Owners have filed 56 complaints
about the 2002 Mercedes Benz S Class with NHTSA between 2002 and 2013.
The largest single group is the suspension.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 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 — 70
Against the median year of the Mercedes Benz S Class. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 0
0% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 15
9% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2002 compares with every other Mercedes Benz S Class
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
24.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
12.1%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
612.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1123.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1838.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
817.0%
150,000+ miles
12.1%
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.
Mar 2002peak 4Feb 2013
NHTSA investigations into the 2002 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...
Recalls on the 2002 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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2008290279 units in Canada
Other
Certain vehicles equipped with Active Body Control (ABC) the sensors on the front struts may not operate within tolerances. As such, the sensor signal may not be accurately transmitted to the Electronic Control Unit (ECU). A variation in the transmitted values can result in one front strut adjusting to a value while the other does not adjust and presenting the driver with an uneven front suspension. This situation could have an effect on the vehicle's directional stability, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash with injuries or death. Correction: Dealers will inspect and replace affected AZ-sensors
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 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.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 46,000 milesSoquel, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILURE. ALL LIGHTING FOR INSTRUMENT DARK/UNREADABLE (SPEEDOMETER,TACH,ODOMETER,FUEL,TEMP,TURN SIGNAL ETC). TAKEN TO DEALER AND I PAID FOR REBUILD TO UNIT. IDENTICAL FAILURE OCCURED AGAIN AFTER APPROX 3 MONTHS.
NHTSA complaint #10498146 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 46,000 milesSoquel, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILURE. ALL LIGHTING FOR INSTRUMENT DARK/UNREADABLE (SPEEDOMETER,TACH,ODOMETER,FUEL,TEMP,TURN SIGNAL ETC). TAKEN TO DEALER AND I PAID FOR REBUILD TO UNIT. IDENTICAL FAILURE OCCURED AGAIN AFTER APPROX 3 MONTHS.
NHTSA complaint #10498146 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesLOS Angeles, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER ISSUE I AM EXPERIENCING BEGAN APPROXIMATELY JULY, 2012. INITIALLY, THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS WOULD FLICKER BRIEFLY AND THEN ILLUMINATE AGAIN. SUBSEQUENT TO THE FREQUENT FLICKERING INCIDENTS, THE CLUSTER LIGHTING DIDN'T ILLUMINATE AT ALL, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE SMALL DIAGNOSTIC VIEWER. CURRENTLY, ALL LIGHTING, GAUGES, AND ANY DIAGNOSTIC INSTRUMENTS, INCLUDING THE CONTROL BUTTONS LOCATED ON THE STEERING WHEEL DO NOT FUNCTION. IN ADDITION TO THE FOREMENTIONED, THE HEADLIGHTS NOW CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATE AND THE TURN SIGNAL IS COMPLETELY SILENT AND NOT VISIBLE FROM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. I IMMEDIATELY INQUIRED WITH A CERTIFIED MERCEDES BENZ TECHNICIAN REGARDING THE LIGHTING CLUSTER AND CONTROL ISSUE AND THROUGH THAT INQUIRY WAS MADE AWARE OF THE VEHICLE RECALL RELATED TO THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. WITH THAT SAID, I CALLED THE LOCAL MERCEDES BENZ DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND PROVIDED THE VIN NUMBER; AND THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE REFERRED ME TO MERCEDES BENZ CORPORATE; I PROVIDED THE VIN NUMBER AGAIN, AND WAS THEN TOLD I DIDN'T RESPOND TO THE RECALL NOTIFICATION. THE FACTS ARE CONTRARY TO THAT ASSERTION; BECAUSE IF I HAD RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTIFICATION I WOULD HAVE ACTED UPON THE REQUEST. CURRENTLY THE AUTOMOBILE HAS NO LIGHTS AND CANNOT BE DRIVEN AT NIGHT, NOR AM I AWARE IF THERE IS GASOLINE IN THE AUTOMOBILE. I HAVE CONTACTED MERCEDES BENZ CORPORATION FOR ASSISTANCE, WHO HAVE COMPLETELY EXCUSED THEMSELVES OF THIS VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM. YOUR ASSISTANCE TO THIS VERY IMPORTANT MATTER IS VERY MUCH APPRECIATED.
NHTSA complaint #10476954 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,000 milesAlpharetta, GA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
ON STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WAS BLACK WITHOUT ILLUMINATION OR READING. AS A RESULT, GAUGES TO SPEEDOMETER, ODOMETER, FUEL, WARNINGS TO MALFUNCTIONS, TACHOMETER, OIL PRESSURE, & ENGINE TEMPERATURE ARE NOT PRESENT.
