U.S. public vehicle records

Mercedes Benz S500 problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

173 owner complaints analyzed

0 distinct recall campaigns

98,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1993 to 2007 model years. Data updated: 2026-09-30 (September 30, 2026). 141 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 76 of 173 complaints (43.9%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Electrical and battery issues	30	17.3%
Braking behavior	15	8.7%
Transmission and shifting	10	5.8%
Steering behavior	10	5.8%
Engine operation	8	4.6%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Electrical System

Interior Lighting

Suspension

Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel

Exterior Lighting

Engine

Power Train

Vehicle Speed Control

Electrical System: 76; Interior Lighting: 24; Suspension: 23; Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel: 19; Exterior Lighting: 19; Engine: 12; Power Train: 11; Vehicle Speed Control: 11

Reported problems by failure mileage

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

Under 25,000

25,000 to 49,999

50,000 to 74,999

75,000 to 99,999

100,000 to 149,999

150,000 and above

Under 25,000: 9; 25,000 to 49,999: 12; 50,000 to 74,999: 28; 75,000 to 99,999: 27; 100,000 to 149,999: 47; 150,000 and above: 18

100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (47). 32 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.

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2024

2025

2026

2000: 1; 2001: 2; 2002: 2; 2003: 4; 2004: 1; 2005: 2; 2006: 16; 2007: 8; 2008: 3; 2009: 6; 2010: 8; 2011: 11; 2012: 5; 2013: 9; 2014: 26; 2015: 24; 2016: 7; 2017: 9; 2018: 7; 2019: 6; 2020: 8; 2021: 3; 2022: 1; 2024: 1; 2025: 2; 2026: 1

Pattern summary

Electrical System leads the component reports. Electrical and battery issues appears in 30 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 15 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 10 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 10763582 · 2015-09-14 (September 14, 2015)

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…

Owner-reported narrative. 232,637 miles reported. Look up ODI 10763582 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11175966 · 2019-02-09 (February 9, 2019)

VEHICLE STALLED TO DEAD THREE TIME, ONE ON AN INTERSECTION. SYMPTONS STARTED WITH ROUGH IDLE, MISFIRING AND STALL. AFTER INSPECTION OF UPPER WIRING HARNESS (RECOMMENDED BY A FRIEND) THE CONCLUSION WAS BARE AND DESINTEGRATED WIRES CAUSING SHORT CIRCUITS EVERYWHERE IN THE CAR, PUTTING ME AND MY FAMILY AT RISK. IT IS AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR AND I CAN'T DRIVE THE CAR UNTIL MBUSA GIVES A SOLUTION WHICH I'VE HEARD THEY LOOK LIKE UNAWARE. I OWNED OTHER MERCEDES MODELS AND WE ALWAYS HEAR THAT THIS W140 SERIESWERE THE BEST CAR IN THE WORLD. BUT THIS IS…

Owner-reported narrative. 163,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11175966 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11030244 · 2017-09-27 (September 27, 2017)

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

Owner-reported narrative. 158 miles reported. Look up ODI 11030244 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11035055 · 2017-10-23 (October 23, 2017)

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

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11035055 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10257529 · 2009-02-05 (February 5, 2009)

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,…

Owner-reported narrative. 87,878 miles reported. Look up ODI 10257529 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10344761 · 2010-07-22 (July 22, 2010)

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.…

Owner-reported narrative. 135,626 miles reported. Look up ODI 10344761 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10352845 · 2010-08-30 (August 30, 2010)

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ 500S. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY BETWEEN 60-65, THE CONTACT ENGAGED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THERE WAS NO POWER RESPONSE. THE GEAR WAS SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND THEN INTO DRIVE. SUDDENLY, THE ENGINE STALLED WHICH RESULTED TO TEN PERCENT BRAKING POWER AND A LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO A SAFE LOCATION WITH CAUTION AND HE WAS FORCED TO APPLY THE BRAKE PEDAL BEFORE COMING TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND IT WAS ALSO REPAIRED. THE TECHN…

Owner-reported narrative. 84,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10352845 at NHTSA ↗

Compare model years

Recalls by model year

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

From yearThrough year

Recall campaigns

Shared campaigns appear once in each affected model year.

