Owners have filed 101 complaints
about the 2000 Mercedes Benz S Class with NHTSA between 2000 and 2011.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 8 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the Mercedes Benz S Class. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 56
10.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 16
10% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2000 compares with every other Mercedes Benz S Class
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Instrument Cluster/Panel
2043.5%
AIR Suspension System
1021.7%
Rear
48.7%
AIR Conditioner
36.5%
Front
36.5%
AIR Suspension System
24.3%
Fan/Motor
24.3%
Interior/Under Dash
24.3%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
22.4%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
11.2%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
22.4%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1416.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1619.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2125.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1922.9%
150,000+ miles
89.6%
When owners complained
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.
Feb 2000peak 6Aug 2011
NHTSA investigations into the 2000 Mercedes Benz S Class
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE07042Opened 14 Aug 2007Closed 20 Nov 2007SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:AIR SUSPENSION:LINES AND FITTINGS
AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM FAILURE
THE SUBJECT S-CLASS VEHICLES CONTAIN A COMPRESSED AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM THAT USES AIR STRUTS ON EACH OF THE FOUR WHEELS IN LIEU OF TRADITIONAL SPRINGS AND SHOCK ABSORBERS.THESE AIR STRUTS USE COMPRESSED AIR TO SUPPORT THE WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE AND CONTROL RIDE HEIGHT.IN THE EVENT OF THE LOSS OF AIR FROM THE SYSTEM, AN ALERT WILL FLASH ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WARNING THE DRIVER TO EITHER DRIVE CAREFULLY OR TO STOP THE VEHICLE.THE VEHICLE RIDE HEIGHT CAN BE REDUCED BY AS MUCH AS 105 MM BELOW NORMAL RIDE HEIGHT BEFORE THE FULL LOAD OF THE VEHICLE FOR THAT WHEEL COMES TO REST ON A STEEL ROD, WIT...
PE05062Opened 10 Nov 2005Closed 8 Feb 2006INTERIOR LIGHTING
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILURE
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...
PE03058Opened 17 Dec 2003Closed 22 Apr 2004ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
ENGINE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY FAILURE
THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF ENGINE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY HARMONIC BALANCER FAILURE THAT COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF POWER-STEERING ASSIST.ODI HAS RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 546 NON-DUPLICATIVE REPORTS THAT ALLEGE ENGINE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY HARMONIC BALANCER FAILURE ON ALL MERCEDES-BENZ VEHICLES USING THE SUBJECT COMPONENT.THE SUBJECT COMPONENT FAILURES ARE PROGRESSIVE IN NATURE AND ONLY A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THE COMPLAINTS AND WARRANT CLAIMS INVOLVED A FAILURE THAT HAD PROGRESSED FAR ENOUGH TO EFFECT POWER STEERING PERFORMANCE (6 OF...
Recalls on the 2000 Mercedes Benz S Class
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
07V263000
SUSPENSION
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.
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.
06V028000
INTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
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.
04V227000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
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.
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.
02V338000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, EXCESSIVE STATIC BUILD-UP IN THE TRUNK FLOOR MATS CAN CAUSE A STATIC DISCHARGE WHEN INDIVIDUALS MOVE OR REMOVE ITEMS FROM THE TRUNK COMPARTMENT.
Risk: THIS CAN DAMAGE THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM COMPONENTS LOCATED IN THE TRUNK, INCLUDING THE VEHICLE'S BATTERY.
00V141000
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO AN INTERNAL DEFECT IN THE CIRCUITRY OF THE BLOWER MOTOR REGULATOR, THE REGULATOR MAY OVERHEAT.
Risk: THIS COULD CAUSE SURROUNDING PLASTIC, INSULATION, AND WIRING TO DEFORM AND POSSIBLY MELT OR BURN.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2007195884 units in Canada
Steering
On certain vehicles equipped with an 8-cylinder engine, corrosion may occur in the inner steel portions of the Active Body Control's high pressure distribution hose due to extensive exposure to humidity. This may result in ABC hydraulic fluid leakage near the catalictic converter which could cause a fire. Correction: Dealers will install a corrosion resistant ABC high-pressure distribution hose.
