MYRModel Year Report

2002 Mercedes Benz S430

○ Not enough data
2002 Mercedes Benz S430
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:56:07.337Z

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
31
Recalls
0

None on file

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Electrical system

65% of complaints

Complaints per year

2000: 23 complaints 2000 2001: 73 complaints 2001 2002: 31 complaints 2002 31 2003: 26 complaints 2003 2004: 18 complaints 2004 2005: 11 complaints 2005 2006: 12 complaints 2006
2000: 23 complaints 2000 2001: 73 complaints 2001 2002: 31 complaints 2002 31 2003: 26 complaints 2003 2004: 18 complaints 2004 2005: 11 complaints 2005 2006: 12 complaints 2006
2000: 23 complaints 2000 2001: 73 complaints 2001 2002: 31 complaints 2002 31 2003: 26 complaints 2003 2004: 18 complaints 2004 2005: 11 complaints 2005 2006: 12 complaints 2006

2002: 31 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
200023
200173
200231
200326
200418
200511
200612

Known problem areas

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

Electrical system

65% · 20 reports

Most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

The battery located in the trunk of the vehicle is situated next to the gas tank.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-18

Instrument lights went out, can't see speed or other dash information such as fuel. Rear suspension looses air, car sits to low to drive, body sits on rear tires. Happened while driving city street, tires smoked and are pitted.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-09-12

Also filed under Electronic stability control (esc)

The gear shifter had locked initially out of the blue, I couldn't get the car out of drive. I turned it off to stop it and then it wouldn't go into park. After the mercedes tech came out it wouldn't start at all.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-05-12

Also filed under Suspension

Suspension

26% · 8 reports

Exterior lighting

23% · 7 reports

Power train

6% · 2 reports
Show complaint excerpts

We had to have our car towed from inside the car wash bay because the car would not shift out of park. The neutral safety switch, which is plastic, broke prohibiting the car from shifting out of park.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-01-07

Visibility

3% · 1 report

Most commonly citing windshield wiper/washer.

Safety timeline

No recalls on file for this model year.

0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

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

Buy-smart checklist

2002 Mercedes Benz S430 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 20 reports on file for this year.
  • Suspension: 8 reports on file for this year.
  • Exterior lighting: 7 reports on file for this year.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 2002 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 2002 Mercedes Benz S430?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 65% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Mercedes Benz S430 have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.

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