NHTSA complaint #10460751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,000 milesAlpharetta, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ON STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WAS BLACK WITHOUT ILLUMINATION OR READING. AS A RESULT, GAUGES TO SPEEDOMETER, ODOMETER, FUEL, WARNINGS TO MALFUNCTIONS, TACHOMETER, OIL PRESSURE, & ENGINE TEMPERATURE ARE NOT PRESENT.
NHTSA complaint #10460751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,500 milesGirland, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ S-CLASS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 58 MPH, ALL OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS AND GAUGES FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME AND THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRONIC MALFUNCTION. THE MANUFACTURER CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98500.
NHTSA complaint #10458150 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,533 milesUpper Marlboro, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
MY 2002 MERCEDES S430 INSTRUMENT CLUSTER BACK LIGHTING WENT OUT WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND I COULD NOT SEE MY RATE OF SPEED. ALONG WITH NOT SEEING MY RATE OF SPEED MY FUEL AND TEMPERATURE WAS NOT VISABLE. I CALLED MERCEDES DEALER IN VIRGINIA ABOUT THE RECALL THAT CAME OUT IN 2006 AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE RECALL HAD EXPIRED. LOOKING ON THE INTERNET THERE IS A 10 YEAR EXTENSION BUT I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS FROM THE TIME THE CAR WAS MANUFACTURED. I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF SUCH IN MY LIFE AND I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW THE BOTTOM LINE TRUTH TO THIS SITUATION.
NHTSA complaint #10427710 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 71,268 milesCalera, AL
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ S430. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE ABC SUSPENSION FAILED AS A RESULT THE VEHICLE AUTOMATICALLY LOWERED IN A DOWNWARD MOTION TOWARDS THE ROAD. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE FUSE LINK, AIRMATIC PUMP RELAY AND AIRMATIC COMPRESSOR WERE REPLACED. THERE WAS A RECALL RELATED TO THE FAILURE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V263000 (SUSPENSION). THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71,268.
NHTSA complaint #10416475 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 118,000 milesLakeland, FL
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ S55 AMG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE OUT OF PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL SHOP WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHIFTER WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 118,000.
NHTSA complaint #10414720 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,000 milesConcord, CA
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ S55. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH THE ACTIVE BODY CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DECELERATE. THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE ALSO FAILED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO COLLAPSE. AFTER COASTING TO A STOP, THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SUSPENSION PUMP WAS LEAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. APPROXIMATELY SIX MONTHS LATER THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 101,000.
NHTSA complaint #10409218 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,134 milesHendersonville, TN
INTERIOR LIGHTING
MERCEDES BENZ HAS LISTED A RECALL ON ALL W220 MERCEDES-BENZ VEHICLES. THE RECALL WAS ABOUT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILING RESULTING IN THE CLUSTER TO NOT WORK. THE MPH, RPM DOESN'T WORK. NOTHING ON THE CLUSTER WORKS. WHEN I WENT ON MAY 12, 2011 TO THE MERCEDES DEALERSHIP TO GET MY INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FIXED BECAUSE IT WAS RECALLED I SPOKE WITH A LADY AT THE DEALER EXPLAINING MY SITUATION ABOUT THE PART BEING RECALLED AND THAT IT IS DEFECTIVE. SHE ASKED ME TO GIVE HER MY VIN NUMBER. WHEN SHE TYPED IN MY VIN NUMBER, SHE TOLD ME THAT MY CLUSTER IS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR A REPAIR. SHE SAID THE MY VIN NUMBER WAS A "STATUS 9 ISSUE" AND BECAUSE OF THIS, IT VOIDS ALL WARRANTIES NO MATTER WHAT. I SPOKE WITH EVERYONE THERE TYING TO SORT THINGS OUT AND SEE IF I CAN WORK OUT THIS ISSUE. MY 2002 S430 HAS BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT THAT IS WHY IT IS A STATUS 9. BUT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DID NOT FAIL BECAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT. EVEN AFTER THE ACCIDENT THE CLUSTER STILL WORKED FINE WITHOUT ANY SORT OF PROBLEMS WHAT SO EVER FOR ALMOST A MONTH IF I AM NOT MISTAKEN. I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT MERCEDES SHOULD TAKE ACTION FOR THIS ISSUE NO MATTER WHAT. IF THE PART IS DEFECTIVE, ITS DEFECTIVE. THAT'S IT. THEY SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND REPLACE MY RECALLED CLUSTER FREE OF CHARGE. I WOULD LIKE FOR THE DEALER TO TAKE IN MY VEHICLE AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE CLUSTER. A RECALLED PART LIKE THIS SHOULD BE REPLACED EVEN THOUGH A VEHICLE LIKE MINE WAS IN AN ACCIDENT. AND MY CAR WASN'T IN A BAD ACCIDENT AND I HAVE PROOF AND PICTURES TO SHOW THAT IT WAS NOT HIT THAT BAD. I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE IF THIS MATTER WOULD BE ATTENDED TO AND I COULD GET MY PART REPLACED. THANKYOU VERY MUCH.
