Owners have filed 39 complaints
about the 2003 Mercedes Benz S430 with NHTSA between 2009 and 2021.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 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 — 48
Against the median year of the Mercedes Benz S430. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 13
2.6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 19
11% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2003 compares with every other Mercedes Benz S430
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
411.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
822.9%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
822.9%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1131.4%
150,000+ miles
411.4%
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.
Aug 2009peak 4Jun 2021
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 78,000 milesFort Lauderdale, FLFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ S430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EMITTING SMOKE OUT OF THE TRUNK AND HE COULD SMELL BURNING PLASTIC. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE A PSE PUMP CONTINUED TO RUN AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF, CAUSING IT TO OVER HEAT AND MELT THE WIRING HARNESS. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAD TO DISCONNECT THE PUMP FROM THE WIRING HARNESS IN ORDER TO STOP THE SMOKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRICAL RELAY PUMP MALFUNCTIONED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 78,000.
NHTSA complaint #10456334 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 93,268 milesNorth Augusta, SC
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE
The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz S430. The contact stated he opened the hatch however, the hatch quickly closed independently. The contact stated he was able to hold the hatch before it closed totally. The contact stated that the passenger’s side spring was detached from the hatch. The contact stated he attempted but was unable to repair the passenger’s side spring. The contact called and made the local dealer aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,268.
NHTSA complaint #11422580 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 178,789 milesLouisburg, KS
SEATS
SRS CODES IS BEING THROWN. IF YOU MOVE A LITTLE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT IT TRIGGERS CODE TO BE THROWN. STARTED THROWING IT OUT OF NOW WHERE.
NHTSA complaint #11181622 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 178,789 milesLouisburg, KS
AIR BAGS
SRS CODES IS BEING THROWN. IF YOU MOVE A LITTLE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT IT TRIGGERS CODE TO BE THROWN. STARTED THROWING IT OUT OF NOW WHERE.
NHTSA complaint #11181622 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 141,000 milesLithonia, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ELECTRICAL/FUSE/CLUSTER PANEL LIGHTS ARE OUT IN DASH VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY
NHTSA complaint #11154667 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesCharlotte, NC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I HAVE A 2003 MERCEDES S430. THE OTHER DAY MY WIFE WAS GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH WHEN IT JUST SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. HOW DO WE ALLOW A VEHICLE TO OPERATE ON THE HIGHWAY THAT WOULD JUST CUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT AT LEAST GIVING YOU A CHANCE TO GET OUT OF THE ROAD. THANKS
NHTSA complaint #11078449 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesCharlotte, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I HAVE A 2003 MERCEDES S430. THE OTHER DAY MY WIFE WAS GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH WHEN IT JUST SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. HOW DO WE ALLOW A VEHICLE TO OPERATE ON THE HIGHWAY THAT WOULD JUST CUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT AT LEAST GIVING YOU A CHANCE TO GET OUT OF THE ROAD. THANKS
NHTSA complaint #11078449 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesCharlotte, NC
ENGINE
I HAVE A 2003 MERCEDES S430. THE OTHER DAY MY WIFE WAS GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH WHEN IT JUST SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. HOW DO WE ALLOW A VEHICLE TO OPERATE ON THE HIGHWAY THAT WOULD JUST CUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT AT LEAST GIVING YOU A CHANCE TO GET OUT OF THE ROAD. THANKS
NHTSA complaint #11078449 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 158,000 milesFreeport, NY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WENT BLANK NOTHING WORKS IN CLUSTER.DRIVINGHOUR OR TWO WENT BLANK NO REASON