1993

1994

1995

1996

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

1993: 0; 1994: 0; 1995: 0; 1996: 0; 1999: 0; 2000: 0; 2001: 0; 2002: 0; 2003: 0; 2004: 0; 2005: 0; 2006: 0; 2007: 0

First model yearSecond model year

Year-by-year records

Mercedes Benz S500 model-year comparison
Model year	Complaints	Change in recalls
1993	2	Not available
1994	2	0
1995	4	0
1996	1	0
1999	2	Not available
2000	55	0
2001	34	0
2002	25	0
2003	10	0
2004	12	0
2005	11	0
2006	13	0
2007	2	0

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

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

81.5%Usable mileage141 / 173 records

97.7%Valid incident date169 / 173 records

100.0%Valid filing date173 / 173 records

97.7%Ordered incident and filing dates169 / 173 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.

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	1993	1994	1995	1996	1999	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007
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 10/23/2017JS 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 TLTHE 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 12/2/14CN UPDATED 08/30/2017CT 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 10/23/2017JS 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 12/2/14CN UPDATED 08/30/2017CT 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 TLTHE 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. Look up ODI 10959140 at NHTSA ↗	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 Look up ODI 11054140 at NHTSA ↗	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 10/23/2017JS Look up ODI 11035055 at NHTSA ↗	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.… Look up ODI 10344761 at NHTSA ↗	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… Look up ODI 10455200 at NHTSA ↗	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 Look up ODI 10557207 at NHTSA ↗	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… Look up ODI 10569114 at NHTSA ↗	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… Look up ODI 10480149 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	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
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
Electrical System	65,240–138,000 mi	107,170 mi	64	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 ↗ ODI 11175966 · 163,000 mi VEHICLE STALLED TO DEAD THREE TIME, ONE ON AN INTERSECTION. SYMPTONS STARTED WITH ROUGH IDLE, MISFIRING AND STALL. AFTER INSPECTION OF UPPER WIRING HARNESS (RECOMMENDED BY A FRIEND) THE CONCLUSION WAS BARE AND DESINTEGRATED WIRES CAUSING SHORT CIRCUITS EVERYWHERE IN THE CAR, PUTTING ME AND MY FAMILY AT RISK. IT IS AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR AND I CAN'T DRIVE THE CAR UNTIL MBUSA GIVES A SOLUTION WHICH I'VE HEARD THEY LOOK LIKE UNAWARE. I OWNED OTHER MERCEDES MODELS AND WE ALWAYS HEAR THAT THIS W140 SERIESWERE THE BEST CAR IN THE WORLD. BUT THIS IS… Look up ODI 11175966 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11091629 · 124,000 mi ELECTRICAL ISSUES WITH THE WIRING DEALERSHIP REPAIR ITS STATING ITS ALWAYS AN ISSUE DUE TO THE MAKE OF THE WIRING SYSTEM. HOW THEY MADE IT THAT YEAR WAS A BAD SYSTEM. IT COST $1500-2400 TO REPLACE IT DUE TO THEY HAVE TO ORDER THAT PART FROM GERMANY. Look up ODI 11091629 at NHTSA ↗
Interior Lighting	66,000–117,750 mi	84,000 mi	20	ODI 10161680 · 55,710 mi DT: THE CONTACT STATED, THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER BACKLIGHTING THE SPEEDOMETER BURNED OUT. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, THEY DETERMINED THERE WAS A RECALL #06V028000 CONCERNING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER. THE VIN IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE PART WAS ALSO OUT OF WARRANTY AND WAS REPLACED AT COST. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN CONTACTED.AK UPDATED 7/21/2006 - NM Look up ODI 10161680 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10166602 · 71,350 mi I OWN A YEAR 2000 MERCEDES S. THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER HAS DEVELOPED INADEQUATE ILLUMINATION. THERE IS A SAFETY RECALL ON THIS INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (NUMBER: 06V028000). THE DEALER REFUSES TO MAKE A REPLACEMENT UNDER THE RECALL AND MERCEDES USA DENIES THAT THERE IS A RECALL. WHAT SHOULD I DO TO HAVE THE DEFECTIVE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER REPLACED UNDER THE RECALL. THANK YOU. JB Look up ODI 10166602 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10167602 · 46,012 mi DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE LIGHT ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WENT OUT. THE DASHBOARD GAUGES AND INDICATORS DID NOT ILLUMINATE AND MALFUNCTIONED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SERVICE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER MODULES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED AND WAS GIVEN A COPY OF THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID# 06V028000 BUT THE CLAIM WAS DENIED FOR REIMBURSEMENT. UPDATED 09/20/06. JB Look up ODI 10167602 at NHTSA ↗
