RoadVitals

2001 Mercedes-Benz S Class

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
36
Latest Jun 1, 2012
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
5
Latest Jun 12, 2007
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
1
1 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 36 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2001 Mercedes-Benz S Class, most frequently naming the electrical, interior & seats and suspension categories. 5 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 13 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Electrical1841.9%
  • Interior & seats1125.6%
  • Suspension511.6%
  • Driver assistance24.7%
  • Seat belts12.3%
  • Tires & wheels12.3%
  • Airbags12.3%
  • Transmission12.3%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

5 campaigns cover this model year

View all 5

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
07V263000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; SUSPENSION

Jun 12, 2007
19,924 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, CORROSION MAY OCCUR IN THE INNER STEEL PORTIONS OF THE ACTIVE BODY CONTROL'S (ABC) HIGH PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION HOSE DUE TO EXTENSIVE EXPOSURE TO HUMIDITY CAUSING DETERIORATION OF THE HOSE.
The risk: THIS MAY RESULT IN ABC HYDRAULIC FLUID LEAKAGE NEAR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. LEAKING FLUID MAY COME IN CONTACT WITH HOT ENGINE COMPONENTS AND LEAD TO A POSSIBLE FIRE.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW CORROSION RESISTANT ABC HIGH PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION HOSE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 2, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.
MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC.Manufacturer number 2007060002View on NHTSA.gov
06V028000

INTERIOR LIGHTING

Feb 2, 2006
36,911 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER IS EXPERIENCING ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS. THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER CONTAINS GAUGES AND INDICATORS THAT MUST BE ILLUMINATED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE IS IN OPERATION.
The risk: DUE TO INADEQUATE ILLUMINATION, THE DRIVER WILL BE UNABLE TO READ THE GAUGES AND INDICATORS, SUCH AS THE SPEEDOMETER, WHICH COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER MODULES. THE RECALL WILL BE CONDUCTED IN PHASES. PHASE I WAS MAILED OUT TO APPROXIMATELY 7,500 OWNERS ON SEPTEMBER 29, 2006. PHASE II AND PHASE III IS SCHEDULED FOR DECEMBER 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.
MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC.Manufacturer number 2006080004View on NHTSA.gov
04V227000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS

May 13, 2004
54,454 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, DURING THE PRODUCTION PROCESS OF THE BLOWER MOTOR FUSE HOLDER, THE SIZE OF THE ELECTRIC CONDUCTOR OF THE HOLDER MAY BE BELOW APPROPRIATE TOLERANCES.
The risk: CONSEQUENTLY, THE ELECTRIC CONDUCTOR OF THE BLOWER MOTOR FUSE HOLDER MAY DISSIPATE MORE HEAT THAN THE PLASTIC FUSE HOLDER WAS DESIGNED TO WITHSTAND, WHICH COULD RESULT IN OVERHEATING OF THE HOLDER AND DISABLING OF THE BLOWER MOTOR AND THE ABILITY TO DEFROST OR DEFOG THE WINDSHILED IN COLD OR HOT AND HUMID WEATHER CONDITIONS. DEPENDING ON THE OCCURRENCE AND WEATHER SITUATION, DRIVER VISIBILITY COULD BE REDUCED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW BLOWER MOTOR FUSE HOLDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING OCTOBER 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.
MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC.Manufacturer number 2004 070010View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

