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U.S. public vehicle records

2000 Mercedes Benz E430: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

19 owner complaints analyzed

0 distinct recall campaigns

108,172 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2000 model year. Data updated: . 12 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Air Bags is the most frequently named component, appearing in 3 of 19 complaints (15.8%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Braking behavior315.8%
Electrical and battery issues315.8%
Transmission and shifting210.5%

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.

Air Bags
3
Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel
2
Suspension
2
Unknown Or Other
2
Air Bags:Frontal
1
Air Bags:Side/Window
1
Electrical System
1
Equipment:Mechanical:Accessory Scissor/Screw/Bottle Jack/Lift
1
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Air Bags3
Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel2
Suspension2
Unknown Or Other2
Air Bags:Frontal1
Air Bags:Side/Window1
Electrical System1
Equipment:Mechanical:Accessory Scissor/Screw/Bottle Jack/Lift1

Air Bags: 3; Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel: 2; Suspension: 2; Unknown Or Other: 2; Air Bags:Frontal: 1; Air Bags:Side/Window: 1; Electrical System: 1; Equipment:Mechanical:Accessory Scissor/Screw/Bottle Jack/Lift: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

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

Under 25,000
0
25,000 to 49,999
1
50,000 to 74,999
4
75,000 to 99,999
0
100,000 to 149,999
4
150,000 and above
3
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0000
25,000 to 49,9991
50,000 to 74,9994
75,000 to 99,9990
100,000 to 149,9994
150,000 and above3

Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 1; 50,000 to 74,999: 4; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 4; 150,000 and above: 3

50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (4). 7 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2001
1
2005
4
2006
2
2008
1
2009
1
2010
4
2011
1
2014
2
2015
1
2016
1
2018
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20011
20054
20062
20081
20091
20104
20111
20142
20151
20161
20181

2001: 1; 2005: 4; 2006: 2; 2008: 1; 2009: 1; 2010: 4; 2011: 1; 2014: 2; 2015: 1; 2016: 1; 2018: 1

Pattern summary

Air Bags leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 3 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 3 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 2 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 10106626 · 2005-01-24 (January 24, 2005)

THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE CONSUMER SPILLED COFFEE INTO THE SHIFTER AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER, WHO TOLD THE CONSUMER HOW TO LOOSEN THE SHIFTER. HOWEVER, THE CONSUMER TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND IT WOULD NOT START AGAIN. *AK *SC

Owner-reported narrative. 58,975 miles reported. Look up ODI 10106626 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10118807 · 2005-05-02 (May 2, 2005)

I OWN A 2000 E430 MERCEDES AND BOTH REAR WINDOW REGULATORS HAVE FAILED IN THE LAST 4 MONTHS. THE CAR HAS 39,000 ON THE ODOMETER. I CONSIDER THIS A SAFETY PROBLEM BECAUSE I TRANSPORT MY GRANDCHILDREN IN CHILD SEATS IN THE REAR AND WHEN THE WINDOW FAILS, IT FAILS IN THE DOWN OR OPEN POSITION. IN EACH INSTANCE, I COULD NOT LOCK OR SECURE THE CAR.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10118807 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10138804 · 2005-09-01 (September 1, 2005)

CONSUMER'S CONCERNS REGARDING THE DESIGN OF THE 2000 MERCEDES BENZ CUP HOLDER WHICH SITS OVER THE GEAR SHIFT MECHANISM.*MR THE CONSUMER HAD LIQUID IN THE CUP WHICH SPILLED INTO THE GEAR SHIFTER AND CAUSED THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM TO SHUT DOWN. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10138804 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10141055 · 2005-10-14 (October 14, 2005)

PETITION FOR INVESTIGATION INTO DESIGN DEFECT OF THE CUP HOLDER ON THE 2000 E430 MERCEDES BENZ, CUP HOLDER LOCATED OVER SHIFTING MECHANISM, COFFEE SPILLED AND SHUT DOWN ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. *TS THE CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING IN THE MIDDLE LANE OF TRAFFIC WHEN THE LIQUID SPILLED. THE CAR JERKED AND SLOWED DOWN. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE TO AN ENTRANCE OF A SHOPPING CENTER. THE CONSUMER PAID $905.27 TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM AND FEELS THAT THE COST SHOULD BE ABSORBED BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE DESIGN HAS BEEN REDESIGNED IN NEW…

