2001 Mercedes Benz 430: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
8 owner complaints analyzed
0 distinct recall campaigns
85,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2001 model year. Data updated: . 7 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.
This selection has limited data. It remains available for lookup but is excluded from search indexing.
Most common problems
Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 3 of 8 complaints (37.5%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission and shifting | 1 | 12.5% |
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.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 3 |
| Interior Lighting | 3 |
| Air Bags | 1 |
| Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel | 1 |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages | 1 |
| Seat Belts | 1 |
| Suspension | 1 |
Electrical System: 3; Interior Lighting: 3; Air Bags: 1; Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel: 1; Exterior Lighting: 1; Latches/Locks/Linkages: 1; Seat Belts: 1; Suspension: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 1 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 2 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 1 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 2 |
| 150,000 and above | 1 |
Under 25,000: 1; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 2; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 2; 150,000 and above: 1
50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (2). 1 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.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2007 | 3 |
| 2008 | 1 |
| 2011 | 2 |
| 2012 | 1 |
| 2013 | 1 |
2007: 3; 2008: 1; 2011: 2; 2012: 1; 2013: 1
Pattern summary
Electrical System leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10178565 · 2007-01-12 (January 12, 2007)
I WAS DRIVING MY 2001 MERCEDES 430 CLK DOWN HWY 281 IN SAN ANTONIO TX. MY TRANSMISSION SEIZED BRINGING MY CAR TO A STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF HWY 281 DURING RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. I WAS STRANDED THERE & MY CAR WOULD NOT MOVE WHILE IN DRIVE, NOR WOULD MY CAR SHIFT INTO ANY OTHER GEAR. I WAS LIKE A SITTING DUCK. WHEN THIS OCCURRED I WAS NEARLY REAR ENDED SEVERAL TIMES. FINALLY AFTER TURNING THE ENGINE ON & OFF MANY TIMES DURING ABOUT A 5 MINUTE PERIOD, I WAS ABLE TO SHIFT MY CAR FROM DRIVE TO NEUTRAL BACK TO DRIVE AGAIN & I WAS ABLE TO BUT ONLY I…
Owner-reported narrative. 17,993 miles reported. Look up ODI 10178565 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10197690 · 2007-07-27 (July 27, 2007)
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ CLK430. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES WERE DIFFICULT TO READ. HE BELIEVES THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN RECALL NUMBER 06V028000 (INTERIOR LIGHTING), BUT THE DEALER STATED THAT HIS VIN IS NOT INCLUDED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 64,012 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,007. UPDATED 02/01/08. *LJ
Owner-reported narrative. 63,007 miles reported. Look up ODI 10197690 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10211490 · 2007-12-11 (December 11, 2007)
I AM HAVING TROUBLE WITH MY LOCKS ,I WENT ON LINE AND FOUND OUT THAT THE YEAR OF MY CAR HAD A RECALL ,FOR THE PROBLEM THAT I'M HAVING WITH MY LOCKS NOT LOCKING .WHEN I TAKE OFF MY LOCKS WILL DOUBLE LOCK AND ONE OF MY PASSENGER DOORS IN THE BACK DOES NOT LOCK . I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT MY CAR WAS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST FOR THIS PROBLEM THAT MY VIN # WAS NOT ON THE LIST AND I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS REPAIR. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 72,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10211490 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10241716 · 2008-09-10 (September 10, 2008)
