MYRModel Year Report

2002 Mercedes Benz S430

○ Not enough data
2002 Mercedes Benz S430
RENDERED 2026-08-02T13:04:22.916Z

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 PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Mercedes Benz S430 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2002 highlighted. 2000: 23 complaints 2000 2001: 73 complaints 2001 2002: 31 complaints 2002 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

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 61%

61% of complaints: electrical system — 19 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

THE BATTERY LOCATED IN THE TRUNK OF THE VEHICLE IS SITUATED NEXT TO THE GAS TANK.

NHTSA ODI report, 20171118

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, 20180912

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, 20120512

SUSPENSION 26%

26% of complaints: suspension — 8 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

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, 20120512

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 23%

23% of complaints: exterior lighting — 7 distinct reports on file.

POWER TRAIN 6%

6% of complaints: power train — 2 distinct reports on file.

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, 20120107

VISIBILITY 3%

3% of complaints: visibility — 1 distinct report on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2002 Mercedes Benz S430 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (19 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (8 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (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 61% 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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.