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FaultScore report

2001 Mercedes Benz S430 problems

Owners have filed 101 complaints about the 2001 Mercedes Benz S430 with NHTSA between 2001 and 2020. The largest single group is the electrical system. Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 7 worst.

Read the complaints What breaks Worst years for the Mercedes Benz S430 All 2001 cars
D

FaultScore 67/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Mercedes Benz S430.

How this is worked out

The numbers

101

Complaints

2

Crashes reported

4

Fires reported

2

Injuries reported

88,000 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

15%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

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.

Complaint volume 100 vs 50 Severity 41 vs 50 Early failure 25 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the Mercedes Benz S430. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 41
7.9% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 25
15% 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 S430

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2001 Mercedes Benz S430

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Electrical System 38 37.6%

0 crashes, 3 fires · median 89,000 mi

Lights 17 16.8%

Median failure at 98,500 miles

Suspension 8 7.9%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 118,400 mi

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 6 5.9%

Median failure at 56,500 miles

Other & Unspecified 4 4.0%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 76,000 mi

Transmission & Drivetrain 4 4.0%

Median failure at 82,000 miles

Fuel & Propulsion 3 3.0%
Acceleration & Cruise Control 3 3.0%

Median failure at 99,500 miles

Body & Structure 3 3.0%

Median failure at 27,000 miles

Brakes 3 3.0%

Median failure at 23,000 miles

Airbags 3 3.0%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 188,622 mi

Engine & Cooling 2 2.0%
Equipment & Accessories 1 1.0%
Doors, Latches & Locks 1 1.0%

Median failure at 53,000 miles

Stability & Traction Control 1 1.0%

Median failure at 99,000 miles

Seats 1 1.0%
Wheels 1 1.0%

Median failure at 60,000 miles

Tires 1 1.0%
Steering 1 1.0%

Exactly what failed

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 13 59.1%
Driveshaft 2 9.1%
Front 2 9.1%
Pressure Monitoring AND Regulating Systems 1 4.5%
AIR Suspension System 1 4.5%
Power Assist 1 4.5%
Accelerator Pedal 1 4.5%
Sensor/Control Module 1 4.5%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 1 1.5%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 5 7.4%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 7 10.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 16 23.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 12 17.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 16 23.5%
150,000+ miles 11 16.2%

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.

Apr 2001 peak 10 Jul 2020

NHTSA investigations into the 2001 Mercedes Benz S430

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.

PE05062 Opened 10 Nov 2005 Closed 8 Feb 2006 INTERIOR 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...

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

at 320,000 miles Richmond, VA Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 MERCEDES-BENZ S430. WHILE AT AN INTERSECTION, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WITHOUT WARNING. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DEEMED DESTROYED. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 320,000.

NHTSA complaint #11099574 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 320,000 miles Northchestetfield, VA Fire

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

AS I WAS DRIVING ON JUNE 1,2018 @5:10PM MY CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE AND HEAVY SMOKE I HAD TO PULL INTO THE COLDEST OUTLET FOR SAFETY I JUMP OUT AND CALLED 911 THE FIRE DEPARTMENT & POLICE CAME OUT THE FIRE OUT. I AM SO SCARED I NEVER EVER IN MY 48 YEARS EVER EXPERIENCE ANYTHING THIS HORRIFIC. I DON'T KNOW IF I WILL EVER DRIVE AGAIN OR GET IN A CAR.

NHTSA complaint #11099282 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 222,400 miles Kansas City, KS Crash 4 injured

