2001 Mercedes Benz S Class
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › Mercedes Benz › S Class › 2001
These records cover every 2001 Mercedes Benz S Class. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
5 recalls name the 2001 Mercedes Benz S Class. Newest first.
On certain 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 humidity causing deterioration of the hose.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This may result in abc hydraulic fluid leakage near the catalytic converter. leaking fluid may come in contact with hot engine components and lead to a possible fire.
Remedy
Dealers will install new corrosion resistant abc high pressure distribution hose. the recall began on july 2, 2007. owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.
On certain vehicles, the instrument cluster IS experiencing electrical malfunctions. the instrument cluster contains gauges and indicators that must be illuminated whenever the vehicle IS in operation.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Due to inadequate illumination, the driver will be unable to read the gauges and indicators, such as the speedometer, which could increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the instrument cluster modules. the recall will be conducted in phases. phase I was mailed out to approximately 7,500 owners on september 29, 2006. phase II and phase III IS scheduled for december 2006. owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.
On certain passenger vehicles, during the production process of the blower motor fuse holder, the size of the electric conductor of the holder may be below appropriate tolerances.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Consequently, the electric conductor of the blower motor fuse holder may dissipate more heat than the plastic fuse holder was designed to withstand, which could result in overheating of the holder and disabling of the blower motor and the ability to defrost or defog the windshiled in cold or hot and humid weather conditions. depending on the occurrence and weather situation, driver visibility could be reduced, which could result in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will install new blower motor fuse holders. the recall began during october 2004. owners should contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.
On certain passenger vehicles, excessive static build-up in the trunk floor mats can cause a static discharge when individuals move or remove items from the trunk compartment.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This can damage the electrical system components located in the trunk, including the vehicle's battery.
Remedy
Dealers will install a static insulation panel between the carpet and the vehicle battery which will provide an electrical grounding. owner notification began february 14, 2003. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the sheathing material on the electrical connection of the heated windshield washer bottle hose could overheat.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This could cause the surrounding plastic and insulation to melt.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the heated washer bottle hose assembly. owner notification began january 29, 2001. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.
Owner complaints
36 complaints1 involved a fire1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Interior lighting
TL* the contact owns a 2001 mercedes benz s class. The contact was driving 65 mph when he noticed that the lights on the instrument panel failed and smoke was coming from the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that they needed to replace the instrument…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 mercedes benz s class. The contact was driving 65 mph when he noticed that the lights on the instrument panel failed and smoke was coming from the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that they needed to replace the instrument cluster module. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and advised that the vehicle was included in nhtsa campaign ID number: 06v028000 (interior lighting) but the recall had expired. The failure and the current mileage was 134,000. updated 07/13/12 *bf updated 07/31/12
- Suspension
Went to my car in the a.m. To go to work. Turned car on, a red light came on that said vehicle too low. sensor came on and said airmatic system was not operating properly. in april 2010 I paid about $2500 to fix this issue. the dealership says part are only under warranty for one year and this…
Went to my car in the a.m. To go to work. Turned car on, a red light came on that said vehicle too low. sensor came on and said airmatic system was not operating properly. in april 2010 I paid about $2500 to fix this issue. the dealership says part are only under warranty for one year and this happens. as my car IS very well maintained, and this IS the second occurrence, and most likely another $2500, I have given up. I would mercedes would stand behind their product. *tr
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
TL* the contact owns a 2001 mercedes benz s-class. The contact was driving 55 mph when the instrument panel lights failed to illuminate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the dealer confirmed that the illumination cluster needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileages were 108,976.
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2001 mercedes benz S500. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked and the instrument panel gauges would not illuminate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic. The mechanic stated that the instrument panel cluster would have to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
- Interior lighting
TL* the contact owns a 2001 mercedes benz S500. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 mph, the lighting on the instrument panel failed to illuminate. As a result, the contact could not read any of the gauges or meters on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 mercedes benz S500. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 mph, the lighting on the instrument panel failed to illuminate. As a result, the contact could not read any of the gauges or meters on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated the instrument cluster module needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in the recall associated with nhtsa campaign ID number 06v028000 (interior lighting). The instrument panel was replaced. The failure mileage was 100,000.
