2001 Mercedes Benz S600

○ Not enough data
2001 Mercedes Benz S600
RENDERED 2026-11-01T11:41:34.338Z

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
38
Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 2001

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine and engine cooling

45% of complaints

Complaints per year

1993: 1 complaint 1993 1994: 1 complaint 1995: 4 complaints 1995 1997: 1 complaint 2001: 38 complaints 2001 38 2002: 11 complaints 2003: 6 complaints 2003 2004: 4 complaints 2005: 2 complaints 2005 2006: 1 complaint 2007: 5 complaints 2007
1993: 1 complaint 1993 1994: 1 complaint 1994 1995: 4 complaints 1995 1997: 1 complaint 1997 2001: 38 complaints 2001 38 2002: 11 complaints 2002 2003: 6 complaints 2003 2004: 4 complaints 2004 2005: 2 complaints 2005 2006: 1 complaint 2006 2007: 5 complaints 2007
1993: 1 complaint 1993 1994: 1 complaint 1994 1995: 4 complaints 1995 1997: 1 complaint 1997 2001: 38 complaints 2001 38 2002: 11 complaints 2002 2003: 6 complaints 2003 2004: 4 complaints 2004 2005: 2 complaints 2005 2006: 1 complaint 2006 2007: 5 complaints 2007

2001: 38 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19931
19941
19954
19971
200138
200211
20036
20044
20052
20061
20075

Known problem areas

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

Engine and engine cooling

45% · 17 reports

Most commonly citing engine and exhaust system.

Suspension

29% · 11 reports

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, 2012-04-11

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, 2005-09-10

Engine

16% · 6 reports
Show complaint excerpts

Engine oil cooler under intake leaking oil dealers want almost 6000.00 to repair.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-12-04

Electrical system

13% · 5 reports

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, 2015-01-28

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, 2012-08-13

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, 2006-09-01

Interior lighting

8% · 3 reports
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…

NHTSA ODI report, 2006-08-11

Safety timeline

1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2004-08-31Suspension04V228000 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.…

    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.

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

Buy-smart checklist

2001 Mercedes Benz S600 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 17 reports on file for this year.
  • Suspension: 11 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine: 6 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 04V228000 · Suspension

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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.