PE05062ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILURE

Opened Nov 10, 2005
Closed Feb 8, 2006

THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION BASED ON SEVEN REPORTS INDICATING THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTERS IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2000-2001 MERCEDES-BENZ S CLASS VEHICLES FAILED IN THAT CONSUMERS WERE UNABLE TO READ ANY OF THE GAUGES WHILE OPERATING THEIR VEHICLES AT ANY SPEED DURING THE DAY OR NIGHT.IN ITS 573 REPORT TO NHTSA DATED FEBRUARY 1, 2006, MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC (MERCEDES-BENZ)STATES THAT THERE ARE THREE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILURE MODES THAT WOULD RESULT IN UNDESIRABLE OPERATION.THESE THREE FAILURE MODES ARE SPECIFIC TO CERTAIN DATES OF PRODUCTION (SEE BELOW) FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLE, AND MERCEDES-BENZ IS RECALLING THOSE VEHICLES WITHIN THOSE DATES.SPECIFIC INFORMATION REGARDING THE FAILURE MODES IS DESCRIBED IN MERCEDES-BENZ'S REPORT (SEE NHTSA RECALL 06V028).THREE OF THE ODI COMPLAINTS SUBMITTED TO MERCEDES-BENZ INVOLVE VEHICLES THAT WERE PRODUCED BEFORE THE DATES OF PRODUCTION OF VEHICLES AFFECTED BY THE THREE FAILURE MODES.BASED ON REVIEW OF THOSE THREE COMPLAINTS, MERCEDES-BENZ WAS UNABLE TO IDENTIFY A RELATION OF THOSE THREE TO THE DEFECTS IDENTIFIED IN THE RECALLED VEHICLES.ALL OF THE MERCEDES-BENZ COMPLAINTS WITH VINS IDENTIFIED WERE WITHIN THE RECALL POPULATION (ONLY 2 VEHICLE VINS WERE NOT AVAILABLE TO POSITIVELY IDENTIFY VEHICLE BUILD DATE).THE RECALL POPULATION WILL INCLUDE 36,911 S CLASS AND CL CLASS MERCEDES-BENZ VEHICLES BUILT IN THE PRODUCTION DATES RANGING FROM JUNE 2000 THROUGH NOVEMBER 2000, JANUARY 2002 THROUGH APRIL 2002, AND MAY 2004 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2004.THESE DATES OF PRODUCTION COVER VEHICLES FROM THE 2000-2002 MY AND THE 2004-2005 MY.TO CORRECT THE CONDITION, MERCEDES-BENZ WILL REPLACE ALL AFFECTED INSTRUMENT CLUSTERS WITH IMPROVED ONES THAT ARE NOT SUBJECT TO THE FAILURE MODES.MERCEDES-BENZ WILL BEGIN OWNER NOTIFICATION DURING THE 1ST QUARTER OF 2006.

INTERIOR LIGHTINGLed to recall 06V028000

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 36
ElectricalInterior & seats
Filed Jun 1, 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ S CLASS. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 65 MPH WHEN HE NOTICED THAT THE LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED AND SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY NEEDED TO REPLACE THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER MODULE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 06V028000 (INTERIOR LIGHTING) BUT THE RECALL HAD EXPIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 134,000. UPDATED 07/13/12 *BF UPDATED 07/31/12

NHTSA ID
10460306
Incident
Jun 1, 2012
Mileage
134,000 mi
Suspension
Filed May 30, 2012

WENT TO MY CAR IN THE A.M. TO GO TO WORK. TURNED CAR ON, A RED LIGHT CAME ON THAT SAID VEHICLE TOO LOW. SENSOR CAME ON AND SAID AIRMATIC SYSTEM WAS NOT OPERATING PROPERLY. IN APRIL 2010 I PAID ABOUT $2500 TO FIX THIS ISSUE. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS PART ARE ONLY UNDER WARRANTY FOR ONE YEAR AND THIS HAPPENS. AS MY CAR IS VERY WELL MAINTAINED, AND THIS IS THE SECOND OCCURRENCE, AND MOST LIKELY ANOTHER $2500, I HAVE GIVEN UP. I WOULD MERCEDES WOULD STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT. *TR

NHTSA ID
10459994
Incident
May 30, 2012
Mileage
164,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Mar 5, 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ S-CLASS. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 55 MPH WHEN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE ILLUMINATION CLUSTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 108,976.

NHTSA ID
10450266
Incident
Mar 2, 2012
Mileage
108,976 mi
Electrical
Filed Nov 23, 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ S500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

NHTSA ID
10436898
Incident
May 1, 2011
Mileage
160,000 mi
Interior & seats
Filed Oct 13, 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ S500. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE LIGHTING ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT COULD NOT READ ANY OF THE GAUGES OR METERS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 06V028000 (INTERIOR LIGHTING). THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

NHTSA ID
10430088
Incident
Aug 1, 2011
Mileage
100,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Aug 9, 2011