MERCEDES HAS PLACED A SENSOR FOR THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM INSIDE THE SEATS OF THE E430. IF THE SENSOR GOES BAD A DASHBOARD LIGHT COMES ON INDICATING AN SRS ERROR. THE COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA INSPECTION PROCEDURE REQUIRES THIS TO BE REMEDIED FOR THE ANNUAL VEHICLE INSPECTION TO BE PASSED. THE ONLY SOLUTION MERCEDES OFFERS IS TO REPLACE THE SEAT AT A COST OF OVER $900.00. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 85,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10241716 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10405895 · 2011-06-10 (June 10, 2011)
GAUGE ILLUMINATION FAILURE. VEHICLE IS A 2001 MERCEDES S430. THIS VEHICLE WAS SUBJECT TO A RECALL - CAMPAIGN NUMBER; 06V028000. THE TERMS OF THE RECALL REQUIRED MERCEDES TO REPLACE THE GAUGES WITH A PART NOT SUBJECT TO THE SAME FAILURE MODE WHICH WAS THE SUBJECT OF THE RECALL. MY VEHICLE HAD THE GAUGES REPLACED UNDER THE TERMS OF THE RECALL, BUT WE HAVE HAD A SUBSEQUENT FAILURE OF THE GAUGES, FAILING WITH THE IDENTICAL FAILURE MODE OF THE ORIGINAL RECALL. I HAVE CONTACTED MERCEDES AND THEY WILL NOT REPLACE THIS PART, EVEN THOUGH IT FAILED W…
Owner-reported narrative. 191,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10405895 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10411897 · 2011-07-11 (July 11, 2011)
I OWN A 2001 MERCEDES S430. IT HAS 110 ,000 MILES. SUDDENLY MY CAR WENT VERY LOW AND A WARNING SHOWED UP ON THE DASH BOARD SCREEN I.E. CAR TOO LOW AND I FELT THAT IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO TURN THE CAR WITHOUT TIRES TOUCHING THE FENDERS. I AM TOLD THAT I HAVE TO REPLACE AIR SUSPENSION PUMP, RELAY, AND POSSIBALY ALL AIR BAGS. MINIMUM COST OF $1000 PLUS TO $2000 PLUS. I THINK THIS PROBLEM IS WELL KNOWN TO MERCEDES AND ARE INTENTIONALLY IGNORING A RECALL. YOU SURELY EXPECTS THE SO CALLED WORLD'S BEST AUTO MANUFACTURER TO TAKE CARE OF THIS PROBLEM, W…
Owner-reported narrative. 110,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10411897 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10454521 · 2012-04-09 (April 9, 2012)
GAUGE ILLUMINATION FAILURE. VEHICLE IS A 2001 MERCEDES E430 WHICH WAS SUBJECT TO A RECALL-CAMPAIGN NUMBER 06V028000. THE TERMS OF THE RECALL REQUIRED MERCEDES TO REPLACE THE GAUGES WITH A PART NOT SUBJECT TO THE SAME FAILURE MODE WHICH WAS SUBJECT TO THE RECALL. MY VEHICLES HAD THE GAUGES REPLACED UNDER THE TERMS OF THE RECALL, BUT WE HAVE HAD A SUBSEQUENT FAILURE OF THESE GAUGES, FAILING WITH THE IDENTICAL FAILURE MODE OF THE ORIGINAL RECALL. I HAVE NOTIFIED MERCEDES AND THEY WILL NOT REPLACE THE PART, EVEN THOUGH IT FAILED WITH THE SAME …
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10454521 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10520273 · 2013-06-17 (June 17, 2013)
I WAS DRIVING AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS AND GAS, SPEED GAUGES STOPPED WORKING AND THE LIGHTS THAT ILLUMINATE THE GAUGES AND INSTRUMENTS WENT OUT. VIN [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 140,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10520273 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
0 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
No recall campaigns are recorded in this snapshot.
Vehicle analysis explorer
Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.
Data completeness
8 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.
Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.
Problems by model year
Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.