SUSPENSION

JANUARY 30, 2015, I NOTICED MY CAR SITTING ON THE GROUND. I STARTED THE CAR, RAISED THE AIRMATICS UP, PULLED OUT MY DRIVEWAY, STOPPED AT THE STOP SIGN AND MY CAR LOWERED AND SHUT OFF. I REPEAT BY TURNING THE CAR BACK ON AND RAISING THE CAR BACK UP. ON MY WAY HOME I RECEIVED AN EMERGENCY CALL STATED MY COUSIN WAS ABOUT TO BE JUMPED AND TO COME TO THEIR BUS STOP. I ASKED MY FAMILY, "WHERE ARE YOU?" WHEN I ARRIVED AROUND THE CORNER, MY CAR BEGAN LOWERING WHILE DRIVING, I CAME OVER THE HILL AND WAS SHOCKED THAT TRAFFIC WAS COMPLETELY IMPEDED AS MY CAR BEGAN SLIDING DOWN THE HILL. I HAD LESS THAN SECONDS TO RESPOND AND SWERVED TOWARDS AND OPEN FIELD. FOUR YOUTH AND ONE ADULT CAME IN CONTACT WITH MY CAR. I WAS SHACKING, IN SHOCK AS I THOUGHT I HIT MY OWN DAUGHTER. I CALLED 911, TOOK TOXICOLOGY TEST AND WAS CHARGED WITH FOUR COUNTS OF AGGRAVATED BATTERY. MY INSURANCE SAID IT WAS AN ACCIDENT AND SETTLED ALL CLAIMS WITH THE INJURED PARTIES. I KNEW MY PROBLEM WAS THE BRAKES OR SUSPENSION AS THE POLICE TAMPERED WITH EVIDENCE, PLANTED DIRT AND LIED THAT THERE WERE SKID MARKS WHEN THE PHOTOS SHOWED NONE. I HAD FOUR BUSINESSES AND LOSS EVERYTHING BEHIND THIS CAR ACCIDENT. THIS STORY HIT NATIONAL NEWS AS THE TRUTH WAS NEVER TOLD TO THE PUBLIC. PLEASE, STAY ON TOP OF THIS ISSUE PERTAINING TO THE SUSPENSION PROBLEMS. I CONTINUED REQUESTING FOR THEM TO FIX MY CAR AND HAVE RECEIPTS TO PROVE IT. IT WAS TEMPORARILY REPAIRED BUT NENES COMPLETELY FIXED. IF I HAD KNOWN THE SUSPENSION COULD RESULT TO AN ACCIDENT I WOULD NOT HAVE PURCHASE THIS CAR. I DROVE MY CHILDREN AROUND IN THIS UNSAFE CAR AND IT HURT OTHERS IN THE PROCESS. PLEASE DO NOT ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN TO ANYONE ELSE.

NHTSA complaint #10981095 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 185,000 miles Jacksonville, FL Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ S430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THERE WAS A BURNING ODOR COMING FROM THE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 185,000. UPDATED 04/06/15*LJ UPDATED 9/27/2017

NHTSA complaint #10691873 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 60,000 miles Boston, MA Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

IP STARTED TO SMOKE, FILLING THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT FORCING THE DRIVER TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD.

NHTSA complaint #10168751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Marion Junction, AL Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WAS MINOR INJURIES TO DRIVER. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.

NHTSA complaint #891067 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

at 188,622 miles Savannah, GA

AIR BAGS

2 DAYS AFTER RECEIVING MY 2001 S430 FROM LOCAL DEALER (CRITZ BENZ OF SAVANNAH) FOR SERVICE THAT WAS DONE INCORRECTLY.I NOTICE WHILE DRIVING THE BURNED OUT ODOR COMING THE AIR VENTS. I NOTICED MY INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LIGHTING START TO FLICKER AS I WAS DRIVING BUT THOUGHT NOTHING OF IT. THE NEXT DAY HOWEVER WHILE ENTERING THE VEHICLE I NOTICED NO LIGHTS WERE ON THE DASHBOARD WHAT SO EVER, IT WAS TAKEN BACK TO LOCAL DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW THAT WE FOUND YOUR INSTRUMENT CLUSTER COMPLETELY SHORTED OUT. IT SEEMS TO BE SOME FORM OF INTERNAL ELECTRICAL FAULT. WOULD HAVE TO HAVE THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER REPLACED. PARTS AND LABOR TOGETHER IS $1905.60 TO REPLACE IT. I ASK ABOUT THE RECALL ON THIS PART THEY SAID MY CAR WAS NOT INCLUDED. VEHICLE HAS 188,XXX MILES ON IT. IVE ALSO HAD BOTH AIRBAGS REPLACED WITHIN 3 MONTHS AND ONE WHICH EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE THAT I PAID THEM TO FIX WHICH WAS AND OUT OF PLACE STRUT OR 'ANOTHER LEAK' IN A PRACTICALLY NEW AIRBAG CAN I PLEASE HAVE SOME ASSISTANCE. --COLBY PEARCE CRITZ AUTO GROUP