- Electrical system
Mercedes benz never informed me that my car an S500 was involved in a recall to change the instrumental panel lighting, now that it failed the miami mercedes dealership do not want to fix my car alleging that there was not any recall, that it was only a warranty extension beginning in 2001 for 10…
Mercedes benz never informed me that my car an S500 was involved in a recall to change the instrumental panel lighting, now that it failed the miami mercedes dealership do not want to fix my car alleging that there was not any recall, that it was only a warranty extension beginning in 2001 for 10 years leaving me out of coverage since my car IS 2001. I think this IS unfair to the unsuspecting public lack of communication and desire to do little for the users of their cars my car IS within the 10 years and refuse to fix it that IS my complaint. *tr
- Electrical system
I have a 2001 mercedess430 which has a failed instrument cluster. There appears to have been a recall issued in 2006 but it was limited to a certain number of vin# and does not cover the widespread issues I have uncovered via my research. This IS a serious defect that could cause a major accident…
I have a 2001 mercedess430 which has a failed instrument cluster. There appears to have been a recall issued in 2006 but it was limited to a certain number of vin# and does not cover the widespread issues I have uncovered via my research. This IS a serious defect that could cause a major accident as the lights go out, no gauges work, and you have no idea how fast you are going, what gear you are in e.g. You could accidentally reverse, etc. I called mercedes benz along with several dealers and they indicate that they will not cover this and the cost IS exorbitant. This IS a fatal error and can not be corrected to work or function at all without full replacement of the entire instrument cluster. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6) *tt
- Electrical system
I was driving and my whole dash board went out..couldn't see anything, called mercedes and was told this wasn't on recall and wasn't under warranty..i think this IS very dangerous and someone going to get hurt when this happen. *tt
- Suspension › Front
My car's air-matic suspension system failed and my car IS very, very low. It failed while I was driving fast on the freeway; I almost lost control of the car. *tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
For the past few months my car has been getting stuck in park. The problem IS becoming more frequent. The last time the shifter got stuck in park, the only way I could get it out of park was to hit the top of shifter with a rubber mallet (this IS the method used by mercedes benz roadside service).…
For the past few months my car has been getting stuck in park. The problem IS becoming more frequent. The last time the shifter got stuck in park, the only way I could get it out of park was to hit the top of shifter with a rubber mallet (this IS the method used by mercedes benz roadside service). This IS an unsafe, potentially deadly problem. I recently ran out of gas on the highway and as I coasted onto an off ramp, my car came to a stop on a narrow section of road where the cars drive by very fast. I put the car in park to try to restart the engine and after trying this for a minute, I decided to push the car a bit further off the roadway. The car was struck in park again (at the worst possible time and place) and would not release. Luckily I survived. Please read about this problem at the mercedes benz forums and you will learn how prevalent the problem IS. The dealers have been charging $700 - $2200 to fix this problem which IS caused by a 10 cent plastic part that breaks inside the shifter. The newer model mercedes benz's have been outfitted with an open compartment at the shifter which allows the driver to disengage the shifter lock in the event that it becomes stuck. This clearly demonstrates that mercedes benz IS aware of the problem and has addressed it in the newer models. This IS a very dangerous condition that affects the driver and passengers safety and mercedes should recall this shifter defect or extend the warranty to cover this defect. I also believe that since this IS a problem that must be fixed when it occurs, complaints have not been reported as frequently as they may have been otherwise. This vehicle IS not being used at the time as the shifter condition has made it undriveable. The common fix employed by some owners (which I may also use) involves the disassembly of the console, shifter and linkage and the removal of the 10 cent part broken inside the shifter. The car can then be taken out of park without pressing the brake. *Tr
