2005 Mercedes Benz S430

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Electrical system7
2. Power train2
3. Exterior lighting2
4. Seat belts1
5. Service brakes1
6. Suspension1
7. Vehicle speed control1
8. Air bags1
9. Visibility1
10. Electronic stability control (esc)1

Latest complaints

• Jun 4, 2024NY190,000 mi
  Electrical system · Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Windshield › Electrical heating element
  The contact owns a 2005 Mercedes-Benz S430. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, he became aware that the defroster was not working properly, affecting the visibility while driving. The contact also stated that the heater and the A/C were not working. The vehicle was taken…

  The contact owns a 2005 Mercedes-Benz S430. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, he became aware that the defroster was not working properly, affecting the visibility while driving. The contact also stated that the heater and the A/C were not working. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the failure was linked to NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V227000 (Electrical System); however, neither the VIN nor the model year was included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the independent mechanic. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.

• Apr 19, 2021CA206,000 mi
  Electrical system
  TL* the contact owns a 2005 mercedes benz S430. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the battery was dead and the instrument panel was inoperable. The vehicle started up after the battery was charged however, the instrument panel was still inoperable. The vehicle was not…

  TL* the contact owns a 2005 mercedes benz S430. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the battery was dead and the instrument panel was inoperable. The vehicle started up after the battery was charged however, the instrument panel was still inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. Neither a dealer nor the manufacturer were made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 206,000. ## vin passed ## mercedes-benz 2005 S430 ##

• Nov 16, 2016NC100,000 mi
  Air bags · Seat belts

  Dash warnings:: srs inactive, pre-safe unavailable, front passenger seat airbag IS turned off according to the light and there IS no baby seat in it.

• Jun 16, 2016MD80,000 mi
  Electrical system

  TL* the contact owns a 2005 mercedes-benz S430. While driving approximately 35 mph, the instrument cluster lights suddenly shut off and would not illuminate. The gauges were impossible to read. The failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000. updated 08/02/16*lj updated 08/08/16.*jb

• Apr 13, 2016MD105,000 mi
  Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel

  TL* the contact owns a 2005 mercedes-benz S430. While driving approximately 30 mph, the instrument cluster failed to operate. The vehicle was driven to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the instrument cluster failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 105,000.

• Nov 13, 2015VA30 mi
  Exterior lighting · Service brakes · Suspension
  On 7-26-2015 I purchased this vehicle from commonwealth motors llc. After 24 hours on the highway while traveling at 55mph, I called back and I filed a complaint of the brakes being worn to the metal, that the suspension warning lights came on, that the left driver mirror was broken, and the rear…

  On 7-26-2015 I purchased this vehicle from commonwealth motors llc. After 24 hours on the highway while traveling at 55mph, I called back and I filed a complaint of the brakes being worn to the metal, that the suspension warning lights came on, that the left driver mirror was broken, and the rear tire kept going flat. I returned the car to the dealer whom claim its the state inspector made an error therefore its the states repsonsibilty. I scheduled a follow up which they decline to repsond to. The second third day the head lights went on and out. I took the auto to a certified benz dealership and shop to find out theses issues. After paying for warranty etc..on 7-26-2015 cars protection plus purchased $495.00 8-8-2015 cars protction plus auto protection was denied after paying $495+$10.00 filing fee 8-1-2015 new battery replacement $154.24 10-30-2015 install and replace rf lower control arm $165.00 was just the start. Then the drivers and passengers struts I was told was the concern from the second day of having the vehicle.

• Jul 24, 2015GA107,000 mi
  Power train

  TL* the contact owns a 2005 mercedes benz S430. While in park, the contact attempted to shift the vehicle into the drive position, but the gear shifter seized and required excessive force. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic where it was diagnosed as a shift lock lever fracture. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 107,000.

• Oct 1, 2014IN105,000 mi
  Electrical system · Electronic stability control (esc) · Exterior lighting › Headlights
  TL* the contact owns a 2005 mercedes benz S430. While driving at an unknown speed, the stability control indicator illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The technician stated that the electrical system failed and caused the gear to shift into low gear. The…

  TL* the contact owns a 2005 mercedes benz S430. While driving at an unknown speed, the stability control indicator illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The technician stated that the electrical system failed and caused the gear to shift into low gear. The technician added that the electrical module was unable to read the key and the headlights malfunctioned. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 105,000.

• Jan 31, 2011TN90,000 miFire
  Electrical system
  Tl*the contact owns a 2005 mercedes benz S430. While parked, the contact turned the ignition and took the key out of the vehicle but the ignition continued to run. The contact noticed smoke coming from under the hood. The contact opened the hood and noticed flames. The fire department was called.…

  Tl*the contact owns a 2005 mercedes benz S430. While parked, the contact turned the ignition and took the key out of the vehicle but the ignition continued to run. The contact noticed smoke coming from under the hood. The contact opened the hood and noticed flames. The fire department was called. The fire department arrived and did not notice a flame but pulled the vehicle out of the drive way due to fear it could explode. The vehicle shut off on its own. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic. The air pump and air module pump compressor were replaced. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.

