2000 Mercedes Benz E430
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mercedes Benz › E430 › 2000
These records cover every 2000 Mercedes Benz E430. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
19 complaints1 involved a crash1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags
Spontaneous airbag explosion while I am on the freeway on the passengers side only on a sunny day without significant traffic without a vehicular accident and a smooth road and occurred on 10 october 2018 and I was traveling on the slower lane about 60 miles per hour on the santa paula freeway from ventura ca going east
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2000 mercedes-benz E430. While driving at an unknown speed, the air bag warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact experienced the same failures listed in nhtsa campaign number: 98v256000 (air bags), but the vin was not included in the recall. The vehicle…
TL* the contact owns a 2000 mercedes-benz E430. While driving at an unknown speed, the air bag warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact experienced the same failures listed in nhtsa campaign number: 98v256000 (air bags), but the vin was not included in the recall. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it diagnosed that the seat belt sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.
- Suspension
Mounting for suspension spring failed, causing the suspension spring to fall out. I was going out of my driveway, and it happened at the end of my driveway. Had I been cruising on the highway, it would have caused a crash. *tr
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel · Exterior lighting
As I was driving the car, all of the dashboard instrument cluster lights went out. I could no longer get a reading on the speed I was driving, the gas level, etc. Or anything else. Additionally, the brake lights and the turn signal lights went out. I was lucky that this happened during the day as…
As I was driving the car, all of the dashboard instrument cluster lights went out. I could no longer get a reading on the speed I was driving, the gas level, etc. Or anything else. Additionally, the brake lights and the turn signal lights went out. I was lucky that this happened during the day as there was still daylight. Had it happened at night, this would have been a major problem as I was more than 45 minutes from home. I understand there was a recall of certain 2000 S430 vehicles due to this "cluster light "malfunction." I checked my vin and apparently my vehicle was not included in the recall, though I do not understand why. *tr
- Suspension
Mounting for suspension spring failed, causing the suspension spring to fall out. I was backing out of my garage, and it happened at the end of my driveway. had I been cruising on the highway, it would have caused a crash. *tr
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 2000 mercedes E430. While driving approximately 30 mph and depressing the accelerator, the vehicle began to decelerate instead. The failure would recur several times intermittently. in addition, the check engine warning light would illuminate intermittently. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing and was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
- Power train › Automatic transmission
2000 E430 sport. No need to press the brake to move the shift gear or to remove the key while the car IS off. The shift fear moves freely from park to drive while the vehicle IS off. *tr
- Air bags › Side/window
TL* the contact owns a 2000 mercedes benz E430. The contact stated that the side curtain air bags independently deployed as he started the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was advised that the repairs would be at his expense. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 202,000.
- Air bags · Seat belts
2000 mercedes benz E430. The consumer was in a head-on collision and airbags did not deploy. *Dt the consumer stated an out of control vehicle hit the right front of her vehicle. The other driver's air bag deployed. A representative from mb stated the srs functioned as designed; it didn't deploy…
2000 mercedes benz E430. The consumer was in a head-on collision and airbags did not deploy. *Dt the consumer stated an out of control vehicle hit the right front of her vehicle. The other driver's air bag deployed. A representative from mb stated the srs functioned as designed; it didn't deploy because the impact was below deployment threshold. The consumer then received a letter in the mail which stated the damage sustained by the vehicle was not severe enough to reach an air bag deployment. the letter also stated the seat belt would have restrained the consumer if it was worn properly. The consumer stated the seat belt did not restrain her properly. updated 05/12/10 *bf updated 07/06/10*jb
- Air bags › Frontal
On e-class mercedes, passenger seat has function to disable airbags if a child seat IS in place. Function IS failing such that anyone sitting in passenger seat triggers the airbag disable function so no front passengers have airbag. Mercedes IS aware but taking no action.*tr
- Equipment › Mechanical › Accessory scissor/screw/bottle jack/lift
Tl*the contact owns a 2000 mercedes benz E430. while changing the tires, the jack that came equipped with the vehicle fell over on its own. there were no injuries. the dealer and manufacturer have not been notified. the failure mileage was 135,000.
