2004 Mercedes Benz S430
Only 18 complaints on file — too few 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.
Only 18 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 18
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2004: 18 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 23 |
| 2001 | 73 |
| 2002 | 31 |
| 2003 | 26 |
| 2004 | 18 |
| 2005 | 11 |
| 2006 | 12 |
Known problem areas
Only 18 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Electrical system
7 of 18 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2004 Mercedes-Benz S430. The contact stated that the electric conductor from the blower motor to the fuse holder overheated and melted the fuse. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired.
NHTSA ODI report, 2022-08-18
Suspension
4 of 18 total reports mention: suspension.
Power train
4 of 18 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing manual transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
While changing gears from 1ST to 2ND gear vehicle shifted harshly and entered into a limp mode.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-05-17
Also filed under Vehicle speed control and fuel/propulsion system
Transmission valve body need replacement after entire transmission was replaced @ 50,000 miles.
NHTSA ODI report, 2011-07-08
Vehicle speed control
2 of 18 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.
Structure
2 of 18 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing hood.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 Mercedes Benz S430. The dealer stated that rain water has been leaking into the front of the vehicle, which caused electrical and computer failures.
NHTSA ODI report, 2009-06-22
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
2007-08-14Preliminary evaluationClosed 2007-11-20 Air suspension system failure
Buy-smart checklist
2004 Mercedes Benz S430 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 7 reports on file for this year.
- Suspension: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 4 reports on file for this year.
FAQ
- Is the 2004 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 2004 Mercedes Benz S430?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 39% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2004 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.