MYRModel Year Report

2002 Mercedes Benz S Class

○ Not enough data
2002 Mercedes Benz S Class
RENDERED 2026-11-01T15:03:46.121Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
48
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 2002

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Suspension

40% of complaints

Complaints per year

1994: 12 complaints 1994 1995: 27 complaints 1996: 6 complaints 1996 1997: 2 complaints 1998: 2 complaints 1998 1999: 9 complaints 2000: 81 complaints 2000 2001: 36 complaints 2002: 48 complaints 2002 48 2003: 28 complaints 2004: 15 complaints 2004 2005: 2 complaints 2009: 2 complaints 2009 2012: 1 complaint
1994: 12 complaints 1994 1995: 27 complaints 1995 1996: 6 complaints 1996 1997: 2 complaints 1997 1998: 2 complaints 1998 1999: 9 complaints 1999 2000: 81 complaints 2000 2001: 36 complaints 2001 2002: 48 complaints 2002 48 2003: 28 complaints 2003 2004: 15 complaints 2004 2005: 2 complaints 2005 2009: 2 complaints 2009 2012: 1 complaint 2012
1994: 12 complaints 1994 1995: 27 complaints 1995 1996: 6 complaints 1996 1997: 2 complaints 1997 1998: 2 complaints 1998 1999: 9 complaints 1999 2000: 81 complaints 2000 2001: 36 complaints 2001 2002: 48 complaints 2002 48 2003: 28 complaints 2003 2004: 15 complaints 2004 2005: 2 complaints 2005 2009: 2 complaints 2009 2012: 1 complaint 2012

2002: 48 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
199412
199527
19966
19972
19982
19999
200081
200136
200248
200328
200415
20052
20092
20121

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Suspension

40% · 19 reports

Most commonly citing front and air suspension system.

Electrical system

25% · 12 reports

Most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and interior/under dash.

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-06-06

Also filed under Exterior lighting

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, 2012-05-11

While driving, I lost all electrical systems in my mercedes. Power steering, power brakes, lights, display, power windows etc.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-07-31

Interior lighting

8% · 4 reports

Engine and engine cooling

8% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing engine and catalytic convertor.

Show complaint excerpts

Hesitates on accelleration(Dangerous at intersections and passing) have complained 4 times to seller and they can not correct it. Please advise me. Thanks…

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-11-05

Tires

6% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing sidewall.

Show complaint excerpts

2002 Mercedes-Benz S500 experiencing tire blow outs.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-12-08

While the consumer was traveling the rear passenger side tire blew out, no specific tire information given.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-05-14

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2006-09-29Interior lighting06V028000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    2007-07-02Engine and engine cooling, suspension07V263000 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…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. I
    2007-08-14Preliminary evaluationClosed 2007-11-20 Air suspension system failure

Buy-smart checklist

2002 Mercedes Benz S Class — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Suspension: 19 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 12 reports on file for this year.
  • Interior lighting: 4 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 06V028000 · Interior lighting
  • Recall 07V263000 · Engine and engine cooling, suspension
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

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 40% 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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.