NHTSA complaint #11337937 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 188,622 miles Savannah, GA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 DAYS AFTER RECEIVING MY 2001 S430 FROM LOCAL DEALER (CRITZ BENZ OF SAVANNAH) FOR SERVICE THAT WAS DONE INCORRECTLY.I NOTICE WHILE DRIVING THE BURNED OUT ODOR COMING THE AIR VENTS. I NOTICED MY INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LIGHTING START TO FLICKER AS I WAS DRIVING BUT THOUGHT NOTHING OF IT. THE NEXT DAY HOWEVER WHILE ENTERING THE VEHICLE I NOTICED NO LIGHTS WERE ON THE DASHBOARD WHAT SO EVER, IT WAS TAKEN BACK TO LOCAL DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW THAT WE FOUND YOUR INSTRUMENT CLUSTER COMPLETELY SHORTED OUT. IT SEEMS TO BE SOME FORM OF INTERNAL ELECTRICAL FAULT. WOULD HAVE TO HAVE THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER REPLACED. PARTS AND LABOR TOGETHER IS $1905.60 TO REPLACE IT. I ASK ABOUT THE RECALL ON THIS PART THEY SAID MY CAR WAS NOT INCLUDED. VEHICLE HAS 188,XXX MILES ON IT. IVE ALSO HAD BOTH AIRBAGS REPLACED WITHIN 3 MONTHS AND ONE WHICH EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE THAT I PAID THEM TO FIX WHICH WAS AND OUT OF PLACE STRUT OR 'ANOTHER LEAK' IN A PRACTICALLY NEW AIRBAG CAN I PLEASE HAVE SOME ASSISTANCE. --COLBY PEARCE CRITZ AUTO GROUP

NHTSA complaint #11337937 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 60,000 miles Waipahu, HI

WHEELS

2001 WAS WHEN THE AIRMATICS FIRST CAME OUT MERCEDES PERFECTED IN 2002 THERE WAS A RECALL BUT I DID NOT GET THE LETTER TIL AFTER THE DATE AND MERCEDES WOULDN'T HONOR IT I PURCHASED THIS CAR AND IT'S BROKEN SUCH A WASTE THE AIRMATICS WON'T GO UP IT'S SLAMMED LOW WE'LL NEED TO TOW IT W THE BIG TOW TRUCK BECAUSE IT'S TOO LOW IT'LL SCRATCH

NHTSA complaint #11318409 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 60,000 miles Waipahu, HI

SUSPENSION

2001 WAS WHEN THE AIRMATICS FIRST CAME OUT MERCEDES PERFECTED IN 2002 THERE WAS A RECALL BUT I DID NOT GET THE LETTER TIL AFTER THE DATE AND MERCEDES WOULDN'T HONOR IT I PURCHASED THIS CAR AND IT'S BROKEN SUCH A WASTE THE AIRMATICS WON'T GO UP IT'S SLAMMED LOW WE'LL NEED TO TOW IT W THE BIG TOW TRUCK BECAUSE IT'S TOO LOW IT'LL SCRATCH

NHTSA complaint #11318409 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 60,000 miles Waipahu, HI

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2001 WAS WHEN THE AIRMATICS FIRST CAME OUT MERCEDES PERFECTED IN 2002 THERE WAS A RECALL BUT I DID NOT GET THE LETTER TIL AFTER THE DATE AND MERCEDES WOULDN'T HONOR IT I PURCHASED THIS CAR AND IT'S BROKEN SUCH A WASTE THE AIRMATICS WON'T GO UP IT'S SLAMMED LOW WE'LL NEED TO TOW IT W THE BIG TOW TRUCK BECAUSE IT'S TOO LOW IT'LL SCRATCH

NHTSA complaint #11318409 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 53,000 miles Tamarac, FL

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES-BENZ S430. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING TO OPEN THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR, THE LATCH PULLED OUT; HOWEVER, THE DOOR REMAINED CLOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF COCONUT CREEK (4250 FL-7, COCONUT CREEK, FL 33073) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DOOR LATCH MECHANISM FAILED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000.

NHTSA complaint #11151725 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 170,000 miles Salt Lake City, UT

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL CLUSTER THE PIXELS SLOWLY FADE IN AND OUT CANT READ ANY THING THAT GOING ON WITH CAR MILES OR PROBLEMS WITH CAR.

NHTSA complaint #11112858 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 320,000 miles Richmond, VA Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 MERCEDES-BENZ S430. WHILE AT AN INTERSECTION, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WITHOUT WARNING. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DEEMED DESTROYED. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 320,000.

