Owners have filed 46 complaints
about the 2001 Mercedes Benz S Class with NHTSA between 2001 and 2012.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 5 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 — 58
Against the median year of the Mercedes Benz S Class. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 22
4.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 12
7% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2001 compares with every other Mercedes Benz S Class
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
24.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
819.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
819.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
717.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1331.7%
150,000+ miles
37.3%
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.
Sep 2001peak 4Jun 2012
NHTSA investigations into the 2001 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.
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...
Recalls on the 2001 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.
01V014000
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SHEATHING MATERIAL ON THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION OF THE HEATED WINDSHIELD WASHER BOTTLE HOSE COULD OVERHEAT.
Risk: THIS COULD CAUSE THE SURROUNDING PLASTIC AND INSULATION TO MELT.
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 2004153277 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles equipped with a 12-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 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 2001064136 units in Canada
Other
Certain vehicles are equipped with a heated windshield washer bottle which may be defective. The sheathing material on the electrical connection of the hose may overheat and cause surrounding plastic and insulation to melt. This could eventually result in a an engine compartment fire. Correction: Heated windshield washer bottle hose will be replaced.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 102,000 milesDurham, NCFire1 injured
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
CAR BURST INTO FLAMES FOR NO APPARENT REASON WHILE I WAS DRIVING.
NHTSA complaint #10175261 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 134,000 milesLOS Angeles, CA
INTERIOR LIGHTING
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 complaint #10460306 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 134,000 milesLOS Angeles, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 complaint #10460306 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 164,000 milesUpper Marlboro, MD
SUSPENSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #10459994 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,976 milesMoncks Corner, SC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
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 complaint #10450266 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesPalos Verdes Peninsula, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 complaint #10436898 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesSagharbor, NY
INTERIOR LIGHTING
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 complaint #10430088 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 101,000 milesSunny Isles Beach, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10418230 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 121,987 milesPrior Lake, MN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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)
NHTSA complaint #10414781 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,000 milesPalm Coast, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10407546 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,000 milesVallejo, CA
SUSPENSION:FRONT
MY CAR'S AIR-MATIC SUSPENSION SYSTEM FAILED AND MY CAR IS VERY, VERY LOW. IT FAILED WHILE I WAS DRIVING FAST ON THE FREEWAY; I ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10335598 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesKEY Biscayne, FL