Recall 20060311,313 units in Canada
Electrical
Certain vehicles may experience instrument cluster backlighting malfunction. There are three distinct failure modes. (1) Vehicles built between 06/2000 and 11/2000 may contain a defective transformer that could cause an electrical short. (2) Vehicles built from 01/2002 to 04/2002 could have incorrect dielectric layers inside a capacitor that could lead to fluctuating current levels. (3) Vehicles built between 05/2004 and 09/2004 may have incorrect light emitting diodes (LEDs). Correction: Dealers will replace the instrument cluster module.
Recall 20041542,246 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles, the size of the electric conductor on the blower motor fuse holder may be below appropriate tolerances. Consequently, the electric conductor of the blower motor fuse holder may dissipate more heat than the plastic fuse holder was designed to withstand, which would result in partial melting of the blower motor fuse holder and disabling of the blower motor. Correction: Dealers will replace the blower motor fuse holder.
Recall 20030292,884 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles, there is a potential for excessive static build-up in the trunk floor mats of the subject vehicles. The static build-up can cause a static discharge when individuals move or remove items from the trunk compartment, which can damage the electrical system components located in the trunk including the vehicle's battery. Correction: Dealer will install a static insulation material between the carpet and the battery.
Recall 2000122390 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain CL500, S430W and S500V vehicles, due an internal defect in circuitry cased during the climate control system blower motor regulator manufacturing process, a capacitor within the regulator may fail resulting in overheating of the regulator or other nearby components or wiring. This could result in an under-dash fire. Correction: Dealers will inspect the blower motor regulator of the climate control system and replace it if necessary.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Cordova, TNFire
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES-BENZ S430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID 00V141000 (EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:AIR CONDITIONER) WAS THE EXACT AND PRECISE PROBLEM THAT HE WAS EXPERIENCING. THE CONTACT SMELLED A BURNING ODOR COMING FROM HIS HEATER BLOWER FOR APPROXIMATELY TWO YEARS. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED HIM THAT THE RECALL DID NOT APPLY TO HIS VEHICLE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10365262 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesSeattle, WAFire
SUSPENSION
AS I WAS DRIVING MY 2001 MERCEDES BENZ S500. MY AIRMATIC SUSPENSION FAIL AND MY CAR FRONT WENT DOWN AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. MY TIRES START RUBBING INTO MY WHEEL WELL AND STARTED SMOKING. THE PROBLEM LEFT THE FRONT END DAMAGE. I HAD THE PROBLEM FIX BY A MERCEDES DEALERSHIP. SIX MONTH LATER THE PROBLEM ARISE AGAIN. I DON'T DRIVE THE CAR FOR FEAR THAT I MIGHT GET INTO AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #10332676 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,000 milesDelmar, CAFire
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ S430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD BECAME SO HOT THAT IT WAS DIFFICULT TO TOUCH. THE FOLLOWING DAY, THE BLOWER MOTOR IN THE VEHICLE STOPPED WORKING WHEN THE DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO ACTIVATE THE AIR CONDITIONER. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE PREVIOUS OWNER HAD THE VEHICLE REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V141000 (EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:AIR CONDITIONER) IN FEBRUARY OF 2005; THEREFORE, THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT THE RECALL SHOULD STILL BE VALID BECAUSE THE FAILURE HAS RECURRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 112,000. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE REPAIR WAS DONE INCORRECTLY OR DONE WITH FAULTY PARTS. UPDATED 04/28/09.
NHTSA complaint #10263883 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ S430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD BECAME SO HOT THAT IT WAS DIFFICULT TO TOUCH. THE FOLLOWING DAY, THE BLOWER MOTOR IN THE VEHICLE STOPPED WORKING WHEN THE DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO ACTIVATE THE AIR CONDITIONER. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE PREVIOUS OWNER HAD THE VEHICLE REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V141000 (EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:AIR CONDITIONER) IN FEBRUARY OF 2005; THEREFORE, THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT THE RECALL SHOULD STILL BE VALID BECAUSE THE FAILURE HAS RECURRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 112,000. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE REPAIR WAS DONE INCORRECTLY OR DONE WITH FAULTY PARTS. UPDATED 04/28/09.
