2001 Mercedes Benz S600
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 | 1 |
| 1994 | 1 |
| 1995 | 4 |
| 1997 | 1 |
| 2001 | 38 |
| 2002 | 11 |
| 2003 | 6 |
| 2004 | 4 |
| 2005 | 2 |
| 2006 | 1 |
| 2007 | 5 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
45% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 17 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and exhaust system.
29% of complaints: suspension — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing air suspension system and rear.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ S-600. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 30 MPH WHEN THE ACTIVE BODY CONTROL LOWERED THE SUSPENSION ON TO THE TIRES, MAKING THE VEHICLE VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120411
SOMETHING IN THE FRONT PART OF THE AUTO MAKES A THROBBING NOISE. IT CAUSES EITHER THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL OR THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL TO LOSE ITS BALANCE. THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN ALL THE TIME.
NHTSA ODI report, 20050910
16% of complaints: engine — 6 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
ENGINE OIL COOLER UNDER INTAKE LEAKING OIL DEALERS WANT ALMOST 6000.00 TO REPAIR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20181204
13% of complaints: electrical system — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel.
Show complaint excerpts
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ S600. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER BECAME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE STALLED BUT RESTARTED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150128
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ S600. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL LIGHT SYSTEM FAILED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO READ THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120813
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FLICKERED AND FAILED COMPLETELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER, WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER.
NHTSA ODI report, 20060901
8% of complaints: interior lighting — 3 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILED. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, # 06V028000, REGARDING THE INTERIOR LIGHTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. *AK UPDATED 10/4/2006 - *NM
NHTSA ODI report, 20060811
SAFETY TIMELINE
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, CORROSION MAY OCCUR IN THE INNER STEEL PORTIONS OF THE ACTIVE BODY CONTROL'S (ABC) HIGH-PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION HOSE DUE TO EXTENSIVE EXPOSURE TO HEAT AND HUMIDITY. OVER
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW, CORROSION RESISTANT ABC HIGH-PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION HOSES. THE RECALL BEGAN AUGUST 31, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.
Campaign 04V228000 — check if this car was fixed
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILURE
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2001 Mercedes Benz S600 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (17 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 04V228000 (suspension) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2001 Mercedes Benz S600 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 S600?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 45% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2001 Mercedes Benz S600 have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.