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FOR THE PAST FEW MONTHS MY CAR HAS BEEN GETTING STUCK IN PARK. THE PROBLEM IS BECOMING MORE FREQUENT. THE LAST TIME THE SHIFTER GOT STUCK IN PARK, THE ONLY WAY I COULD GET IT OUT OF PARK WAS TO HIT THE TOP OF SHIFTER WITH A RUBBER MALLET (THIS IS THE METHOD USED BY MERCEDES BENZ ROADSIDE SERVICE). THIS IS AN UNSAFE, POTENTIALLY DEADLY PROBLEM. I RECENTLY RAN OUT OF GAS ON THE HIGHWAY AND AS I COASTED ONTO AN OFF RAMP, MY CAR CAME TO A STOP ON A NARROW SECTION OF ROAD WHERE THE CARS DRIVE BY VERY FAST. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK TO TRY TO RESTART THE ENGINE AND AFTER TRYING THIS FOR A MINUTE, I DECIDED TO PUSH THE CAR A BIT FURTHER OFF THE ROADWAY. THE CAR WAS STRUCK IN PARK AGAIN (AT THE WORST POSSIBLE TIME AND PLACE) AND WOULD NOT RELEASE. LUCKILY I SURVIVED. PLEASE READ ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AT THE MERCEDES BENZ FORUMS AND YOU WILL LEARN HOW PREVALENT THE PROBLEM IS. THE DEALERS HAVE BEEN CHARGING $700 - $2200 TO FIX THIS PROBLEM WHICH IS CAUSED BY A 10 CENT PLASTIC PART THAT BREAKS INSIDE THE SHIFTER. THE NEWER MODEL MERCEDES BENZ'S HAVE BEEN OUTFITTED WITH AN OPEN COMPARTMENT AT THE SHIFTER WHICH ALLOWS THE DRIVER TO DISENGAGE THE SHIFTER LOCK IN THE EVENT THAT IT BECOMES STUCK. THIS CLEARLY DEMONSTRATES THAT MERCEDES BENZ IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND HAS ADDRESSED IT IN THE NEWER MODELS. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS CONDITION THAT AFFECTS THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS SAFETY AND MERCEDES SHOULD RECALL THIS SHIFTER DEFECT OR EXTEND THE WARRANTY TO COVER THIS DEFECT. I ALSO BELIEVE THAT SINCE THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT MUST BE FIXED WHEN IT OCCURS, COMPLAINTS HAVE NOT BEEN REPORTED AS FREQUENTLY AS THEY MAY HAVE BEEN OTHERWISE. THIS VEHICLE IS NOT BEING USED AT THE TIME AS THE SHIFTER CONDITION HAS MADE IT UNDRIVEABLE. THE COMMON FIX EMPLOYED BY SOME OWNERS (WHICH I MAY ALSO USE) INVOLVES THE DISASSEMBLY OF THE CONSOLE, SHIFTER AND LINKAGE AND THE REMOVAL OF THE 10 CENT PART BROKEN INSIDE THE SHIFTER. THE CAR CAN THEN BE TAKEN OUT OF PARK WITHOUT PRESSING THE BRAKE.
NHTSA complaint #10285343 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,000 milesTustin, CA
SUSPENSION:FRONT
2001 MERCEDES S500 PASSENGER SIDE FRONT WHEEL DROPPED DUE TO AIRMATIC PROBLEM. IT CAUSED THE PASSENGER SIDE TIRE TO DAMAGE THE INSIDE FENDER AND THE FRONT BUMPER. FORTUNATELY THE CAR WAS TRAVELED WITH SLOW SPEED AND WAS ABLE TO STOP WITHOUT CAUSING FURTHER DAMAGE. IF THIS WAS ON THE FREEWAY IT WILL CAUSING ACCIDENT AND DANGER TO DRIVER & PASSENGERS AND OTHER CARS SURROUNDING.
NHTSA complaint #10283045 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 129,000 milesStroudsbourg, PA
SUSPENSION
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ S 500. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED, THE AIRMATIC REMAINS LOWERED WHEN IT SHOULD NOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT CORROSION OCCURRED IN THE INNER STEEL PORTIONS OF THE ACTIVE BODY CONTROL'S (ABC) HIGH PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION HOSE DUE TO EXTENSIVE EXPOSURE TO HUMIDITY, WHICH CAUSED DETERIORATION OF THE HOSE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V263000 (SUSPENSION), ALTHOUGH THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 129,500. UPDATED 10/03/08 *BF THE LEFT FRONT STRUT WAS BLOWN AND LEAKING OIL. UPDATED 10/06/08.
NHTSA complaint #10239277 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mattapan, MA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
PURCHASED BAD GASOLINE FROM SUNOCO THAT RESULTED IN $1200 WORTH OF REPAIRS ON M 2001 MERCEDES S500. ALL 4 O2 SENSORS WERE BURNED OUT AND HAD TO BE REPLACED AND FUEL SYSTEM HAD TO BE COMPLETELY FLUSHED OUT. NEIGHBOR HAS 2003 MERCEDES S430, PURCHASED GAS AT SAME STATION, AND HAS THE SAME PROBLEM! HIS CAR IS AT THE REPAIR SHOP AND NEEDS THE SAME REPAIRS. HIS COMPLAINT # IS 10231950.
