Owners have filed 42 complaints
about the 2002 Mercedes Benz S430 with NHTSA between 2012 and 2020.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 6 of 7 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 — 52
Against the median year of the Mercedes Benz S430. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 12
2.4% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 5
3% 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 S430
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
12.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
12.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
25.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
720.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1645.7%
150,000+ miles
822.9%
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.
Jan 2012peak 5Dec 2020
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 110,000 milesRichardson, TXFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE BATTERY LOCATED IN THE TRUNK OF THE VEHICLE IS SITUATED NEXT TO THE GAS TANK. THERE ARE NO COVERS ON THE METAL PARTS ON THE TOP OF THE BATTERY LOCATED IN THE TRUNK OF THE VEHICLE, AND THE MAT THAT COMES WITH THE VEHICLE DOES NOT SUFFICIENTLY COVER THESE METAL POLES, LEAVING THEM VULNERABLE TO CATCH FLAME WHEN METAL ITEMS ARE IN THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE. THE REAR BATTERY CAUGHT FLAME, WHILE STATIONARY, DUE TO A METAL ROD USED FOR FURNITURE ASSEMBLY TOUCHING THE EXPOSED PORTION OF THE BATTERY.
NHTSA complaint #11047153 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 209,000 milesLAS Vegas, NV
INTERIOR LIGHTING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES-BENZ S430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ILLUMINATION OF THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WAS INADEQUATE TO SEE THE GAUGES. FLETCHER JONES IMPORTS (7300 W SAHARA AVE, LAS VEGAS, NV 89117, (702) 364-2700) WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WARRANTY EXPIRED IN 2012. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT A DIAGNOSTIC TEST NEEDED TO BE PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 06V028000 (INTERIOR LIGHTING) AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 209,000.
NHTSA complaint #11377484 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 209,000 milesLAS Vegas, NV
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES-BENZ S430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ILLUMINATION OF THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WAS INADEQUATE TO SEE THE GAUGES. FLETCHER JONES IMPORTS (7300 W SAHARA AVE, LAS VEGAS, NV 89117, (702) 364-2700) WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WARRANTY EXPIRED IN 2012. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT A DIAGNOSTIC TEST NEEDED TO BE PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 06V028000 (INTERIOR LIGHTING) AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 209,000.
NHTSA complaint #11377484 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 104,400 milesPatillas, PR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I HAVE APPROXIMATELY 104,000 MILES, I CANNOT SEE IT ANYMORE BECAUSE WHILE DRIVING HOME AT NIGHT FROM THE AIRPORT ON THE EXPRESSWAY DOING 65 MILES PER HOUR, IT WENT BLACK. ALL THE GAUGES WERE FOUND STUCK IN THEIR LOCATION THE NEXT MORNING AT WHAT THEY WERE AT WHEN THE CLUSTER WENT BLACK. THE CLUSTER HAS NEVER RECOVERED AND I HAVE TO DRIVE WITH NO IDEA OF SPEED, SIGNALS OPERATION, FUEL LEVEL, OR WATER TEMP. THE INFORMATION DISPLAY IS ALSO BLANK SO I DON’T KNOW WHAT MY MILEAGE IS OR IF THE VEHICLE HAS ANY OTHER INFORMATION TO GIVE ME. I HAD TO DRIVE HOME 60 MILES IN THE DARK. MY HEADLIGHTS GO ON ALL BY ITSELF WHENEVER I START MY CAR NOW. MY CLIMATE CONTROL ALSO REMAINS LIT AND CAUSES A BATTERY DRAIN OVER A PERIOD OF TIME. I WAS VERY LUCKY TO MAKE IT HOME BUT NOW I CAN ONLY DRIVE DURING THE DAYTIME UNTIL I CAN GET MY INSTRUMENT CLUSTER REPAIRED. MY COMFORT LEVEL DRIVING THIS VEHICLE HAS DIMINISHED GREATLY, THIS VEHICLE IS MY FAMILY VEHICLE, DOES MERCEDES BENZ NOT CARE ANYMORE. IF ONE OF THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS WERE TO PERISH IN AN ACCIDENT AS A RESULT OF THIS PROBLEM I’M PRETTY SURE THEY WOULD IMMEDIATELY FIND A SOLUTION TO FIX IT.
NHTSA complaint #11150205 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Casa Grande, AZ
SUSPENSION
INSTRUMENT LIGHTS WENT OUT, CAN'T SEE SPEED OR OTHER DASH INFORMATION SUCH AS FUEL. REAR SUSPENSION LOOSES AIR, CAR SITS TO LOW TO DRIVE, BODY SITS ON REAR TIRES. HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING CITY STREET, TIRES SMOKED AND ARE PITTED.
NHTSA complaint #11128840 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Casa Grande, AZ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
INSTRUMENT LIGHTS WENT OUT, CAN'T SEE SPEED OR OTHER DASH INFORMATION SUCH AS FUEL. REAR SUSPENSION LOOSES AIR, CAR SITS TO LOW TO DRIVE, BODY SITS ON REAR TIRES. HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING CITY STREET, TIRES SMOKED AND ARE PITTED.
