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2001 Mercedes-Benz S ClassProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 36 owner complaints about the 2001 Mercedes-Benz S Class, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 5 safety recalls.

50
CarFlaw IndexSolid year1.0× the S Class median · #3 of 7 years by complaints
Safety recalls5Free fix at dealersOwner complaints362 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage80kElectrical system, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 1, 2012. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2001 Mercedes-Benz S Class has problems

36 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Electrical system210
Interior lighting70
Suspension50
Engine and engine cooling11
Fuel system, gasoline10
Power train10
Seats10
Structure10
Tires10
4 other systems40

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

5 recalls

2001 Mercedes-Benz S Class recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Interior lighting

Recall 06V-028 · Feb 2, 2006 · 36,911 vehicles

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.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Wiring: fuses and circuit breakers

Recall 04V-227 · May 13, 2004 · 54,454 vehicles

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…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery

Recall 02V-338 · Dec 16, 2002 · 65,000 vehicles

Risk. THIS CAN DAMAGE THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM COMPONENTS LOCATED IN THE TRUNK, INCLUDING THE VEHICLE'S BATTERY.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 1 more recall

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Mercedes-Benz.

Mileage at failure

When do electrical system problems start?

80kmiles, median

Based on the odometer reading in 20 electrical system complaints. 55% were reported before 100,000 miles.

median0k50k100k150k200k+
1under 30k miles11under 100k miles9100k miles or more
Best & worst years

2001 vs. every other S Class year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the S Class median. How we score

'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'09'12
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2001 Mercedes-Benz S Class, and the recalls they led to.

  1. INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILUREPE05062 · closed Feb 8, 2006
    Led to recall 06V-028
In owners' words

What S Class owners report

Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

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…
Complaint 10460306 · Jun 1, 2012 · 134,000 miles
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…
Complaint 10450266 · Mar 5, 2012 · 108,976 miles
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…
Complaint 10436898 · Nov 23, 2011 · 160,000 miles

Own a 2001 S Class?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.