NHTSA complaint #10231951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 46,000 milesDunstable, MA
SEATS
WHEN A PASSANGER SITS IN THE FRONT SEAT THEIR WEIGHT ENABLES THE AIR BAGS TO WORK. HOWEVER AFTER THEY HAVE SAT AND EXITED THE VEHICLE THE SRS LIGHT COMES ON AND DISABLES THE AIR BAGS. IF THE PASSANGER SITS IN THE SEAT AND BRINGS THEIR LEGS AS CLOSE TO THE FRONT SEAT AS POSSIBLE THE SRS LIGHT WILL COME ON AND DISABLE THE FRONT AIR BAGS EVEN THOUGH THEIR IS A PERSON SITTING IN THE FRONT SEAT. THIS SENSOR IS THE CHILD SEAT SENSOR ON MY 2001 MERCEDES BENZ 430S.
NHTSA complaint #10229908 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 46,000 milesDunstable, MA
AIR BAGS
WHEN A PASSANGER SITS IN THE FRONT SEAT THEIR WEIGHT ENABLES THE AIR BAGS TO WORK. HOWEVER AFTER THEY HAVE SAT AND EXITED THE VEHICLE THE SRS LIGHT COMES ON AND DISABLES THE AIR BAGS. IF THE PASSANGER SITS IN THE SEAT AND BRINGS THEIR LEGS AS CLOSE TO THE FRONT SEAT AS POSSIBLE THE SRS LIGHT WILL COME ON AND DISABLE THE FRONT AIR BAGS EVEN THOUGH THEIR IS A PERSON SITTING IN THE FRONT SEAT. THIS SENSOR IS THE CHILD SEAT SENSOR ON MY 2001 MERCEDES BENZ 430S.
NHTSA complaint #10229908 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 46,000 milesDunstable, MA
CHILD SEAT
WHEN A PASSANGER SITS IN THE FRONT SEAT THEIR WEIGHT ENABLES THE AIR BAGS TO WORK. HOWEVER AFTER THEY HAVE SAT AND EXITED THE VEHICLE THE SRS LIGHT COMES ON AND DISABLES THE AIR BAGS. IF THE PASSANGER SITS IN THE SEAT AND BRINGS THEIR LEGS AS CLOSE TO THE FRONT SEAT AS POSSIBLE THE SRS LIGHT WILL COME ON AND DISABLE THE FRONT AIR BAGS EVEN THOUGH THEIR IS A PERSON SITTING IN THE FRONT SEAT. THIS SENSOR IS THE CHILD SEAT SENSOR ON MY 2001 MERCEDES BENZ 430S.
NHTSA complaint #10229908 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,000 milesMiami, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ S500. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS CONSTANTLY DIMMED AND NONE OF THE GAUGES COULD BE READ. A MECHANIC STATED THAT THE CLUSTER LIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000. UPDATED 05/21/08 *BF UPDATED 05/20/08
NHTSA complaint #10226678 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 79,000 milesClarksburg Maryland, MD
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL:AUTOMATIC (ASC)
MY NAME IS [XXX] RECALL: PROBLEM: 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. HERE IS THE PROBLEM THAT I HAVE ON MY CAR. CONSEQUENCE CREATES BY THAT RECALL. 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. I OWNED A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ S500 WHICH IS PART OF THE RECALL BECAUSE OF THE PROBLEM EXPLAINED AT THE BEGINNING OF THIS COMPLAINS. I WAS NEVER INFORMED ABOUT THE RECALL AND AS A RESULT MY ABC HYDRAULIC FLUID HAD A LEAKAGE. THEN I WENT TO MY DEALER EURO MOTOR CAR IN GERMANTOWN MARYLAND TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM, THAT IS WHEN I WAS INFORMED ABOUT THE RECALL THAT I?M DESCRIBING AGAIN BELOW ?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 DEALER CHOSE TO REPLACE THE HOSE AS PART OF THE RECALL AND WANTS TO CHARGE ME $3,300 TO FIX THE LEAKAGE THAT IS A DIRECT CONSEQUENCE OF A FAILURE OF THE (ABC) HIGH PRESSURE HOSE. I DO THINK THAT I SHOULD NOT PAY FOR A FAILURE CREATED BY MERCEDES ENGINEER WHEN I?M PAYING A HIGH PRICE FOR THAT CAR. I BELIEVE THAT MY LIFE WAS IN DANGER BECAUSE THAT LEAK CAN CAUSE THE CAR TO BURN. WANT MY CAR TO BE FIXED WITHOUT ANY FEE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10223717 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 56,100 milesAzusa, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