Owner-reported narrative. 41,085 miles reported. Look up ODI 10141055 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10157330 · 2006-05-04 (May 4, 2006)

CONSUMER 2000 MERCEDES BENZ ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SHUT DOWN. *TS *JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10157330 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10157417 · 2006-05-12 (May 12, 2006)

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE PULLING INTO THE DRIVEWAY AT 10 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED. AS THE CONTACT PULLED OUT AGAIN, THE BRAKES FAILED A SECOND TIME WHILE TRAVELING 50 MPH AND GOING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION. THERE WAS NO WARNING PRIOR TO BOTH INCIDENTS. AFTER THE SECOND INCIDENT THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALERSHIP WHERE IT IS AWAITING INSPECTION.

Owner-reported narrative. 70,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10157417 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10220830 · 2008-03-11 (March 11, 2008)

I HAVE A 2000 MERCEDES E430. INSTRUMENT CLUSTER SHOWS SCRAMBLED TIME DISPLAY AND OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE DISPLAY. THE CLUSTER WAS REPLACED BY MERCEDES UNDER WARRANTY FOR THE SAME PROBLEM IN 2003 AND THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM RE-APPEARED AGAIN IN 2006 ON THE NEW CLUSTER. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10220830 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10263887 · 2009-04-01 (April 1, 2009)

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ E430. WHILE CHANGING THE TIRES, THE JACK THAT CAME EQUIPPED WITH THE VEHICLE FELL OVER ON ITS OWN. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.

Owner-reported narrative. 135,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10263887 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.

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

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

63.2%Usable mileage12 / 19 records
94.7%Valid incident date18 / 19 records
100.0%Valid filing date19 / 19 records
94.7%Ordered incident and filing dates18 / 19 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component19981999200020012002
Air Bags
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

523.8%
ODI 10058422 · 54 mi

AFRAID THAT AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY PROPERLY BECAUSE OF CRACKS. LOCAL DEALER AND REGIONAL MANAGER REFUSED TO REPAIR/REPLACE. *AK

Look up ODI 10058422 at NHTSA ↗

315.8%
ODI 10313191

2000 MERCEDES BENZ E430. THE CONSUMER WAS IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION AND AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *DT THE CONSUMER STATED AN OUT OF CONTROL VEHICLE HIT THE RIGHT FRONT OF HER VEHICLE. THE OTHER DRIVER'S AIR BAG DEPLOYED. A REPRESENTATIVE FROM MB STATED THE SRS FUNCTIONED AS DESIGNED; IT DIDN'T DEPLOY BECAUSE THE IMPACT WAS BELOW DEPLOYMENT THRESHOLD. THE CONSUMER THEN RECEIVED A LETTER IN THE MAIL WHICH STATED THE DAMAGE SUSTAINED BY THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SEVERE ENOUGH TO REACH AN AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. THE LETTER ALSO STATED THE SEAT BELT WOULD HAVE R…

Look up ODI 10313191 at NHTSA ↗

210.5%
ODI 10427164

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ E430. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH THE SIDE AIR BAGS FOR THE FRONT AND REAR SEATS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING NOR WAS IT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Look up ODI 10427164 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Electrical System
225.0%
ODI 10443248 · 150,045 mi

THE VEHICLE HAS EXHIBITED SYMPTOMS FOR 15 MONTHS RESULTING IN $2,000 IN ATTEMPTED REPAIRS: REPLACED IGNITION AND KEY, K MODULE, AND AIR REGULATOR. ANY AND ALL THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS MAY AND DO OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING: ENGINE LIGHT GOES ON, BAS ASR, BAS, EMERGENCY BREAK LIGHT, DEFECTIVE DISPLAY LIGHT, DEFECTIVE BULB, ALL WARNING LIGHTS GO ON AT ONCE. ALL THE LIGHTS WILL CLEAR WHEN RESTARTING THE CAR, AND THE ENGINE LIGHT WILL TURN OFF IN A DAY OR TWO. MECHANICALLY THE FUEL GAUGE AND RPM GAUGE WILL SWING WILDLY WHILE THE SPEEDOMETER SWINGS OR DROPS…

