2003 Mercedes Benz S430
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mercedes Benz › S430 › 2003
These records cover every 2003 Mercedes Benz S430. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
26 complaints1 involved a fire
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Structure › Body › Hatchback/liftgate
The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz S430. The contact stated he opened the hatch however, the hatch quickly closed independently. The contact stated he was able to hold the hatch before it closed totally. The contact stated that the passenger’s side spring was detached from the hatch. The contact…
The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz S430. The contact stated he opened the hatch however, the hatch quickly closed independently. The contact stated he was able to hold the hatch before it closed totally. The contact stated that the passenger’s side spring was detached from the hatch. The contact stated he attempted but was unable to repair the passenger’s side spring. The contact called and made the local dealer aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,268.
- Air bags · Seats
Srs codes IS being thrown. If you move a little in the passenger seat it triggers code to be thrown. Started throwing it out of now where.
- Electrical system
Electrical/fuse/cluster panel lights are out in dash vehicle was stationary
- Electrical system · Engine · Unknown or other
I have a 2003 mercedes S430. The other day my wife was going down the highway at 65 mph when it just shut off in the middle of the road. This IS very dangerous. How do we allow a vehicle to operate on the highway that would just cut off in the middle of the road without at least giving you a chance to get out of the road. Thanks
- Exterior lighting
Instrument cluster went blank nothing works in cluster.drivinghour or two went blank no reason
- Suspension
The suspension on my 2003 s 430 4-matic IS stating stop, too close. It will not lift up. IS this a recall issue? please contact me at [xxx]. Thank you [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Electrical system
While driving getting ready to enter the highway my 2003 mercedes S430 instrument panel went out. the gauges got stuck on what they were while driving. I wasn't able to see anything on the panel. I took it to the nearest shop and they changed the fuse, however the fuse blew right back out each…
While driving getting ready to enter the highway my 2003 mercedes S430 instrument panel went out. the gauges got stuck on what they were while driving. I wasn't able to see anything on the panel. I took it to the nearest shop and they changed the fuse, however the fuse blew right back out each time they changed it. the car was still drivable. I haven't had this car for 1 year yet and I am lost at what to do. the shop said the instrument chaise will work but something IS blewing the fuse. I was also told that the aluminator in the instrument panel IS faulty and needs to be replaced. any help with this issue IS helpful.. Please help as this car has become a nightmare (instrument panel, doors don't lock, passender seat moves at wierd times, and the air strut busted) instead of a good dream. I have read a number of issues with the instrument panel failure in these cars. I wish I would of seen this before I purchased it. mercedes needs to cover the cost in fixing this issue.
- Power train · Suspension · Unknown or other
Heater and air conditioner fan motor failed on my 2003 S430. Which IS dangerous in seasonal climate conditions I've had to replace this part 2X at 700.00 on both occurances at my own expense which I dont understand when there IS a recall for this same issue for previous years 2000,2001..…
Heater and air conditioner fan motor failed on my 2003 S430. Which IS dangerous in seasonal climate conditions I've had to replace this part 2X at 700.00 on both occurances at my own expense which I dont understand when there IS a recall for this same issue for previous years 2000,2001.. recall#2004 070010. I've also had to change my shifter gear box which jams in the park position and doesn't allow you to drive the vechicle this IS caused by a plastic piece that IS susceptible to break within the gear box this issue IS also expensive for just 1 faulty trans shifter piece that can totally leave your car inoperable.
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
TL* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz S430. While attempting to turn the key to the on position, the instrument panel became inoperable. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the instrument cluster failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vin…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz S430. While attempting to turn the key to the on position, the instrument panel became inoperable. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the instrument cluster failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 06v028000 (interior lighting). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,563.
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz S430. The contact stated that the gear shifter seized and was unable to move to another gear. The contact had to pull and jerk the shifter in order for it to move into another gear. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the gear…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz S430. The contact stated that the gear shifter seized and was unable to move to another gear. The contact had to pull and jerk the shifter in order for it to move into another gear. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the gear shifter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 58,000.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
Instrument cluster flicker when stopped at light.
- Electrical system
Started car in my driveway, dash goes dark. No power windows, locks, radio, air, seats. *tr
- Electrical system
Started vehicle in my driveway, shifted into drive and instrument cluster goes dark. No power mirrors, seats, no radio, no air. *tr
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Steering · Wheels
I was on the freeway when the vehicle lost complete control spinning out of control. Happened 3 times. tires michelin with 30000 miles on tire but still within tread guidelines. *tr
- Engine · Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz S430. The contact stated that while parked, he noticed that the front passenger's side of the vehicle was sitting abnormally low. The contact proceeded to drive the vehicle however, once he reached 60 mph a warning light illuminated, indicating that the…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz S430. The contact stated that while parked, he noticed that the front passenger's side of the vehicle was sitting abnormally low. The contact proceeded to drive the vehicle however, once he reached 60 mph a warning light illuminated, indicating that the vehicle was too low. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but did the contact did not have a diagnostic test performed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact that the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 07v263000 (engine and engine cooling, suspension). The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and the current mileage was 113,000.