Suspension	98,000–125,000 mi	114,343 mi	17	ODI 10203139 · 100,000 mi THE AIR SUSPENSION HAS FAILED AND DROP THE FRONT BENDER ALMOST TOUCHING THE TIRE WHICH DISABLE DRIVING. IT HAS HAPPENED TWICE IN MY 2 YEARS. LAST TIME THE FENDER HAD TOUCHED THE TIRE. TR Look up ODI 10203139 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10705145 · 101,000 mi THIS VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND FRONT SIDE OF SUSPENSION WHEN DOWN TO TIRES CAN'T DRIVE NOR WILL IT PUMP UP. TR Look up ODI 10705145 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10883716 · 130,000 mi MY CAR WAS IN THE DRIVEWAY, AND NOW THE FRONT END IS DAM NEAR ON THE GROUND Look up ODI 10883716 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel	59,500–123,500 mi	87,878 mi	15	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 ↗ ODI 10331932 · 25,000 mi BACKGROUND ILLUMINATION OF THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILED (2000 MERCEDES BENZ S500, MODEL # 220.175, VIN# [XXX]). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). TR Look up ODI 10331932 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10501211 · 38,000 mi TL THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ S500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL MALFUNCTIONED AND FAILED TO DISPLAY CURRENT SPEED ALONG WITH OTHER STATUSES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 38,000. *TR Look up ODI 10501211 at NHTSA ↗
Exterior Lighting	63,250–127,097 mi	106,340 mi	17	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 ↗ ODI 10569119 · 45,000 mi PLEASE RE-OPEN INVESTIGATION #PE05-062. 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 T… Look up ODI 10569119 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10626776 · 127,097 mi INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILURE... AS LIKE THE NUMEROUS OTHER COMPLAINTS OF THE VERY SAME DEVICE-FAILURE; I'VE COME TO NOW KNOW THAT THIS' A WIDELY KNOWN MBUSA VEHICLE RECALL ISSUE THAT WAS QUICKLY & EXTREMELY DISCRIMINATORY & NON-EXHAUSTIVE RECALL (HALF)EFFORT... AT BEST! I TOOK IT UPON MYSELF TO ATTEMPT CONTACTING THE PREVIOUS OWNER(S) AND INQUIRED AS TO THEIR KNOWLEDGE OF THIS RECALL &/OR WHETHER OR NOT THEY WERE NOTIFIED BY MBUSA OF THIS RECALL... ALL OF WHICH THE ANSWER(S) WERE NO. THIS VEHICLE HAS EXCELLENT MAINTENANCE RECORDS AND HAS BEEN KEP… Look up ODI 10626776 at NHTSA ↗
Engine	81,626–138,750 mi	99,500 mi	8	ODI 11030244 · 158 mi ENGINE SMOKING BRAKING SYSTEM INEFFECTIVE STEERING IS A LITTLE RUFF VEHICLE JERKS. JS Look up ODI 11030244 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10588118 · 165,000 mi WAS DRIVING AND INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WENT BLANK. TR Look up ODI 10588118 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10883716 · 130,000 mi MY CAR WAS IN THE DRIVEWAY, AND NOW THE FRONT END IS DAM NEAR ON THE GROUND Look up ODI 10883716 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train	58,750–122,407 mi	102,347 mi	8	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.… Look up ODI 10344761 at NHTSA ↗ 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 ↗ 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 ↗
Vehicle Speed Control	53,550–116,000 mi	106,340 mi	7	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 ↗ ODI 10569119 · 45,000 mi PLEASE RE-OPEN INVESTIGATION #PE05-062. 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 T… Look up ODI 10569119 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11373750 · 120,000 mi LAST NIGHT WE HAD TROPICAL STORM ETA IN FLORIDA. WE HAD ABOUT 10 INCHES OF RAIN. THE TEMPERATURE WAS BETWEEN 70F AND 80F. THE CAR WAS PARKED ON HIGH GROUND BUT IN THE RAIN. THE INSIDE OF THE CAR FLOODED WITH WATER UNDER THE CARPET. I HAVE NOT DETERMINED THE SOURCE OF THE LEAK OR THE SOURCE OF THE SHORT YET BUT THE CAR IS IN MY SHOP. I DRILLED HOLES IN THE FLOOR TO DRAIN THE WATER FOR NOW. THE ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WENT CRAZY. THE ABS WAS MALFUNCTIONING, THE WIPERS WERE TURNING ON AND OFF, THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND OTHER LIGHTS WERE TURNING ON AND… Look up ODI 11373750 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