NHTSA complaint #10400883 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,134 milesHendersonville, TN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
MERCEDES BENZ HAS LISTED A RECALL ON ALL W220 MERCEDES-BENZ VEHICLES. THE RECALL WAS ABOUT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILING RESULTING IN THE CLUSTER TO NOT WORK. THE MPH, RPM DOESN'T WORK. NOTHING ON THE CLUSTER WORKS. WHEN I WENT ON MAY 12, 2011 TO THE MERCEDES DEALERSHIP TO GET MY INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FIXED BECAUSE IT WAS RECALLED I SPOKE WITH A LADY AT THE DEALER EXPLAINING MY SITUATION ABOUT THE PART BEING RECALLED AND THAT IT IS DEFECTIVE. SHE ASKED ME TO GIVE HER MY VIN NUMBER. WHEN SHE TYPED IN MY VIN NUMBER, SHE TOLD ME THAT MY CLUSTER IS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR A REPAIR. SHE SAID THE MY VIN NUMBER WAS A "STATUS 9 ISSUE" AND BECAUSE OF THIS, IT VOIDS ALL WARRANTIES NO MATTER WHAT. I SPOKE WITH EVERYONE THERE TYING TO SORT THINGS OUT AND SEE IF I CAN WORK OUT THIS ISSUE. MY 2002 S430 HAS BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT THAT IS WHY IT IS A STATUS 9. BUT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DID NOT FAIL BECAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT. EVEN AFTER THE ACCIDENT THE CLUSTER STILL WORKED FINE WITHOUT ANY SORT OF PROBLEMS WHAT SO EVER FOR ALMOST A MONTH IF I AM NOT MISTAKEN. I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT MERCEDES SHOULD TAKE ACTION FOR THIS ISSUE NO MATTER WHAT. IF THE PART IS DEFECTIVE, ITS DEFECTIVE. THAT'S IT. THEY SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND REPLACE MY RECALLED CLUSTER FREE OF CHARGE. I WOULD LIKE FOR THE DEALER TO TAKE IN MY VEHICLE AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE CLUSTER. A RECALLED PART LIKE THIS SHOULD BE REPLACED EVEN THOUGH A VEHICLE LIKE MINE WAS IN AN ACCIDENT. AND MY CAR WASN'T IN A BAD ACCIDENT AND I HAVE PROOF AND PICTURES TO SHOW THAT IT WAS NOT HIT THAT BAD. I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE IF THIS MATTER WOULD BE ATTENDED TO AND I COULD GET MY PART REPLACED. THANKYOU VERY MUCH.
NHTSA complaint #10400883 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesConyers, GA
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ S430. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE AIRMATIC SUSPENSION SYSTEM WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND IMMEDIATELY, THE VEHICLE DROPPED TOWARDS THE GROUND. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE DRIVING WITH EXTREME CAUTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED FOR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #10384095 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesMesa, AZ
SUSPENSION
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ S430 (NA). THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE REAR SUSPENSION MALFUNCTION CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO DROP TO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE AIR SHOCK SYSTEM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR PUMP COMPRESSOR MALFUNCTIONED THREE MONTHS PRIOR TO THE REAR SUSPENSION FAILURE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #10374956 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,236 milesPortsmouth, VA
SUSPENSION:FRONT
THERE WAS NO WARNING IT JUST GAVE A ALERT THAT THE CAR WAS RIDING LOW AND TO STOP. AIRMATIC SUSPENSION FOR A 2002 S430. VERY COSTLY, I DID RESEARCH AND FOUND OUT THAT THIS PROBLEM IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE FOR MERCEDES S CLASS. I BELIEVE IT IS A DEFECT AT THE MANUFACTURER AND MB SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNT FOR SAID DEFECT.