• May 8, 2009CA3,801 mi
  Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel · Interior lighting · Power train
  I leased a new mercedes benz S430 during december 2004 from walter's mb in riverside, ca. Problems with the electronic stability system (esp) began march 2005 and on march 16, 2005 reported problems to walters mb during service visit. On december 9, 2005 reported problem again to walter's mb during…

  I leased a new mercedes benz S430 during december 2004 from walter's mb in riverside, ca. Problems with the electronic stability system (esp) began march 2005 and on march 16, 2005 reported problems to walters mb during service visit. On december 9, 2005 reported problem again to walter's mb during service visit. Both times I reported how vehicle instrument cluster board lighting would blink and black out but esp light in the instrument cluster would turn on causing vehicle braking system to shut down speed to 15 miles per hour on freeway. During december 2005 I sent complaint letter to nhtsa recall office in washington, dc. Regarding problems with instrument cluster lighting and esp collateral problem. I included copy of june 2004 mercedes benz recall in japan of 98,000 sclass vehicles with esp problems and suggested same problem existed here in united states. Later during february 2006 esp problem returned and reported problem to walters mb vehicle was serviced during february, march and may 2006 with same symptoms. Walter's mb made me feel like I did not know what I was talking about. I sent follow-up complaint letter to nhtsa recall mr. George person in washington, dc. Finally I received a recall notice letter dated november 2006 and a second recall notice #2006-080004 dated december 2006 both from mb. On february 6, 2007 walter's mb performed the repairs for recall #2006-080004. Esp problems came back during november 2007 and walter's serviced unit 1/16/2008. I have copies of letters from 10 other individuals that have experienced similar problems with the esp system and can provide copies for your review. I believe the esp problem IS caused by "collateral damage" in connection with the "instrument cluster illumination" and should be included in the recall campaign #2006-080004. My recommendation IS for the nhtsa to inspect all records for mb vehicles repaired by the recall. *Tr

• Aug 22, 2005CA13,000 miCrash
  Vehicle speed control
  Dt: contact stated on 8-9-05 was on a trip to oregon and was going to park the car when it surged forward and went down an embankment and huge boulders stopped the car. he had it towed to dealer. they were fixing the car and checking to see what may have happened. Has been waiting for…

  Dt: contact stated on 8-9-05 was on a trip to oregon and was going to park the car when it surged forward and went down an embankment and huge boulders stopped the car. he had it towed to dealer. they were fixing the car and checking to see what may have happened. Has been waiting for approximately 2 weeks to see what the problem may have been. They were waiting for someone from mercedes to check it out. The contact was very concerned about safety even after they repaired the car.*ak the consumer experienced a second failure on 1/3/06 . The vehicle surged suddenly and the consumer crashed into a wall. Updated 01/11/06. *Jb

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.
• 10036737Mercedes: knocking or thumping noise from rear of the vehicle during acceleration. This document has been discontinued.
• 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.
• 10029504Mercedes: replace transfer case on affected vehicles optimized transfer cases will reduce vibrations when cornering or when parking. Models 203, 211, 220.
• 10028685Mercedes: vehicle does not lower and/or airmatic visit workshop display in instrument cluster. Model 220. Model years unknown. Updated 7/13/11.
• 10028684Mercedes: esp service required displayed in instrument cluster. Also includes 4matics, bi turbos and kompressors. Models 215 and 220. Model years unknown.
• 10028665Mercedes: warning message right low beam- check bulb; or left low beam-check bulb in instrument cluster. Due to the fact that the xenon burner may not be ignited on first attempt due to tolerances in ignition voltage. Model years unknown.
• 10028627Mercedes: display in instrument cluster "air suspension" or "abc service required" IS displayed in the instrument cluster, the engine wiring harness may have been damaged by the wiper linkage. Models 215.3 and 220. Model years unknown.
• 10028626Mercedes: the vehicle's suspension level randomly lowering while driving and/or rapid sporadic level changes shortly after stopping the vehicle, replace the body acceleration sensors. Models 215.3, 220, and 230. Model years unknown.
• 10028587Mercedes: leaks at steering gear control head connection to high or low pressure lines or leaks at internal steering lines of control head connection to steering gear housing. Models 171, 203, 204, 209, 211, 215, 216, 219, 220, 221, and 230. Model years unknown.
• 10025845Mercedes benz: water in tail lamp housing on either right side or left side.
• 10023776Models E320, E500, E55, E350, E550, E63 and S430 4matic, S500 4matic. My 2005-2006 -- replace transfer case. Updated 5/13/09. Models C280, C350, C320 and C240. My 2005-2007.
• 10021246Install software for navigation system. Updated 3/5/09.
• 10018931Learning in selection range sensor not possible after ehs replacement.
• 10018660Version code instrument cluster.
• 10016687Abc visit workshop displayed in instrument cluster and hydraulic fluid leakage. Updated 5/14/09. Models 215, 220 and 230. Model years unknown.
• 10016670Mercedes: the fuel level indicated in the instrument cluster does not match the actual fill level. This may be caused by a fault in the fuel level sensor function chain: hydraulic and electrical lines and their connections, rear sam or instrument cluster. Updated 2/23/09. Updated 9/18/09. Model years unknown.

Every Mercedes Benz S430 model year

Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.