MYRModel Year Report

2001 Mercedes Benz S500

○ Not enough data
2001 Mercedes Benz S500
RENDERED 2026-11-01T15:06:49.650Z

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
34
Recalls
0

None on file

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Electrical system

62% of complaints

Complaints per year

1993: 2 complaints 1993 1994: 2 complaints 1995: 4 complaints 1995 1996: 1 complaint 1999: 2 complaints 1999 2000: 55 complaints 2001: 34 complaints 2001 34 2002: 25 complaints 2003: 10 complaints 2003 2004: 12 complaints 2005: 11 complaints 2005 2006: 13 complaints 2007: 2 complaints 2007
1993: 2 complaints 1993 1994: 2 complaints 1994 1995: 4 complaints 1995 1996: 1 complaint 1996 1999: 2 complaints 1999 2000: 55 complaints 2000 2001: 34 complaints 2001 34 2002: 25 complaints 2002 2003: 10 complaints 2003 2004: 12 complaints 2004 2005: 11 complaints 2005 2006: 13 complaints 2006 2007: 2 complaints 2007
1993: 2 complaints 1993 1994: 2 complaints 1994 1995: 4 complaints 1995 1996: 1 complaint 1996 1999: 2 complaints 1999 2000: 55 complaints 2000 2001: 34 complaints 2001 34 2002: 25 complaints 2002 2003: 10 complaints 2003 2004: 12 complaints 2004 2005: 11 complaints 2005 2006: 13 complaints 2006 2007: 2 complaints 2007

2001: 34 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19932
19942
19954
19961
19992
200055
200134
200225
200310
200412
200511
200613
20072

Known problem areas

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

Electrical system

62% · 21 reports

Most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

My instrument panel lights (Dash board) went out on my 2001 S500 Mercedes Benz car. The lights would flicker on occasionally and go back out. I was able to recover the signal lights by changing the fuses.

NHTSA ODI report, 2011-08-23

Also filed under Interior lighting

Takata recall. I was riding my vehicle when all of a sudden the instrument cluster went haywire. I thought it was battery but it wasn't the cause it drained 4 batteries I had on warranty and 1 I had to purchase.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-09-05

I was driving the vehicle on the highway when all of a sudden the entire dash gauge cluster flickered and went totally dark and stopped working. I was so distracted that I almost ran into the car that was in front of me.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-10-15

Also filed under Exterior lighting and vehicle speed control

Exterior lighting

26% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing turn signal.

Show complaint excerpts

Instrumental cluster light not working

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-06-29

Interior lighting

18% · 6 reports
FIRE

Suspension

18% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing rear.

Vehicle speed control

15% · 5 reports
CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

Throttle interrupt caused by brake light activation causes car to have dead spot while accelerating.

NHTSA ODI report, 2001-09-24

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 →

  1. I
    2005-11-10Preliminary evaluationClosed 2006-02-08 Instrument cluster failure

Buy-smart checklist

2001 Mercedes Benz S500 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 21 reports on file for this year.
  • Exterior lighting: 9 reports on file for this year.
  • Interior lighting: 6 reports on file for this year.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 2001 Mercedes Benz S500 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 S500?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 62% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2001 Mercedes Benz S500 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.