2001 Mercedes Benz E430
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mercedes Benz › E430 › 2001
These records cover every 2001 Mercedes Benz E430. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
19 complaints2 involved a crash1 involved a fire4 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Structure › Body · Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 2001 mercedes-benz E430. While driving approximately 45 mph, the shock spring for the front driver's side wheel detached from the vehicle and landed in the road. The contact pulled over at a fuel station and had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 mercedes-benz E430. While driving approximately 45 mph, the shock spring for the front driver's side wheel detached from the vehicle and landed in the road. The contact pulled over at a fuel station and had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic stated that corrosion may have caused the failure. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 137,000.
- Electrical system
Brake light switch keeps breaking causing vehicle to have no illumination for braking
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2001 mercedes-benz E430. While driving approximately 80 mph, the passenger side door and curtain air bags suddenly deployed. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The front passenger sustained injuries to the right shoulder and side, which…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 mercedes-benz E430. While driving approximately 80 mph, the passenger side door and curtain air bags suddenly deployed. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The front passenger sustained injuries to the right shoulder and side, which did not require medical attention. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 180,000.
- Engine and engine cooling
While traveling down a highway, I was approaching a stoplight. while slowing down to traffic, going around 20mph, my engine died without warning, over-heating, or anything indication. after several attempts to re-start the car, the engine would only turn, but no ignition. I waited nearly 20…
While traveling down a highway, I was approaching a stoplight. while slowing down to traffic, going around 20mph, my engine died without warning, over-heating, or anything indication. after several attempts to re-start the car, the engine would only turn, but no ignition. I waited nearly 20 minutes of trying to restart the car, when it finally did ignite and start. I was able to drive home (about 15 minutes) where it then died again, just outside my parking space. the car was checked for indication codes and the crankshaft position sensor came up as "malfunction". *tr
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling · Power train
The catalytic converter began very lightly rattling at low speeds only intermittently at only around 50000 miles. It now has approx. 60000 miles on it and has a loud noticeable rattle which IS also causing vibration in the car and has made the hard shifting from first gear in the transmission worse…
The catalytic converter began very lightly rattling at low speeds only intermittently at only around 50000 miles. It now has approx. 60000 miles on it and has a loud noticeable rattle which IS also causing vibration in the car and has made the hard shifting from first gear in the transmission worse and of course it IS now "out of warranty" when it needs to be replaced and I will have to pay thousands of dollars to replace a part that should last a lot longer especially for a vehicle that IS pristine and garage kept. Hopefully the oem remanufactured dealer part wont die in another 50,000 miles. as a note, mercedes should not say the transmission fluid IS lifetime because it definitely IS not and owners who obey the lifetime fluid recommendation will have transmission issues sooner or later. I can only assume my transmission shifting problems on this model IS due to the fluid and will be having it replaced. also, the digital instrument cluster has malfunctioning temperature and time gauges and has burned out leds in the speedometer area, which requires a ~$1,500 complete instrument cluster replacement as advised. This occurred at about 40,000 miles. Many owners have this issue and a recall was issued for other models but not this model even though it IS common. *tr
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2001 mercedes benz E430. The contact stated while driving 40 mph the side air bags for the front and rear seats on the driver's side deployed. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing nor was it repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.
- Suspension › Front
I was traveling 65 mph on interstate route 70 when the right front suspension coil spring perch failed and broke off of my 2001 mercedes E430 sedan (W210 body style), causing the high pressure suspension coil spring to dismount and drag along the underside of my vehicle. the dismounted front right…
I was traveling 65 mph on interstate route 70 when the right front suspension coil spring perch failed and broke off of my 2001 mercedes E430 sedan (W210 body style), causing the high pressure suspension coil spring to dismount and drag along the underside of my vehicle. the dismounted front right coil spring caused the right front end of my vehicle to collapse while traveling 65 mph on a busy interstate (cars in front, behind, and alongside my vehicle). I was able to drive my vehicle to a safe spot where upon inspection, I noticed that the front right coil spring was literally resting on the ground. the front right end of my 2001 mercedes E430 was collapsed so badly that turning the vehicle caused the front right tire to rub along the front right fender and the entire vehicle was dangerously unbalanced, with control being limited at best. upon later inspection by a certified mechanic, it was disclosed that the front coil spring perch had rusted out and upon further research, mercedes USA IS aware of this type of failure (manufacturing defect -weak weld points accompanied by corrosion) but currently does not have an active recall program in the us but there IS a recall in canada for this same problem (not sure why?). overall this IS a very dangerous situation (limited control at high speeds, high pressure coil springs becoming loose due to weak / corroding coil spring perch mounts, dislocated vehicle parts, limited vehicle control, etc..). I consider myself very fortunate for not having sustained serious injury and not to have caused injury to others. *tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
My 2001 mercedes benz E430 slips out of gear for no reason while driving. This occurs intermittently and with no warning . It occurs almost every day and in order to re-engage the drive gear I have to stop the car, put gears in park or neutral and then back into drive, sometime during this…