ON THE 11TH OF AUG, 2007. I WAS DRIVING MY FAMILY ORINGAL OWNED 2001 MECEDS BENZ S 500, ON THE FREEWAY HERE IN CALIFORNIA. WITHOUT ANY OF WARNING THE LIGHTING (INSTRUMENT CLUSTER) ON THE DASHBOARD WENT OFF COMPLETELY. I HAD NO IDEA HOW FAST THAT I WAS TRAVELING, THEREFORE I TOOK THE FIRST EXIT OFF OF THE FREEWAY, EVEN THE SPEEDOMTER IS SITTING @ 75 MILES PER HOUR EVEN I HAD MY S500 COMPLETLY STOP, ON TOP OF THAT NOTHING IS WORKING IN MY INSTURMENT AT ALL!!!(FUEL, TEMPERTURE, AND RPM). I PERSONAL TRUELY BELIEVE THIS, THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS ISSUE, WHAT IF IT HAPPENS DURING AT NITE? BECAUSE YOU AIN'T GOING TO SEE ANYTHING!!! I CALLED THE LOCAL M.B. DEALER AS SOON AS I GOT HOME, AND A SALES ASSOICATE TOLD ME THAT, YOU NEED TO BRING YOUR CAR IN ON MONDAY, BECAUSE NO ONE WORKS AT SERVICE DEPT DURING THE WEEKEND...
NHTSA complaint #10199313 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Diamond BAR, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
TL* - THE CONTACT RECEIVED RECALL NUMBER 04V227000 FOR HIS 2001 MERCEDES S CLASS' ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND FUSES. THE VEHICLE HAS APPROXIMATELY 74,000 MILES. THE CONTACT STATED HE BELIEVES THAT DUE TO THIS FAILURE, THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM WAS DISABLED. THEREFORE, IF THERE IS AN EMERGENCY THE SOS SYSTEM IS INOPERABLE. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN FOR THE CONTACT. THE DEALER HAS STATED TO THE CONSUMER THEY WILL INVESTIGATE, BUT AT THIS TIME THEY WILL NOT REPAIR THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM UNDER THE RECALL. *NM UPDATED 02/22/07.
NHTSA complaint #10178846 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,000 milesDurham, NCFire1 injured
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
CAR BURST INTO FLAMES FOR NO APPARENT REASON WHILE I WAS DRIVING.
NHTSA complaint #10175261 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,100 milesSugar Land, TX
INTERIOR LIGHTING
LIGHTING (INSTRUMENT CLUSTER) ON THE DASHBOARD OF MY 2001 MERCEDES BENZ S500[XXX] FLICKERED FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS THEN WENT OUT COMPLETELY. IT AFFECTED MY AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS AND SIDE MIRROR SIGNAL INDICATORS. I CANNOT VIEW THE GAUGES/SPEEDOMETER AND USE THE PRESET BUTTONS ON THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE OPERATING THIS VEHICLE. *NM UPDATED 07/12/2012*JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #10170717 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,100 milesSugar Land, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
LIGHTING (INSTRUMENT CLUSTER) ON THE DASHBOARD OF MY 2001 MERCEDES BENZ S500[XXX] FLICKERED FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS THEN WENT OUT COMPLETELY. IT AFFECTED MY AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS AND SIDE MIRROR SIGNAL INDICATORS. I CANNOT VIEW THE GAUGES/SPEEDOMETER AND USE THE PRESET BUTTONS ON THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE OPERATING THIS VEHICLE. *NM UPDATED 07/12/2012*JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #10170717 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,000 milesStone Mountain, GA
INTERIOR LIGHTING
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE INTERIOR LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING SUDDENLY WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, # 06V028000, REGARDING THE INTERIOR LIGHTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. UPDATED 10/17/2006 - INTERMITTENTLY THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS DIMMED THEN SURGED TO FULL STRENGTH.
NHTSA complaint #10168989 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.