| Component | 2000 | 2001 |
|---|---|---|
| Interior Lighting | 420.0%ODI 10165406 · 130,000 miI TOOK MY MB S430 TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE. WHEN I PICKED UP MY CAR AND DROVE OFF THE DEALER LOT, MY SPEEDOMETER STARTED TO FLASH AND THEN IT WENT COMPLETELY DARK. I CAN NOT SEE THE SPEEDOMETER TO SEE HOW FAST I AM GOING, OR THE TEMP AND FUEL GAUGE. I WENT BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID I NEED A NEW SPEEDOMETER($1600). I DROVE THE CAR HOME AND WAS PULLED OVER BY A POLICE OFFICER FOR SPEEDING. LUCKILY I DID NOT GET A TICKET. I CAN PROVIDE ANY INFORMATION YOU NEED TO VERIFY THIS INFORMATION. *JB | 337.5%ODI 10197690 · 63,007 miTL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ CLK430. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES WERE DIFFICULT TO READ. HE BELIEVES THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN RECALL NUMBER 06V028000 (INTERIOR LIGHTING), BUT THE DEALER STATED THAT HIS VIN IS NOT INCLUDED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 64,012 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,007. UPDATED 02/01/08. *LJ |
| Electrical System | 210.0%ODI 10125408 · 53,000 miCRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR FAILED WITH NO OBDII ERROR CODE SET. ENGINE FAILS TO START DURING A FAILED SENSOR CONDITION. ENGINE FAILS RANDOMLY AT ANY TIME DUE TO A HEAT RELATED INTERMITTENT SENSOR PROBLEM. THIS IS A VERY COMMON FAILURE WITH LATE MODEL MERCEDES - ENGINES STOP IN HOT WEATHER DUE TO THIS FAILING SENSOR. DEALERSHIPS SELL ALOT OF THESE SENSORS - NONE CLAIM A RELIABLE ONE HAS YET TO BE BEEN PROVEN RELIABLE. | 337.5%ODI 10405895 · 191,000 miGAUGE ILLUMINATION FAILURE. VEHICLE IS A 2001 MERCEDES S430. THIS VEHICLE WAS SUBJECT TO A RECALL - CAMPAIGN NUMBER; 06V028000. THE TERMS OF THE RECALL REQUIRED MERCEDES TO REPLACE THE GAUGES WITH A PART NOT SUBJECT TO THE SAME FAILURE MODE WHICH WAS THE SUBJECT OF THE RECALL. MY VEHICLE HAD THE GAUGES REPLACED UNDER THE TERMS OF THE RECALL, BUT WE HAVE HAD A SUBSEQUENT FAILURE OF THE GAUGES, FAILING WITH THE IDENTICAL FAILURE MODE OF THE ORIGINAL RECALL. I HAVE CONTACTED MERCEDES AND THEY WILL NOT REPLACE THIS PART, EVEN THOUGH IT FAILED W… |
| Air Bags | 315.0%ODI 10170777 · 98,000 miI HAVE A 2000 MERCEDES S430 THAT IS UNSAFE. THE VEHICLE IS UNSTABLE IN THE RAIN. I WAS DRIVING IN THE RAIN AND THE REAR END OF THE CAR BECAME UNSTABLE. THE VEHICLE FISH TAILED OUT OF CONTROL AND CAUSED ME TO HIT THE CENTER GUARD RAIL. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT GO OFF. AFTER 25 YEARS OF EXPERIENCED DRIVING, I FEEL THIS IS A MANUFACTURER PROBLEM AND THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE. *NM | 112.5%ODI 10241716 · 85,000 miMERCEDES HAS PLACED A SENSOR FOR THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM INSIDE THE SEATS OF THE E430. IF THE SENSOR GOES BAD A DASHBOARD LIGHT COMES ON INDICATING AN SRS ERROR. THE COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA INSPECTION PROCEDURE REQUIRES THIS TO BE REMEDIED FOR THE ANNUAL VEHICLE INSPECTION TO BE PASSED. THE ONLY SOLUTION MERCEDES OFFERS IS TO REPLACE THE SEAT AT A COST OF OVER $900.00. *TR |
| Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel | 315.0%ODI 10169539INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LIGHTING FAILURE - LIGHTS OUT ON DASH. CANNOT READ SPEED. *JB | 112.5%ODI 10197690 · 63,007 miTL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ CLK430. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES WERE DIFFICULT TO READ. HE BELIEVES THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN RECALL NUMBER 06V028000 (INTERIOR LIGHTING), BUT THE DEALER STATED THAT HIS VIN IS NOT INCLUDED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 64,012 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,007. UPDATED 02/01/08. *LJ |
