2002 Mercedes Benz S Class
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1994 | 12 |
| 1995 | 27 |
| 1996 | 6 |
| 1997 | 2 |
| 1998 | 2 |
| 1999 | 9 |
| 2000 | 81 |
| 2001 | 36 |
| 2002 | 48 |
| 2003 | 28 |
| 2004 | 15 |
| 2005 | 2 |
| 2009 | 2 |
| 2012 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
25% of complaints: suspension — 12 distinct reports on file.
13% of complaints: electrical system — 6 distinct reports on file.
10% of complaints: electrical system — 5 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
ON STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WAS BLACK WITHOUT ILLUMINATION OR READING. AS A RESULT, GAUGES TO SPEEDOMETER, ODOMETER, FUEL, WARNINGS TO MALFUNCTIONS, TACHOMETER, OIL PRESSURE, & ENGINE TEMPERATURE ARE NOT PRESENT. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20120606
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ S-CLASS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 58 MPH, ALL OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS AND GAUGES FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME AND THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120511
WHILE DRIVING, I LOST ALL ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS IN MY MERCEDES. POWER STEERING, POWER BRAKES, LIGHTS, DISPLAY, POWER WINDOWS ETC.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20040731
8% of complaints: interior lighting — 4 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: suspension — 3 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 OPERATIO
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 SC
Campaign 06V028000 — check if this car was fixed
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 T
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.
Campaign 07V263000 — check if this car was fixed
AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM FAILURE
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2002 Mercedes Benz S Class — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06V028000 (interior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07V263000 (engine and engine cooling, suspension) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2002 Mercedes Benz S Class reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Mercedes Benz S Class?
The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Mercedes Benz S Class have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.