NHTSA complaint #11099574 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 320,000 miles Northchestetfield, VA Fire

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

AS I WAS DRIVING ON JUNE 1,2018 @5:10PM MY CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE AND HEAVY SMOKE I HAD TO PULL INTO THE COLDEST OUTLET FOR SAFETY I JUMP OUT AND CALLED 911 THE FIRE DEPARTMENT & POLICE CAME OUT THE FIRE OUT. I AM SO SCARED I NEVER EVER IN MY 48 YEARS EVER EXPERIENCE ANYTHING THIS HORRIFIC. I DON'T KNOW IF I WILL EVER DRIVE AGAIN OR GET IN A CAR.

NHTSA complaint #11099282 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 120,000 miles SASKATOON,CA,S7M5K4, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I DROVE MY WORK TO WORK WHICH IS ONE KILOMETER AWAY. AFTER DROPPING, I PARKED FOR 5 MINUTES. WHEN I TRIED TO START, IT WON'T START. AFTER FEW MINUTES, I TRIED TO START AND IT DID. AFTER A FEW YARDS, THE CAR STOPPED IN THE ROAD. I CALLED THE TOWING COMPANY AND BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE REPAIR SHOP. THE BATTERY WAS CHANGED BUT WHEN THEY STARTED, THEY JUST HEARD A SOUND OF NOT GOING THRU. THEY DIAGNOSED THE CAR AND THEY CHANGED THE CRANK CENSORCSS 825. I DROVE THE CAR BACK HOME.

NHTSA complaint #11094045 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 13,000 miles Glendale, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES-BENZ S430V. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER EXPERIENCED AN ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE SEIZED BECAUSE IT RAN OUT OF FUEL DUE TO THE FUEL GAUGE BEING INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED MERCEDES-BENZ OF THOUSAND OAKS (3905 AUTO MALL DR, THOUSAND OAKS, CA 91362 (805) 371-5400) WHERE THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT PART OF A RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 06V208000 (INTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT PART OF A RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,000.

NHTSA complaint #11023553 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 222,400 miles Kansas City, KS Crash 4 injured

SUSPENSION

JANUARY 30, 2015, I NOTICED MY CAR SITTING ON THE GROUND. I STARTED THE CAR, RAISED THE AIRMATICS UP, PULLED OUT MY DRIVEWAY, STOPPED AT THE STOP SIGN AND MY CAR LOWERED AND SHUT OFF. I REPEAT BY TURNING THE CAR BACK ON AND RAISING THE CAR BACK UP. ON MY WAY HOME I RECEIVED AN EMERGENCY CALL STATED MY COUSIN WAS ABOUT TO BE JUMPED AND TO COME TO THEIR BUS STOP. I ASKED MY FAMILY, "WHERE ARE YOU?" WHEN I ARRIVED AROUND THE CORNER, MY CAR BEGAN LOWERING WHILE DRIVING, I CAME OVER THE HILL AND WAS SHOCKED THAT TRAFFIC WAS COMPLETELY IMPEDED AS MY CAR BEGAN SLIDING DOWN THE HILL. I HAD LESS THAN SECONDS TO RESPOND AND SWERVED TOWARDS AND OPEN FIELD. FOUR YOUTH AND ONE ADULT CAME IN CONTACT WITH MY CAR. I WAS SHACKING, IN SHOCK AS I THOUGHT I HIT MY OWN DAUGHTER. I CALLED 911, TOOK TOXICOLOGY TEST AND WAS CHARGED WITH FOUR COUNTS OF AGGRAVATED BATTERY. MY INSURANCE SAID IT WAS AN ACCIDENT AND SETTLED ALL CLAIMS WITH THE INJURED PARTIES. I KNEW MY PROBLEM WAS THE BRAKES OR SUSPENSION AS THE POLICE TAMPERED WITH EVIDENCE, PLANTED DIRT AND LIED THAT THERE WERE SKID MARKS WHEN THE PHOTOS SHOWED NONE. I HAD FOUR BUSINESSES AND LOSS EVERYTHING BEHIND THIS CAR ACCIDENT. THIS STORY HIT NATIONAL NEWS AS THE TRUTH WAS NEVER TOLD TO THE PUBLIC. PLEASE, STAY ON TOP OF THIS ISSUE PERTAINING TO THE SUSPENSION PROBLEMS. I CONTINUED REQUESTING FOR THEM TO FIX MY CAR AND HAVE RECEIPTS TO PROVE IT. IT WAS TEMPORARILY REPAIRED BUT NENES COMPLETELY FIXED. IF I HAD KNOWN THE SUSPENSION COULD RESULT TO AN ACCIDENT I WOULD NOT HAVE PURCHASE THIS CAR. I DROVE MY CHILDREN AROUND IN THIS UNSAFE CAR AND IT HURT OTHERS IN THE PROCESS. PLEASE DO NOT ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN TO ANYONE ELSE.

