2001 Mercedes Benz S430
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 |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 23 |
| 2001 | 73 |
| 2002 | 31 |
| 2003 | 26 |
| 2004 | 18 |
| 2005 | 11 |
| 2006 | 12 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
32% of complaints: electrical system — 23 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 MERCEDES-BENZ S430. WHILE AT AN INTERSECTION, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WITHOUT WARNING. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180604
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ S430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THERE WAS A BURNING ODOR COMING FROM THE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150303
I DROVE MY WORK TO WORK WHICH IS ONE KILOMETER AWAY. AFTER DROPPING, I PARKED FOR 5 MINUTES. WHEN I TRIED TO START, IT WON'T START. AFTER FEW MINUTES, I TRIED TO START AND IT DID. AFTER A FEW YARDS, THE CAR STOPPED IN THE ROAD.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180515
18% of complaints: electrical system — 13 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
IP STARTED TO SMOKE, FILLING THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT FORCING THE DRIVER TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. *NM
NHTSA ODI report, 20060920
15% of complaints: interior lighting — 11 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ S430. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE GAUGES ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED AND THE SPEEDOMETER BECAME STUCK ON 70 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120319
8% of complaints: exterior lighting — 6 distinct reports on file.
5% of complaints: suspension — 4 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
JANUARY 30, 2015, I NOTICED MY CAR SITTING ON THE GROUND. I STARTED THE CAR, RAISED THE AIRMATICS UP, PULLED OUT MY DRIVEWAY, STOPPED AT THE STOP SIGN AND MY CAR LOWERED AND SHUT OFF. I REPEAT BY TURNING THE CAR BACK ON AND RAISING THE CAR BACK UP.
NHTSA ODI report, 20170427
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILURE
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2001 Mercedes Benz S430 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (23 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for interior lighting issues (11 reports on file for this year).
FAQ
Is the 2001 Mercedes Benz S430 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 2001 Mercedes Benz S430?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2001 Mercedes Benz S430 have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.