2001 Mercedes-Benz S Class recalls and problems

The 2001 Mercedes-Benz S Class has 5 safety recalls and 36 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Recalls
5
Complaints
36
Crashes / fires
0 / 1
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2001 Mercedes-Benz S Class vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2001 Mercedes-Benz S Class recalls

Recall 07V-263: Suspension, Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Jun 12, 2007 · 19,924 vehicles affected · MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC.

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.

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.

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.

Recall 06V-028: Interior Lighting

Reported Feb 2, 2006 · 36,911 vehicles affected · MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC.

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.

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.

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.

Recall 04V-227: Electrical System

Reported May 13, 2004 · 54,454 vehicles affected · MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC.

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.

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.

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.

Recall 02V-338: Electrical System

Reported Dec 16, 2002 · 65,000 vehicles affected · MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC.

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.

Risk: This can damage the electrical system components located in the trunk, including the vehicle's battery.

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.

Recall 01V-014: Visibility

Reported Jan 17, 2001 · 3,400 vehicles affected · MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC.

Problem: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The sheathing material on the electrical connection of the heated windshield washer bottle hose could overheat.

Risk: This could cause the surrounding plastic and insulation to melt.

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.

2001 Mercedes-Benz S Class problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System23
Interior Lighting7
Suspension5
Vehicle Speed Control1
Unknown or Other1
Tires1
Structure1
Engine and Engine Cooling1
Electronic Stability Control1
Seats1
Air Bags1
Child Seat1

Most reported parts

  • Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 6
  • Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under Dash — 4
  • Suspension › Front — 2
  • Electrical System › Wiring — 1
  • Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Arm — 1
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 1
  • Electrical System › Wiring › Fuses and Circuit Breakers — 1
  • Electronic Stability Control › Automatic (Asc) — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 96,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2001 Mercedes-Benz S Class complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · at 134,000 miles · reported Jun 1, 2012
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 vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and advised that the vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign id number: 06v028000 (Interior lighting) but the recall had expired. The failure and the current mileage was 134,000. Updated 07/13/12 updated 07/31/12
Suspension · at 164,000 miles · reported May 30, 2012
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 very well maintained, and this is the second occurrence, and most likely another $2500, I have given up. I would mercedes would stand behind their product.
Electrical System · at 108,976 miles · reported Mar 5, 2012
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. The failure and the current mileages were 108,976.
Electrical System · at 160,000 miles · reported Nov 23, 2011
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 repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
Interior Lighting · at 100,000 miles · reported Oct 13, 2011
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 instrument cluster module needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 06v028000 (Interior lighting). The instrument panel was replaced. The…

Other Mercedes-Benz S Class years

Compare all Mercedes-Benz S Class years · All Mercedes-Benz models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2001 Mercedes-Benz S Class have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2001 Mercedes-Benz S Class: 07V-263 (suspension, engine and engine cooling), 06V-028 (interior lighting), 04V-227 (electrical system), 02V-338 (electrical system), 01V-014 (visibility). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2001 Mercedes-Benz S Class?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (23 reports), followed by interior lighting (7). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 96,000 miles.

Are Mercedes-Benz recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Mercedes-Benz dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.