NHTSA complaint #10981095 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 20 miles Dallas, TX

SERVICE BRAKES

HAPPENED TWICE IN ONE DAY WHILE TRAVELING AT A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 50-60 MPH. THE FIRST TIME HAPPENED AS I WAS DRIVING ON A SERVICE ROAD TRAVELING AT ABOUT 50 MPH. THE SECOND TIME HAPPENED AS I WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY THE 60 MPH. BOTH OCCASIONS THE FRONT BRAKES ABRUPTLY AND COMPLETELY LOCKED AND FORCEFULLY PULLED THE STEERING TO THE RIGHT. EACH EVENT WAS WERE IN THE MOVEMENT OF A LOT OF TRAFFIC, DURING RUSH HOUR. I WAS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE, THE BRAKES RESISTED SLOWLY PULLED THE CAR TO A COMPLETE STOP. WHILE TRAVELING IN THE RIGHT LANE I HAD TO CUT THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY OFF. THE VEHICLES AROUND WERE FORCED TO STOP ABRUPTLY AND THE OTHER CARS BEGAN HONKING. I HAD TO TURN THE CAR OFF TO RESET. I HAD THREE MINORS IN THE VEHICLE AND WAS PICKING UP ANOTHER ONE OF MY SONS. THE SECOND INSTANCE WAS ABOUT 30 MINUTES LATER WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY 30, ON MY WAY HOME AFTER PICKING UP MY SON, SO NOW I HAVE 4 MINORS IN THE VEHICLE. THE SECOND TIME IN THE MIDDLE LANE TRAVELING AT A SPEED OF 65 MPH. ALTHOUGH I WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER AND WAS FORTUNATE TO NOT GET INTO AN ACCIDENT WITH ANY OTHER VEHICLES, AND THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE CLEAR, IT WAS AT NIGHT AND EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND LIFE THREATENING FOR EVERYONE DRIVING AROUND ME AND INVADING MYSELF WHILE BEING ON THE ROAD. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THE NEXT MORNING AND THERE INSPECTION SUGGESTS THAT THEY ARE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE CONCERN AND THE MECHANIC STATED "FOUND NO RELEVANT FAULTS" TO THIS VEHICLE.

NHTSA complaint #10934041 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 65,000 miles Page, AZ

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

TWO YEARS AGO THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER JUST QUIT WHILE IN HEVEY TRAFFIC. NO SPEED NO TAC NO GAS NO NOTHING AND IT COULD CAUSE ACCIDENT INJURY AND FURTHER DAMAGE TO THE CAR ALSO. THIS ITEM WAS A FEDERAL MANDATE RECALL AND MERCEDES SAYS NOT SO AFTER 10 YEARS AND WONT HONOR THE LAW WHICH STIPULATES ITS FOREVER, AND DEALERS INSIST ON A BUY OF A NEW ONE CANT EVEN GET ONE AT COST.

NHTSA complaint #10907561 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 65,000 miles Page, AZ

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

TWO YEARS AGO THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER JUST QUIT WHILE IN HEVEY TRAFFIC. NO SPEED NO TAC NO GAS NO NOTHING AND IT COULD CAUSE ACCIDENT INJURY AND FURTHER DAMAGE TO THE CAR ALSO. THIS ITEM WAS A FEDERAL MANDATE RECALL AND MERCEDES SAYS NOT SO AFTER 10 YEARS AND WONT HONOR THE LAW WHICH STIPULATES ITS FOREVER, AND DEALERS INSIST ON A BUY OF A NEW ONE CANT EVEN GET ONE AT COST.

NHTSA complaint #10907561 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 65,000 miles Page, AZ

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TWO YEARS AGO THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER JUST QUIT WHILE IN HEVEY TRAFFIC. NO SPEED NO TAC NO GAS NO NOTHING AND IT COULD CAUSE ACCIDENT INJURY AND FURTHER DAMAGE TO THE CAR ALSO. THIS ITEM WAS A FEDERAL MANDATE RECALL AND MERCEDES SAYS NOT SO AFTER 10 YEARS AND WONT HONOR THE LAW WHICH STIPULATES ITS FOREVER, AND DEALERS INSIST ON A BUY OF A NEW ONE CANT EVEN GET ONE AT COST.

