FaultScore report
Owners have filed 13 complaints about the 2001 Mercedes Benz 430 with NHTSA between 2007 and 2013. The largest single group is the electrical system.
13
Complaints
0
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
85,000 mi
Median mileage at failure
Half of reported failures happened before this
9%
Failed under 36,000 miles
Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Median failure at 140,000 miles
Median failure at 140,000 miles
Median failure at 17,993 miles
Median failure at 72,000 miles
Median failure at 85,000 miles
Median failure at 110,500 miles
Median failure at 85,000 miles
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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).
NHTSA complaint #10520273 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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).
NHTSA complaint #10520273 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
INTERIOR LIGHTING
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 FAILURE MODE.
NHTSA complaint #10454521 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 FAILURE MODE.
NHTSA complaint #10454521 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
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, WHEN THEY CHARGE $70,000 FOR THESE MACHINES.
NHTSA complaint #10411897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
INTERIOR LIGHTING
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 WITH THE SAME FAILURE MODE.
NHTSA complaint #10405895 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 WITH THE SAME FAILURE MODE.
NHTSA complaint #10405895 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEAT BELTS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10241716 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10241716 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
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.
NHTSA complaint #10211490 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
INTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10197690 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
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.
NHTSA complaint #10197690 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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 IN 1ST GEAR. I PULLED TO THE SHOULDER & HAD MY CAR TOWED. AFTER SENDING MY CAR TO THE MERCEDES DEALER I LEARNED WHAT CAUSED THE ENGINE TO SEIZE WAS A SMALL AMOUNT OF LIQUID WHICH SPILLED INTO THE GEAR SHIFT BOX 5 MINUTES BEFORE THE ENGINE SEIZED. THE CUP HOLDER IS LOCATED JUST A COUPLE OF INCHES FROM THE GEAR SHIFT BOX. THERE IS A CONTROL PANEL LOCATED UNDER THE GEAR SHIFT BOX THAT CONTROLS THE TRANSMISSION, IF IT GETS WET IT CAUSES THIS ISSUE. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS DESIGN FLAW & DEFECT IN THE VEHICLE. MYSELF & TWO CHILDREN WERE TRAUMATIZED BY BEING PUT IN HARMS WAY WHICH COULD HAVE RESULTED IN VERY SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH TO US & OR OCCUPANTS OF OTHER VEHICLES. THE MANUAL DOESN'T WARN AGAINST THIS DEFECT. MY CAR IS AT MERCEDES BENZ OF SAN ANTONIO. MERCEDES BENZ OF SA KNEW IMMEDIATELY WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO PRIOR SEPARATE INCIDENTS WITH OTHER CLIENTS & MERCEDES VEHICLES. MERCEDEZ BENZ CORPORATION IS ALSO AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM DUE TO PRIOR SEPARATE INCIDENTS AS WELL AS DUE TO OUR INCIDENT. AFTER NUMEROUS CONVERSATIONS WITH THEM IT IS THEIR STAND THAT THIS IS NOT A LIABILITY, WARRANTY OR RECALL ISSUE. MERCEDES WON'T TAKE ANY KIND OF RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS DESIGN FLAW & FAILURE. THEY HAVE STATED THEY HAVE NO INTENTION OF SENDING OUT ANY TYPE OF RECALL NOR HAVE THEY OFFERED ANY PERMANENT REPAIR OPTIONS. THE ONLY OPTION OFFERED IS TO REPLACE THE EXISTING FAULTY DESIGN PANEL WITH ONE JUST LIKE IT FOR $1000.
NHTSA complaint #10178565 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.