI 11153939 at NHTSA ↗

216.7%
ODI 10779591 · 106,000 mi

LICENSE PLAYE LIGHT OUT SHORT CAUSES SRS LIGHT TO COME ON AND HAVE TO BE REPROGRAMMED. THERE IS NOW AN SIS DEFECTIVE LIGHT DUE TO THE WIRING. MY TRUCK DOES NOT POWER CLOSE. HAPPENS AT ALL TIMES. AND WHILE TURNING IT CAUSED AN ERROR FOR TURN LIGHTS

Look up ODI 10779591 at NHTSA ↗

218.2%
ODI 10228778 · 3,592 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCEDES BENZ S-500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE AND SERVICE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THERE WAS A LOSS OF BRAKES. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED 16 TIMES. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WOULD NOT PROVIDE DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,591 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000. UPDATE 06/10/08 *BF THE SHIFTER WOULD GET STUCK IN PARK, THE BRAKE WEAR LIGHT ILLUMININATED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE REAR PADS AND ROTORS, THE LEFT RERAR MARKED LIGHT WAS REPLACED, …

Look up ODI 10228778 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

125.0%
ODI 10909980

CHANGING THE MAF SENSOR I ENCOUNTERED BURNT ENGINE HARNESS THROUGH OUT THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT . VEHICLE NOW DOES NOT RUN AND HARNESS WILL COST $700 + LABOR

Look up ODI 10909980 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

2100.0%
ODI 11030244 · 158 mi

ENGINE SMOKING BRAKING SYSTEM INEFFECTIVE STEERING IS A LITTLE RUFF VEHICLE JERKS. *JS

Look up ODI 11030244 at NHTSA ↗

23.6%
ODI 10588118 · 165,000 mi

WAS DRIVING AND INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WENT BLANK. *TR

Look up ODI 10588118 at NHTSA ↗

12.9%
ODI 10706624 · 234,000 mi

WHEN BACKING UP IN REVERSE THE CAR BEGINS TO SMOKE FROM TAIL PIPE. ONCE IN DRIVE IT BEGINS TO SHAKE AND MOVES SLOWLY IN TRAFFIC THEN SLOWLY PICKS UP SPEED AFTER AN UNUSUALLY LONG DURATION. DASHBOARD IS ALMOST TOTALLY BLACKED OUT CANNOT READ GAUGES (GAS LEVEL,SPEED ODOMETER, ENGINE TEMPERATURE, MILEAGE). FINALLY, THE AIR CONDITIONING SUDDENLY STOPPED BLOWING. *TR

Look up ODI 10706624 at NHTSA ↗

14.0%
ODI 10959140 · 86,140 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES-BENZ S500. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE CENTER OF THE VEHICLE. A WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS AN ABC HYDRAULIC FLUID LEAK, WHICH WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,140.

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

18.3%
ODI 11054140 · 93,000 mi

SYSTEMATIC WATER INTRUSION BY AIR COWL DISABLED ELECTRONICS WHILE DRIVING AND ALSO LONG TERM CAUSED A HEALTH ISSUE RESPIRATORY NEUROLOGICAL - TWO YEARS HOMEBOUND AFTER WAS FINALLY DIAGNOSED W/UNKNOWN CANCER

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

430.8%
ODI 10653075 · 106,000 mi

THIS PROBLEM HAPPEN THREE TIMES IN ABOUT 6 MINUTES IN ONE NIGHT. WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MILES PER HOUR. THE ENGINE CUT OFF, ALMOST BEFORE I KNEW WHAT HAPPEN THE ENGINE STARTED BACK RUNNING. IN LESS THAN A MINUTE IT HAPPEN AGAIN. THE ENGINE CUT OUT THEN STARTED BEFORE I COULD DO ANYTHING. THE THIRD TIME IT CUT OUT COMPLETE AND STAYED OFF. I WAS ABLE TO MOVE THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND STOP AND RESTART THE CAR. IT WAS VERY SCARY, ALL THE LIGHTS WERE OFF AND I WAS ON A BUSY HIGHWAY AT NIGHT. IT'S HAPPEN BEFORE ABOUT A YEAR AGO. I MENTION IT TO THE DEALE…

Look up ODI 10653075 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Power Train
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.

