2001 Mercedes Benz S500
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 |
|---|---|
| 1993 | 2 |
| 1994 | 2 |
| 1995 | 4 |
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1999 | 2 |
| 2000 | 55 |
| 2001 | 34 |
| 2002 | 25 |
| 2003 | 10 |
| 2004 | 12 |
| 2005 | 11 |
| 2006 | 12 |
| 2007 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
44% of complaints: electrical system — 15 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
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, 20180905
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, 20121015
24% of complaints: exterior lighting — 8 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
INSTRUMENTAL CLUSTER LIGHT NOT WORKING
NHTSA ODI report, 20190629
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, 20121015
18% of complaints: interior lighting — 6 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow 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, 20110823
18% of complaints: electrical system — 6 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow 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, 20110823
15% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 5 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
THROTTLE INTERRUPT CAUSED BY BRAKE LIGHT ACTIVATION CAUSES CAR TO HAVE DEAD SPOT WHILE ACCELERATING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20010924
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, 20121015
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILURE
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2001 Mercedes Benz S500 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (15 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for interior lighting issues (6 reports on file for this year).
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 44% 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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.