2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Typical pattern 2.2% of complaints about the 2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class came in the first year, which is unremarkable for a 2001 vehicle — around the middle of the 216 model-years on record. The median complaint arrives at 9.1 yr in service. The most-reported system is electrical system (85 complaints), typically at 10.9 yr or about 99,000 miles.
Covers 4 variants: S430 (101), S500 (55), S CLASS (46), S600 (44)
- Complaints
- 229
- Median age at failure
- 9.1 yr
- Median mileage
- 84,000 n=187
- Crash / fire / tow
- 5.7% of reports
- Safety recalls
- 0
Electrical system 79,500 mi 5.0 yr in service
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILURE 2001 MERCEDES BENZ S500. ONCE THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILS, THE GAS GAUGE, CHECK ENGINE, ODOMETER, INSIDE INDICATORS FOR TURN SIGNALS, PARKING ASSIST LIGHTS DO NOT WORK. EVERYTHING IS LINKED TO THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. ONE DAY THIS IS GOING TO CAUSE A REAL SERIOUS PROBLEM. MERCEDES CHARGES AROUND $1800 TO REPLACE THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. PHONE INTERVIEW UPDATE (SEPTEMBER 23, 05): NO WARNINGS PRIOR TO INSTRUMENT CLUSTER BLACKOUT. THE CONSUMER SAID THAT HE COULDN'T SEE THE GAUGES AND WAS TOLD BY M-B ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE RESPONDER THAT THE GAUGES WERE NOT WORKING.
Electrical system 81,450 mi 5.3 yr in service
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILED (NO LIGHTS, OR GAUGES OPERABLE IN INSTRUMENT CLUSTER) FOR NO APPARENT REASON. SPEEDOMETER, FUEL GAUGE, LIGHTS ARE OUT CAUSING A DANGEROUS SITUATION. *JB
Electrical system 60,000 mi 5.3 yr in service
I HAVE A 2001 MECEDES S-CLASS. THE INSTURMENT CLUSTER JUST FAILED LAST WEEK. THE ENTIRE THING JUST WENT DARK. NOTHING WORKS!! I NOTICE YOU HAVE A OPEN INVESTIGATION REGARDING THIS ISSUE. YOUR # PE 05-062. *NM
Interior lighting 33,000 mi 5.8 yr in service
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED DUE TO INADEQUATE DASHBOARD ILLUMINATION, ONE IS UNABLE TO READ THE GAUGES AND INDICATORS. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 06V028000 REGARDING THE INTERIOR LIGHTING. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL.*AK UPDATED 7/25/2006 - *NM