- Suspension › Front
2001 mercedes S500 passenger side front wheel dropped due to airmatic problem. It caused the passenger side tire to damage the inside fender and the front bumper. fortunately the car was traveled with slow speed and was able to stop without causing further damage. If this was on the freeway it will causing accident and danger to driver & passengers and other cars surrounding. *tr
- Suspension
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 mercedes benz s 500. when the vehicle IS parked, the airmatic remains lowered when it should not. the contact stated that corrosion occurred in the inner steel portions of the active body control's (abc) high pressure distribution hose due to extensive exposure to…
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 mercedes benz s 500. when the vehicle IS parked, the airmatic remains lowered when it should not. the contact stated that corrosion occurred in the inner steel portions of the active body control's (abc) high pressure distribution hose due to extensive exposure to humidity, which caused deterioration of the hose. the manufacturer stated that his vin was not included in nhtsa campaign ID number 07v263000 (suspension), although the failures were identical. the failure mileage was 129,000 and current mileage was 129,500. updated 10/03/08 *bf the left front strut was blown and leaking oil. Updated 10/06/08. *Jb
- Fuel system, gasoline
Purchased bad gasoline from sunoco that resulted in $1200 worth of repairs on m 2001 mercedes S500. All 4 O2 sensors were burned out and had to be replaced and fuel system had to be completely flushed out. Neighbor has 2003 mercedes S430, purchased gas at same station, and has the same problem! His car IS at the repair shop and needs the same repairs. His complaint # IS 10231950. *tr
- Air bags · Child seat · Seats
When a passanger sits in the front seat their weight enables the air bags to work. however after they have sat and exited the vehicle the srs light comes on and disables the air bags. if the passanger sits in the seat and brings their legs as close to the front seat as possible the srs light will…
When a passanger sits in the front seat their weight enables the air bags to work. however after they have sat and exited the vehicle the srs light comes on and disables the air bags. if the passanger sits in the seat and brings their legs as close to the front seat as possible the srs light will come on and disable the front air bags even though their IS a person sitting in the front seat. this sensor IS the child seat sensor on my 2001 mercedes benz 430S. *tr
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 mercedes benz S500. the instrument panel lights constantly dimmed and none of the gauges could be read. a mechanic stated that the cluster lights were not working. the failure mileage was 105,000. updated 05/21/08 *bf updated 05/20/08
- Electronic stability control › Automatic (asc)
My name IS [xxx] recall: problem: on certain 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 humidity causing deterioration of the hose. here IS the problem that I have on my car.…
My name IS [xxx] recall: problem: on certain 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 humidity causing deterioration of the hose. here IS the problem that I have on my car. consequence creates by that recall. this may result in abc hydraulic fluid leakage near the catalytic converter. Leaking fluid may come in contact with hot engine components and lead to a possible fire. I owned a 2001 mercedes benz S500 which IS part of the recall because of the problem explained at the beginning of this complains. I was never informed about the recall and as a result my abc hydraulic fluid had a leakage. then I went to my dealer euro motor car in germantown maryland to diagnose the problem, that IS when I was informed about the recall that i?m describing again below ?on certain 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 humidity causing deterioration of the hose.? the dealer chose to replace the hose as part of the recall and wants to charge me $3,300 to fix the leakage that IS a direct consequence of a failure of the (abc) high pressure hose. I do think that I should not pay for a failure created by mercedes engineer when i?m paying a high price for that car. I believe that my life was in danger because that leak can cause the car to burn. want my car to be fixed without any fee. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *Tr