NHTSA complaint #11128840 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Casa Grande, AZ
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
INSTRUMENT LIGHTS WENT OUT, CAN'T SEE SPEED OR OTHER DASH INFORMATION SUCH AS FUEL. REAR SUSPENSION LOOSES AIR, CAR SITS TO LOW TO DRIVE, BODY SITS ON REAR TIRES. HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING CITY STREET, TIRES SMOKED AND ARE PITTED.
NHTSA complaint #11128840 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesRichardson, TXFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE BATTERY LOCATED IN THE TRUNK OF THE VEHICLE IS SITUATED NEXT TO THE GAS TANK. THERE ARE NO COVERS ON THE METAL PARTS ON THE TOP OF THE BATTERY LOCATED IN THE TRUNK OF THE VEHICLE, AND THE MAT THAT COMES WITH THE VEHICLE DOES NOT SUFFICIENTLY COVER THESE METAL POLES, LEAVING THEM VULNERABLE TO CATCH FLAME WHEN METAL ITEMS ARE IN THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE. THE REAR BATTERY CAUGHT FLAME, WHILE STATIONARY, DUE TO A METAL ROD USED FOR FURNITURE ASSEMBLY TOUCHING THE EXPOSED PORTION OF THE BATTERY.
NHTSA complaint #11047153 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 195,000 milesElon, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHILE DRIVING ON 12/10/2016, THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER PANEL WENT VERY DARK. AT NIGHT THERE WAS NO ILLUMINATION EITHER. ALSO THE SPEEDOMETER WAS FLUCTUATING WILDLY FROM HIGH TO LOW AND BACK. I COULD ONLY SEE THIS WITH MY INTERIOR LIGHT ON, AS THE DASH PANEL WAS DARK. I REALIZED I COULD NOT READ ANY OF THE OTHER THE GAUGES INCLUDING THE SAFETY WARNING DISPLAY PANEL, NOR DID THE TURN SIGNALS INSIDE THE VEHICLE WORK OR THE VOLUME CONTROL ON THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AT THE TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 06V028000 (INTERIOR LIGHTING). ON 12/15/16 THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF MY FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED ME THAT IT WAS NOT A RECALL BUT A "VOLUNTARY EXTENDED WARRANTY ISSUE". THE MANUFACTURER EXPLAINED TO ME THAT MY CAR WAS PART OF IT, BUT I WAS "OUT OF TIME" WITH MY REQUEST FOR REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT. AT THE TIME THE CAR HAD APPROXIMATELY 195,000 ON IT. THIS IS THE 5TH MERCEDES I HAVE OWNED, READING FROM THE BLOGS THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM, HENCE THE NHTSA INVOLVEMENT. MINE IS A DOCUMENTED FAILED CASE UNDER MERCEDES RECOGNIZED PROGRAM, BUT THEY FAIL TO FOLLOW-UP WITH THEIR EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE BECAUSE IT IS OUT OF TIME. WHETHER IT IS IN TIME OR OUT OF TIME A SAFETY FAILURE IS A SAFETY FAILURE. ONE WOULD THINK THAT A COMPANY LIKE MERCEDES BENZ WOULD WANT TO KEEP ALIVE A 5 TIME OWNER OF MERCEDES AND PUT BRAND LOYALTY OVER PROFIT. I HAVE THREE CHILDREN NOW ENTERING THEIR CAR OWNING YEARS. THEY HAVE GROWN UP WITH MERCEDES BUT I GUESS IT IS NOW TIME TO SHOW THEM ANOTHER CAR BRAND SO THEY CAN BE A CUSTOMER FOR LIFE TO ANOTHER AUTOMOBILE COMPANY, ONE THAT WILL PLACE THEIR LIFE AHEAD OF THE PROFIT ON AN INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. I ASK THE NHTSA TO FORCE MERCEDES TO RECALL THESE SAFETY PRONE CARS SUCH THEY CANNOT HIDE BEHIND THEIR "OUT OF TIME" EXCUSE.
NHTSA complaint #10935564 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,000 milesAshburn, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES-BENZ S430. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER BECAME INOPERABLE AND THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10876363 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,500 milesMemphis, TN
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
WHILE DRIVING DURING DAYLIGHT HOURS ON FRIDAY, 6/17/2016, I NOTICED THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER PANEL WAS VERY DARK. THE CAR WAS NOT DRIVEN AGAIN UNTIL DUSK, ON SATURDAY, 6/18/2016 AND I REALIZED ALL OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS WERE OUT, THE GAUGES WERE NOT WORKING NOR DID THE TURN SIGNALS INSIDE THE VEHICLE OR THE AUTOMATIC LOCKS, WORK OR THE VOLUME CONTROL ON THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AT THE TIME OF THIS DISCOVERY
NHTSA complaint #10875334 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,500 milesTHE Woodlands, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES-BENZ S430. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED TO ILLUMINATE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,500.
