2001 Mercedes Benz S Class recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-19. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
5 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Lights
What's wrong, in plain English: Headlights, tail lights or turn signals may not work, making the car hard to see. 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.
What could happen: 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.
The fix: 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2001 S CLASS.
- Book a repair at any authorized Mercedes Benz dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 06V028000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-367-6372.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: INTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Notes: CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
2. Suspension
What's wrong, in plain English: Parts can break and cause loss of control. 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.
What could happen: 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.
The fix: 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2001 S CLASS.
- Book a repair at any authorized Mercedes Benz dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 07V263000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-367-6372.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SUSPENSION
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Notes: MERCEDES-BENZ RECALL NO. 207060002. CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
3. Electrical system
What's wrong, in plain English: Wiring, modules, batteries. Short circuits can cause stalls or fires. 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.
What could happen: 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 AN…
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW BLOWER MOTOR FUSE HOLDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING OCTOBER 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2001 S CLASS.
- Book a repair at any authorized Mercedes Benz dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 04V227000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-367-6372.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Notes: MERCEDES-BENZ RECALL NO. 2004 070010. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
4. Electrical system
What's wrong, in plain English: Wiring, modules, batteries. Short circuits can cause stalls or fires. 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.
What could happen: THIS CAN DAMAGE THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM COMPONENTS LOCATED IN THE TRUNK, INCLUDING THE VEHICLE'S BATTERY.
The fix: 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 REASONABL…
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2001 S CLASS.
- Book a repair at any authorized Mercedes Benz dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 02V338000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-367-6372.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Notes: MERCEDES-BENZ RECALL NO. 2002110014. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
5. Visibility (wipers / glass)
What's wrong, in plain English: You may not be able to see the road clearly. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SHEATHING MATERIAL ON THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION OF THE HEATED WINDSHIELD WASHER BOTTLE HOSE COULD OVERHEAT.
What could happen: THIS COULD CAUSE THE SURROUNDING PLASTIC AND INSULATION TO MELT.
The fix: 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2001 S CLASS.
- Book a repair at any authorized Mercedes Benz dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 01V014000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-367-6372.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SHEATHING MATERIAL ON THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION OF THE HEATED WINDSHIELD WASHER BOTTLE HOSE COULD OVERHEAT.
Consequence: 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.
Notes: ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- Portable jump starter
- 2001 Mercedes Benz S Class owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Electrical system (21), Lights (7), Suspension (5), Transmission / drivetrain (1), Fuel system (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
06/01/2012 · Electrical system
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 WA…
05/30/2012 · 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 HAPPENS. AS MY CAR IS VERY WELL MAINTAINED, AND THIS IS THE…
03/05/2012 · Electrical system
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 WER…
11/23/2011 · 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 WA…
10/13/2011 · Lights
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 R…
08/09/2011 · 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 YEARS LEAVING ME OUT OF COVERAGE SINCE MY CAR IS 2001. I THI…
07/22/2011 · 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 AS THE LIGHTS GO OUT, NO GAUGES WORK, AND YOU HAVE NO IDEA HO…
06/20/2011 · 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