Look up ODI 10443248 at NHTSA ↗

29.5%
ODI 10608241 · 99,829 mi

SAFETY ISSUES: SRS WARNING LIGHT IS ON. AC BLOWING WARM AIR, SIDE POWER WINDOWS DO NOT OPERATE., FRONT PASSENGER SEAT CANNOT ADJUST-SENSOR FAULT INDICATED L/ VALVE COVER BREATHER NIPPLE BROKEN -REPLACED L/SIDE VALVE COVER -($1524.89). *TR

Look up ODI 10608241 at NHTSA ↗

15.3%
ODI 10157330

CONSUMER 2000 MERCEDES BENZ ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SHUT DOWN. *TS *JB

Look up ODI 10157330 at NHTSA ↗

210.5%
ODI 10456477 · 50,000 mi

THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER BEGAN VERY LIGHTLY RATTLING AT LOW SPEEDS ONLY INTERMITTENTLY AT ONLY AROUND 50000 MILES. IT NOW HAS APPROX. 60000 MILES ON IT AND HAS A LOUD NOTICEABLE RATTLE WHICH IS ALSO CAUSING VIBRATION IN THE CAR AND HAS MADE THE HARD SHIFTING FROM FIRST GEAR IN THE TRANSMISSION WORSE AND OF COURSE IT IS NOW "OUT OF WARRANTY" WHEN IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND I WILL HAVE TO PAY THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO REPLACE A PART THAT SHOULD LAST A LOT LONGER ESPECIALLY FOR A VEHICLE THAT IS PRISTINE AND GARAGE KEPT. HOPEFULLY THE OEM REMANUFACT…

Look up ODI 10456477 at NHTSA ↗

250.0%
ODI 10652310 · 79,178 mi

THE WIRING HARNESS HAS MULTIPLE EXPOSED COPPER WIRING DUE TO DISINTEGRATING INSULATION FROM NORMAL USE. THE WIRING INSULATION IS VIRTUALLY CRACKED OR COMPLETELY MISSING, EXPOSING IT TO DIRECT ENGINE HEAT AND THE ENVIRONMENT. THIS POSES SAFETY AND RISK OF HEADLIGHT FAILURE WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THIS COSTS OWNERS THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO FULLY REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS AND RELATED COMPONENTS. MY CAR HAS SPECIFICALLY ALWAYS BEEN GARAGED, KEEPING A STRICT MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE AND FOLLOWING ROUTINE ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE, ALL BY ONLY TRA…

Look up ODI 10652310 at NHTSA ↗

Suspension
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

314.3%
ODI 10425082 · 147,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCEDES BENZ E430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE COLLAPSED. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE COIL SPRING ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WAS DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SPRING PERCH FRACTURED BECAUSE IT WAS NOT WELDED ONTO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 147,000…

Look up ODI 10425082 at NHTSA ↗

210.5%
ODI 10618643 · 105,000 mi

MOUNTING FOR SUSPENSION SPRING FAILED, CAUSING THE SUSPENSION SPRING TO FALL OUT. I WAS BACKING OUT OF MY GARAGE, AND IT HAPPENED AT THE END OF MY DRIVEWAY. HAD I BEEN CRUISING ON THE HIGHWAY, IT WOULD HAVE CAUSED A CRASH. *TR

Look up ODI 10618643 at NHTSA ↗

15.3%
ODI 11242017 · 137,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES-BENZ E430. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE SHOCK SPRING FOR THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE AND LANDED IN THE ROAD. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AT A FUEL STATION AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT CORROSION MAY HAVE CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,000.

