Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.
2001 Mercedes-Benz S Class recalls
Suspension · Engine and engine cooling
NHTSA campaign 07V263000 · reported June 12, 2007 · MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC. · 19,924 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- On certain 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 humidity causing deterioration of the hose.
- The risk
- This may result in abc hydraulic fluid leakage near the catalytic converter. Leaking fluid may come in contact with hot engine components and lead to a possible fire.
- The fix
- Dealers will install new corrosion resistant abc high pressure distribution hose. The recall began on july 2, 2007. Owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.
Interior lighting
NHTSA campaign 06V028000 · reported February 2, 2006 · MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC. · 36,911 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- On certain vehicles, the instrument cluster is experiencing electrical malfunctions. The instrument cluster contains gauges and indicators that must be illuminated whenever the vehicle is in operation.
- The risk
- Due to inadequate illumination, the driver will be unable to read the gauges and indicators, such as the speedometer, which could increase the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the instrument cluster modules. The recall will be conducted in phases. Phase I was mailed out to approximately 7,500 owners on september 29, 2006. Phase II and phase III is scheduled for december 2006. Owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.
Electrical system: wiring, fuses and circuit breakers
NHTSA campaign 04V227000 · reported May 13, 2004 · MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC. · 54,454 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- On certain passenger vehicles, during the production process of the blower motor fuse holder, the size of the electric conductor of the holder may be below appropriate tolerances.
- The risk
- Consequently, the electric conductor of the blower motor fuse holder may dissipate more heat than the plastic fuse holder was designed to withstand, which could result in overheating of the holder and disabling of the blower motor and the ability to defrost or defog the windshiled in cold or hot and humid weather conditions. Depending on the occurrence and weather situation, driver visibility could be reduced, which could result in a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will install new blower motor fuse holders. The recall began during october 2004. Owners should contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.
Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery
NHTSA campaign 02V338000 · reported December 16, 2002 · MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC. · 65,000 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- On certain passenger vehicles, excessive static build-up in the trunk floor mats can cause a static discharge when individuals move or remove items from the trunk compartment.
- The risk
- This can damage the electrical system components located in the trunk, including the vehicle's battery.
- The fix
- Dealers will install a static insulation panel between the carpet and the vehicle battery which will provide an electrical grounding. Owner notification began february 14, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer
NHTSA campaign 01V014000 · reported January 17, 2001 · MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC. · 3,400 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The sheathing material on the electrical connection of the heated windshield washer bottle hose could overheat.
- The risk
- This could cause the surrounding plastic and insulation to melt.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the heated washer bottle hose assembly. Owner notification began january 29, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.
What owners report
Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.
Jun 1, 2012 · Electrical system · 134,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ S CLASS. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 65 MPH WHEN HE NOTICED THAT THE LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED AND SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY NEEDED TO REPLACE THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER MODULE. THE…
May 30, 2012 · Suspension · 164,000 miles
WENT TO MY CAR IN THE A.M. TO GO TO WORK. TURNED CAR ON, A RED LIGHT CAME ON THAT SAID VEHICLE TOO LOW. SENSOR CAME ON AND SAID AIRMATIC SYSTEM WAS NOT OPERATING PROPERLY. IN APRIL 2010 I PAID ABOUT $2500 TO FIX THIS ISSUE. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS PART ARE ONLY UNDER WARRANTY FOR ONE YEAR AND THIS HAPPENS. AS MY CAR IS…
Mar 5, 2012 · Electrical system · 108,976 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ S-CLASS. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 55 MPH WHEN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE ILLUMINATION CLUSTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED…
Nov 23, 2011 · Electrical system · 160,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ S500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT…
Oct 13, 2011 · Interior lighting · 100,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ S500. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE LIGHTING ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT COULD NOT READ ANY OF THE GAUGES OR METERS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THE…
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received June 1, 2012.