150.0%
ODI 11035055

1999 MERCEDES-BENZ 2500. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VARIOUS SAFETY DEFECTS ON VEHICLE. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS SEVERAL SAFETY DEFECTS CONCERNING ELECTRIC STABILITY CONTROL, BRAKES, BODY, STEERING, SUSPENSION, WHEELS, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, AND THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. UPDATED 10/23/2017*JS

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23.6%
ODI 10344761 · 135,626 mi

WE WERE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED AROUND 65 MPH WHEN EITHER THE TRANSMISSION OR DIFFERENTIAL WENT OUT. WE'RE NOT SURE EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED MECHANICALLY BECAUSE WE HAVEN'T TAKEN THE CAR TO THE SHOP YET. BUT WHATEVER IT WAS, IT WAS DEFINITELY CATASTROPHIC. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT AT ALL. WE WERE ABLE TO MANEUVER THE CAR SAFELY TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY AFTER THE CAR BROKE. BUT FOR SOME REASON THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED THE INSTANT THAT THE CAR BROKE DOWN! THE AIRBAGS IN TURN INJURED THE PASSENGERS SITTING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR.…

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25.9%
ODI 10632278 · 113,000 mi

WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE ON A TWO LANE DIVIDED HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT UP-SHIFT GEARS AND GOT STUCK IN THIRD GEAR WHILE I WAS ATTEMPTING TO PASS A TRACTOR TRAILER WITH OTHER VEHICLES BEHIND ME ATTEMPTING TO DO THE SAME. SUBSEQUENTLY, I MANAGED TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE TO A PARKING LOT TO EXAMINE THE ISSUE. I COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING EXTERNALLY WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE THAT WOULD STAND OUT IN A VISUAL INSPECTION. NEXT, I TURNED THE IGNITION OFF AND TURNED IT BACK ON, FORCEFULLY PUT THE CAR IN GEAR, AND FOUND THAT IT WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF …

Look up ODI 10632278 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

110.0%
ODI 10007378 · 250 mi

THE GEARS BECAME STUCK, AND THE ENGINE DID NOT SHUT OFF, CONSUMER HAD TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY TO SHUT OFF THE ENGINE.*JB

Look up ODI 10007378 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

19.1%
ODI 10455200 · 55,000 mi

TOOK MY CAR TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF PEMBROKE, PINES FLORIDA I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALER LAST MO MERCEDES-BENZ OF PEMBROKE PINES FLORIDA FOR THEM TO CHANGE THE OIL AND FILTER IN TRANSMISSION. SO, MONDAY I TOOK IT BACK IN AND TOLD THEM TO CHECK MY KEY DOOR LOCKS, BECAUSE THE DOOR WOULD OPEN. "NO KEY" BUT WOULD NOT LOCK BY HOLDING THE HANDLE. ALSO, TO CHECK THE TRANSMISSION WHICH WAS HARSH WHEN DOWN SHIFTING WHEN IT WAS COLD. I GOT A CALL THE NEXT DAY TELLING ME I NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION. I SAID I ONLY HAVE 52,000 MILES ON THE CAR AND I DON'T U…

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323.1%
ODI 10557207 · 118,000 mi

MY TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF SECOND GEAR. I TURNED IT OFF AND BACK ON AND IT DID NOT CLEAR. I GOT A "PRE-SAFE UNAVAILABLE" MESSAGE. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND LEARNED THIS IS A "TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE" FAILURE. IT IS VERY UNSAFE IN THAT THE CAR CANNOT KEEP UP WITH TRAFFIC AND IS A DANGER TO MYSELF AND OTHERS. *TR

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150.0%
ODI 11375165 · 91,693 mi

VEHICLE GOES IN LIMP MODE ALL MERCEDES S550 2007 MODEL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM

Look up ODI 11375165 at NHTSA ↗

Vehicle Speed Control
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.

59.1%
ODI 10569114 · 45,000 mi

MY 2000 MERCEDES BENZ S500'S INSTRUMENT CLUSTER STARTED FLASHING ON AND OFF IN MAY 2013. THEN, JANUARY 2014, THE CLUSTER WENT DARK FOREVER. YES, YOU READ THAT CORRECTLY; THE CAR IS 14 YEARS OLD, IN PERFECT SHAPE, ALWAYS GARAGED, W/ ONLY 45,000 MILES, AND THE CLUSTER COMPLETELY FAILED! QUITE SHOCKING THAT SUCH AN IMPORTANT DATA CENTER WOULD FAIL AT SUCH LOW MILEAGE ON THIS PRICEY $90K CAR. THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER CONTROLS THE INTERIOR DOOR AND FLOOR LIGHTS, STEERING COLUMN CONTROLS, LOCKS, TRUNK; THERE IS TOO MUCH TO LIST THAT NOW DOESN'T WORK. N…

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514.7%
ODI 10480149 · 62,100 mi

I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE ENTIRE DASH GAUGE CLUSTER FLICKERED AND WENT TOTALLY DARK AND STOPPED WORKING. I WAS SO DISTRACTED THAT I ALMOST RAN INTO THE CAR THAT WAS IN FRONT OF ME. THE INTERIOR LIGHTING WENT OUT AS WELL. NOW, THERE IS NO WAY OF KNOWING THE SPEED OF THE VEHICLE OR OF SEEING ANY OF THE OTHER IMPORTANT GAUGES INCLUDING GEAR SELECTION. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE THE CAR SAFELY. THE MERCEDES DEALER IN MANHATTAN AND NORTH AMERICA MERCEDES CENTER IN NJ SAYS THE CAR IS NOT COVERED AND THAT THE…

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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.