NHTSA complaint #10355005 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 43,912 milesLake ST Louis, MO
SUSPENSION:FRONT
I OWN A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ S430 AND FEB. 2010 THE "AIRMATIC SYSTEM" WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. THERE ARE ONLY 43,000 MILES ON MY CAR.THE DEALER WANTS CLOSE TO $1000 TO PUT A 'KIT" ON TO REPLACE THE FAILING SEALS ON THE AIRMATIC STRUTS, WHICH THE MFG HAS SINCE CHANGED THE DESIGN AND OFFERED RECALLS ON OTHER MODELS. I HAVE NOT DRIVEN THE CAR SINCE AS I WAS TOLD IF THE PUMP BURNS UP FROM THE AIR LEAKING OUT THE SUSPENSION WILL DROP THE CAR, CAUSING THE CAR TO BE UNDRIVABLE, AND IT COULD BE DANGEROUS IF THE CAR IS IN MOTION. I HAVE 2 CHILDREN AND CAN NOT TAKE THE CHANCE.
NHTSA complaint #10351789 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Staten Island, NY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
I'M THE OWNER OF A 2002 MERCEDES S430 AND HAVING TROUBLE REPAIRING THE RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE. I HAVE CONTACTED MERCEDES DIRECTLY AND THE LOCAL DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THEIR ARE NO RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE WHEN IN FACT THERE IS. PLEASE HELP ME RESOLVE THIS ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10296216 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Staten Island, NY
SUSPENSION
I'M THE OWNER OF A 2002 MERCEDES S430 AND HAVING TROUBLE REPAIRING THE RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE. I HAVE CONTACTED MERCEDES DIRECTLY AND THE LOCAL DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THEIR ARE NO RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE WHEN IN FACT THERE IS. PLEASE HELP ME RESOLVE THIS ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10296216 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 42,000 milesAnnapolis, MD
SUSPENSION
AIRMATIC SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT INDICATED THAT THE CAR WAS TOO LOW TO DRIVE. HENCE, HAD TO CALL A TOW TRUCK TO GET SAID CAR S430 MERCEDES REPAIRED.
NHTSA complaint #10291651 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,000 milesPalm Beach, FL
SUSPENSION:FRONT
REGULAR DRIVING THEN FRONT RIGHT OF CAR FALLS TO THE GROUND.
NHTSA complaint #10278310 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 53,632 milesBrookeville, MD
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
IDLE PULLEY (PLASTIC) FAILED/BROKE ON I-68 AT TOP OF SIDELING HILL GAP CAUSING LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND OTHER POWER RELATED ITEMS. CAR HARD TO CONTROL GOING DOWN LONG, STEEP HILL. WHEN PULLEY BROKE, SERPENTINE BELT FELL OFF. WE WERE INFORMED THAT THIS IS NOT AN UNCOMMON PROBLEM. CAR ONLY HAS 53,000 MILES.
NHTSA complaint #10278175 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 58,067 milesGreeneville, TN
SUSPENSION
I HAVE A 2002 430S MERCEDES BENZ WITH ONLY 69,000 MILES ON IT. I HAVE REPLACED THE AIRMATIC PUMP AND PAID $641.89 ON SEPT 25, 2008 AT RICK HILL IMPORTS IN KINGSPORT TN AND MY CAR IS AGAIN LOWERING TO THE GROUND WHILE DRIVING SPEEDS OF 40 TO 50 MPH. I HAVE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD TO AIR MY CAR UP WHICH IS DANGEROUS. I TOOK IT BACK TO RICK HILL IMPORTS THEY TELL ME THE SHOCKS ARE LEAKING AIR AND THAT IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE CARS. I HAVE STARTED DOING RESEARCH ONLINE I HAVE FOUND THAT THEIR ARE SEVERAL ISSUES WITH THIS CAR YR MAKE AND MODEL. I AM TOLD THAT I WILL HAVE TO SPEND ANOTHER 3000-4000 TO GET MY CAR IN THE RUNNING CONDITION IT NEEDS TO BE IN. MY CAR HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN HARD OR THAT MUCH. THE YR OF MY CAR SHOULD HAVE ABOUT 100000 MILE ON IT, AND IT DOES NOT. I ALSO FOUND WHERE THERE IS AN INVESTIGATION ALREADY IN PLACE FOR THE AIRMATIC SYSTEM. I HAVE MADE MERCEDES AWARE OF MY PROBLEM THEY REFUSE TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I FEEL THAT I HAVE DEFAULTY SYSTEM AND I WANT THEM TO REPLACE IT AFTER ALL THEY ARE KNOWN FOR EXPENSE LUXURY DEPENDABLE CARS AND THAT IS WHY YOU PAY 70,000 DOLLARS FOR THEIR CARS. THIS LEMON AIRMATIC SYSTEM IS GOING TO CAUSE ME OR ONE OF MY FAMILY MEMBER TO GET KILLED LOWERING TO THE GROUND AT SPEED OF 40-50MPH AND PULLING OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO LET IT AIR UP.
