2002 Mercedes Benz S430
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mercedes Benz › S430 › 2002
These records cover every 2002 Mercedes Benz S430. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
31 complaints1 involved a fire
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · 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…
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.
- 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…
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.
- Electrical system · Electronic stability control (esc) · 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.
- 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…
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.
- 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…
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. *tr
- 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.
- Electrical system · 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…
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
- 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.
- 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…
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.
- Vehicle speed control
After owning my used car insurance had to replace the cluster. Found out later it was on a recall list.
- Electrical system
Instrument cluster fails to function or light up when started or driving.
- 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…
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.
- Exterior lighting
Instrument cluster went dark while driving. subsequently, flickered on mometarily a few times, now IS dark all the time.
- 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
- 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…
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.
- Exterior lighting · 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…
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.
- 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. *tr
- Electrical system · 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…
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.
- 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. *tr
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
First incident in october 2013 instrument panel suggested that rear lights were malfunctioning. Took in to mechanic and replaced fuse, then approx. 3 week later repeated malfunction, but now the instrument panel went dark. Replaced fuse again, after this time it lasted for another couple of weeks.…
First incident in october 2013 instrument panel suggested that rear lights were malfunctioning. Took in to mechanic and replaced fuse, then approx. 3 week later repeated malfunction, but now the instrument panel went dark. Replaced fuse again, after this time it lasted for another couple of weeks. Now it's december 2013 and the entire instrument panel IS dark, no mileage, speedometer, fuel or safety gauges. Mechanic took another look and advised that it was the instrument cluster. I know there IS a recall issued on this safety item. Would like to get some help resolving this issue. *tr
- Suspension
The air pump IS inoperable. the vehicle had a severely low frontend. mechanic stated it was a common problem in the mercedes S430. *tr
- Electrical system
Instrument panel blanked out while driving, creating an extremely dangerous scenario. This seems to be a repetitive complaint on line. Surprising that it IS not part of the recall. *tr
- Suspension
Second airmatic breakdown. First was front side last july 2012. Second breakdown august 28, 2013 rear pump left side. This problem IS getting real expensive. Do all mercedes do this? *Jb
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
All lighting on instrument panel began flickering on and off ,panel remained totally dark, no lights, nothing worked on steering wheel. I was driving about 50 mph and it was dark. Could not see any lighting on gauges. Took vehicle to dealer was told about recall on instrument cluster .after…
All lighting on instrument panel began flickering on and off ,panel remained totally dark, no lights, nothing worked on steering wheel. I was driving about 50 mph and it was dark. Could not see any lighting on gauges. Took vehicle to dealer was told about recall on instrument cluster .after checking found out that my vehicle was not included in recall. I feel that it should have been included because my vehicle had all indications referred to in particular recall of instrument cluster. This needs to be investigated further. *tr
- Suspension
The vehicle safety light went red indicating the airmatic failed and to stop the vehicle. *tr
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"
- 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.
- 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.