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
On the 11TH of aug, 2007. I was driving my family oringal owned 2001 meceds benz s 500, on the freeway here in california. without any of warning the lighting (instrument cluster) on the dashboard went off completely. I had no idea how fast that I was traveling, therefore I took the first exit…
On the 11TH of aug, 2007. I was driving my family oringal owned 2001 meceds benz s 500, on the freeway here in california. without any of warning the lighting (instrument cluster) on the dashboard went off completely. I had no idea how fast that I was traveling, therefore I took the first exit off of the freeway, even the speedomter IS sitting @ 75 miles per hour even I had my S500 completly stop, on top of that nothing IS working in my insturment at all!!!(fuel, temperture, and rpm). I personal truely believe this, this IS a very serious issue, what if it happens during at nite? because you ain't going to see anything!!! I called the local m.b. Dealer as soon as I got home, and a sales assoicate told me that, you need to bring your car in on monday, because no one works at service dept during the weekend... *Tr
- Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers
TL* - the contact received recall number 04v227000 for his 2001 mercedes s class' electrical system and fuses. the vehicle has approximately 74,000 miles. The contact stated he believes that due to this failure, the navigation system was disabled. therefore, if there IS an emergency the sos…
TL* - the contact received recall number 04v227000 for his 2001 mercedes s class' electrical system and fuses. the vehicle has approximately 74,000 miles. The contact stated he believes that due to this failure, the navigation system was disabled. therefore, if there IS an emergency the sos system IS inoperable. this IS a safety concern for the contact. the dealer has stated to the consumer they will investigate, but at this time they will not repair the navigation system under the recall. *nm updated 02/22/07.*jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Car burst into flames for no apparent reason while I was driving. *jb
- Electrical system · Interior lighting
Lighting (instrument cluster) on the dashboard of my 2001 mercedes benz s500[xxx] flickered for a couple of days then went out completely. It affected my automatic door locks and side mirror signal indicators. I cannot view the gauges/speedometer and use the preset buttons on the steering wheel…
Lighting (instrument cluster) on the dashboard of my 2001 mercedes benz s500[xxx] flickered for a couple of days then went out completely. It affected my automatic door locks and side mirror signal indicators. I cannot view the gauges/speedometer and use the preset buttons on the steering wheel while operating this vehicle. *Nm updated 07/12/2012*js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6)
- Electrical system · Interior lighting
Dt*: the contact stated the interior lights stopped working suddenly without warning. there was a nhtsa recall, # 06v028000, regarding the interior lighting. the vehicle was not included in the recall due to the vin. updated 10/17/2006 - intermittently the instrument panel lights dimmed then surged to full strength. *nm
- Electrical system · Interior lighting
I own a 2001 mercedes benz S500. I was driving home from work on friday and all of a sudden, the lights in the dashboard went out. it frightened me because I couldn't tell how fast I was going and it hampered me from being as alert as I needed to be by trying to find out what the problem was.…
I own a 2001 mercedes benz S500. I was driving home from work on friday and all of a sudden, the lights in the dashboard went out. it frightened me because I couldn't tell how fast I was going and it hampered me from being as alert as I needed to be by trying to find out what the problem was. these lights need to be functional whenever you are operating the vehicle. because of the time, the dealerships had closed and I couldn't drive it to them when it happened. this could have resulted in my having an accident and hurting and/or possibly killing myself and/or someone else. this IS a serious problem that seems to be happening to others. please investigate. *nm
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
Dt*: the contact stated without warning the dashboard panel lights darkened completely. the vehicle was taken to the dealership and the instrument panel needed to be replaced. there was a recall, 06v028000 regarding interior lighting. the vehicle was not included in the recall due to the vin.