| Suspension | 210.0%ODI 10264173 · 89,000 miMERCEDES S-430 SUSPENSION CONVERSION KITS & AIR SUSPENSION PARTS SORT BY: PRICE: LOW TO HIGH PRICE: HIGH TO LOW MOST POPULAR TITLE MANUFACTURER NEWEST OLDEST 10 PER PAGE 20 PER PAGE 40 PER PAGE 60 PER PAGE 100 PER PAGE OF 1 2000-2006 MERCEDES S430 4-WHEEL AIR RIDE SUSPENSION CONVERSION KIT ''' LIFETIME WARRANTY LIST PRICE: $949.00 YOUR PRICE TODAY: $867.00 FITS: 2000-2006 MERCEDES S430 STRUTMASTERS OFFERS CONVERSION SYSTEMS TO CONVERT YOUR MERCEDES AIR RIDE SUSPENSION TO A PASSIVE… | 112.5%ODI 10411897 · 110,500 miI OWN A 2001 MERCEDES S430. IT HAS 110 ,000 MILES. SUDDENLY MY CAR WENT VERY LOW AND A WARNING SHOWED UP ON THE DASH BOARD SCREEN I.E. CAR TOO LOW AND I FELT THAT IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO TURN THE CAR WITHOUT TIRES TOUCHING THE FENDERS. I AM TOLD THAT I HAVE TO REPLACE AIR SUSPENSION PUMP, RELAY, AND POSSIBALY ALL AIR BAGS. MINIMUM COST OF $1000 PLUS TO $2000 PLUS. I THINK THIS PROBLEM IS WELL KNOWN TO MERCEDES AND ARE INTENTIONALLY IGNORING A RECALL. YOU SURELY EXPECTS THE SO CALLED WORLD'S BEST AUTO MANUFACTURER TO TAKE CARE OF THIS PROBLEM, W… |
| Air Bags:Frontal | 210.0%ODI 890214WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE "T" BONED MERCEDES BENZ. UPON IMPACT NONE OF 7 AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. INSURANCE ADJUSTER LOOKED AT VEHICLE. THERE WAS 1 INJURY,PASSENGER WAS HOSPITALIZED.*AK *SLC | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module | 15.0%ODI 10195597 · 33,000 miTL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ E430. WITHIN 5 MINUTES OF DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE PASSENGER SIDE AND CURTAIN AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED INTERIOR DAMAGE TO THE REAR SIDE DOOR AND THE FABRIC AROUND THE ROOF. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 33,000. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Air Bags:Side/Window | 15.0%ODI 890214WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE "T" BONED MERCEDES BENZ. UPON IMPACT NONE OF 7 AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. INSURANCE ADJUSTER LOOKED AT VEHICLE. THERE WAS 1 INJURY,PASSENGER WAS HOSPITALIZED.*AK *SLC | 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 | Mileage range (25th–75th percentile) | Median | Usable records | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | Too few reports for a range | 165,500 mi | 2 (sparse) | ODI 10405895 · 191,000 miGAUGE ILLUMINATION FAILURE. VEHICLE IS A 2001 MERCEDES S430. THIS VEHICLE WAS SUBJECT TO A RECALL - CAMPAIGN NUMBER; 06V028000. THE TERMS OF THE RECALL REQUIRED MERCEDES TO REPLACE THE GAUGES WITH A PART NOT SUBJECT TO THE SAME FAILURE MODE WHICH WAS THE SUBJECT OF THE RECALL. MY VEHICLE HAD THE GAUGES REPLACED UNDER THE TERMS OF THE RECALL, BUT WE HAVE HAD A SUBSEQUENT FAILURE OF THE GAUGES, FAILING WITH THE IDENTICAL FAILURE MODE OF THE ORIGINAL RECALL. I HAVE CONTACTED MERCEDES AND THEY WILL NOT REPLACE THIS PART, EVEN THOUGH IT FAILED W… ODI 10520273 · 140,000 miI WAS DRIVING AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS AND GAS, SPEED GAUGES STOPPED WORKING AND THE LIGHTS THAT ILLUMINATE THE GAUGES AND INSTRUMENTS WENT OUT. VIN [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR |
| Interior Lighting | Too few reports for a range | 127,004 mi | 2 (sparse) | ODI 10197690 · 63,007 miTL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ CLK430. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES WERE DIFFICULT TO READ. HE BELIEVES THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN RECALL NUMBER 06V028000 (INTERIOR LIGHTING), BUT THE DEALER STATED THAT HIS VIN IS NOT INCLUDED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 64,012 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,007. UPDATED 02/01/08. *LJ ODI 10405895 · 191,000 miGAUGE ILLUMINATION FAILURE. VEHICLE IS A 2001 MERCEDES S430. THIS VEHICLE WAS SUBJECT TO A RECALL - CAMPAIGN NUMBER; 06V028000. THE TERMS OF THE RECALL REQUIRED MERCEDES TO REPLACE THE GAUGES WITH A PART NOT SUBJECT TO THE SAME FAILURE MODE WHICH WAS THE SUBJECT OF THE RECALL. MY VEHICLE HAD THE GAUGES REPLACED UNDER THE TERMS OF THE RECALL, BUT WE HAVE HAD A SUBSEQUENT FAILURE OF THE GAUGES, FAILING WITH THE IDENTICAL FAILURE MODE OF THE ORIGINAL RECALL. I HAVE CONTACTED MERCEDES AND THEY WILL NOT REPLACE THIS PART, EVEN THOUGH IT FAILED W… |
