2003 Mercedes Benz S600

Recalls

1 recall names the 2003 Mercedes Benz S600. Newest first.

• Suspension

  May 13, 2004NHTSA 04V2280006,238 vehicles

  On certain passenger vehicles, corrosion may occur in the inner steel portions of the active body control's (abc) high-pressure distribution hose due to extensive exposure to heat and humidity. over time, corrosion may deteriorate the inner steel portions of the hose.

  Risk and remedy

  Risk

  This may result in abc hydraulic fluid leakage. under some circumstances, leaking hydraulic fluid may come in contact with hot engine components and lead to a possibility of fire.

  Remedy

  Dealers will install new, corrosion resistant abc high-pressure distribution hoses. the recall began august 31, 2004. owners should contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.

  Full recall details →

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Suspension4
2. Electrical system2
3. Engine and engine cooling2

Latest complaints

• Oct 8, 2015MD100,000 miCrash1 injury
  Suspension
  While my daughter driving my car abc light came on and suddenly lost control and had accident. car went over the center line, climbed over barricade and destroyed the car. insurance company totlaled the car because it was too expensive to repair. while driving a high pressure hose blew up and…

  While my daughter driving my car abc light came on and suddenly lost control and had accident. car went over the center line, climbed over barricade and destroyed the car. insurance company totlaled the car because it was too expensive to repair. while driving a high pressure hose blew up and car went all the way down to bottom of the suspension, mercedes does not take any responsibilty for this problem and when I searched the internet I found there are hundreds of complains for the incidents like this.

• Jun 19, 2014LA115,000 mi
  Electrical system · Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel

  TL* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz S-600. The contact stated while driving 55 mph, the instrument panel went blank and the contact was not able to see neither the fuel gauge nor the speedometer. The contact mentioned that due to the failure he ran out of fuel. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.

• Feb 3, 2011CA63,988 mi
  Engine and engine cooling › Engine
  TL* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz S600. The contact stated that while driving 55 mph, the distribution hose failed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the contact inquired about nhtsa campaign ID number: 07v263000 (engine and engine cooling) but his advised that his vin was not…

  TL* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz S600. The contact stated that while driving 55 mph, the distribution hose failed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the contact inquired about nhtsa campaign ID number: 07v263000 (engine and engine cooling) but his advised that his vin was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was then contacted and confirmed that the vehicle was not under recall and offered no further assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 63,988.

• Dec 6, 2009NJ56,923 mi
  Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system · Suspension
  Mercedes benz, S-600 (model 2003), it was very difficult to control the car in the highway and the car almost lost control after it's active body control (abc) light flashed on suddenly in the dashboard and the car body came down grinding against the wheels/tires on 12/03/2009 again after the car's…

  Mercedes benz, S-600 (model 2003), it was very difficult to control the car in the highway and the car almost lost control after it's active body control (abc) light flashed on suddenly in the dashboard and the car body came down grinding against the wheels/tires on 12/03/2009 again after the car's abc system was replaced on 11/19/2009 at mb dealer in edison, nj. I have reported safety complaints on this car about abc system quality problem (odi number IS: 10294645). the car was sent to mb dealer in edison, nj for checks at same day and they found that the engine water pump dead and made engine belt broken and abc system at malfunction. I feel the abc quality problem has affected engine water pump's quality. abc system malfunction IS safety consideration. it looks like mb has a incorrect design of engine water pump and abc system for S-600. please investigate and consider this issue for a new recall. thank you. *Tr

• Dec 6, 2009NJ56,772 mi
  Suspension
  Mercedes benz, S-600 (model 2003), it was very difficult to control the car in the highway and the car almost lost control after it's active body control (abc) light flashed on suddenly in the dashboard and the car body came down grinding against the wheel/tires on 11/16/2009. the car was sent to…

  Mercedes benz, S-600 (model 2003), it was very difficult to control the car in the highway and the car almost lost control after it's active body control (abc) light flashed on suddenly in the dashboard and the car body came down grinding against the wheel/tires on 11/16/2009. the car was sent to mb dealer in edison, nj for repairs that same day and they found that the abc hydraulic fluid had leaked out due to corrosion that had occurred in the inner steel portions of the abc high pressure distribution hose already. There was a burning smell; leaking abc fluid may have come into contact with hot engine components which could have caused a fire. but, the car dealer mentioned this problem was not related to mb recall (ID # 07v263000) issues. however, I feel this abc quality problem issue IS exactly the same as description of the related recall. if not, please investigate and consider this abc system quality issue for a new recall. now, the mb car dealer has replaced defective abc system after I paid them. but I think mb should have paid for this repair. this quality problem should not have happened. please investigate this report. thank you. *Tr

• Feb 12, 2009PA
  Suspension

  Active body control fluid leak. *Tr

Defect investigations

NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.

