2000 Mercedes Benz S430
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mercedes Benz › S430 › 2000
These records cover every 2000 Mercedes Benz S430. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
23 complaints1 involved a fire
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Interior lighting
The contact called on behalf of his wife who owns a 2000 Mercedes-Benz S430. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed, the instrument panel was inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the…
The contact called on behalf of his wife who owns a 2000 Mercedes-Benz S430. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed, the instrument panel was inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to the NHTSA Campaign Number: 06V028000 (Interior Lighting). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000.
- Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers · Structure › Body › Door
TL* the contact owns a 2000 mercedes-benz s430v. The contact stated that all of the doors failed to properly close due to a fuse malfunction with the door vacuum system. Mercedes-benz of augusta (3061 washington rd, augusta, ga 30907, (706) 860-1111) replaced the fuse, but the failure continued. The manufacturer had not been contacted. The failure mileage was 232,000.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting · Vehicle speed control
Instrument cluster IS not working. only 20,000 miles since owning the car since 1999. the recall for similiar car with same issues but they said not this car.
- Vehicle speed control
Defect in accelerator and electronic attachments, part no220 300 00 04. When part failed, initially, car only powered to low speed under load. had to drive it out of desert and over mountain at low speed, but down hill ok. eventually parked it off road. when next starting it, it revved to 3500…
Defect in accelerator and electronic attachments, part no220 300 00 04. When part failed, initially, car only powered to low speed under load. had to drive it out of desert and over mountain at low speed, but down hill ok. eventually parked it off road. when next starting it, it revved to 3500 rpm and held. Tried to move it, it dropped to idle speed and would not accelerate. I parked it and had mechanic check it. determined the accelerator was faulty. Gas peddle did not affect engine speed. he pounded on peddle with hand. engine jumped to 5000 rpm. turned ignition off, repeated procedure several times, engine speed varied, controlled engine speed by turning key off and on while in drivers seat. one time rivved to 5000 rpm, put it in gear while stepping on break. engine kept on revving with full power, real wheels spinning on dirt, held by brake. turned engine off immediately and removed part described above. Car IS old, about 160K, not all that good condition. I expect to replace the part with one from a mercedes dismantler, but I am concerned that the malfunction IS due to age and getting a used part might recreate the same problem later. The symptom for the problem IS at least consistent with that of cars just running away uncontrollably, like a driver starts his car in the garage, and it just takes off right through the garage walls. when I replace it, I will keep the old unit. you can have it to inspect. the electronics are sealed. I should like you to tell me if you have any similar reports regarding mercedes s series, and if you inspect the part, tell me what you find.
- Suspension
Message in display airmatic visit workshop. Diagnosed automatic strut leak. Replaced strut assembly left rear & valve block suspension valve. I still hear air leaking. I've replaces all four air struts over the years. The struts are not cheap. In my opinion mercedes mfg should reimburse me total cost for all four. I'm sure you agree!
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel · Exterior lighting · Power train
On 11/18/16 I was driving my 2000 S430 when wile accelerating to merge onto the freeway my transmission slipped causing my engine to rev. I released the gas pedal & tried to press it again to re engage the transmission but it didn't work. I pulled to the side of the road, placed the car in park…
On 11/18/16 I was driving my 2000 S430 when wile accelerating to merge onto the freeway my transmission slipped causing my engine to rev. I released the gas pedal & tried to press it again to re engage the transmission but it didn't work. I pulled to the side of the road, placed the car in park, then back to drive. I cautiously drove back home & parked the car until I was able to get a shop appointment. On 11/21/16 I took the car to the shop, they said the fluid was full but the transmission was slipping & needed to be replaced? So I took it home to think, (no problems while driving home). On 11/22/16 I drove the car out of town & after about 20 miles my cluster gauge started flickering then went out. However, the blinkers still worked along with the hazards. So when I was done with my appointment I checked my fuses & replaced the ones indicated on the chart. While a small portion of the lights came back on it was briefly & then everything went out, blinkers & all. So in all my frustration, I've parked the car & am attempting to get help. I found there were recalls on the gauges but not my vin? IS this somehow connected to my transmission? Please help. *tr
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2000 mercedes benz S430. The contact stated that while driving at 25 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was unable to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 142,000. The vin was not available.