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

ComponentPeriod

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
Month	Complaints	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-10	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-11	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	1	None	ODI 11637417 See attached document for complaint. Look up ODI 11637417 at NHTSA ↗
2025-02	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	1	None	ODI 11684307 Vehicle stall - engine cut off - on highway at speed (50-55miles/hr) posing driver and passenger safety. No OBD error code or ECU error Similar incidents reported by Mercedes owners S500 model across USA As posted on Mercedes forums. Look up ODI 11684307 at NHTSA ↗
2025-10	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09 (partial)	1	None	ODI 11767151 2006 Mercedes-Benz S500 4MATIC, VIN [XXX]. On XXX, the vehicle suddenly shut off while driving. It was not overheating. It then would not restart or crank and could not be shifted out of Park. AAA connected a jump pack, but there was no starter engagement. It required a flatbed because it is 4MATIC. After the shutdown, the instrument cluster had intermittent power loss. The dashboard would illuminate when the key was turned but lose power after about 20 seconds. At times only the odometer displayed and the gear-selector indication was absen… Look up ODI 11767151 at NHTSA ↗

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.

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

2006: 1 complaints · 2007: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2006	0	1	1
2007	0	0	0

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2006	12	0	1
2007	1	0	1

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
Component	Electrical System	Interior Lighting	Suspension	Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel	Exterior Lighting	Engine	Power Train	Vehicle Speed Control
Electrical System	—	5 ODI 10440519 · 69,565 mi REQUEST TO RE-OPEN "PE 05-062" INVESTIGATION & ORDER AN EXPANSION OF THE RECALL ON THE DEFECTIVE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER ON ALL MODELS AFFECTED. ON OR ABOUT 8/17/2010, I FIRST NOTICED THE FLICKERING OF THE CLUSTER PANEL (CP) , WHICH WOULD COME AND OFF; I THEN CONTACTED A MB DEALER IN MY AREA AND EXPLAINED THE PROBLEM/DEFECT AND THE DEALER IN TURN CONTACTED MB TO REQUEST AUTHORIZATION TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE CP. THE DEALER WAS TOLD THAT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT SUBJECT TO THE RECALL BUT RATHER, SUBJECT TO THE EXTENDED WARRANTY; I THEN CONTACTED MB AND DEM… Look up ODI 10440519 at NHTSA ↗ 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 ↗ ODI 10569119 · 45,000 mi PLEASE RE-OPEN INVESTIGATION #PE05-062. 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 T… Look up ODI 10569119 at NHTSA ↗	3 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 10/23/2017JS Look up ODI 11035055 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10939271 · 138,000 mi I HAVE HAD THE CAR SINCE 2010 IN JUNE AND I HAVE ALREADY HAD TO REPLACE THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE BALL BEARING AND JOINTS AND THEY HAVE STOPPED WORKING ONCE AGAIN I WAS DRIVING LAST WEEK IN TRAFFIC AT AROUND 5 PM WHEN MY ENTIRE DASHBOARD WENT OUT NONE OF THE GAUGES ARE WORKING I COULDNT SEE ANYTHING. TR Look up ODI 10939271 at NHTSA ↗ 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 ↗	1 ODI 10501211 · 38,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ S500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL MALFUNCTIONED AND FAILED TO DISPLAY CURRENT SPEED ALONG WITH OTHER STATUSES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 38,000. *TR Look up ODI 10501211 at NHTSA ↗	14 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 ↗ ODI 10569119 · 45,000 mi PLEASE RE-OPEN INVESTIGATION #PE05-062. 