NHTSA complaint #10907561 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 68,000 miles Page, AZ

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES-BENZ S430. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND GAUGES STOPPED WORKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000. UPDATED 10/06/16*LJ

NHTSA complaint #10897660 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 99,000 miles Murrieta, CA

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

I WAS DRIVING THE CAR ALL OF SUDDEN THE CLUSTER SHUT OFF AND I CAN'T SEE GAUGES OR ANY LIGHTS ON THE CLUSTER OR SPEED THE MILEAGE 99000 IT NEEDS NEW CLUSTER I CALLED THE DEALER IT HAS A RECALL ON THIS MODEL BUT THEY REFUSE TO REPAIR IT UNDER RECALL.

NHTSA complaint #10892275 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 113,363 miles Shaker HTS, OH

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ S430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DURING RAINY WEATHER CONDITIONS, WATER ENTERED INTO THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE DOORS, THE WINDOWS, AND SOAKED THE SEATS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,363. UPDATE MA 01/13/16 RECALLS 05V505000 AND 06V028000. UPDATED 03/02/16.*JB; UPDATED 04/20/18*JB

NHTSA complaint #10782883 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 113,363 miles Shaker HTS, OH

INTERIOR LIGHTING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ S430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DURING RAINY WEATHER CONDITIONS, WATER ENTERED INTO THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE DOORS, THE WINDOWS, AND SOAKED THE SEATS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,363. UPDATE MA 01/13/16 RECALLS 05V505000 AND 06V028000. UPDATED 03/02/16.*JB; UPDATED 04/20/18*JB

NHTSA complaint #10782883 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 89,000 miles Jupiter, FL

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

I WAS IN CRUISE CONTROL ON I-95 AT 70MPH. HAD BEEN DRIVING FOR 1 HOUR WHEN CAR SUDDENLY STARTED ACCELERATING. I DISENGAGED CRUISE AND TOOK FOOT OFF ACCELERATOR WITH NO EFFECT. RPM/SPEED CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE AND I SLAMMED ON BRAKES WITH TRIVIAL DECELERATION. I STARTED TO DOWNSHIFT ON TRANSMISSION TO BLEED SPEED. IN ORDER TO AVOID COLLIDING WITH VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME AT 90MPH, I SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL, SLAMMED ON BRAKES, AND SWERVED OFF ROAD. THE ENGINE REDLINED (RPM) AND I TURNED OFF CAR. MERCEDES OF FT. LAUDERDALE LATER FOUND THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL SENSOR HAD FAILED WHILE DRIVING AND DEFAULTED TO FULL THROTTLE MODE. PEDAL ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED AND CAR IS NOW OPERATING PROPERLY AGAIN.

NHTSA complaint #10780692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,000 miles Westworth Village, TX

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

CANNOT GIVE THE VEHICLE MILEAGE BECAUSE YOU CANNOT SEE THE MILES DUE TO THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LIGHTS NOT BEING ON, CANNOT SEE THE SPEEDOMETER, GAUGES OR ANYTHING ELSE, THE INSTRUMENTS ARE DARK BOTH AT NIGHT AND DURING THE DAY. THE CAR STILL OPERATES BUT WHEN YOU TRY TO SEE THE SPEEDOMETER, YOU HAVE TO LEAN FORWARD TO SEE THE MILEAGE, WHICH IS DANGEROUS BECAUSE WHILE YOU ARE STRAINING TO SEE THE MILEAGE, YOU ARE NOT LOOKING AT THE ROAD, THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION. I FOUND NHTSA RECALL 060V028 WHICH IDENTIFIES THE PROBLEM BUT MERCEDES SAYS THIS WAS NOT A RECALL.

NHTSA complaint #10762571 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 99,000 miles SAN Marcos, TX

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ S430. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE LIGHTS IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER SUDDENLY SHUT OFF AND THE DRIVER HAD DIFFICULTY READING THE INSTRUMENT GAUGES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000.

NHTSA complaint #10759061 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 131,000 miles Greenville, SC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ S430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BECAME INOPERABLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 131,000.

NHTSA complaint #10725483 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 89,000 miles NEW Brothels, TX

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ S430. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BECAME INOPERABLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000.

NHTSA complaint #10724941 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.