- Electrical system · Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
Defect in mercedes benz 2001 S500 with the instrument cluster you loose all your in dash lights, gauges the whole panel goes dead you can't tell how fast your going, how much gas you have ,or if your car IS overheated, nothing works, no miles,nothing this IS very dangerous and mercedes IS doing…
Defect in mercedes benz 2001 S500 with the instrument cluster you loose all your in dash lights, gauges the whole panel goes dead you can't tell how fast your going, how much gas you have ,or if your car IS overheated, nothing works, no miles,nothing this IS very dangerous and mercedes IS doing nothing to correct this problem,there dropping the ball I went in to have it checked and was told it cost 2300.00 to repair this IS not acceptable ,this IS a safety hazard a recall IS very much needed there are thousands of others out there with this problem. I hope mercedes do the right thing and protect it customer from a dealer malfunction, we spend too much money on mercedes cars to have things like this happen. Please, please do something for it's to late and someone gets hurt. *Jb
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
Dt*: the contact stated while starting the engine, the instrument panel darkened. after this incident other electrical problems occurred; fuses became blown, the high beams, radio and interior lights failed. the manufacturer declared there IS a recall for s models and provided the campaign…
Dt*: the contact stated while starting the engine, the instrument panel darkened. after this incident other electrical problems occurred; fuses became blown, the high beams, radio and interior lights failed. the manufacturer declared there IS a recall for s models and provided the campaign number 06v08000. the vehicle's vin# was not included in the recall. updated 8/17/2006 - the instrument cluster had an internal short which caused the fuses to blow. the dealer replaced the instrument cluster. *nm
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Instrument cluster failure
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened this investigation based on seven reports indicating that the instrument clusters in model year (my) 2000-2001 mercedes-benz s class vehicles failed in that consumers were unable to read any of the gauges while operating their vehicles at any speed during the day or…
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened this investigation based on seven reports indicating that the instrument clusters in model year (my) 2000-2001 mercedes-benz s class vehicles failed in that consumers were unable to read any of the gauges while operating their vehicles at any speed during the day or night.in its 573 report to nhtsa dated february 1, 2006, mercedes-benz USA, llc (mercedes-benz)states that there are three instrument cluster failure modes that would result in undesirable operation.these three failure modes are specific to certain dates of production (see below) for the subject vehicle, and mercedes-benz IS recalling those vehicles within those dates.specific information regarding the failure modes IS described in mercedes-benz's report (see nhtsa recall 06v028).three of the odi complaints submitted to mercedes-benz involve vehicles that were produced before the dates of production of vehicles affected by the three failure modes.based on review of those three complaints, mercedes-benz was unable to identify a relation of those three to the defects identified in the recalled vehicles.all of the mercedes-benz complaints with vins identified were within the recall population (only 2 vehicle vins were not available to positively identify vehicle build date).the recall population will include 36,911 s class and cl class mercedes-benz vehicles built in the production dates ranging from june 2000 through november 2000, january 2002 through april 2002, and may 2004 through september 2004.these dates of production cover vehicles from the 2000-2002 my and the 2004-2005 my.to correct the condition, mercedes-benz will replace all affected instrument clusters with improved ones that are not subject to the failure modes.mercedes-benz will begin owner notification during the 1ST quarter of 2006.
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.
- 10136035Complaints about poor wiping effect of winshield wiper
- 10030939Mercedes: parktronic intermittently not functioning. The function works again after a short time or distance. When the foot operated parking brake IS applied, the parktronic system IS deactivated. If the foot operated parking brake IS on at the first notch, the contact switch may react with a consideration delay when the parking brake IS released. 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.
- 10025845Mercedes benz: water in tail lamp housing on either right side or left side.
- 10014583Seal between exterior rear view mirror housing and door.
- 10010446After eis replacement circuit 15X delayed after ignition start.
- 10009985The high pressure hydraulic distribution hose of the active body control (abc) may deteriorate over time due to excessive exposure to humidity and high temperatures. Voluntary recall campaign of active body control (abc) (12 cylinder only).
- 10009820Replacement of abc pressure supply valve unit hydraulic line.
- 10007612Air mass sensors.
- 627197Subject regarding hard starting after fuel filter replacement.
- 627173Subject regarding popping or thumping in the speakers.
- 621570On some vehicles, upon release of the brake pedal and / or application of the accelerator pedal, there IS a 1-2 second delay until the actuator moves to the new accelerator pedal input position. This delay IS integrated in the engine management system as a safety feature and IS not subject to modification in the field.
- 616243This IS to advise that mercedes-benz USA will conduct a service campaign of certain 2000 and 2001 model year vehicles exhibiting leakage in the power steering damper hydraulic line fittings.
Every Mercedes Benz S Class model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.