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
I have a 2000 mercedes E430. instrument cluster shows scrambled time display and outside temperature display. the cluster was replaced by mercedes under warranty for the same problem in 2003 and the same exact problem re-appeared again in 2006 on the new cluster. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Dt*: the contact stated while pulling into the driveway at 10 mph, the brakes failed. as the contact pulled out again, the brakes failed a second time while traveling 50 mph and going through an intersection. there was no warning prior to both incidents. after the second incident the vehicle was towed to a local dealership where it IS awaiting inspection.
- Electrical system
Consumer 2000 mercedes benz electrical system shut down. *ts *jb
- Unknown or other
Petition for investigation into design defect of the cup holder on the 2000 E430 mercedes benz, cup holder located over shifting mechanism, coffee spilled and shut down entire electrical system. *ts the consumer was traveling in the middle lane of traffic when the liquid spilled. The car jerked…
Petition for investigation into design defect of the cup holder on the 2000 E430 mercedes benz, cup holder located over shifting mechanism, coffee spilled and shut down entire electrical system. *ts the consumer was traveling in the middle lane of traffic when the liquid spilled. The car jerked and slowed down. the consumer was able to maneuver the vehicle to an entrance of a shopping center. the consumer paid $905.27 to repair the problem and feels that the cost should be absorbed by the manufacturer. the design has been redesigned in newer models so that the entire gear shift IS covered with leather and does not expose any part of the mechanism. *nm
- Unknown or other
Consumer's concerns regarding the design of the 2000 mercedes benz cup holder which sits over the gear shift mechanism.*mr the consumer had liquid in the cup which spilled into the gear shifter and caused the electrical system to shut down. *jb
- Visibility › Power window devices and controls
I own a 2000 E430 mercedes and both rear window regulators have failed in the last 4 months. The car has 39,000 on the odometer. I consider this a safety problem because I transport my grandchildren in child seats in the rear and when the window fails, it fails in the down or open position. In each instance, I could not lock or secure the car.
- Power train › Manual transmission
The vehicle was parked. the consumer spilled coffee into the shifter and the vehicle would not move. the consumer contacted the dealer, who told the consumer how to loosen the shifter. however, the consumer turned the vehicle off and it would not start again. *ak *sc
- Wheels
The vehicle has experienced five flat tires since the vehicle was purchased, the consumer believes there IS a design problem, the service advisor explained to the consumer that the new 17 inch tires have less sidewall and makes the tire more susceptible to flats and recommended going to 16 inch tires, the consumer IS requesting that the manufacturer replaces the wheels and tires. nlm
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Engine crankshaft pulley failure
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened this preliminary evaluation to investigate allegations of engine crankshaft pulley harmonic balancer failure that could result in loss of power-steering assist.odi has received a total of 546 non-duplicative reports that allege engine crankshaft pulley harmonic balancer…
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened this preliminary evaluation to investigate allegations of engine crankshaft pulley harmonic balancer failure that could result in loss of power-steering assist.odi has received a total of 546 non-duplicative reports that allege engine crankshaft pulley harmonic balancer failure on all mercedes-benz vehicles using the subject component.the subject component failures are progressive in nature and only a small percentage of the complaints and warrant claims involved a failure that had progressed far enough to effect power steering performance (6 of 55 odi complaints reference increased steering effort).there have been no crashes or injuries related to the alleged defect.a safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.accordingly, this investigation IS closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that a safety-related defect does not exist.the agency will take further action if warranted by the circumstances.see summary report attached for further detail.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11009122Complaint Washer fluid system leaks Cause Various possible causes: 1. Washer fluid reservoir itself. 2. Seal on washer fluid pump/washer fluid reservoir. 3. Washer fluid pump. 3.1. Distributor housing leaks. 3.2. Pump fitting leaks. 3.3. Washer fluid hose cannot be snapped into place on pump fitting. 3.4. Washer fluid hose will not stay on pump fitting, although connector OK. 4. Washer fluid line. 4.1 Connector will not stay on pump fitting because it is broken. 4.2 Sealing ring in connector missing. 4.3 Sealing ring in connector fitted, but deformed and therefore leaks. 4.4 Damage to washer line by animal. 5. Seal on heating washer fluid reservoir/washer fluid reservoir. Remedy Replace defective component parts only. Do not replace any adjacent component parts that are intact. Note: Repair kits for washer line hoses do exist to allow patches for line damage.