NHTSA complaint #11065514 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Landover, MD
SUSPENSION
THE SUSPENSION ON MY 2003 S 430 4-MATIC IS STATING STOP, TOO CLOSE. IT WILL NOT LIFT UP. IS THIS A RECALL ISSUE? PLEASE CONTACT ME AT [XXX]. THANK YOU [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10945906 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 121,000 milesBrockton, MA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHILE DRIVING GETTING READY TO ENTER THE HIGHWAY MY 2003 MERCEDES S430 INSTRUMENT PANEL WENT OUT. THE GAUGES GOT STUCK ON WHAT THEY WERE WHILE DRIVING. I WASN'T ABLE TO SEE ANYTHING ON THE PANEL. I TOOK IT TO THE NEAREST SHOP AND THEY CHANGED THE FUSE, HOWEVER THE FUSE BLEW RIGHT BACK OUT EACH TIME THEY CHANGED IT. THE CAR WAS STILL DRIVABLE. I HAVEN'T HAD THIS CAR FOR 1 YEAR YET AND I AM LOST AT WHAT TO DO. THE SHOP SAID THE INSTRUMENT CHAISE WILL WORK BUT SOMETHING IS BLEWING THE FUSE. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THE ALUMINATOR IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL IS FAULTY AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. ANY HELP WITH THIS ISSUE IS HELPFUL.. PLEASE HELP AS THIS CAR HAS BECOME A NIGHTMARE (INSTRUMENT PANEL, DOORS DON'T LOCK, PASSENDER SEAT MOVES AT WIERD TIMES, AND THE AIR STRUT BUSTED) INSTEAD OF A GOOD DREAM. I HAVE READ A NUMBER OF ISSUES WITH THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILURE IN THESE CARS. I WISH I WOULD OF SEEN THIS BEFORE I PURCHASED IT. MERCEDES NEEDS TO COVER THE COST IN FIXING THIS ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10897883 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NEW York, NY
POWER TRAIN
HEATER AND AIR CONDITIONER FAN MOTOR FAILED ON MY 2003 S430. WHICH IS DANGEROUS IN SEASONAL CLIMATE CONDITIONS I'VE HAD TO REPLACE THIS PART 2X AT 700.00 ON BOTH OCCURANCES AT MY OWN EXPENSE WHICH I DONT UNDERSTAND WHEN THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS SAME ISSUE FOR PREVIOUS YEARS 2000,2001.. RECALL#2004 070010. I'VE ALSO HAD TO CHANGE MY SHIFTER GEAR BOX WHICH JAMS IN THE PARK POSITION AND DOESN'T ALLOW YOU TO DRIVE THE VECHICLE THIS IS CAUSED BY A PLASTIC PIECE THAT IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO BREAK WITHIN THE GEAR BOX THIS ISSUE IS ALSO EXPENSIVE FOR JUST 1 FAULTY TRANS SHIFTER PIECE THAT CAN TOTALLY LEAVE YOUR CAR INOPERABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10893718 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NEW York, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
HEATER AND AIR CONDITIONER FAN MOTOR FAILED ON MY 2003 S430. WHICH IS DANGEROUS IN SEASONAL CLIMATE CONDITIONS I'VE HAD TO REPLACE THIS PART 2X AT 700.00 ON BOTH OCCURANCES AT MY OWN EXPENSE WHICH I DONT UNDERSTAND WHEN THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS SAME ISSUE FOR PREVIOUS YEARS 2000,2001.. RECALL#2004 070010. I'VE ALSO HAD TO CHANGE MY SHIFTER GEAR BOX WHICH JAMS IN THE PARK POSITION AND DOESN'T ALLOW YOU TO DRIVE THE VECHICLE THIS IS CAUSED BY A PLASTIC PIECE THAT IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO BREAK WITHIN THE GEAR BOX THIS ISSUE IS ALSO EXPENSIVE FOR JUST 1 FAULTY TRANS SHIFTER PIECE THAT CAN TOTALLY LEAVE YOUR CAR INOPERABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10893718 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NEW York, NY
SUSPENSION
HEATER AND AIR CONDITIONER FAN MOTOR FAILED ON MY 2003 S430. WHICH IS DANGEROUS IN SEASONAL CLIMATE CONDITIONS I'VE HAD TO REPLACE THIS PART 2X AT 700.00 ON BOTH OCCURANCES AT MY OWN EXPENSE WHICH I DONT UNDERSTAND WHEN THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS SAME ISSUE FOR PREVIOUS YEARS 2000,2001.. RECALL#2004 070010. I'VE ALSO HAD TO CHANGE MY SHIFTER GEAR BOX WHICH JAMS IN THE PARK POSITION AND DOESN'T ALLOW YOU TO DRIVE THE VECHICLE THIS IS CAUSED BY A PLASTIC PIECE THAT IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO BREAK WITHIN THE GEAR BOX THIS ISSUE IS ALSO EXPENSIVE FOR JUST 1 FAULTY TRANS SHIFTER PIECE THAT CAN TOTALLY LEAVE YOUR CAR INOPERABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10893718 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 81,563 milesFletcher, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ S430. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO TURN THE KEY TO THE ON POSITION, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BECAME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 06V028000 (INTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 81,563.
