Does the 2002 Mercedes-Benz S Class have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2002 Mercedes-Benz S Class, the most recent reported on June 12, 2007 (Suspension, Engine and engine cooling). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Mercedes-Benz S Class?

Owners have filed 48 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is suspension (19 complaints), followed by electrical system (12).

How many 2002 Mercedes-Benz S Class complaints mention a crash or fire?

0 of 48 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2002 Mercedes-Benz S Class recalls and problems

2 recalls and 48 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2002 Mercedes-Benz S Class.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

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.

2002 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Suspension19
Electrical system12
Engine and engine cooling4
Interior lighting4
Air bags3
Tires3
Equipment2
Exterior lighting2
Power train2
Visibility2

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Feb 14, 2013 · Electrical system · 46,000 miles
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILURE. ALL LIGHTING FOR INSTRUMENT DARK/UNREADABLE (SPEEDOMETER,TACH,ODOMETER,FUEL,TEMP,TURN SIGNAL ETC). TAKEN TO DEALER AND I PAID FOR REBUILD TO UNIT. IDENTICAL FAILURE OCCURED AGAIN AFTER APPROX 3 MONTHS.

Sep 25, 2012 · Electrical system · 130,000 miles
THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER ISSUE I AM EXPERIENCING BEGAN APPROXIMATELY JULY, 2012. INITIALLY, THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS WOULD FLICKER BRIEFLY AND THEN ILLUMINATE AGAIN. SUBSEQUENT TO THE FREQUENT FLICKERING INCIDENTS, THE CLUSTER LIGHTING DIDN'T ILLUMINATE AT ALL, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE SMALL DIAGNOSTIC VIEWER. CURRENTLY…

Jun 6, 2012 · Electrical system · 103,000 miles
ON STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WAS BLACK WITHOUT ILLUMINATION OR READING. AS A RESULT, GAUGES TO SPEEDOMETER, ODOMETER, FUEL, WARNINGS TO MALFUNCTIONS, TACHOMETER, OIL PRESSURE, & ENGINE TEMPERATURE ARE NOT PRESENT.

May 11, 2012 · Electrical system · 98,500 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ S-CLASS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 58 MPH, ALL OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS AND GAUGES FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME AND THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRONIC MALFUNCTION. THE MANUFACTURER…

Sep 28, 2011 · Electrical system · 89,533 miles
MY 2002 MERCEDES S430 INSTRUMENT CLUSTER BACK LIGHTING WENT OUT WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND I COULD NOT SEE MY RATE OF SPEED. ALONG WITH NOT SEEING MY RATE OF SPEED MY FUEL AND TEMPERATURE WAS NOT VISABLE. I CALLED MERCEDES DEALER IN VIRGINIA ABOUT THE RECALL THAT CAME OUT IN 2006 AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE RECALL HAD…

S Class model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2000	5	81	3	4
2001	5	36	0	1
2002	2	48	0	0
2003	2	28	0	0
2004	4	15	1	1
2005	1	2	1	0

Across all years, the 2000 S Class has the most complaints (81). All Mercedes-Benz S Class years →

Questions

Does the 2002 Mercedes-Benz S Class have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2002 Mercedes-Benz S Class, the most recent reported on June 12, 2007 (Suspension, Engine and engine cooling). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Mercedes-Benz S Class?: Owners have filed 48 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is suspension (19 complaints), followed by electrical system (12).
How many 2002 Mercedes-Benz S Class complaints mention a crash or fire?: 0 of 48 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received February 14, 2013.