Look up ODI 11242017 at NHTSA ↗

125.0%
ODI 11467857

Engine mount bracket broke causing steering problems from cv axel on drivers side

Look up ODI 11467857 at NHTSA ↗

Unknown Or Other
337.5%
ODI 10014159 · 90,000 mi

OUR PHONE/RADIO IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. MERCEDES SAYS THERE IS NO REPLACEMENT (THEY NO LONGER STOCK THE PART). I THOUGHT THAT MANUFACTURERS HAD TO STOCK REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR SO MANY YEARS. OUR CAR IS A 1998 MODEL. I CONSIDER THIS A SAFETY PROBLEM BECAUSE MY WIFE CAN NO LONGER GET A HOLD OF ANYONE BY THE PHONE IN CASE ON AN EMERGENCY. *NLM

Look up ODI 10014159 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

210.5%
ODI 10138804

CONSUMER'S CONCERNS REGARDING THE DESIGN OF THE 2000 MERCEDES BENZ CUP HOLDER WHICH SITS OVER THE GEAR SHIFT MECHANISM.*MR THE CONSUMER HAD LIQUID IN THE CUP WHICH SPILLED INTO THE GEAR SHIFTER AND CAUSED THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM TO SHUT DOWN. *JB

Look up ODI 10138804 at NHTSA ↗

210.5%
ODI 10142522 · 88,048 mi

A VERY SMALL AMOUNT OF LIQUID FROM A CUP SITTING IN THE CUP HOLDER SPILLED INTO THE GEARBOX AND THE CAR BEGAN TO SPUTTER AND SHAKE, WOULDN'T SHIFT OR ACCELERATE. I HAD TO PULL OVER AND CALL FOR THE CAR TO BE TOWED TO THE NEAREST MB DEALER. THE CAR WOULD NOT FUNCTION AT ALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE OVER $600.00 WAS SPENT TO GET A BRAND NEW GEARBOX INSTALLED FOR THE CAR TO BE FUNCTIONAL AGAIN. THE SERVICE ADVISOR SAID ALL IT TOOK WAS "LESS THAN A TEASPOON OF LIQUID" TO DROP INTO THAT AREA TO CAUSE THE CAR TO FAIL AND IT WAS VE…

Look up ODI 10142522 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Air Bags:Frontal
112.5%
ODI 899165

WHILE DRIVING 10-15 MPH ANOTHER VEHICLE HIT CONSUMERS VEHICLE ON DRIVERS SIDE. SEATBELT DID NOT RESTRAIN CONSUMER PROPERLY AS HE WAS TOSSED FROM SIDE TO SIDE. *AK CONSUMER WAS INJURED IN ACCIDENT. VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING. ACID DAMAGE FROM BATTERY DUE TO MISSING VENT HOSE. BRAKES SQUEAKED, DEALER REPLACED FRONT PADS AND ROTORS. GLOVE COMPARTMENT BROKE. *SLC

Look up ODI 899165 at NHTSA ↗

14.8%
ODI 10032524 · 65,000 mi

PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG HAS DEVELOPED CRACKS IN THE DASH BOARD THAT SEPARATE THE AIR BAG FROM THE OCCUPANTS. I FEEL THE AIR BAG MAY NOT FIRE PROPERLY SINCE THE DASH BOARD IS CRACKED ALL THE WAY THROUGH ON 1/2 OF THE TOTAL AREA THAT SURROUNDS THE AIRBAG. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP BUT THEY DID NOT DO ANYTHING AND REALLY DID NOT CARE. I ALSO TRIED TO REACH THE AREA DSM FOR MERCEDES BUT THE LOCAL SERVICE MANAGER WOULD NEVER PATCH ME THROUGH. THE CRACKS HAVE DEVELOPED THROUGH THE DASH BOARD DECOMPOSING UNUSUALLY QUICKLY FOR A CAR TH…

Look up ODI 10032524 at NHTSA ↗

15.3%
ODI 10297766

ON E-CLASS MERCEDES, PASSENGER SEAT HAS FUNCTION TO DISABLE AIRBAGS IF A CHILD SEAT IS IN PLACE. FUNCTION IS FAILING SUCH THAT ANYONE SITTING IN PASSENGER SEAT TRIGGERS THE AIRBAG DISABLE FUNCTION SO NO FRONT PASSENGERS HAVE AIRBAG. MERCEDES IS AWARE BUT TAKING NO ACTION.*TR