- Suspension
While driving 70 mph on the freeway my car all of a sudden flashed a red warning saying "stop car " warning " do not drive car to low" the car started dropping to the road rubbing tires. I immediately had to cut traffic and pull to the right to get out the way of moving vehicles. This IS an extremely scary tragic and hazard! I am in the process of taking it to the shop now to see exactly the problem. Beware
- Electrical system
I was driving on the freeway at 60 when I noticed that my dashboard IS dark and I can't see how fast I was going. Then after a while, the light went on again. And this on and off incidents happens every day from the first day. *tr
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
TL* the contact owns a 2000 mercedes benz S430. The contact stated that the instrument cluster malfunctioned and the gauges failed to work due to the intermittent failure. The vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 06v028000 (interior lighting). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was unavailable.
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
TL* the contact owns a 2000 mercedes benz s430l (na). The contact stated that the instrument panel was not illuminated while the vehicle was in operation. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.
- Electrical system
In reference to campaign 06v028000 what IS the basis for exclusion of some cars of the same year vs others? Just because the 7 cars that were part of the orginal complaint fall in the narrowly defined vin range does not mean other cars of the same model and year do not have the same problem. The…
In reference to campaign 06v028000 what IS the basis for exclusion of some cars of the same year vs others? Just because the 7 cars that were part of the orginal complaint fall in the narrowly defined vin range does not mean other cars of the same model and year do not have the same problem. The defective clusters are the same. I have a 2000 S430 with a failed cluster. I have the same problem with the same part for the same model and year that other cars are being repaired for free, but my car IS excluded because its vin range IS statistically not in the same narrow vin range corresponding to the original complaint? This seems very exclusionary given my car IS the same model and year and the part IS the same and there IS no basis to exclude it. I am requesting nhtsa to widen the recall range to be fair to all owners of the same model and year where some are being recalled and some not. If the failed clusters were from different manufacturers that would be one thing, but to exclude cars due to vin range corresponding to theoriginal7cars as part of the complaint IS very lop sided. I request you to please widen the recall. My vin ending range is[xxx]. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6)*js
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2000 mercedes benz S430. The contact stated that while starting the ignition, the entire instrument panel cluster failed to operate. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 133,000.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
Bad instrument cluster, had a recall and wont replace. *tr
- Suspension · Wheels
The whole car was laying on the floor and. The red light flashed on the dashboard that said "stop car too low , because of how low it was the tires were rubbing on the fender and caused the tires to ball up ,i. Got the car towed to mercedes benz dealer and got the airmatic system fixed a year later the exact same thing happens and the didn't want to fix it. *tr
- Electrical system
Dash lights out, losing speedometer and all instruments. *tr
- Air bags · Electrical system · Exterior lighting · Vehicle speed control
Dash lights go out losing speedometer and all instrument aids such as lights high & low, turning signals, and air bag just to mention a few. the dash panel cluster controls so many functions that control of the vehicle becomes dangerous especially at night. manufacture has treated problem as a warranty issue but it should be recalled before someone gets hurt. *tr
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2000 mercedes benz S430. The contact stated that the instrument panel failed. The failure affected the all of the gauges, turn signals, head lights, the horn and prevented the contact from being able to open the trunk. The contact was also concerned that the air bag would not…
TL* the contact owns a 2000 mercedes benz S430. The contact stated that the instrument panel failed. The failure affected the all of the gauges, turn signals, head lights, the horn and prevented the contact from being able to open the trunk. The contact was also concerned that the air bag would not function properly in the event of a crash. The dealer informed the contact that the instrument cluster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was unknown, but the current mileage was 100,000. *tr
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel · Exterior lighting