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 T… Look up ODI 10569119 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10626776 · 127,097 mi INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILURE... AS LIKE THE NUMEROUS OTHER COMPLAINTS OF THE VERY SAME DEVICE-FAILURE; I'VE COME TO NOW KNOW THAT THIS' A WIDELY KNOWN MBUSA VEHICLE RECALL ISSUE THAT WAS QUICKLY & EXTREMELY DISCRIMINATORY & NON-EXHAUSTIVE RECALL (HALF)EFFORT... AT BEST! I TOOK IT UPON MYSELF TO ATTEMPT CONTACTING THE PREVIOUS OWNER(S) AND INQUIRED AS TO THEIR KNOWLEDGE OF THIS RECALL &/OR WHETHER OR NOT THEY WERE NOTIFIED BY MBUSA OF THIS RECALL... ALL OF WHICH THE ANSWER(S) WERE NO. THIS VEHICLE HAS EXCELLENT MAINTENANCE RECORDS AND HAS BEEN KEP… Look up ODI 10626776 at NHTSA ↗	5 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 ↗ 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 10/23/2017JS Look up ODI 11035055 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10588118 · 165,000 mi WAS DRIVING AND INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WENT BLANK. *TR Look up ODI 10588118 at NHTSA ↗	6 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 10/23/2017JS Look up ODI 11035055 at NHTSA ↗ 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 ↗ 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 ↗	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 ↗ ODI 10569119 · 45,000 mi PLEASE RE-OPEN INVESTIGATION #PE05-062. 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 T… Look up ODI 10569119 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11373750 · 120,000 mi LAST NIGHT WE HAD TROPICAL STORM ETA IN FLORIDA. WE HAD ABOUT 10 INCHES OF RAIN. THE TEMPERATURE WAS BETWEEN 70F AND 80F. THE CAR WAS PARKED ON HIGH GROUND BUT IN THE RAIN. THE INSIDE OF THE CAR FLOODED WITH WATER UNDER THE CARPET. I HAVE NOT DETERMINED THE SOURCE OF THE LEAK OR THE SOURCE OF THE SHORT YET BUT THE CAR IS IN MY SHOP. I DRILLED HOLES IN THE FLOOR TO DRAIN THE WATER FOR NOW. THE ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WENT CRAZY. THE ABS WAS MALFUNCTIONING, THE WIPERS WERE TURNING ON AND OFF, THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND OTHER LIGHTS WERE TURNING ON AND… Look up ODI 11373750 at NHTSA ↗
Interior Lighting	5 ODI 10440519 · 69,565 mi REQUEST TO RE-OPEN "PE 05-062" INVESTIGATION & ORDER AN EXPANSION OF THE RECALL ON THE DEFECTIVE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER ON ALL MODELS AFFECTED. ON OR ABOUT 8/17/2010, I FIRST NOTICED THE FLICKERING OF THE CLUSTER PANEL (CP) , WHICH WOULD COME AND OFF; I THEN CONTACTED A MB DEALER IN MY AREA AND EXPLAINED THE PROBLEM/DEFECT AND THE DEALER IN TURN CONTACTED MB TO REQUEST AUTHORIZATION TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE CP. THE DEALER WAS TOLD THAT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT SUBJECT TO THE RECALL BUT RATHER, SUBJECT TO THE EXTENDED WARRANTY; I THEN CONTACTED MB AND DEM… Look up ODI 10440519 at NHTSA ↗ 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 ↗ ODI 10569119 · 45,000 mi PLEASE RE-OPEN INVESTIGATION #PE05-062. 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 T… Look up ODI 10569119 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	5 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 ↗ ODI 10421253 · 106,000 mi MY INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS (DASH BOARD) WENT OUT ON MY 2001 S500 MERCEDES BENZ CAR. THE LIGHTS WOULD FLICKER ON OCCASIONALLY AND GO BACK OUT. I WAS ABLE TO RECOVER THE SIGNAL LIGHTS BY CHANGING THE FUSES. WHILE ON A ROAD TRIP MY KIDS NOTICED A SMELL AND SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE DASH BOARD. WE EXITED THE CAR AND FLAGGED DOWN A POLICE OFFICER. WE WERE TOLD TO GET AS MUCH AS WE COULD OUT OF THE CAR BECAUSE IT WAS GOING TO CATCH FIRE. WITHIN IN SECONDS MY DASH BOARD WAS IN FLAMES. I COULD NOT BELIEVE IT. THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER HAD AN ELECTRICA… Look up ODI 10421253 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11353233 · 60,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ S500. THE CONTACT STATED UPON START-UP, THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WENT BLANK. THE CONTACT CALLED MERCEDES-BENZ OF LOS ANGELES (1801 S. FIGUEROA ST, LOS ANGELES, CA 90015) WHERE THEY INFORMED HIM TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO BE INSPECTED. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT LINKED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 06V028000 (INTERIOR LIGHTING) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE REMAINED IN THE POSSESSION OF THE DEALER AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD YET TO BE NOTIFIED OF THE … Look up ODI 11353233 at NHTSA ↗	2 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 ↗ ODI 10569119 · 45,000 mi PLEASE RE-OPEN INVESTIGATION #PE05-062. 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 T… Look up ODI 10569119 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	2 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 ↗ ODI 10569119 · 45,000 mi PLEASE RE-OPEN INVESTIGATION #PE05-062. 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 T… Look up ODI 10569119 at NHTSA ↗