NHTSA complaint #10274389 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 58,067 milesGreeneville, TN
EQUIPMENT
I HAVE A 2002 430S MERCEDES BENZ WITH ONLY 69,000 MILES ON IT. I HAVE REPLACED THE AIRMATIC PUMP AND PAID $641.89 ON SEPT 25, 2008 AT RICK HILL IMPORTS IN KINGSPORT TN AND MY CAR IS AGAIN LOWERING TO THE GROUND WHILE DRIVING SPEEDS OF 40 TO 50 MPH. I HAVE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD TO AIR MY CAR UP WHICH IS DANGEROUS. I TOOK IT BACK TO RICK HILL IMPORTS THEY TELL ME THE SHOCKS ARE LEAKING AIR AND THAT IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE CARS. I HAVE STARTED DOING RESEARCH ONLINE I HAVE FOUND THAT THEIR ARE SEVERAL ISSUES WITH THIS CAR YR MAKE AND MODEL. I AM TOLD THAT I WILL HAVE TO SPEND ANOTHER 3000-4000 TO GET MY CAR IN THE RUNNING CONDITION IT NEEDS TO BE IN. MY CAR HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN HARD OR THAT MUCH. THE YR OF MY CAR SHOULD HAVE ABOUT 100000 MILE ON IT, AND IT DOES NOT. I ALSO FOUND WHERE THERE IS AN INVESTIGATION ALREADY IN PLACE FOR THE AIRMATIC SYSTEM. I HAVE MADE MERCEDES AWARE OF MY PROBLEM THEY REFUSE TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I FEEL THAT I HAVE DEFAULTY SYSTEM AND I WANT THEM TO REPLACE IT AFTER ALL THEY ARE KNOWN FOR EXPENSE LUXURY DEPENDABLE CARS AND THAT IS WHY YOU PAY 70,000 DOLLARS FOR THEIR CARS. THIS LEMON AIRMATIC SYSTEM IS GOING TO CAUSE ME OR ONE OF MY FAMILY MEMBER TO GET KILLED LOWERING TO THE GROUND AT SPEED OF 40-50MPH AND PULLING OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO LET IT AIR UP.
NHTSA complaint #10274389 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesEdmond, OK
AIR BAGS
AIR BAG CONTROL UNIT FAILURE. THIS IS AN ELECTRONIC MODULE THAT CONTROLS THE AIR BAG SYSTEM. WHEN THIS UNIT FAILS, THE AIR BAG SYSTEM NO LONGER WILL FUNCTION. I BELIEVE THAT THIS ITEM FAILED PREMATURELY AND SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER SOME WARRANTY OE RECALLED, AS THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, AND ONE WOULD NOT EXPECT THIS ITEM TO FAIL AT SUCH LOW MILEAGE. THE COST TO REPLACE IS WELL OVER $1000.00.
NHTSA complaint #10274245 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 78,139 milesEdmond, OK
AIR BAGS
MY CAR IS AN 2002 MERCEDES S430 AIRMATIC SYSTEM FAILURE STRUTS AND PUMP FIRST THE STRUTS FAILED IN NOV 2008 WHICH LOWERS THE CAR ON TOP OF THE TIRES AND MAKES THE CAR UNDRIVEABLE. NOW IN JUNE 2009, THE PUMP FAILED WHICH LOWERED THE CAR ON TOP OF THE TIRES AND MAKES AND CAR UNDRIVEABLE. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM. IF THIS SYSTEM FAILS WHILE DRIVING, THE CAR AND DAMAGE THE TIRES AND CAUSE A BLOW-OUT RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. THESE FAILURES HAVE BEEN REPORTED BY MANY OWNERS AND HAVE CAUSED INJURIES AND EXTENSIVE COSTS TO OWNERS. EVERYONE CONSIDERS THESE FAILURES TO BE VERY PREMATURE IN THE LIFE OF THE CAR. THIS IS VERY WIDE SPREAD.
NHTSA complaint #10274243 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.