Instrument cluster on dash goes blank/dark, causing dangerous driving at night due to loss of speedometer, gas gauge, temperature, and all other gauges on dash. *tr
- Air bags · Suspension
Traveling with a family of four, the car lowered completely to ground and caused to almost spin out of control it was the airmatic shocks almost $ 2,000 in repairs...now recently IS dropping constantly while driving researched and found hundreds upon hundreds of people that have had the same issues…
Traveling with a family of four, the car lowered completely to ground and caused to almost spin out of control it was the airmatic shocks almost $ 2,000 in repairs...now recently IS dropping constantly while driving researched and found hundreds upon hundreds of people that have had the same issues including one that lost control due to front air shock sudden drop mercedes acknowledge the problem as a continuous problem with these models. *tr
- Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner
TL* the contact owns a 2000 mercedes benz S430. While the contact was driving approximately 35 mph with the air conditioner activated, he smelled a plastic burning odor then suddenly the air conditioned failed to operate. The vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road, where the contact noticed…
TL* the contact owns a 2000 mercedes benz S430. While the contact was driving approximately 35 mph with the air conditioner activated, he smelled a plastic burning odor then suddenly the air conditioned failed to operate. The vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road, where the contact noticed that faulty blower motor regulator wires melted. The manufacturer was notified of the defect and they stated that on april 20, 2005 the vehicle was repaired under the nhtsa campaign ID number 00v141000 (equipment:electrical:air conditioner). The vehicle had not been repaired for the most recent failure. The approximate failure mileage was 246,000.
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 2000 mercedes benz S430. The contact stated in 2005, the vehicle was repaired under a customer satisfaction campaign issued by the manufacturer which was related to the lower door strip seal. The contact stated the lower bottom edge of all four doors was completely covered…
TL* the contact owns a 2000 mercedes benz S430. The contact stated in 2005, the vehicle was repaired under a customer satisfaction campaign issued by the manufacturer which was related to the lower door strip seal. The contact stated the lower bottom edge of all four doors was completely covered with rust. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for inspection. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 93,264.
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 2000 mercedes benz S430. the contact stated that all four doors were beginning to rust from the exterior. the dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure, but denied any assistance with repair to the vehicle. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage…
TL* the contact owns a 2000 mercedes benz S430. the contact stated that all four doors were beginning to rust from the exterior. the dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure, but denied any assistance with repair to the vehicle. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 27,000 and the current mileage IS 87,000. updated 12/29/11 *bf the consumer stated the door seals were defective. Updated 12/30/11
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!
- 10205293Tire Pressure Sensors.
- 10205233Mobile phone cotacts are not transferred completely.
- 10202531Touch pad: Search lighting does not dim or does not turn on.
- 10186141NTG5.5: Incorrect time shown on instrument cluster, COMAND display, and analog clock
- 10181124Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D or R
- 10181123Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D
- 101766615 to 4 coasting downshift - shift quality concern with cold trans- mission oil on MODEL 217 or 222 in combination with ENGI- NE 278 and TRANSMISSION 722.9 without code 835/498
- 10166982During disengagement from D to N and/or from R to N some slight jolting could be experienced.
- 10166976Message in instrument cluster "DISTRONIC PLUSCurrently Unavailable - See Owner's Manual"
- 10165844Possible minor leakage at described components or oil transfer from assembly plant.
- 10165839Shift quality complaints on TRANSMISSION 722.9 (7G-TRONIC and 7G-TRONIC PLUS)
- 10135628iPhone mobile phone: Various complaints after software update to iOS8
- 10135604Vehicle cannot be opened via Keyless-Go and radio remote control
- 10044222Mercedes benz: front or rear seat belt does not roll up correctly. Dirt deposits on the seat belt guide due to soiled seat belt. Also included models 169, f cell, 246, and 231. No model years given.
- 10044181Xentry: rattling/thumping noises from the area of the steering on rough roads or when driving over road undulations. No model years given. Also included models 168 and 172.
Every Mercedes Benz S430 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.