17.7%
ODI 10557207 · 118,000 mi

MY TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF SECOND GEAR. I TURNED IT OFF AND BACK ON AND IT DID NOT CLEAR. I GOT A "PRE-SAFE UNAVAILABLE" MESSAGE. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND LEARNED THIS IS A "TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE" FAILURE. IT IS VERY UNSAFE IN THAT THE CAR CANNOT KEEP UP WITH TRAFFIC AND IS A DANGER TO MYSELF AND OTHERS. *TR

Look up ODI 10557207 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
Seat BeltsToo few reports for a range81,625 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10637753 · 100,000 mi

THE SEAT BELTS WILL PERIODICALLY NOT EXTEND. *TR

Look up ODI 10637753 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11153939 · 63,250 mi

THE PASSENGER FRONT SEAT BELT WILL NOT RETRACT. ALSO, THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING MAKING IT VERY HARD TO SEE SPEED/FUEL/GEAR SELECTION. THESE ARE BOTH SAFETY CONCERNS THAT SHOULD BE RECALLED. WE CAN SEND YOU A PICTURE OF THE DEAD DASH IF NEEDED. ALSO VIDEO OF A STUCK SEAT BELT. THANKS, KURT.

Look up ODI 11153939 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical SystemToo few reports for a range108,500 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10547686 · 55,000 mi

SPECIAL ACQUISITION MODULE (SAM) MY CAR WOULD NOT START THE MERCEDES ROADSIDE CAME OUT AND STARTED THE CAR AND I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR DIAGNOSTIC. UPON REVIEW THE DEALER STATED THE SAM MODULE PLASTIC COVER HAD WATER DROPS ON IT. THEY ALSO STATED THE MALE AND FEMALE CONNECTORS TO THE MODULE WAS CORRODED, AND I WOULD NEED A NEW SPECIAL ACQUISITION MODULE (SAM) AT THE COST OF $1590.00. THEY ASK IF I HAD LEFT THE WINDOWS DOWN, BUT I HAD NOT THE INSIDE OF THE CAR HAS NEVER BEEN WET, BUT I DID NOTICE EVERYTIME I WENT TO THE CAR WASH THE INFOR…

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ODI 10778800 · 162,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ S500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE SPEEDOMETER LIGHTS FLASHED AND THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL BURNING ODOR COMING FROM THE FRONT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED HE WAS MECHANIC AND THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 162,000.

Look up ODI 10778800 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling:EngineToo few reports for a range250 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10007378 · 250 mi

THE GEARS BECAME STUCK, AND THE ENGINE DID NOT SHUT OFF, CONSUMER HAD TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY TO SHUT OFF THE ENGINE.*JB

Look up ODI 10007378 at NHTSA ↗

Exterior LightingToo few reports for a range63,250 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 11153939 · 63,250 mi

THE PASSENGER FRONT SEAT BELT WILL NOT RETRACT. ALSO, THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING MAKING IT VERY HARD TO SEE SPEED/FUEL/GEAR SELECTION. THESE ARE BOTH SAFETY CONCERNS THAT SHOULD BE RECALLED. WE CAN SEND YOU A PICTURE OF THE DEAD DASH IF NEEDED. ALSO VIDEO OF A STUCK SEAT BELT. THANKS, KURT.

Look up ODI 11153939 at NHTSA ↗

Power TrainToo few reports for a range250 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10007378 · 250 mi

THE GEARS BECAME STUCK, AND THE ENGINE DID NOT SHUT OFF, CONSUMER HAD TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY TO SHUT OFF THE ENGINE.*JB

Look up ODI 10007378 at NHTSA ↗

Seat Belts:Front:RetractorToo few reports for a range28,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10621368 · 28,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ S500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETRACT. DURING WARMER OUTSIDE TEMPERATURES, THE FAILURE WOULD WORSEN. THE FAILURE OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,000.