NHTSA complaint #10263883 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesRiyadh. P.O.BOX:2177, 001 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
A SIMPLE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT WHICH LED TO AIR BAG EXPLODED, AND INJURING MY DAUGHTER IN THE RIGHT EYE, AND LOSS OF VISION, BECAUSE THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG HAS SHARP EDGES WITH THE STITCH ON THE SURFACE OF THIS TO BEAT TOUCHING THE PASSENGER AND HIS FACE.
NHTSA complaint #10255150 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 181,000 milesRiyadh, 00Fire1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
A SIMPLE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT WHICH LED TO AN EXPLOSION CAR AIR BAGS, AND INJURING MY DAUGHTER IN THE RIGHT EYE, AND LOSS OF VISION, BECAUSE THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG HAS SHARP EDGES WITH THE STITCH ON THE SURFACE OF THIS TO BEAT TOUCHING THE PASSENGER AND HIS FACE.
NHTSA complaint #10247547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 98,000 milesManteca, CA
INTERIOR LIGHTING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES S430. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BECAME INOPERABLE AND SHE WAS UNABLE TO SEE HOW FAST OR SLOW SHE WAS TRAVELING, HOW MUCH FUEL WAS IN THE VEHICLE, OR HOW MUCH OIL WAS IN THE VEHICLE DUE TO INADEQUATE ILLUMINATION. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT HER VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA RECALL 06V028000 ( INTERIOR LIGHTING) AND ADVISED HER TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THE CONTACT WAS WAITING FOR A RESPONSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WAS 98,000.
NHTSA complaint #10420733 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 24,568 milesFT. Washington, MD
INTERIOR LIGHTING
MY 2000 MERCEDES S500 CLUSTER ,BACK LIGHTING , SPEEDOMETER FAILED (UNABLE TO SEE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER) ON APRIL ,3 2011 MILEAGE AT TIME OF DEFECT 24,568 I SAW THAT THERE IS A RECALL FOR MY CAR CONCERNING THE PROBLEM. I CONTACTED THE DEALER AND , I WAS INFORM THAT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY EXPIRED (RECALL). SO I CALLED THE MERCEDES1-800-367-6372 NUMBER THEY INFORMED ME THE SAME I WAS COVERED BUT EXPIRED. SO I CALLED NHTSA 1800 NUMBER THEY INFORMED ME THAT I WOULD STILL BE COVERED BECAUSE THE RECALL TOOK PLACE IN 2006 AND IT IS 10 YEARS BEFORE IT EXPIRES SO UNTIL 2016. SO I WILL APPRECIATE SOME HELP CONCERNING MY PROBLEM. V.I,N [XXX] NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 06V028000 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10408760 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 24,568 milesFT. Washington, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY 2000 MERCEDES S500 CLUSTER ,BACK LIGHTING , SPEEDOMETER FAILED (UNABLE TO SEE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER) ON APRIL ,3 2011 MILEAGE AT TIME OF DEFECT 24,568 I SAW THAT THERE IS A RECALL FOR MY CAR CONCERNING THE PROBLEM. I CONTACTED THE DEALER AND , I WAS INFORM THAT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY EXPIRED (RECALL). SO I CALLED THE MERCEDES1-800-367-6372 NUMBER THEY INFORMED ME THE SAME I WAS COVERED BUT EXPIRED. SO I CALLED NHTSA 1800 NUMBER THEY INFORMED ME THAT I WOULD STILL BE COVERED BECAUSE THE RECALL TOOK PLACE IN 2006 AND IT IS 10 YEARS BEFORE IT EXPIRES SO UNTIL 2016. SO I WILL APPRECIATE SOME HELP CONCERNING MY PROBLEM. V.I,N [XXX] NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 06V028000 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10408760 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 137,437 milesPomona, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
