2006 Mercedes Benz S430

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Electrical system6
2. Vehicle speed control3
3. Suspension2
4. Power train2
5. Engine2
6. Visibility/wiper1
7. Electronic stability control (esc)1
8. Structure1

Latest complaints

• Dec 17, 2018NY134,000 mi
  Electrical system · Engine
  TL* the contact owns a 2006 mercedes-benz S430. While driving 40 mph, the vehicle started to jerk and all the warning indicators illuminated and flickered on the instrument panel. The contact drove the vehicle home and it stalled. The vehicle failed to restart and the key failed to release from the…

  TL* the contact owns a 2006 mercedes-benz S430. While driving 40 mph, the vehicle started to jerk and all the warning indicators illuminated and flickered on the instrument panel. The contact drove the vehicle home and it stalled. The vehicle failed to restart and the key failed to release from the ignition switch. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where a diagnostic test was completed, but no failure code was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 134,000.

• Aug 28, 2018GA
  Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel

  2006 mercedes benz s 430. Consumer states that instrument panel in vehicle went out. *Ld the consumer stated the manufacturer refused to honor the recall due to the vehicle's age.*js

• Jul 20, 2017TX91,000 mi
  Electronic stability control (esc) · Suspension
  My door lock would not work, could not even manually open them from the console. Took it in to be repaired, was told that the actuator had fried and melted the unit. it was replaced and within several weeks the "new actuator " also fried. Was told that the computer system would shut it down but…

  My door lock would not work, could not even manually open them from the console. Took it in to be repaired, was told that the actuator had fried and melted the unit. it was replaced and within several weeks the "new actuator " also fried. Was told that the computer system would shut it down but the unit continues to run even when the car was turned off! with the unit being in the trunk it's a miracle that the car did not catch on fire. In order to repair this unit, and hopefully they must remove all doors head rest and seats check all vacuum lines to find out which one IS leaking, and or replace all vacuum lines, and pray that works, the minimum cost of this IS over $5000.00 dollars! Not only IS this a fire hazard waiting to blow up, not being able to lock or unlock your doors. The dealership should be responsible to repair this shorty/ I'll built part! Before someone IS hurt or killed by this unit. also as I was driving down the road my right strut assembly broke. I looked up recall info, there was a recall on that , but was told not for my vin! Just another safety hazard for the 2006 S430! Does someone have to die first?

• Aug 3, 2016MD
  Electrical system

  Do not buy these spec-d headlamp for 2006 S-430 after 6 months it went defective I bought them from carid in november 2015 june/july 2016 they went completely dead see picture below

• Jul 28, 2016TN
  Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
  TL* the contact owns a 2006 mercedes-benz S430. While driving approximately 40 mph, the instrument panel failed without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was determined that the instrument panel cluster failed, but was not repaired. The vin was not included in nhtsa…

  TL* the contact owns a 2006 mercedes-benz S430. While driving approximately 40 mph, the instrument panel failed without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was determined that the instrument panel cluster failed, but was not repaired. The vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 06v028000 (interior lighting). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

• Feb 4, 2014OH131,388 miFire
  Electrical system · Engine · Visibility/wiper
  Engine compartment fire in 2006 S430 mercedes-benz ? January 16, 2014 as I accelerated to get on the road, I smelled a strange odor. I thought it was coming from a truck we passed. I opened the window & turned off the heater to clear the air in the car. in a few seconds, I closed the window and…

  Engine compartment fire in 2006 S430 mercedes-benz ? January 16, 2014 as I accelerated to get on the road, I smelled a strange odor. I thought it was coming from a truck we passed. I opened the window & turned off the heater to clear the air in the car. in a few seconds, I closed the window and re-started the heater, which immediately filled the cabin with heavy smoke. I again stopped the heater and opened the window. the smoke cleared and smelled something burning. a few seconds later, I saw flames coming right out of the air duct grill in the hood. I pulled off I-275 between exits 63 and 65, on the right shoulder. I then hit the mercedes sos button. My passenger dialed 911. when the mbrace operator came on the line, I said that I had an engine fire, but the cabin was filling with smoke. I opened the hood, I grabbed my phone and exited the car. at this point, started taking photos. I took a windshield cleaner spray from the trunk, tried to extinguish the fire with it. it failed to have any effect. about at that time a good samaritan stopped his pickup truck. he had a fire extinguisher, which he used to put out the fire. a few minutes later the union township fire engine arrived, but the fire was out. they did a report. then the union township police arrived. the officer said the report will be filed by the fire dept. *tr