My 2001 mercedes benz E430 slips out of gear for no reason while driving. This occurs intermittently and with no warning . It occurs almost every day and in order to re-engage the drive gear I have to stop the car, put gears in park or neutral and then back into drive, sometime during this operation several times . I contacted a mercedes specialist and he showed me the problem. Apparently the synthetic transmission fluid leaks into the electronics of the transmission and IS actually drawn up the wiring and into the electronic control module located on the top of the passenger side of the engine compartment. I have been personally shown the fluid and was very surprised that this was possible, but apparently the fluid contains metallic elements which are affected by the electrical charge in the wiring and actually pull the fluid up into the control unit..the fix IS installing a special plate inside the transmission to stop the hydraulic fluid from seeping into the electronics, this also entails replacing fluids and cleaning the electronic wiring and components. Repair cost quoted IS about $900. Apparently mercedes IS aware of the problem and I was told that this problem occurs in many mercedes autos including e class and CLK class with this type of transmission. As of this writing I have not made any repairs. *Tr
- Tires › Tread/belt
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 mercedes benz E430. the vehicle has continental extreme (na), size p235-45r1793w tires. the tread separated on all four tires by more than a half of an inch. a mechanic stated that the tires were extremely dangerous to use and should be replaced immediately. the…
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 mercedes benz E430. the vehicle has continental extreme (na), size p235-45r1793w tires. the tread separated on all four tires by more than a half of an inch. a mechanic stated that the tires were extremely dangerous to use and should be replaced immediately. the contact heeded the advice and had the tires replaced. the fuel system and dot number were unknown. the vehicle and tire failure mileages were 54,000. the vehicle current mileage was 58,000. updated 4/25/08 *cn
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
2001 mercedes E430. Maybe as much as two years ago the time and temp sections of my instrument cluster began losing lines or pixels so the time and temp could not be read. I had just gone out of warranty due to mileage and was told, on the phone by a merc. Service person, it could be fixed but not…
2001 mercedes E430. Maybe as much as two years ago the time and temp sections of my instrument cluster began losing lines or pixels so the time and temp could not be read. I had just gone out of warranty due to mileage and was told, on the phone by a merc. Service person, it could be fixed but not under warranty. I have seen many "forum" posts about others with the same problem making me think it IS not an uncommon problem. I heard other models of the same year are being recalled for this same problem. Why not my model car?? This IS a costly repair I don't feel I should pay for. Incident date below IS approximate. *tr
- Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 mercedes benz E430. the contact stated that the vehicle exploded when he attempted to start the engine. the dealer stated that the battery was defective, which caused acid to spill all over the engine and cause the explosion. he stated that this was the vehicle's original battery. the failure and current mileages were 179,000.
- Air bags › Frontal · Air bags › Side/window
Non-deployment of airbags in an accident, my wife suffered a back injury, nothing done yet. *Jb
- Visibility › Windshield
Rubber seal around front windshield IS deteriorating. *nm
- Unknown or other
A very small amount of liquid from a cup sitting in the cup holder spilled into the gearbox and the car began to sputter and shake, wouldn't shift or accelerate. I had to pull over and call for the car to be towed to the nearest mb dealer. the car would not function at all. the vehicle was towed…
A very small amount of liquid from a cup sitting in the cup holder spilled into the gearbox and the car began to sputter and shake, wouldn't shift or accelerate. I had to pull over and call for the car to be towed to the nearest mb dealer. the car would not function at all. the vehicle was towed to a dealer where over $600.00 was spent to get a brand new gearbox installed for the car to be functional again. the service advisor said all it took was "less than a teaspoon of liquid" to drop into that area to cause the car to fail and it was very common--that he'd seen it a lot on these cars. *jb
- Tires · Wheels › Rim
Consumer has had 5 tire blowouts in 2 years. the vehicle experienced 5 tire blow outs within 2 years. the dealer told the consumer that two of the rims were bent and needed to be replacement. *nlm *cb
- Air bags › Frontal
I had a auto accident and none of my airbags went off. I had a side impact (passenger side) first and was driven head on into a telephone pole. The force of the accident broke the pole. my face hit the windshield and my chest was impacted by the steering wheel. windshield broke, glass was imbedded in my forehead. *ak
- Exterior lighting › Headlights
The zenon headlights are blinding also for the driver of the car equipped with them. The reflection on objects and signs IS annoying , blinding and a nuisance.they also tire the eyes much more. I am 52. I know you have a study on this and wanted to contribute this, as a driver and of course also as ad driver facing cars equipped with them. They should be banned.*ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Pads
The brake pads had to be replaced at 17000 miles because they were squeaking , the consumer was told by the manufacturer that this vehicle was equipped with soft brake pads versus the previous E420 model which was equipped with hard pads. the manufacturer also suggested the consumer visit any authorized dealer to have the performance of his braking system evaluated by a trained techincian. nlm
- Unknown or other
The consumer can not see the lcd informational displays on the dashboard when the consumer wears polarized sunglasses, the instrument panel lcd's (which are polarized) have their axis of polarization such that they cannot be seen when wearing polarized sunglasses. nlm
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"
- 10166975This Customer 1 Action has been initiated because certain mbrace subscribers were recently contacted by mbrace informing them that they need to have an i-button call performed to ensure their mbrace device has registered with the Verizon Telematics systems. If the i-button call failed or if the customer was unable to perform the i-button call, the mbrace agent instructed the customer to make an appointment with their dealer to have the issue corrected and/or i-button call performed. The vehicles impacted range from model year 2002 to 2014.
- 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"
- 10034488Xentry(mercedes): sbc control unit cannot be programmed. The sbc control unit IS aborted at 20% progress. Due to a defective electronic component in the sbc module, communication between the sbc module and the sbc control unit (a7/3n1) IS not possible. The sbc module IS a separate part of the sbc programming adapter special tool kit. No model years listed.
- 10034306Mercedes: airbag durability and reliability. Air bag srs control module (N2/2) does not have a set shelf life and will normally be reliable for the life of a vehicle. With 164, 216 221, 251 and newer, the airbag control unit can be reset five times. With modes 202, 210 and newer, the airbag control unit can be reset three times. Earlier models would have to have their airbag control unit and triggered restrain components changed only after an accident. No models or model years listed.
- 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.