MY 2000 MERCEDES S500 CLUSTER BACK LIGHTING IS GOING IN AND OUT ALSO SPEEDOMETER I SAW THAT THERE IS A RECALL FOR MY CAR CONCERNING THE PROBLEM. I CONTACTED THE DEALER AND WENT IN ON MAY 28 TO SEE THEM PENSKE MERCEDES(626) 859-1200 , I WAS INFORM THAT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY EXPIRED (RECALL). SO I CALLED THE MERCEDES1-800-367-6372 ([XXX], CASE MANAGER) NUMBER THEY INFORMED ME THE SAME I WAS COVERED BUT EXPIRED. SO I CALLED NHTSA 1800 NUMBER THEY INFORMED ME THAT I WOULD STILL BE COVERED BECAUSE THE RECALL TOOK PLACE IN 2006 AND IT IS 10 YEARS BEFORE IT EXPIRES SO UNTIL 2016. SO I WILL APPRECIATE SOME HELP CONCERNING MY PROBLEM. V.I,N [XXX] NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 06V028000. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10405368 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 151,661 milesSpringfield Gardens, NY
SUSPENSION:FRONT
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ S-500. THE CONTACT NOTICED THE SUSPENSION HAD DROPPED AND WAS NOT POSITIONED NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIANS STATED THERE WAS A FRONT SUSPENSION KIT THAT NEEDED TO BE INSTALLED. THE REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED YET THE FAILURE RECURRED WITHIN EIGHTEEN MONTHS. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THE FRONT SUSPENSION WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED IF THE KIT DID NOT REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE FRONT SUSPENSION WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 07V263000 ( SUSPENSION) BUT THE CONTACTS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #10396625 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesSpringfield Gardens, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ S-500. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH WHEN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES BECAME INOPERABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 06V028000 (INTERIOR LIGHTING) BUT THE CONTACTS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.
NHTSA complaint #10396628 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 138,000 milesGreenville, SC
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ON A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ S500 FAILED AND BECAME STUCK TO THE FLOOR CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO REACH SPEED IN EXCESS OF 100M.P.H. BEFORE THE VEHICLE COULD BE SHUT DOWN BY TURNING OFF THE IGNITION. UPON A MECHANICS INSPECTION, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE MECHANICAL SAFETY DEVICE TO PREVENT THE PEDAL FROM BECOMING STUCK HAD FAILED CAUSING THE PEDAL TO GO TO WIDE OPEN THROTTLE AND BECOME STUCK IN THAT POSITION.
NHTSA complaint #10381491 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 33,000 milesSAN Mateo, CA
INTERIOR LIGHTING
THIS COMPLAINT IS RELATED TO CAMPAIGN NO 2006080004, SEPTEMEBER 2006 FOR MERCEDES S500 (MODEL 220), MODEL YEAR 2000. THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER HAS COMPLETELY FAILED WITH COMPLETE LOSS OF ILLUMINATION, SPEEDOMETER, AND FUEL GAUGE. MY CHASSIS END NUMBER IS A123394 AND THIS DOES NOT FALL WITHIN THE NARROW SERIAL NUMBER RANGE WITHIN THE ORIGINAL RECAL CAMPAIGN. I UNDERSTAND ALL PARTS ARE THE SAME AS THOSE RECALLED AND AND REQUESTING THAT THE SERIAL NUMBER RANGE BE WIDENED.
NHTSA complaint #10370851 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 33,000 milesSAN Mateo, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
THIS COMPLAINT IS RELATED TO CAMPAIGN NO 2006080004, SEPTEMEBER 2006 FOR MERCEDES S500 (MODEL 220), MODEL YEAR 2000. THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER HAS COMPLETELY FAILED WITH COMPLETE LOSS OF ILLUMINATION, SPEEDOMETER, AND FUEL GAUGE. MY CHASSIS END NUMBER IS A123394 AND THIS DOES NOT FALL WITHIN THE NARROW SERIAL NUMBER RANGE WITHIN THE ORIGINAL RECAL CAMPAIGN. I UNDERSTAND ALL PARTS ARE THE SAME AS THOSE RECALLED AND AND REQUESTING THAT THE SERIAL NUMBER RANGE BE WIDENED.