| Air Bags | Too few reports for a range | 85,000 mi | 1 (sparse) | ODI 10241716 · 85,000 miMERCEDES HAS PLACED A SENSOR FOR THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM INSIDE THE SEATS OF THE E430. IF THE SENSOR GOES BAD A DASHBOARD LIGHT COMES ON INDICATING AN SRS ERROR. THE COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA INSPECTION PROCEDURE REQUIRES THIS TO BE REMEDIED FOR THE ANNUAL VEHICLE INSPECTION TO BE PASSED. THE ONLY SOLUTION MERCEDES OFFERS IS TO REPLACE THE SEAT AT A COST OF OVER $900.00. *TR |
| Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel | Too few reports for a range | 63,007 mi | 1 (sparse) | ODI 10197690 · 63,007 miTL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ CLK430. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES WERE DIFFICULT TO READ. HE BELIEVES THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN RECALL NUMBER 06V028000 (INTERIOR LIGHTING), BUT THE DEALER STATED THAT HIS VIN IS NOT INCLUDED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 64,012 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,007. UPDATED 02/01/08. *LJ |
| Exterior Lighting | Too few reports for a range | 140,000 mi | 1 (sparse) | ODI 10520273 · 140,000 miI WAS DRIVING AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS AND GAS, SPEED GAUGES STOPPED WORKING AND THE LIGHTS THAT ILLUMINATE THE GAUGES AND INSTRUMENTS WENT OUT. VIN [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages | Too few reports for a range | 72,000 mi | 1 (sparse) | ODI 10211490 · 72,000 miI AM HAVING TROUBLE WITH MY LOCKS ,I WENT ON LINE AND FOUND OUT THAT THE YEAR OF MY CAR HAD A RECALL ,FOR THE PROBLEM THAT I'M HAVING WITH MY LOCKS NOT LOCKING .WHEN I TAKE OFF MY LOCKS WILL DOUBLE LOCK AND ONE OF MY PASSENGER DOORS IN THE BACK DOES NOT LOCK . I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT MY CAR WAS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST FOR THIS PROBLEM THAT MY VIN # WAS NOT ON THE LIST AND I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS REPAIR. *TR |
| Seat Belts | Too few reports for a range | 85,000 mi | 1 (sparse) | ODI 10241716 · 85,000 miMERCEDES HAS PLACED A SENSOR FOR THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM INSIDE THE SEATS OF THE E430. IF THE SENSOR GOES BAD A DASHBOARD LIGHT COMES ON INDICATING AN SRS ERROR. THE COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA INSPECTION PROCEDURE REQUIRES THIS TO BE REMEDIED FOR THE ANNUAL VEHICLE INSPECTION TO BE PASSED. THE ONLY SOLUTION MERCEDES OFFERS IS TO REPLACE THE SEAT AT A COST OF OVER $900.00. *TR |
| Suspension | Too few reports for a range | 110,500 mi | 1 (sparse) | ODI 10411897 · 110,500 miI OWN A 2001 MERCEDES S430. IT HAS 110 ,000 MILES. SUDDENLY MY CAR WENT VERY LOW AND A WARNING SHOWED UP ON THE DASH BOARD SCREEN I.E. CAR TOO LOW AND I FELT THAT IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO TURN THE CAR WITHOUT TIRES TOUCHING THE FENDERS. I AM TOLD THAT I HAVE TO REPLACE AIR SUSPENSION PUMP, RELAY, AND POSSIBALY ALL AIR BAGS. MINIMUM COST OF $1000 PLUS TO $2000 PLUS. I THINK THIS PROBLEM IS WELL KNOWN TO MERCEDES AND ARE INTENTIONALLY IGNORING A RECALL. YOU SURELY EXPECTS THE SO CALLED WORLD'S BEST AUTO MANUFACTURER TO TAKE CARE OF THIS PROBLEM, W… |
Complaint and recall timeline
Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.