• Air suspension system failure

  PE07042Opened Aug 14, 2007Closed Nov 20, 2007
  The subject s-class vehicles contain a compressed air suspension system that uses air struts on each of the four wheels in lieu of traditional springs and shock absorbers.these air struts use compressed air to support the weight of the vehicle and control ride height.in the event of the loss of air from the system, an…

  The subject s-class vehicles contain a compressed air suspension system that uses air struts on each of the four wheels in lieu of traditional springs and shock absorbers.these air struts use compressed air to support the weight of the vehicle and control ride height.in the event of the loss of air from the system, an alert will flash on the instrument cluster warning the driver to either drive carefully or to stop the vehicle.the vehicle ride height can be reduced by as much as 105 mm below normal ride height before the full load of the vehicle for that wheel comes to rest on a steel rod, with a rubber stop on the end, located in the shock absorber.this rest-stop condition IS designed such that there IS no impact on vehicle control.mercedes-benz (mbusa) supplied video showing a vehicle in this condition operating under several different situations including evasive maneuvers demonstrating the ability of the vehicle to be controlled effectively with a ride height reduced to the minimum.only those complaints to odi and mbusa that alleged a steering interference during a reduced ride height condition were counted in this resume failure report.some complaints alleged that with a reduced ride height and a stop now warning message there was a rubbing noise when turning, but the ability to steer the vehicle was not compromised.a sampling of warranty claims submitted by mbusa did not reveal any indicating a loss of control due to an airmatic system failure.there was one crash reported by mbusa to odi but the information available indicated that it related to suspension systems and it was not possible to verify that the incident was related to an airmatic system failure. Further use of agency resources in this matter does not appear to be warranted.the agency will continue to monitor complaints and other information relating to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles and will take further action in the future if warranted.this preliminary evaluation IS closed.

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
• 10166991Creaking noises from the area of the air suspension strut on the front axle when driving over bumps with the steering turned. Topic only reported from outer wheel until now.
• 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.
• 10165854The trunk lid sometimes does not open completely and does not close (completely). This complaint is accompanied by the following symptoms: - Illumination of the trunk lid control button (S62/26) fails. - The ACTUAL value* of the trunk lid lock main catch switch (A85/5s1) indicates "closed" although the trunk lid is open. - Knocking against the trunk lid lock (A85/5) causes the light of the trunk lid control button (S62/26) to flicker and the ACTUAL value* of the trunk lid lock main catch switch (A85/5s1) to jump back and forth between the values "open" and closed". * The ACTUAL value of the trunk lid lock main catch switch (A85/5s1) can be found under the following path in Xentry Diagnostics: Xentry Diagnostics => Control unit => SAM-H (N10/8) => ACTUAL values => Trunk lid => Trunk lid lock main catch switch
• 10165853When on rough roads and with side loads applied to the center console (leg support) cracking noise may occur in the transition between the instrument panel and the center console.
• 10136035Complaints about poor wiping effect of winshield wiper
• 10136029SENTEX gate operator with Clik Card Remote not compatible with Homelink
• 10135628iPhone mobile phone: Various complaints after software update to iOS8
• 10135604Vehicle cannot be opened via Keyless-Go and radio remote control
• 10037986Mercedes benz- when doing a software update the update fails and the tuner goes to boot mode.
• 10033070Xentry (mercedes): engine warning lamp IS currently on or was on and a delay fault of the camshaft adjust to current or stored in the engine control unit. Models 171, 203, 209, 211, 219, 221, 216, 230, 164, 251, and 403. No model years listed.
• 10032727Mercedes: following fault codes are entered in the control unit and displayed-fc5320 drain valve:open circuit or insufficient valve current in models series 211, 219; fc5260 drain valve open circuit or insufficient valve current in model 221; fc5250 drain open circuit or insufficient valve current in model series 251, 164. Defective connecting cables to drain valve at airmatic compressor. This results in the setting of the fault codes. No model years listed.
• 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.
• 10028686Mercedes: air matic visit workshop displayed within instrument cluster. Models 164, 211, 219, 221 and 251. Included 4matic, AMG (compressor) AMG, bluetec and wagon. Model years unknown. Updated 9/18/09.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 S600 model year

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