NHTSA complaint #10370851 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesLilburn, GA
SUSPENSION
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES-BENZ S430. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A SCRAPING NOISE AND NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LOWER TO THE GROUND THAN USUAL. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE AIRMATIC SUSPENSION SYSTEM HAD ALLOWED THE FRAME TO RUB THE TOP OF THE TIRES. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED AGAIN FIVE YEARS LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE IT WAS BEING REPAIRED AGAIN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,038. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10367763 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesMedford, MA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ S430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WAS TOO BRIGHT. WHILE DRIVING, THE BRIGHTNESS OF THE FUEL GAUGE ADJUSTED ON ITS OWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 95,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 75,000.
NHTSA complaint #10366557 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cordova, TNFire
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES-BENZ S430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID 00V141000 (EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:AIR CONDITIONER) WAS THE EXACT AND PRECISE PROBLEM THAT HE WAS EXPERIENCING. THE CONTACT SMELLED A BURNING ODOR COMING FROM HIS HEATER BLOWER FOR APPROXIMATELY TWO YEARS. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED HIM THAT THE RECALL DID NOT APPLY TO HIS VEHICLE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10365262 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ S430. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER ACTIVATED WHEN IT STOPPED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE BLOWER MOTOR REGULATOR. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V227000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS) YET THE BLOWER WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT INQUIRED ABOUT NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V141000 (EQUIPMENT: ELECTRICAL: AIR CONDITIONER) YET THE DEALER REFUSED THE REPAIR, STATING THAT THE BLOWER REGULATOR WAS NOT A COMPONENT COVERED BY THE RECALL REPAIR. THE BLOWER MOTOR REGULATOR WAS NOT REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 167,789.
NHTSA complaint #10355310 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 91,000 milesMilford, MI
INTERIOR LIGHTING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ SCLASS. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH THE LIGHTING ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BEGAN TO BLINK AND THE LIGHTING WHICH ILLUMINATES THE SPEEDOMETER STOPPED ILLUMINATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE HE WAS INFORMED HE WOULD NEED TO HAVE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL REPLACED. HE WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 06V028000, INTERIOR LIGHTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE CONTINUES. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 91,000.
NHTSA complaint #10354606 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesAurora, CO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ S430.THE CONTACT STATED THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED. SHE STATED THAT WHEN THE DOOR WAS AJAR AND THE INTERIOR LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED, SHE COULD NOT SEE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AT ALL. THE DEALER STATED HE WAS UNABLE TO MAKE REPAIRS BUT DID NOT GIVE AN EXPLANATION AS TO WHY. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
NHTSA complaint #10351936 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 126,416 milesCalument, IL
INTERIOR LIGHTING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ S-500. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 55 MPH WHEN THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENTAL CLUSTER FAILED. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL HAD MALFUNCTIONED. THE CONTACT INQUIRED ABOUT NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 06V028000 (INTERIOR LIGHTING) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE DEALER THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THERE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 126,416.
NHTSA complaint #10351598 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 136,000 milesGarland, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER ON 2000 MY MERCEDES BENZ S500 ILLUMINATION FAILED. CANNOT SEE GAUGES NOR ODOMETER. AN OBVIOUS SAFETY HAZARD. BOTH DEALER AND M-B USA DENY COVERAGE UNDER THEIR 10-YEAR WARRANTY EXTENSION FOR THIS SPECIFIC ISSUE. THE CAR WAS PLACED IN SERVICE IN 12/99 AND WAITED FOR 10 YEARS AND 6 MONTHS BEFORE FAILURE. FORMERLY KNOWN FOR DURABILITY AND RELIABILITY OVER MANY YEARS, THE COMPANY IS NOW UNWILLING TO STAND BEHIND THEIR DEFECTIVE PRODUCT. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. WHY WOULD THERE BE ANY TIME LIMIT ON A KNOWN SAFETY FAILURE?