Suspension	3 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 10/23/2017JS Look up ODI 11035055 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10939271 · 138,000 mi I HAVE HAD THE CAR SINCE 2010 IN JUNE AND I HAVE ALREADY HAD TO REPLACE THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE BALL BEARING AND JOINTS AND THEY HAVE STOPPED WORKING ONCE AGAIN I WAS DRIVING LAST WEEK IN TRAFFIC AT AROUND 5 PM WHEN MY ENTIRE DASHBOARD WENT OUT NONE OF THE GAUGES ARE WORKING I COULDNT SEE ANYTHING. TR Look up ODI 10939271 at NHTSA ↗ 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 ↗	0	—	0	2 ODI 10939271 · 138,000 mi I HAVE HAD THE CAR SINCE 2010 IN JUNE AND I HAVE ALREADY HAD TO REPLACE THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE BALL BEARING AND JOINTS AND THEY HAVE STOPPED WORKING ONCE AGAIN I WAS DRIVING LAST WEEK IN TRAFFIC AT AROUND 5 PM WHEN MY ENTIRE DASHBOARD WENT OUT NONE OF THE GAUGES ARE WORKING I COULDNT SEE ANYTHING. *TR Look up ODI 10939271 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11443151 The dash board lights lose their ability to illuminate the dashboard and the back airbags on the suspension keep deflating Look up ODI 11443151 at NHTSA ↗	2 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 10/23/2017JS Look up ODI 11035055 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10883716 · 130,000 mi MY CAR WAS IN THE DRIVEWAY, AND NOW THE FRONT END IS DAM NEAR ON THE GROUND Look up ODI 10883716 at NHTSA ↗	2 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 10/23/2017JS Look up ODI 11035055 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 550460 MAIN INSTRUMENT CLUSTER SHUTS DOWN DURING STALLING CAUSING ALL TECHNICAL INFORMATION TO SHUT DOWN. MJS Look up ODI 550460 at NHTSA ↗	0
Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel	1 ODI 10501211 · 38,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ S500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL MALFUNCTIONED AND FAILED TO DISPLAY CURRENT SPEED ALONG WITH OTHER STATUSES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 38,000. *TR Look up ODI 10501211 at NHTSA ↗	5 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 ↗ ODI 10421253 · 106,000 mi MY INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS (DASH BOARD) WENT OUT ON MY 2001 S500 MERCEDES BENZ CAR. THE LIGHTS WOULD FLICKER ON OCCASIONALLY AND GO BACK OUT. I WAS ABLE TO RECOVER THE SIGNAL LIGHTS BY CHANGING THE FUSES. WHILE ON A ROAD TRIP MY KIDS NOTICED A SMELL AND SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE DASH BOARD. WE EXITED THE CAR AND FLAGGED DOWN A POLICE OFFICER. WE WERE TOLD TO GET AS MUCH AS WE COULD OUT OF THE CAR BECAUSE IT WAS GOING TO CATCH FIRE. WITHIN IN SECONDS MY DASH BOARD WAS IN FLAMES. I COULD NOT BELIEVE IT. THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER HAD AN ELECTRICA… Look up ODI 10421253 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11353233 · 60,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ S500. THE CONTACT STATED UPON START-UP, THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WENT BLANK. THE CONTACT CALLED MERCEDES-BENZ OF LOS ANGELES (1801 S. FIGUEROA ST, LOS ANGELES, CA 90015) WHERE THEY INFORMED HIM TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO BE INSPECTED. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT LINKED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 06V028000 (INTERIOR LIGHTING) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE REMAINED IN THE POSSESSION OF THE DEALER AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD YET TO BE NOTIFIED OF THE … Look up ODI 11353233 at NHTSA ↗	0	—	0	0	0	0
Exterior Lighting	14 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 ↗ ODI 10569119 · 45,000 mi PLEASE RE-OPEN INVESTIGATION #PE05-062. 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 T… Look up ODI 10569119 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10626776 · 127,097 mi INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILURE... AS LIKE THE NUMEROUS OTHER COMPLAINTS OF THE VERY SAME DEVICE-FAILURE; I'VE COME TO NOW KNOW THAT THIS' A WIDELY KNOWN MBUSA VEHICLE RECALL ISSUE THAT WAS QUICKLY & EXTREMELY DISCRIMINATORY & NON-EXHAUSTIVE RECALL (HALF)EFFORT... AT BEST! I TOOK IT UPON MYSELF TO ATTEMPT CONTACTING THE PREVIOUS OWNER(S) AND INQUIRED AS TO THEIR KNOWLEDGE OF THIS RECALL &/OR WHETHER OR NOT THEY WERE NOTIFIED BY MBUSA OF THIS RECALL... ALL OF WHICH THE ANSWER(S) WERE NO. THIS VEHICLE HAS EXCELLENT MAINTENANCE RECORDS AND HAS BEEN KEP… Look up ODI 10626776 at NHTSA ↗	2 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 ↗ ODI 10569119 · 45,000 mi PLEASE RE-OPEN INVESTIGATION #PE05-062. 