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
| Month | Complaints | Campaigns announced | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2024-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 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 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 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 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-10 (partial) | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
Emerging complaint spikes
Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.
This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.
No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.
Equal-age model-year comparison
Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.
2000: 2 complaints · 2001: 0 complaints
| Model year | Through age 0 | Through age 1 | Through age 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| 2001 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Date coverage across each selected cohort
| Year | Incident dates used | Filing date fallbacks | Excluded dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 19 | 1 | 0 |
| 2001 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
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 | Electrical System | Interior Lighting | Air Bags | Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel | Exterior Lighting | Latches/Locks/Linkages | Seat Belts | Suspension |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | — | 2ODI 10405895 · 191,000 miGAUGE ILLUMINATION FAILURE. VEHICLE IS A 2001 MERCEDES S430. THIS VEHICLE WAS SUBJECT TO A RECALL - CAMPAIGN NUMBER; 06V028000. THE TERMS OF THE RECALL REQUIRED MERCEDES TO REPLACE THE GAUGES WITH A PART NOT SUBJECT TO THE SAME FAILURE MODE WHICH WAS THE SUBJECT OF THE RECALL. MY VEHICLE HAD THE GAUGES REPLACED UNDER THE TERMS OF THE RECALL, BUT WE HAVE HAD A SUBSEQUENT FAILURE OF THE GAUGES, FAILING WITH THE IDENTICAL FAILURE MODE OF THE ORIGINAL RECALL. I HAVE CONTACTED MERCEDES AND THEY WILL NOT REPLACE THIS PART, EVEN THOUGH IT FAILED W… ODI 10454521GAUGE ILLUMINATION FAILURE. VEHICLE IS A 2001 MERCEDES E430 WHICH WAS SUBJECT TO A RECALL-CAMPAIGN NUMBER 06V028000. THE TERMS OF THE RECALL REQUIRED MERCEDES TO REPLACE THE GAUGES WITH A PART NOT SUBJECT TO THE SAME FAILURE MODE WHICH WAS SUBJECT TO THE RECALL. MY VEHICLES HAD THE GAUGES REPLACED UNDER THE TERMS OF THE RECALL, BUT WE HAVE HAD A SUBSEQUENT FAILURE OF THESE GAUGES, FAILING WITH THE IDENTICAL FAILURE MODE OF THE ORIGINAL RECALL. I HAVE NOTIFIED MERCEDES AND THEY WILL NOT REPLACE THE PART, EVEN THOUGH IT FAILED WITH THE SAME … | 0 | 0 | 1ODI 10520273 · 140,000 miI WAS DRIVING AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS AND GAS, SPEED GAUGES STOPPED WORKING AND THE LIGHTS THAT ILLUMINATE THE GAUGES AND INSTRUMENTS WENT OUT. VIN [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Interior Lighting | 2ODI 10405895 · 191,000 miGAUGE ILLUMINATION FAILURE. VEHICLE IS A 2001 MERCEDES S430. THIS VEHICLE WAS SUBJECT TO A RECALL - CAMPAIGN NUMBER; 06V028000. THE TERMS OF THE RECALL REQUIRED MERCEDES TO REPLACE THE GAUGES WITH A PART NOT SUBJECT TO THE SAME FAILURE MODE WHICH WAS THE SUBJECT OF THE RECALL. MY VEHICLE HAD THE GAUGES REPLACED UNDER THE TERMS OF THE RECALL, BUT WE HAVE HAD A SUBSEQUENT FAILURE OF THE GAUGES, FAILING WITH THE