NHTSA complaint #10339519 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LOS Angeles, CA
SUSPENSION:FRONT
THE AIRMATIC SYSTEM ON MY MERCEDES BENZ S-500 HAS FAILED FOR A SECOND TIME. THE CAR-BODY DROPPED AND IS RESTING ON THE TIRES, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10339212 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LOS Angeles, CA
SUSPENSION
THE AIRMATIC SYSTEM ON MY MERCEDES BENZ S-500 HAS FAILED FOR A SECOND TIME. THE CAR-BODY DROPPED AND IS RESTING ON THE TIRES, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10339212 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LOS Angeles, CA
SUSPENSION:REAR
THE AIRMATIC SYSTEM ON MY MERCEDES BENZ S-500 HAS FAILED FOR A SECOND TIME. THE CAR-BODY DROPPED AND IS RESTING ON THE TIRES, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10339212 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,000 milesVernon Hills, IL
INTERIOR LIGHTING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ S500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WAS NOT ILLUMINATED. AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 06V028000 (INTERIOR LIGHTING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 112,000.
NHTSA complaint #10335298 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesSeattle, WAFire
SUSPENSION
AS I WAS DRIVING MY 2001 MERCEDES BENZ S500. MY AIRMATIC SUSPENSION FAIL AND MY CAR FRONT WENT DOWN AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. MY TIRES START RUBBING INTO MY WHEEL WELL AND STARTED SMOKING. THE PROBLEM LEFT THE FRONT END DAMAGE. I HAD THE PROBLEM FIX BY A MERCEDES DEALERSHIP. SIX MONTH LATER THE PROBLEM ARISE AGAIN. I DON'T DRIVE THE CAR FOR FEAR THAT I MIGHT GET INTO AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #10332676 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 199,264 milesVancouver, WA
INTERIOR LIGHTING
INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) SEPTEMBER 2009 AIR BLOWER TO HEATER AND AIR CONDITIONING QUIT WORKING. MECHANIC REPLACED FUSE. AIR BLOWER WORKED FOR 2 DAYS. RETURNED NOVEMBER 2009 AND WAS TOLD AIR BLOWER WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. FEBRUARY 2010 AUTOMATIC TRUNK LOCKS QUIT WORKING. NOW TRUNK LOCK ONLY WORKS WITH KEY, NO LONGER AUTOMATIC. MARCH 2010 AIR BLOWER REPLACED. WORKED ONE WEEK, THEN BEGAN MALFUNCTIONING UNTIL IT NO LONGER WORKS. MARCH 2010 DASH LIGHTS BEGAN TO FLICKER, THEN ENTIRE DASH WENT OUT. DOOR LOCKS NO LONGER AUTOMATIC, NO INDICATORS FOR SPEEDOMETER, TURN SIGNALS, TEMPERATURE CONTROLS ETC. MECHANIC CHECKED AND REPLACED FUSE. NO RESULTS. MECHANIC INDICATED THAT INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. INTERNET RESEARCH RESULTED IN IDENTIFYING RECALL OF INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FOR 2000 "S" SERIES, BUT THAT MY VIN #[XXX] IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. INTERNET RESEARCH REVEALS THAT ALL THESE MALFUNCTIONS ARE COMMON AMONG THE 2000 "S" SERIES ALONG WITH THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER MALFUNCTION AND DOES APPEAR TO BE CLOSELY RELATED TO THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER ISSUE. MECHANIC INDICATED THAT HE HAS REPLACED HUNDREDS OF THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTERS FOR SPECIFICALLY THE "S" SERIES, PRIMARILY YEAR 2000 AND HAS SEEN MANY OF THE ISSUES WITH MY S430 CORRELATING TO THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER MALFUNCTION.