- 11008091Complaint During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or interference/background noises are audible to the called party during a call. It becomes increasingly difficult to understand as the speed rises. Cause A. Seating of the microphones in the headliner. Side edges are covered by the textile cover (see picture "1") B. Assembly of microphones (B25/20 or B25/21) in the headliner. C. Dirt inside the microphone housing Remedy 1. Press finger on rear of microphone (on adhesive tape) 2. Remove microphone cap from the front 3. Eliminate protruding material residues of the microphone cutout at the headliner, e.g. with a soldering iron. The microphone must be seated in the headliner as shown in picture "2". 4. Push microphone from behind until it is firmly pressed into the headliner 5. Maintain pressure and press/clip cap into microphone from the front. Note: The cover cap must be clearly heard and felt to engage. 6. This procedure must be carried out on both microphones (B25/20 and B25/21) Note: It is recommended to replace the cover caps. The non-woven cloth in the cover cap protects the microphone from soiling and must not be removed. NOTE: The information contained in this document is intended for use by trained, professional technicians with the knowledge to properly and safely perform diagnosis and repairs on Mercedes-Benz vehicles, using Mercedes-Benz approved tools and equipment. It informs service technicians about conditions that could occur in certain vehicles and provides information that could assist in proper vehicle diagnosis, service, or repair. It does not indicate that a defect is present in any vehicle referenced in this document nor does it imply warranty coverage. DO NOT assume that a symptom or condition, or a described cause of a symptom or condition, affects any particular vehicle or groups of vehicles, or that a described repair applies to any particular vehicle or groups of vehicles. There can be multiple causes resulting in the same or similar symptoms or conditions described in this document, and trained professional service technicians must use their diagnostic skills to make evaluations on a case-by-case basis. The information contained in this document does not guarantee warranty coverage nor does it extend the vehicles warranty in any way.
- 11007974Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging does not result in a technical impairment of the headlamp. A leak test must be performed to determine if physical fogging exists or if the headlamp is leaky. Remedy In advance, observe LI82.10-P-078301 "Headlamps or Front Fog Lamps Leaking or Fogged". 1. Prepare headlamp/check for external damage: For headlamps with a closed system 1. Check the headlamps for any external damage and check also for correct seating of the Gore-diaphragm/correct latching of the cover caps. 2. If the headlamp exhibits any external damage, replace the headlamp. For headlamps with an open system 1. Check the headlamps for any external damage and seal off the vent then make sure the cover caps are latched correctly into place. 2. If the headlamp exhibits any external damage, replace the headlamp. Note: A headlamp with external damage is not a warranty or goodwill case. 2. Leak test of headlamp with overpressure: Connect test adapter to pressure tester. (Figure 1) Check test adapter for leak tightness. To do so, connect plug and coupling (picture 2) and apply a maximum overpressure of 30 mbar. The pressure must remain constant. If the pressure does not remain constant, use a new adapter. Seal all the outlet openings using sealing compound and the given diaphragm with the plunger (picture 3). (Picture 4) Make allowance for the different headlamp variants here (there are different outlet openings). Check if the headlamp needs to be removed to gain access to the diagnostic socket on the headlamp housing. Plug the adapter onto the diagnostic socket on the headlamp housing. (Picture 5). Apply a maximum of 30 mbar overpressure to the headlamp housing. Note: If the maximum overpressure of 50 mbar is exceeded the headlamp seal will be damaged. If a pressure drop of less than 10 mbar is measured within 30 seconds, the headlamp is not leaky and the problem is down to natural physical fogging. If a pressure drop of more than 10 mbar is measured within 30 seconds, the headlamp is leaky. Note: The leaky position can be localized with the aid of soap suds. Replace any leaky headlamps. Note: Desiccant packs can be installed for headlamps that are not leaky. See: LI82.10-P-064766 Fogged headlamp, desiccant pack installed - open ventilation system LI82.10-P-078304 Fogged headlamp, desiccant pack installed - closed ventilation system