NHTSA complaint #10784966 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 58,000 milesMemphis, TN
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ S430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER SEIZED AND WAS UNABLE TO MOVE TO ANOTHER GEAR. THE CONTACT HAD TO PULL AND JERK THE SHIFTER IN ORDER FOR IT TO MOVE INTO ANOTHER GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000.
NHTSA complaint #10731759 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 122,000 milesEL Monte, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FLICKER WHEN STOPPED AT LIGHT.
NHTSA complaint #10715495 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 122,000 milesEL Monte, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FLICKER WHEN STOPPED AT LIGHT.
NHTSA complaint #10715495 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesLeechburg, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
STARTED VEHICLE IN MY DRIVEWAY, SHIFTED INTO DRIVE AND INSTRUMENT CLUSTER GOES DARK. NO POWER MIRRORS, SEATS, NO RADIO, NO AIR.
NHTSA complaint #10628732 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesLeechburg, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
STARTED CAR IN MY DRIVEWAY, DASH GOES DARK. NO POWER WINDOWS, LOCKS, RADIO, AIR, SEATS.
NHTSA complaint #10628755 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesOntario, CA
WHEELS
I WAS ON THE FREEWAY WHEN THE VEHICLE LOST COMPLETE CONTROL SPINNING OUT OF CONTROL. HAPPENED 3 TIMES. TIRES MICHELIN WITH 30000 MILES ON TIRE BUT STILL WITHIN TREAD GUIDELINES.
NHTSA complaint #10510806 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesOntario, CA
STEERING
I WAS ON THE FREEWAY WHEN THE VEHICLE LOST COMPLETE CONTROL SPINNING OUT OF CONTROL. HAPPENED 3 TIMES. TIRES MICHELIN WITH 30000 MILES ON TIRE BUT STILL WITHIN TREAD GUIDELINES.
NHTSA complaint #10510806 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesOntario, CA
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
I WAS ON THE FREEWAY WHEN THE VEHICLE LOST COMPLETE CONTROL SPINNING OUT OF CONTROL. HAPPENED 3 TIMES. TIRES MICHELIN WITH 30000 MILES ON TIRE BUT STILL WITHIN TREAD GUIDELINES.
NHTSA complaint #10510806 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 113,000 milesHagerstown, MD
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ S430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, HE NOTICED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS SITTING ABNORMALLY LOW. THE CONTACT PROCEEDED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOWEVER, ONCE HE REACHED 60 MPH A WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED, INDICATING THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TOO LOW. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER BUT DID THE CONTACT DID NOT HAVE A DIAGNOSTIC TEST PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V263000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 113,000.
NHTSA complaint #10494993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 113,000 milesHagerstown, MD
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ S430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, HE NOTICED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS SITTING ABNORMALLY LOW. THE CONTACT PROCEEDED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOWEVER, ONCE HE REACHED 60 MPH A WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED, INDICATING THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TOO LOW. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER BUT DID THE CONTACT DID NOT HAVE A DIAGNOSTIC TEST PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V263000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 113,000.
NHTSA complaint #10494993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesSnellville, GA
SEAT BELTS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ S430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT BELT SEIZED AND WOULD NOT RETRACT OR PULL OUT FURTHER FROM ITS PRETENSIONER. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS OR WARRANTIES ADDRESSING THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR AN INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
NHTSA complaint #10467696 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.