NHTSA complaint #10875241 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,500 milesMemphis, TN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHILE DRIVING DURING DAYLIGHT HOURS ON FRIDAY, 6/17/2016, I NOTICED THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER PANEL WAS VERY DARK. THE CAR WAS NOT DRIVEN AGAIN UNTIL DUSK, ON SATURDAY, 6/18/2016 AND I REALIZED ALL OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS WERE OUT, THE GAUGES WERE NOT WORKING NOR DID THE TURN SIGNALS INSIDE THE VEHICLE OR THE AUTOMATIC LOCKS, WORK OR THE VOLUME CONTROL ON THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AT THE TIME OF THIS DISCOVERY
NHTSA complaint #10875334 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,500 milesHouston, TX
SUSPENSION
I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE NEW IN 2002. IT HAS ABOUT 48500 MILES. I WORK CLOSE TO HOME. I HAVE ALREADY REPLACED THE SUSPENSION AIR BAGS ONCE AND MY VEHICLE IS DROPPING AGAIN. I HAVE READ THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH MY VEHICLE YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL. WHAT CAN I DO? MY VEHICLE IS VERY WELL TAKEN CARE OF AND I FIND IT OUTRAGEOUS THAT MERCEDES BENZ BEING FULLY AWARE OF THIS ISSUE, REFUSES TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. ESPECIALLY WITH THE ORIGINAL PRICE OF THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10854936 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 16,200 milesSanta ANA, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
AFTER OWNING MY USED CAR INSURANCE HAD TO REPLACE THE CLUSTER. FOUND OUT LATER IT WAS ON A RECALL LIST.
NHTSA complaint #10854495 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 111,500 milesST Paul, MN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILS TO FUNCTION OR LIGHT UP WHEN STARTED OR DRIVING.
NHTSA complaint #10807357 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 151,012 milesWindell, NC
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ S430. WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS FLICKERED ON AND OFF THEN FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE ALSO STARTED TO LOSE POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 06V028000 (INTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 151,012.
NHTSA complaint #10781024 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 179,000 milesTabernacle, NJ
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WENT DARK WHILE DRIVING. SUBSEQUENTLY, FLICKERED ON MOMETARILY A FEW TIMES, NOW IS DARK ALL THE TIME.
NHTSA complaint #10767569 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,200 milesDistrict Heights, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHILE DRIVING ON MY WAY HOME MY INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WENT COMPLETELY DARK THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPEN, PARK IT FOR 2 DAYS. TRIED TO OPEN MY DOOR BATTERY WAS DEAD REPLACE BATTERY FOUND 5 AMP FUSE BLOWN IN THE LEFT SAM, CLUSTER FLICKER AND WENT DARK. CHECK MY VIN NUMBER ON THE MB WEBSITE NO REAL LED ON MY INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
NHTSA complaint #10758512 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 129,000 milesFrisco, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ S430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FLICKERED AND THEN FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS INFORMED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 06V028000 (INTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,000.
NHTSA complaint #10747122 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesPass Christian, MS
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ S430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE HIGH AND LOW BEAMS FAILED TO OPERATE. IN ADDITION, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD ACTIVATE SPORADICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 06V028000 (INTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #10648396 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesPass Christian, MS
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ S430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE HIGH AND LOW BEAMS FAILED TO OPERATE. IN ADDITION, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD ACTIVATE SPORADICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 06V028000 (INTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #10648396 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesLakewood, WA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
WHILE DRIVING, MY CAR INSTRUMENT CLUSTER BEGAN TO FLICKER. INITIALLY IT JUST DIMMED BUT AFTER A FEW MINUTES OF FLICKERING IT STOPPED. LATER THAT DAY IT WENT.
NHTSA complaint #10644902 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 185,000 milesKansas City, MO
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ S430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE INTERIOR, THE INTERIOR, AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIRMATIC SHOCKS DROPPED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO BECOME LOW AND DIFFICULT TO TURN THE WHEELS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 185,000.
NHTSA complaint #10633719 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 185,000 milesKansas City, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ S430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE INTERIOR, THE INTERIOR, AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIRMATIC SHOCKS DROPPED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO BECOME LOW AND DIFFICULT TO TURN THE WHEELS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 185,000.
NHTSA complaint #10633719 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 94,000 milesSioux Falls SD, SD
SUSPENSION
AIR SUSPENSION PROBLEMS. DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND FRONT END OF MY CAR DROPS AND WHEELS START TO TOUCH CAR BODY, CANT TURN THE WHEELS EITHER (ONLY SLIGHTLY) THE FENDER GETS ON THE WAY, CAR IS TOO LOW. I PULLED OVER IN A LITTLE BIT CAR RAISED UP TO NORMAL POSITION. HAPPENED MORE THAT FEW TIMES. SOMETIMES IT DOESN'T RISES ALL THE WAY UP TO NORMAL. AIR STRUT, AIR PUMP, VALVE BOX OR RELAY FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10565723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.