• Oct 31, 2012VA87,597 mi
  Electrical system · Structure

  We have been receiving messages for things happening in car ( EX light out trunk won't open etc.) we have been told that it IS a wiring harness problem. They are well aware of the problem in the cars but have not turned it in as a recall. *tr

• Oct 14, 2012GA
  Suspension

  The "airmatics-visit workshop" wording came on my screen yesterday on the highway. Hitting the unlock button kicked on suspension as it should and it was sputtering instead of the usual raise noise. It sat overnight and now it sitting pretty low. This IS the 2ND time in 6 months the air compressor has gone out. *tr

• Mar 11, 2010NJ113,000 miCrash
  Power train › Automatic transmission · Vehicle speed control
  Tl*the contact owns a 2006 mercedes benz S430. The contact was driving approximately 60 mph. A sudden increase in acceleration occurred without warning. The vehicle slowed down after several attempts. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for inspection. The technician stated that the…

  Tl*the contact owns a 2006 mercedes benz S430. The contact was driving approximately 60 mph. A sudden increase in acceleration occurred without warning. The vehicle slowed down after several attempts. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for inspection. The technician stated that the defect could possibly be transmission gear failure. Currently, the vehicle IS under investigation by the manufacturers engineers. The cause of failure has not been determined at this time. The failure mileage was 113,000. updated 04/16/10. *Lj updated 4/23/10 *cn the consumer stated his wife had an accident in the vehicle. the dealership admitted there was an acceleration and harsh shifting problem. updated 05/12/10.*jb updated 06/24/10.*jb updated 09/07/10*jb

• Mar 5, 2010NJ90,000 miCrash1 injury
  Vehicle speed control
  TL* the contact owns a 2006 mercedes benz S430. The contact stated that the vehicle suddenly accelerated on its own 1-2 times a week. It was an intermittent problem that resulted in another driver driving the vehicle running into a building; the driver was parking and while coasting, the vehicle…

  TL* the contact owns a 2006 mercedes benz S430. The contact stated that the vehicle suddenly accelerated on its own 1-2 times a week. It was an intermittent problem that resulted in another driver driving the vehicle running into a building; the driver was parking and while coasting, the vehicle suddenly lunged forward and accelerated. The driver was slightly injured. A police report was taken. The vehicle was taken to the dealership three times and the dealer told him that there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. The vehicle had not been repaired at the time of the complaint. The current mileage was approximately 140,000. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000- updated 4/23/10 *cn

• Dec 7, 2009NJ112,601 miCrash
  Vehicle speed control

  As you slow down to brake the car accelerates on its own causing it to hit a building. *Tr

• Apr 16, 2007NJ2,000 mi
  Power train › Automatic transmission
  After 2000 miles the car was in reverse and all of a sudden there was a loud bang and then another loud bang and the car lurched forward. Then we were driving on a highway at 60 mph and the same thing happened only the bangs were louder and the car lurched forward. The next time this happened I was…

  After 2000 miles the car was in reverse and all of a sudden there was a loud bang and then another loud bang and the car lurched forward. Then we were driving on a highway at 60 mph and the same thing happened only the bangs were louder and the car lurched forward. The next time this happened I was driving down a street at 25 mph and a car in front of me was making a turn, the bangs started and there was the same loud banging noises and I almost hit the car in front of me and had to swerve out of the way of the car and almost ended up off of road and in the dirt. We took the car back 3 times with no results. Mercedes was called, and they could care less. We are stuck with a very expensive dangerous car that there IS no way of predicting when this will happen and it IS not showing up on the computer, so mercedes has no way of fixing the problem. The dealer wants to drive the around with my husband but we explained that to drive this car for 5-10 mile or even 100 miles it IS not going to guarantee that this problem will happen and will we will not take the chance of getting into this car and getting into a serious accident. *ak

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.
• 10166978Engine diagnosis warning lamp lights up - Fault code entry (FC) 14A600 or 14A700
• 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.
• 10041066Mercedes benz: the turn signal light on the mirror fogs up due to temperature differences.
• 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.
• 10037408Mercedes-benz: shock absorber procedure.
• 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.

Every Mercedes Benz S430 model year

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