IDENTICAL FAILURE MODE OF THE ORIGINAL RECALL. I HAVE CONTACTED MERCEDES AND THEY WILL NOT REPLACE THIS PART, EVEN THOUGH IT FAILED W… ODI 10454521GAUGE ILLUMINATION FAILURE. VEHICLE IS A 2001 MERCEDES E430 WHICH WAS SUBJECT TO A RECALL-CAMPAIGN NUMBER 06V028000. THE TERMS OF THE RECALL REQUIRED MERCEDES TO REPLACE THE GAUGES WITH A PART NOT SUBJECT TO THE SAME FAILURE MODE WHICH WAS SUBJECT TO THE RECALL. MY VEHICLES HAD THE GAUGES REPLACED UNDER THE TERMS OF THE RECALL, BUT WE HAVE HAD A SUBSEQUENT FAILURE OF THESE GAUGES, FAILING WITH THE IDENTICAL FAILURE MODE OF THE ORIGINAL RECALL. I HAVE NOTIFIED MERCEDES AND THEY WILL NOT REPLACE THE PART, EVEN THOUGH IT FAILED WITH THE SAME … | — | 0 | 1ODI 10197690 · 63,007 miTL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ CLK430. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES WERE DIFFICULT TO READ. HE BELIEVES THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN RECALL NUMBER 06V028000 (INTERIOR LIGHTING), BUT THE DEALER STATED THAT HIS VIN IS NOT INCLUDED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 64,012 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,007. UPDATED 02/01/08. *LJ | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air Bags | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1ODI 10241716 · 85,000 miMERCEDES HAS PLACED A SENSOR FOR THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM INSIDE THE SEATS OF THE E430. IF THE SENSOR GOES BAD A DASHBOARD LIGHT COMES ON INDICATING AN SRS ERROR. THE COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA INSPECTION PROCEDURE REQUIRES THIS TO BE REMEDIED FOR THE ANNUAL VEHICLE INSPECTION TO BE PASSED. THE ONLY SOLUTION MERCEDES OFFERS IS TO REPLACE THE SEAT AT A COST OF OVER $900.00. *TR | 0 |
| Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel | 0 | 1ODI 10197690 · 63,007 miTL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ CLK430. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES WERE DIFFICULT TO READ. HE BELIEVES THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN RECALL NUMBER 06V028000 (INTERIOR LIGHTING), BUT THE DEALER STATED THAT HIS VIN IS NOT INCLUDED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 64,012 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,007. UPDATED 02/01/08. *LJ | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 1ODI 10520273 · 140,000 miI WAS DRIVING AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS AND GAS, SPEED GAUGES STOPPED WORKING AND THE LIGHTS THAT ILLUMINATE THE GAUGES AND INSTRUMENTS WENT OUT. VIN [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 0 | 0 | 1ODI 10241716 · 85,000 miMERCEDES HAS PLACED A SENSOR FOR THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM INSIDE THE SEATS OF THE E430. IF THE SENSOR GOES BAD A DASHBOARD LIGHT COMES ON INDICATING AN SRS ERROR. THE COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA INSPECTION PROCEDURE REQUIRES THIS TO BE REMEDIED FOR THE ANNUAL VEHICLE INSPECTION TO BE PASSED. THE ONLY SOLUTION MERCEDES OFFERS IS TO REPLACE THE SEAT AT A COST OF OVER $900.00. *TR | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 |
| Suspension | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.
Recurring narrative patterns
Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.
0 patterns with matching reports.
No narratives match the published patterns.