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 T… Look up ODI 10569119 at NHTSA ↗	2 ODI 10939271 · 138,000 mi I HAVE HAD THE CAR SINCE 2010 IN JUNE AND I HAVE ALREADY HAD TO REPLACE THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE BALL BEARING AND JOINTS AND THEY HAVE STOPPED WORKING ONCE AGAIN I WAS DRIVING LAST WEEK IN TRAFFIC AT AROUND 5 PM WHEN MY ENTIRE DASHBOARD WENT OUT NONE OF THE GAUGES ARE WORKING I COULDNT SEE ANYTHING. *TR Look up ODI 10939271 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11443151 The dash board lights lose their ability to illuminate the dashboard and the back airbags on the suspension keep deflating Look up ODI 11443151 at NHTSA ↗	0	—	0	0	5 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 ↗ ODI 10569119 · 45,000 mi PLEASE RE-OPEN INVESTIGATION #PE05-062. 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 T… Look up ODI 10569119 at NHTSA ↗ 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 ↗
Engine	5 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 ↗ 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 10/23/2017JS Look up ODI 11035055 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10588118 · 165,000 mi WAS DRIVING AND INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WENT BLANK. *TR Look up ODI 10588118 at NHTSA ↗	0	2 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 10/23/2017JS Look up ODI 11035055 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10883716 · 130,000 mi MY CAR WAS IN THE DRIVEWAY, AND NOW THE FRONT END IS DAM NEAR ON THE GROUND Look up ODI 10883716 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	—	2 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 10/23/2017JS Look up ODI 11035055 at NHTSA ↗ 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 ↗	0
Power Train	6 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 10/23/2017JS Look up ODI 11035055 at NHTSA ↗ 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 ↗ 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 ↗	0	2 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 10/23/2017JS Look up ODI 11035055 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 550460 MAIN INSTRUMENT CLUSTER SHUTS DOWN DURING STALLING CAUSING ALL TECHNICAL INFORMATION TO SHUT DOWN. MJS Look up ODI 550460 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	2 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 10/23/2017JS Look up ODI 11035055 at NHTSA ↗ 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 ↗	—	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 Look up ODI 10557207 at NHTSA ↗
Vehicle Speed Control	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 ↗ ODI 10569119 · 45,000 mi PLEASE RE-OPEN INVESTIGATION #PE05-062. 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 T… Look up ODI 10569119 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11373750 · 120,000 mi LAST NIGHT WE HAD TROPICAL STORM ETA IN FLORIDA. WE HAD ABOUT 10 INCHES OF RAIN. THE TEMPERATURE WAS BETWEEN 70F AND 80F. THE CAR WAS PARKED ON HIGH GROUND BUT IN THE RAIN. THE INSIDE OF THE CAR FLOODED WITH WATER UNDER THE CARPET. I HAVE NOT DETERMINED THE SOURCE OF THE LEAK OR THE SOURCE OF THE SHORT YET BUT THE CAR IS IN MY SHOP. I DRILLED HOLES IN THE FLOOR TO DRAIN THE WATER FOR NOW. THE ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WENT CRAZY. THE ABS WAS MALFUNCTIONING, THE WIPERS WERE TURNING ON AND OFF, THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND OTHER LIGHTS WERE TURNING ON AND… Look up ODI 11373750 at NHTSA ↗	2 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 ↗ ODI 10569119 · 45,000 mi PLEASE RE-OPEN INVESTIGATION #PE05-062. 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 T… Look up ODI 10569119 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	5 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 ↗ ODI 10569119 · 45,000 mi PLEASE RE-OPEN INVESTIGATION #PE05-062. 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 T… Look up ODI 10569119 at NHTSA ↗ 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 ↗	0	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 Look up ODI 10557207 at NHTSA ↗	—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

