Mercedes-Benz S Class recalls and problems by year
NHTSA lists 8 recalls and 208 owner complaints for the Mercedes-Benz S Class (model years 2000–2005, 2009, 2012). The most reported problem area is electrical system (75 complaints), followed by suspension (54 complaints). The 2001 model year has the most recalls (5).
| Model year | Recalls | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | |
| 2009 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | |
| 2005 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | |
| 2004 | 4 | 15 | 1 | 1 | |
| 2003 | 2 | 28 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2002 | 2 | 48 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2001 | 5 | 36 | 0 | 1 | |
| 2000 | 5 | 81 | 3 | 4 |
By complaints filed, the peak model years are 2000 (81), 2002 (48) and 2001 (36). Among model years at least two years old, the 2012 has the fewest complaints on file (1).
Most reported problem areas
What owners name in their complaints across all Mercedes-Benz S Class model years. A complaint can name more than one area.
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 75 | 5 of 8 | |
| Suspension | 54 | 5 of 8 | |
| Interior lighting | 30 | 4 of 8 | |
| Air bags | 14 | 5 of 8 | |
| Engine and engine cooling | 10 | 4 of 8 |
All 8 recalls
| Recall | Date | Problem area | Model years | Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08V303000 | Jul 7, 2008 | Electrical system | 2004 | 404 |
| 07V263000 | Jun 12, 2007 | Suspension | 2000–2004 | 19,924 |
| 06V028000 | Feb 2, 2006 | Interior lighting | 2000–2002, 2004 | 36,911 |
| 04V285000 | Jun 9, 2004 | Latches/locks/linkages: trunk lid, lock | 2003–2004 | 16,690 |
| 04V227000 | May 13, 2004 | Electrical system: wiring, fuses and circuit breakers | 2000–2001 | 54,454 |
| 02V338000 | Dec 16, 2002 | Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery | 2000–2001 | 65,000 |
| 01V014000 | Jan 17, 2001 | Visibility: windshield wiper/washer | 2001 | 3,400 |
| 00V141000 | May 15, 2000 | Equipment: appliance, air conditioner | 2000 | 7,100 |
Vehicles: the manufacturer's estimate of all vehicles potentially affected by the recall, across every model it covers. Each model-year page lists what its recalls fix.
Owners reported a crash in 4 complaints and a fire in 6 complaints; 8 people injured and 0 deaths are recorded in these reports. These are the owners' accounts, not findings of cause.
Complaint counts grow with how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road; compare years with that in mind. Complaints are unverified owner reports.