- Seat belts
TL* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz S430. The contact stated that the front driver's seat belt seized and would not retract or pull out further from its pretensioner. The dealer was notified and stated that there were no recalls or warranties addressing the failure. The contact was advised to…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz S430. The contact stated that the front driver's seat belt seized and would not retract or pull out further from its pretensioner. The dealer was notified and stated that there were no recalls or warranties addressing the failure. The contact was advised to bring the vehicle in for an inspection. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 50,000 and the current mileage was 60,000.
- Tires
TL* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz S430 equipped with michelin MXV4 225/55/r17 tires. The contact stated that all the tires lost pressure while the vehicle was parked. The vehicle was then taken to a local repair shop. The manufacturer was not notified. The tires were not repaired. The failure mileage was 50,000 and the current mileage was 60,000.
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz S430. The contact stated that the vehicle was emitting smoke out of the trunk and he could smell burning plastic. The contact also stated that the a pse pump continued to run after the vehicle was shut off, causing it to over heat and melt the wiring…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz S430. The contact stated that the vehicle was emitting smoke out of the trunk and he could smell burning plastic. The contact also stated that the a pse pump continued to run after the vehicle was shut off, causing it to over heat and melt the wiring harness. In addition, the contact stated that he had to disconnect the pump from the wiring harness in order to stop the smoking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the electrical relay pump malfunctioned and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 78,000.
- Electrical system
A few days before the main incident, my 2003 mercedes S430 would stall for no apparent reason. I called mercedes roadside assistance, and they told me that I should let the car reset, and this would fix the problem. this happened two times and both times there was a temporary fix after the car…
A few days before the main incident, my 2003 mercedes S430 would stall for no apparent reason. I called mercedes roadside assistance, and they told me that I should let the car reset, and this would fix the problem. this happened two times and both times there was a temporary fix after the car reset. a day after the second reset, my car completely stalled and engine shut off completely while I was driving on the freeway causing me to almost get into a few crashes. mercedes roadside assistance called the tow company, and they took over an hour and a half to get there. it was a very hot day, and I felt very sick from the heat. the car was towed, and it turns out that the crank sensor was faulty and needed to be replaced. roadside assistance did not tell me it needed to be replaced, but just to let the car reset. there was no warning that the sensor was faulty. there were no lights that came on the dashboard that the sensor was faulty. this IS an inherently dangerous defect, that a sensor goes bad with no warning, and the engine shuts off. the sensor was replaced by mercedes for $433.16. I am traumatized by the incident, and I am scared to drive a dangerous car that can shut off with no warning while driving for something as small as a bad sensor. further, I was misled by mercedes roadside assistance that the part needed to reset, rather than be replaced. *tr
- Electrical system · Suspension
Electrical problems with s-class mercedes benz navigation system shutdowns and alot of electrical systems failures. *Tr
- Electrical system
Vehicle has electrical short which drains battery faulty fuse boxes. *Tr
- Equipment › Electrical › Radio/tape deck/cd etc.
TL* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz S430. The contact stated whenever the vehicle was driven through a car wash or during rainy weather, the radio volume would sporadically increase and decrease without warrant. The vehicle was not diagnosed by the dealer and there were nor repairs made to the vehicle. The current and failure mileages were 158,000. Remailed 07/14/2010.*lj
- Electrical system · Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery · Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel · Exterior lighting › Headlights
TL* the contact owns a 2003 S430 mercedes benz. The plastic cover for the head light bulb melted . The dealer contacted the manufacturer requesting assistance with the repair cost of $500.00. The manufacturer has not responded. She also experienced failure with the battery. The dealer replaced…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 S430 mercedes benz. The plastic cover for the head light bulb melted . The dealer contacted the manufacturer requesting assistance with the repair cost of $500.00. The manufacturer has not responded. She also experienced failure with the battery. The dealer replaced the battery, but it continued to discharge. She took the vehicle back to the dealer, but the technician was unable to determine the cause of the failure. Additionally she cannot read any of the gauges or display on the instrument control panel. the failure and current mileages were 1,700. Updated 1/25/10 *cn the consumer was informed that the plastic melting on both head lights was a factory defect. after the instrument panel was installed, the battery continued to die. Updated 01/26/10
- Seat belts
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz S430. The seat belts are locked and would not release when the driver and passenger attempted to adjust them. The dealer stated that this failure occurred frequently and will replace the seat belts for $1200. The failure mileage was 94,402.
- Seat belts
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz S430. The seat belts are locked and will not release when the driver and passenger attempted to adjust them. The failure mileage was at 95000.
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
- 10167545During disengagement from D to N and/or from R to N some slight jolting could be experienced.
- 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.
- 10037917Mercedes-benze: there IS a leakage at the press-fit sleeve of a pulsation damper. This IS caused by high heat entering the system or tension in the line.
- 10030929Mercedes: corrosion protection coatings for brake components and hardware may be damaged and or stripped away if highly concentrated acid based cleaners are used. Once the corrosion protection IS damaged or removed the brake components and or hardware can begin to corrode. Include all models and model years.
Every Mercedes Benz S430 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.