There are no safety recalls for the 2002 Mercedes-Benz S430, but owners have filed 31 complaints with NHTSA.
2002 Mercedes-Benz S430 problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Electrical System | 20 | |
| Suspension | 8 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 7 | |
| Power Train | 2 | |
| Structure | 1 | |
| Visibility | 1 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 | |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | 1 | |
| Interior Lighting | 1 | |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 1
- Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 1
- Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 111,000 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 2002 Mercedes-Benz S430 complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Electrical System · at 104,400 miles · reported Nov 8, 2018
I have approximately 104,000 miles, I cannot see it anymore because while driving home at night from the airport on the expressway doing 65 miles per hour, it went black. All the gauges were found stuck in their location the next morning at what they were at when the cluster went black. The cluster has never recovered and I have to drive with no idea of speed, signals operation, fuel level, or water temp. The information display is also blank so I don’t know what my mileage is or if the vehicle has any other information to give me. I had to drive home 60 miles in the dark. My headlights…
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) · reported Sep 12, 2018
Instrument lights went out, can't see speed or other dash information such as fuel. Rear suspension looses air, car sits to low to drive, body sits on rear tires. Happened while driving city street, tires smoked and are pitted.
Electrical System · at 110,000 miles · reported Nov 18, 2017
The battery located in the trunk of the vehicle is situated next to the gas tank. There are no covers on the metal parts on the top of the battery located in the trunk of the vehicle, and the mat that comes with the vehicle does not sufficiently cover these metal poles, leaving them vulnerable to catch flame when metal items are in the back of the vehicle. The rear battery caught flame, while stationary, due to a metal rod used for furniture assembly touching the exposed portion of the battery.
Electrical System · at 195,000 miles · reported Dec 15, 2016
While driving on 12/10/2016, the instrument cluster panel went very dark. At night there was no illumination either. Also the speedometer was fluctuating wildly from high to low and back. I could only see this with my interior light on, as the dash panel was dark. I realized I could not read any of the other the gauges including the safety warning display panel, nor did the turn signals inside the vehicle work or the volume control on the steering wheel. The vehicle was in motion at the time. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 06v028000 (Interior lighting). On 12/15/16 the…
Electrical System · at 108,000 miles · reported Jun 24, 2016
The contact owns a 2002 mercedes-benz s430. While driving 25 MPH, the instrument cluster became inoperable and the vehicle lost power. The vehicle was able to be driven to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 108,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2002 Mercedes-Benz S430 have any recalls?
No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2002 Mercedes-Benz S430 as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Mercedes-Benz S430?
Owners report electrical system problems most often (20 reports), followed by suspension (8). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 111,000 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.