Look up ODI 10297766 at NHTSA ↗

210.5%
ODI 10025341 · 31,000 mi

I HAD A AUTO ACCIDENT AND NONE OF MY AIRBAGS WENT OFF. I HAD A SIDE IMPACT (PASSENGER SIDE) FIRST AND WAS DRIVEN HEAD ON INTO A TELEPHONE POLE. THE FORCE OF THE ACCIDENT BROKE THE POLE. MY FACE HIT THE WINDSHIELD AND MY CHEST WAS IMPACTED BY THE STEERING WHEEL. WINDSHIELD BROKE, GLASS WAS IMBEDDED IN MY FOREHEAD. *AK

Look up ODI 10025341 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Suspension:Front
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

419.0%
ODI 10231289 · 65,425 mi

1999 MERCEDES BENZ E430 RH FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE FROM ITS MOUNT DURING DRIVING AND JAMMED INTO THE FRONT SUSPENSION CONTROL ARMS. CAR HAS 65,400 MILES. NO CORRECTIVE ACTION STEPS HAVE HAPPENED SO FAR. *TR

Look up ODI 10231289 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

15.3%
ODI 10316277 · 119,698 mi

I WAS TRAVELING 65 MPH ON INTERSTATE ROUTE 70 WHEN THE RIGHT FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING PERCH FAILED AND BROKE OFF OF MY 2001 MERCEDES E430 SEDAN (W210 BODY STYLE), CAUSING THE HIGH PRESSURE SUSPENSION COIL SPRING TO DISMOUNT AND DRAG ALONG THE UNDERSIDE OF MY VEHICLE. THE DISMOUNTED FRONT RIGHT COIL SPRING CAUSED THE RIGHT FRONT END OF MY VEHICLE TO COLLAPSE WHILE TRAVELING 65 MPH ON A BUSY INTERSTATE (CARS IN FRONT, BEHIND, AND ALONGSIDE MY VEHICLE). I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE TO A SAFE SPOT WHERE UPON INSPECTION, I NOTICED THAT THE F…

Look up ODI 10316277 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine
225.0%
ODI 10705113 · 120,000 mi

4.11.15//1233HRS (MT) -- 1998 MERCEDES BENZ E430 STALLING, ENGINE FAILURE PROBLEM: MULTIPLE INCIDENTS (MORE THAN 15 IN 7 YEARS) OF ENGINE FAILURE SINCE 2008. WITHOUT WARNING OR ANY SIGN OF A PROBLEM, THE ENGINE COMPLETELY SHUTS OFF. THIS OCCURS: WHILE STARTING - NO RESPONSE , WHILE STOPPED, DRIVING AT SURFACE STREET AND HIGHWAY SPEEDS, TURNING AT LOW SPEEDS AND EVEN BACKING UP. HAVE REPLACED/REPAIRED OR INSPECTED PLUGS&WIRES, WIRING HARNESS, K40 RELAY, FUSES, BATTERY, MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR, CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR, EGR VALVE, F…

Look up ODI 10705113 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.

250.0%
ODI 10652310 · 79,178 mi

THE WIRING HARNESS HAS MULTIPLE EXPOSED COPPER WIRING DUE TO DISINTEGRATING INSULATION FROM NORMAL USE. THE WIRING INSULATION IS VIRTUALLY CRACKED OR COMPLETELY MISSING, EXPOSING IT TO DIRECT ENGINE HEAT AND THE ENVIRONMENT. THIS POSES SAFETY AND RISK OF HEADLIGHT FAILURE WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THIS COSTS OWNERS THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO FULLY REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS AND RELATED COMPONENTS. MY CAR HAS SPECIFICALLY ALWAYS BEEN GARAGED, KEEPING A STRICT MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE AND FOLLOWING ROUTINE ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE, ALL BY ONLY TRA…

Look up ODI 10652310 at NHTSA ↗

Suspension:Front:Springs:Coil Springs
112.5%
ODI 11563337 · 170,000 mi

The contact owns a 1998 Mercedes-Benz E430. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the passenger’s side front coil spring collapsed. The contact referenced NHTSA Action Number: PE07021. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer but was not diagnosed due to a possible safety risk. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was 170,000.