- 11007753Complaint Headlamp or front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. Headlamps comply with all applicable standards. If a pressure compensation diaphragm is fitted in the housing cover, then the lamp unit is a "closed system". Remedy Headlamp: Remedy 1 Clearing fogged/condensed LED headlamps and LED rear lamps: 1. Drive vehicle into workshop (temperature higher than +18 C/+64.4 F) and connect the exhaust extraction. Note: Do not perform an engine wash before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine and connect battery support via a charger. 3. Open the hood or trunk. 4. Switch on the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Clearing fogged/condensed halogen/xenon headlamps: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 C/+64.4F). Note: Do not perform an engine wash before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine. 3. Open the hood. 4. Switch off the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Note: If there is no visible reduction in the formation of condensation, check the headlamp for a defect. (See Remedy 2) It is not physically possible to defog the headlamps completely. Fogging does not impair the operation or the service life of the headlamp. Remedy 2 A Damaged headlamp can be identified as follows: 1. Check the headlamp for external damage and that the cover caps and the diaphragm are correctly seated. 2. Check the electrical connectors of the plugs and pins. 3. Check for leak tightness in accordance with LI82.10-P-078307. The test can only be conducted on headlamps. 4. If the headlamp or the rear lamp has any external damage, replace the component part in accordance with the WIS instructions. Note: External damage to the headlamp/rear lamp or faulty seating of the cover caps does not present a warranty or goodwill case. With headlamps, it is possible to install desiccant packs if the problem occurs repeatedly. Open ventilation system: LI82.10-P-064766. Closed ventilation system LI82.10-P-078304
- 11005294Complaint Rear lamps fogged up/not leaktight. Cause Fogging of the rear lamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. This does not lead to any technical impairment of the rear lamps. Remedy Rear lamp: Remedy 1: Clearing fogged/condensed rear lamps: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 C/+64.4 F) Note: Do not wash the vehicle or subject it to high-pressure cleaning before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine and connect battery support via a charger. 3. Open the trunk. 4. Switch on the exterior lighting. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation -> a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (defogging progress).
- 10248162Crease formation on genuine leather seat covers in vehicles with low mileage Objects left on the seats for extended periods of time (pressure marks). Objects wedged between the seat backrest and seat cushion (e.g. seat belt buckle). Light initial creases due to vehicle handling. Light creases in the outer covers originating from the production process (missing finish). Heat treatment of the seat covers using heat gun and plastic wedge. Be very careful to not overheat the seat material!
- 10235972Enclosed for your information and pursuant to part 579.5, please find our latest Service and Warranty Bulletins for March, 2016
- 10186142Unmotivated Reaction from Park Assist - model series 213 facelift / 238 facelift with option code 235 (active par- king assist) and option code 501 (surround view system)
- 10186135If the customer brakes sharply from a speed of > 30mph, without ABS intervention, there is a single cracking noise from the area of the ESP hydraulic unit
- 10181124Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D or R
- 10181123Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D
- 10179951AIRMATIC Fault Message "Max 80 km/ h (50 mph) " In Instrument Cluster
- 10167525Apple products (iPhone or iPod) are not charged via the serial USB interface of the COMAND Online control unit (A40/3) in the stowage compartment of the center console.
- 10167000Surface damage on steering wheel trim
- 10166976Message in instrument cluster "DISTRONIC PLUSCurrently Unavailable - See Owner's Manual"
- 10151959Seat belt extender toothed rack sluggish or makes noises
- 10151948Display of suspension setting in head unit implausible
- 10151924Liftgate intermittently does not open fully
- 10135628iPhone mobile phone: Various complaints after software update to iOS8
- 10135598Engine diagnosis warning lamp lights up in instrument cluster, fault code U145400: "Implausible data were received from the ethanol sensor"
- 10033067Mercedes benz: tailgate does not open fully in cold weather. The tailgate not opening fully in cold weather, do not replace the struts.
- 10020460Play in the rack and pinion steering system. Models 203, 209, 210, 211, 215, 220, 230. Mercedes benz. Updated 5/13/09.
- 10015377Revised repair procedure and additional applicable models. Model 170, 202, 208 and 210 models. Front fog lamp(s) inoperative. Mercedes-benz. Model years: 1994-2004. Updated 09/09/08.
Every Mercedes Benz E430 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.