NHTSA complaint #10322512 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 199,264 milesVancouver, WA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) SEPTEMBER 2009 AIR BLOWER TO HEATER AND AIR CONDITIONING QUIT WORKING. MECHANIC REPLACED FUSE. AIR BLOWER WORKED FOR 2 DAYS. RETURNED NOVEMBER 2009 AND WAS TOLD AIR BLOWER WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. FEBRUARY 2010 AUTOMATIC TRUNK LOCKS QUIT WORKING. NOW TRUNK LOCK ONLY WORKS WITH KEY, NO LONGER AUTOMATIC. MARCH 2010 AIR BLOWER REPLACED. WORKED ONE WEEK, THEN BEGAN MALFUNCTIONING UNTIL IT NO LONGER WORKS. MARCH 2010 DASH LIGHTS BEGAN TO FLICKER, THEN ENTIRE DASH WENT OUT. DOOR LOCKS NO LONGER AUTOMATIC, NO INDICATORS FOR SPEEDOMETER, TURN SIGNALS, TEMPERATURE CONTROLS ETC. MECHANIC CHECKED AND REPLACED FUSE. NO RESULTS. MECHANIC INDICATED THAT INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. INTERNET RESEARCH RESULTED IN IDENTIFYING RECALL OF INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FOR 2000 "S" SERIES, BUT THAT MY VIN #[XXX] IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. INTERNET RESEARCH REVEALS THAT ALL THESE MALFUNCTIONS ARE COMMON AMONG THE 2000 "S" SERIES ALONG WITH THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER MALFUNCTION AND DOES APPEAR TO BE CLOSELY RELATED TO THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER ISSUE. MECHANIC INDICATED THAT HE HAS REPLACED HUNDREDS OF THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTERS FOR SPECIFICALLY THE "S" SERIES, PRIMARILY YEAR 2000 AND HAS SEEN MANY OF THE ISSUES WITH MY S430 CORRELATING TO THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER MALFUNCTION.
NHTSA complaint #10322512 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 199,264 milesVancouver, WA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) SEPTEMBER 2009 AIR BLOWER TO HEATER AND AIR CONDITIONING QUIT WORKING. MECHANIC REPLACED FUSE. AIR BLOWER WORKED FOR 2 DAYS. RETURNED NOVEMBER 2009 AND WAS TOLD AIR BLOWER WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. FEBRUARY 2010 AUTOMATIC TRUNK LOCKS QUIT WORKING. NOW TRUNK LOCK ONLY WORKS WITH KEY, NO LONGER AUTOMATIC. MARCH 2010 AIR BLOWER REPLACED. WORKED ONE WEEK, THEN BEGAN MALFUNCTIONING UNTIL IT NO LONGER WORKS. MARCH 2010 DASH LIGHTS BEGAN TO FLICKER, THEN ENTIRE DASH WENT OUT. DOOR LOCKS NO LONGER AUTOMATIC, NO INDICATORS FOR SPEEDOMETER, TURN SIGNALS, TEMPERATURE CONTROLS ETC. MECHANIC CHECKED AND REPLACED FUSE. NO RESULTS. MECHANIC INDICATED THAT INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. INTERNET RESEARCH RESULTED IN IDENTIFYING RECALL OF INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FOR 2000 "S" SERIES, BUT THAT MY VIN #[XXX] IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. INTERNET RESEARCH REVEALS THAT ALL THESE MALFUNCTIONS ARE COMMON AMONG THE 2000 "S" SERIES ALONG WITH THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER MALFUNCTION AND DOES APPEAR TO BE CLOSELY RELATED TO THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER ISSUE. MECHANIC INDICATED THAT HE HAS REPLACED HUNDREDS OF THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTERS FOR SPECIFICALLY THE "S" SERIES, PRIMARILY YEAR 2000 AND HAS SEEN MANY OF THE ISSUES WITH MY S430 CORRELATING TO THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER MALFUNCTION.
NHTSA complaint #10322512 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.