Look up ODI 11563337 at NHTSA ↗

314.3%
ODI 10068295 · 80,000 mi

I WAS DRIVING DOWN ROUTE 72S AND SUDDENLY MY DRIVER FRONT SIDE COLLASPED. AT FIRST I THOUGHT IT MIGHT OF BEEN THE TIRE WAS BLOWN, BUT AFTER TAKING A LOOK I SAW FROM UNDERNEATH THAT A SPRING WAS HANGING. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO MY HOUSE AND LOOKED UNDERNEATH IT MYSELF. THE UPPER SPRING MOUNT WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED AND WAS TEARING AWAY FROM THE BODY OF THE CAR. THIS IS A 1999 MERCEDES E430 SO IT IS FAIRLY A NEW VEHICLE. I DID SOME RESEARCH ONLINE AND FOUND OUT THAT THERE WAS A SERVICE RECALL FOR THE FRONT SPRING TOWERS ON E CLASS MODELS DATI…

Look up ODI 10068295 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.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Air BagsToo few reports for a range206,702 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10860684 · 120,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES-BENZ E430. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURES LISTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 98V256000 (AIR BAGS), BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT BELT SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

Look up ODI 10860684 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11140773 · 293,403 mi

SPONTANEOUS AIRBAG EXPLOSION WHILE I AM ON THE FREEWAY ON THE PASSENGERS SIDE ONLY ON A SUNNY DAY WITHOUT SIGNIFICANT TRAFFIC WITHOUT A VEHICULAR ACCIDENT AND A SMOOTH ROAD AND OCCURRED ON 10 OCTOBER 2018 AND I WAS TRAVELING ON THE SLOWER LANE ABOUT 60 MILES PER HOUR ON THE SANTA PAULA FREEWAY FROM VENTURA CA GOING EAST

Look up ODI 11140773 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/PanelToo few reports for a range63,430 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10644169 · 63,430 mi

AS I WAS DRIVING THE CAR, ALL OF THE DASHBOARD INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LIGHTS WENT OUT. I COULD NO LONGER GET A READING ON THE SPEED I WAS DRIVING, THE GAS LEVEL, ETC. OR ANYTHING ELSE. ADDITIONALLY, THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND THE TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS WENT OUT. I WAS LUCKY THAT THIS HAPPENED DURING THE DAY AS THERE WAS STILL DAYLIGHT. HAD IT HAPPENED AT NIGHT, THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN A MAJOR PROBLEM AS I WAS MORE THAN 45 MINUTES FROM HOME. I UNDERSTAND THERE WAS A RECALL OF CERTAIN 2000 S430 VEHICLES DUE TO THIS "CLUSTER LIGHT "MALFUNCTION." I CHECKED MY VIN …

Look up ODI 10644169 at NHTSA ↗

SuspensionToo few reports for a range147,500 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10618643 · 105,000 mi

MOUNTING FOR SUSPENSION SPRING FAILED, CAUSING THE SUSPENSION SPRING TO FALL OUT. I WAS BACKING OUT OF MY GARAGE, AND IT HAPPENED AT THE END OF MY DRIVEWAY. HAD I BEEN CRUISING ON THE HIGHWAY, IT WOULD HAVE CAUSED A CRASH. *TR

Look up ODI 10618643 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10703651 · 190,000 mi

MOUNTING FOR SUSPENSION SPRING FAILED, CAUSING THE SUSPENSION SPRING TO FALL OUT. I WAS GOING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY, AND IT HAPPENED AT THE END OF MY DRIVEWAY. HAD I BEEN CRUISING ON THE HIGHWAY, IT WOULD HAVE CAUSED A CRASH. *TR

Look up ODI 10703651 at NHTSA ↗

Unknown Or OtherToo few reports for a range41,085 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10141055 · 41,085 mi

PETITION FOR INVESTIGATION INTO DESIGN DEFECT OF THE CUP HOLDER ON THE 2000 E430 MERCEDES BENZ, CUP HOLDER LOCATED OVER SHIFTING MECHANISM, COFFEE SPILLED AND SHUT DOWN ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. *TS THE CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING IN THE MIDDLE LANE OF TRAFFIC WHEN THE LIQUID SPILLED. THE CAR JERKED AND SLOWED DOWN. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE TO AN ENTRANCE OF A SHOPPING CENTER. THE CONSUMER PAID $905.27 TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM AND FEELS THAT THE COST SHOULD BE ABSORBED BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE DESIGN HAS BEEN REDESIGNED IN NEW…

Look up ODI 10141055 at NHTSA ↗

Air Bags:Side/WindowToo few reports for a range202,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10351978 · 202,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ E430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS INDEPENDENTLY DEPLOYED AS HE STARTED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE REPAIRS WOULD BE AT HIS EXPENSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 202,000.

Look up ODI 10351978 at NHTSA ↗

Equipment:Mechanical:Accessory Scissor/Screw/Bottle Jack/LiftToo few reports for a range135,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10263887 · 135,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ E430. WHILE CHANGING THE TIRES, THE JACK THAT CAME EQUIPPED WITH THE VEHICLE FELL OVER ON ITS OWN. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.

Look up ODI 10263887 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

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

1 reports2024-112026-10

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

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-10 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

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

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

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

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

Age 0Age 1Age 24 reports

2001: 4 complaints · 2002: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2001134
2002000
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
20011531
2002400

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
ComponentAir BagsElectrical System: Instrument Cluster/PanelSuspensionUnknown Or OtherAir Bags:FrontalAir Bags:Side/WindowElectrical SystemEquipment:Mechanical:Accessory Scissor/Screw/Bottle Jack/Lift
Air Bags—0000000
Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel0—000000
Suspension00—00000
Unknown Or Other000—0000
Air Bags:Frontal0000—000
Air Bags:Side/Window00000—00
Electrical System000000—0
Equipment:Mechanical:Accessory Scissor/Screw/Bottle Jack/Lift0000000—

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

Recurring narrative patterns

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

4 patterns with matching reports.

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

2 mentions · 10.5% of complaints

Median mileage: 90,000 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10405446 · 60,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES E430. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH AND DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DECELERATE INSTEAD. THE FAILURE WOULD RECUR SEVERAL TIMES INTERMITTENTLY. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

Look up ODI 10405446 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10860684 · 120,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES-BENZ E430. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURES LISTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 98V256000 (AIR BAGS), BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT BELT SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

Look up ODI 10860684 at NHTSA ↗

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

Battery drain and no-start mentions

1 mentions · 5.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 58,975 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10106626 · 58,975 mi

THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE CONSUMER SPILLED COFFEE INTO THE SHIFTER AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER, WHO TOLD THE CONSUMER HOW TO LOOSEN THE SHIFTER. HOWEVER, THE CONSUMER TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND IT WOULD NOT START AGAIN. *AK *SC

Look up ODI 10106626 at NHTSA ↗

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

Brake response concerns

1 mentions · 5.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 70,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10157417 · 70,000 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE PULLING INTO THE DRIVEWAY AT 10 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED. AS THE CONTACT PULLED OUT AGAIN, THE BRAKES FAILED A SECOND TIME WHILE TRAVELING 50 MPH AND GOING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION. THERE WAS NO WARNING PRIOR TO BOTH INCIDENTS. AFTER THE SECOND INCIDENT THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALERSHIP WHERE IT IS AWAITING INSPECTION.

Look up ODI 10157417 at NHTSA ↗

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

Hard or delayed shifting

1 mentions · 5.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 41,085 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10141055 · 41,085 mi

PETITION FOR INVESTIGATION INTO DESIGN DEFECT OF THE CUP HOLDER ON THE 2000 E430 MERCEDES BENZ, CUP HOLDER LOCATED OVER SHIFTING MECHANISM, COFFEE SPILLED AND SHUT DOWN ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. *TS THE CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING IN THE MIDDLE LANE OF TRAFFIC WHEN THE LIQUID SPILLED. THE CAR JERKED AND SLOWED DOWN. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE TO AN ENTRANCE OF A SHOPPING CENTER. THE CONSUMER PAID $905.27 TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM AND FEELS THAT THE COST SHOULD BE ABSORBED BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE DESIGN HAS BEEN REDESIGNED IN NEW…

Look up ODI 10141055 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(hard shift\w*|rough shift\w*|delay\w* shift\w*|shift\w* hard|jerk\w*|lurch\w*)\b