MERCEDES BENZ NEVER INFORMED ME THAT MY CAR AN S500 WAS INVOLVED IN A RECALL TO CHANGE THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL LIGHTING, NOW THAT IT FAILED THE MIAMI MERCEDES DEALERSHIP DO NOT WANT TO FIX MY CAR ALLEGING THAT THERE WAS NOT ANY RECALL, THAT IT WAS ONLY A WARRANTY EXTENSION BEGINNING IN 2001 FOR 10 YEARS LEAVING ME OUT OF COVERAGE SINCE MY CAR IS 2001. I THINK THIS IS UNFAIR TO THE UNSUSPECTING PUBLIC LACK OF COMMUNICATION AND DESIRE TO DO LITTLE FOR THE USERS OF THEIR CARS MY CAR IS WITHIN THE 10 YEARS AND REFUSE TO FIX IT THAT IS MY COMPLAINT. *TR

NHTSA ID
10418230
Incident
Aug 8, 2011
Mileage
101,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Jul 22, 2011

I HAVE A 2001 MERCEDESS430 WHICH HAS A FAILED INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. THERE APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN A RECALL ISSUED IN 2006 BUT IT WAS LIMITED TO A CERTAIN NUMBER OF VIN# AND DOES NOT COVER THE WIDESPREAD ISSUES I HAVE UNCOVERED VIA MY RESEARCH. THIS IS A SERIOUS DEFECT THAT COULD CAUSE A MAJOR ACCIDENT AS THE LIGHTS GO OUT, NO GAUGES WORK, AND YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW FAST YOU ARE GOING, WHAT GEAR YOU ARE IN E.G. YOU COULD ACCIDENTALLY REVERSE, ETC. I CALLED MERCEDES BENZ ALONG WITH SEVERAL DEALERS AND THEY INDICATE THAT THEY WILL NOT COVER THIS AND THE COST IS EXORBITANT. THIS IS A FATAL ERROR AND CAN NOT BE CORRECTED TO WORK OR FUNCTION AT ALL WITHOUT FULL REPLACEMENT OF THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) *TT

NHTSA ID
10414781
Incident
Jul 1, 2011
Mileage
121,987 mi
Electrical
Filed Jun 20, 2011

I WAS DRIVING AND MY WHOLE DASH BOARD WENT OUT..COULDN'T SEE ANYTHING, CALLED MERCEDES AND WAS TOLD THIS WASN'T ON RECALL AND WASN'T UNDER WARRANTY..I THINK THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND SOMEONE GOING TO GET HURT WHEN THIS HAPPEN. *TT

NHTSA ID
10407546
Incident
Jun 18, 2011
Mileage
102,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

LI82.30-P-059239

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER

Complaints about poor wiping effect of winshield wiper

SB-P-047527

PARKING BRAKE

MERCEDES: PARKTRONIC INTERMITTENTLY NOT FUNCTIONING. THE FUNCTION WORKS AGAIN AFTER A SHORT TIME OR DISTANCE. WHEN THE FOOT OPERATED PARKING BRAKE IS APPLIED, THE PARKTRONIC SYSTEM IS DEACTIVATED. IF THE FOOT OPERATED PARKING BRAKE IS ON AT THE FIRST NOTCH, THE CONTACT SWITCH MAY REACT WITH A CONSIDERATION DELAY WHEN THE PARKING BRAKE IS RELEASED. NO MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE

TSB-42-10-109

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DIFFERENTIAL PROPORTIONAL VALVE; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:DRUM; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:SHOES/LININGS; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:WHEEL CYLINDERS; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

MERCEDES: CORROSION PROTECTION COATINGS FOR BRAKE COMPONENTS AND HARDWARE MAY BE DAMAGED AND OR STRIPPED AWAY IF HIGHLY CONCENTRATED ACID BASED CLEANERS ARE USED. ONCE THE CORROSION PROTECTION IS DAMAGED OR REMOVED THE BRAKE COMPONENTS AND OR HARDWARE CAN BEGIN TO CORRODE. INCLUDE ALL MODELS AND MODEL YEARS. *PE

PB 82-10-630

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

MERCEDES BENZ: WATER IN TAIL LAMP HOUSING ON EITHER RIGHT SIDE OR LEFT SIDE. *PE

887039

VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR

SEAL BETWEEN EXTERIOR REAR VIEW MIRROR HOUSING AND DOOR. *TT

805727

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

AFTER EIS REPLACEMENT CIRCUIT 15X DELAYED AFTER IGNITION START. *TT

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Mercedes-Benz S Class by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2012110—
2011000—
2009210—
2005210—
2004154154.2
2003282148.1
2002482144.1
2001Viewing365150.2
2000815359.9
1999910—
1998210—
1997210—
1996620—
1995271039.4
1994121038.8
1993110—
1992010—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.