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Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited SlipToo few reports for a range12,905 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10097157 · 12,905 mi

WHILE APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT, THE CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THEY FAILED, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SLOWLY CONTINUE INTO THE CENTER OF THE INTERSECTION. THE OWNER LATER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THIS OCCURRED WITH ALL BRANDS OF CARS NOT JUST MERCEDES AND THAT A CERTAIN PERCENTAGE OF BRAKE FAILURES IS ACCEPTABLE IN THE AUTO INDUSTRY SO LONG AS THAT PERCENTAGE DOES NOT GET TOO HIGH. *JB CONSUMER STATED THAT THE INFO WAS HARD TO ACCEPT WHEN HE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED BY CROSS TRAFFIC AT THE INTERSECTION WHERE HE…

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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

2006: 1 complaints · 2007: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2006011
2007000
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
20061201
2007101

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
ComponentSeat BeltsElectrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling:EngineEquipment:Appliance:Air ConditionerExterior LightingPower TrainSeat Belts:Front:RetractorService Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Seat Belts—000
1
ODI 11153939 · 63,250 mi

THE PASSENGER FRONT SEAT BELT WILL NOT RETRACT. ALSO, THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING MAKING IT VERY HARD TO SEE SPEED/FUEL/GEAR SELECTION. THESE ARE BOTH SAFETY CONCERNS THAT SHOULD BE RECALLED. WE CAN SEND YOU A PICTURE OF THE DEAD DASH IF NEEDED. ALSO VIDEO OF A STUCK SEAT BELT. THANKS, KURT.

Look up ODI 11153939 at NHTSA ↗

000
Electrical System0—000000
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine00—00
1
ODI 10007378 · 250 mi

THE GEARS BECAME STUCK, AND THE ENGINE DID NOT SHUT OFF, CONSUMER HAD TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY TO SHUT OFF THE ENGINE.*JB

Look up ODI 10007378 at NHTSA ↗

00
Equipment:Appliance:Air Conditioner000—0000
Exterior Lighting
1
ODI 11153939 · 63,250 mi

THE PASSENGER FRONT SEAT BELT WILL NOT RETRACT. ALSO, THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING MAKING IT VERY HARD TO SEE SPEED/FUEL/GEAR SELECTION. THESE ARE BOTH SAFETY CONCERNS THAT SHOULD BE RECALLED. WE CAN SEND YOU A PICTURE OF THE DEAD DASH IF NEEDED. ALSO VIDEO OF A STUCK SEAT BELT. THANKS, KURT.

Look up ODI 11153939 at NHTSA ↗

000—000
Power Train00
1
ODI 10007378 · 250 mi

THE GEARS BECAME STUCK, AND THE ENGINE DID NOT SHUT OFF, CONSUMER HAD TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY TO SHUT OFF THE ENGINE.*JB

Look up ODI 10007378 at NHTSA ↗

00—00
Seat Belts:Front:Retractor000000—0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip0000000—

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.

2 patterns with matching reports.

Battery drain and no-start mentions

1 mentions · 10.0% of complaints

Median mileage: 55,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10547686 · 55,000 mi

SPECIAL ACQUISITION MODULE (SAM) MY CAR WOULD NOT START THE MERCEDES ROADSIDE CAME OUT AND STARTED THE CAR AND I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR DIAGNOSTIC. UPON REVIEW THE DEALER STATED THE SAM MODULE PLASTIC COVER HAD WATER DROPS ON IT. THEY ALSO STATED THE MALE AND FEMALE CONNECTORS TO THE MODULE WAS CORRODED, AND I WOULD NEED A NEW SPECIAL ACQUISITION MODULE (SAM) AT THE COST OF $1590.00. THEY ASK IF I HAD LEFT THE WINDOWS DOWN, BUT I HAD NOT THE INSIDE OF THE CAR HAS NEVER BEEN WET, BUT I DID NOTICE EVERYTIME I WENT TO THE CAR WASH THE INFOR…

Look up ODI 10547686 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 · 10.0% of complaints

Median mileage: 12,905 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10097157 · 12,905 mi

WHILE APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT, THE CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THEY FAILED, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SLOWLY CONTINUE INTO THE CENTER OF THE INTERSECTION. THE OWNER LATER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THIS OCCURRED WITH ALL BRANDS OF CARS NOT JUST MERCEDES AND THAT A CERTAIN PERCENTAGE OF BRAKE FAILURES IS ACCEPTABLE IN THE AUTO INDUSTRY SO LONG AS THAT PERCENTAGE DOES NOT GET TOO HIGH. *JB CONSUMER STATED THAT THE INFO WAS HARD TO ACCEPT WHEN HE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED BY CROSS TRAFFIC AT THE INTERSECTION WHERE HE…

Look up ODI 10097157 at NHTSA ↗

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