Search patterns

6 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

10 mentions · 5.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 68,085 mi (7 usable records).

ODI 11175966 · 163,000 mi

Look up ODI 11175966 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10352845 · 84,000 mi

Look up ODI 10352845 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 550460

MAIN INSTRUMENT CLUSTER SHUTS DOWN DURING STALLING CAUSING ALL TECHNICAL INFORMATION TO SHUT DOWN. MJS

Look up ODI 550460 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

5 mentions · 2.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 100,000 mi (5 usable records).

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 ↗

ODI 10204988 · 8,500 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ S500. ON OCTOBER 1, 2007, THE MILEAGE GAUGE DISPLAYED 26,700. THE FOLLOWING DAY, THE GAUGE DISPLAYED 43,000. EVER SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN 2005, THE WINDOWS AND SUNROOF HAVE OPENED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS RANGING FROM 20 TO 45MPH. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING THROUGH A CAR WASH AND WHILE PARKED WITH THE ENGINE SHUT OFF. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CD PLAYER FAILED A FEW WEEKS AGO AND THE DEALER INFORMED HER…

Look up ODI 10204988 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10398540 · 53,140 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES S500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THEY HAD TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TWICE FOR THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND FOR AN ALIGNMENT IN THE PAST TWO YEARS. THE CONTACT HAD TO REPLACE THE AROMATIC STRUTS ON THE VEHICLE TWICE BECAUSE OF A FAILURE, THE EXHAUST PIPE AND GENERAL RING FOR THE CHECK ENGINE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE STALLED WHICH MADE IT DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,140 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 117,000.

Look up ODI 10398540 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Brake response concerns

4 mentions · 2.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 60,000 mi (3 usable records).

ODI 10352845 · 84,000 mi

Look up ODI 10352845 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 741105

THE BRAKES WERE NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY FROM DATE OF PURCHASE. MANUFACTURER AND DEALER CLAIM THAT "THE BRAKE OPERATION IS NORMAL". THE BRAKES FAILED WHILE DRIVING AND THE CAR CRASHED.

Look up ODI 741105 at NHTSA ↗

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

Steering assistance concerns

3 mentions · 1.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 61,804 mi (2 usable records).

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 ↗

ODI 10352845 · 84,000 mi

Look up ODI 10352845 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11614082

Safety issues 1. Engine shuts off while driving. No error codes. Starts again with key and drives fine. 2. Steering locks while driving - maneuvering a turn. Stopped the car. Turn ignition off. Turn ignition on Everything works fine.

Look up ODI 11614082 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Battery drain and no-start mentions

2 mentions · 1.2% 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 ↗

ODI 11767151

2006 Mercedes-Benz S500 4MATIC, VIN [XXX]. On XXX, the vehicle suddenly shut off while driving. It was not overheating. It then would not restart or crank and could not be shifted out of Park. AAA connected a jump pack, but there was no starter engagement. It required a flatbed because it is 4MATIC. After the shutdown, the instrument cluster had intermittent power loss. The dashboard would illuminate when the key was turned but lose power after about 20 seconds. At times only the odometer displayed and the gear-selector indication was absen…

Look up ODI 11767151 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Hard or delayed shifting

2 mentions · 1.2% of complaints

Median mileage: 30,079 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 11030244 · 158 mi

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

Look up ODI 11030244 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10821033 · 60,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES-BENZ S500. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE JERKED BEFORE COMING TO A HALT. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

Look up ODI 10821033 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule