Model year
2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
NHTSA lists 5 recalls and 36 complaints for the 2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). NHTSA also lists 1 recall and 148 complaints under S, S430, S500, S55 AMG, and S600. Those counts are separate from the numbers above. The components listed on the most complaints are ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (11), INTERIOR LIGHTING (7), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL (6). NHTSA lists 1 investigation. NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here. EPA rates it 16–18 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $4,550–$5,150, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2000 81 complaints
- 2001 36 complaints
- 2002 48 complaints
- 2003 28 complaints
- 2004 15 complaints
- 2005 2 complaints
- 2006 32 complaints
- 2007 66 complaints
- 2008 24 complaints
- 2009 2 complaints
- 2010 34 complaints
- 2011 19 complaints
- 2012 1 complaints
- 2013 9 complaints
- 2014 25 complaints
- 2015 51 complaints
- 2016 29 complaints
- 2017 20 complaints
- 2018 26 complaints
- 2019 17 complaints
- 2020 9 complaints
- 2021 35 complaints
- 2022 46 complaints
- 2023 10 complaints
- 2024 5 complaints
- 2025 2 complaints
- 2026 1 complaints
- 2027 0 complaints
Recalls
07V263000 · Jun 12, 2007
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; SUSPENSION
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.
06V028000 · Feb 2, 2006
INTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
04V227000 · May 13, 2004
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
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.
02V338000 · Dec 16, 2002
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
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.
01V014000 · Jan 17, 2001
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SHEATHING MATERIAL ON THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION OF THE HEATED WINDSHIELD WASHER BOTTLE HOSE COULD OVERHEAT.
Complaints
36 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 0, fire flag on 1, injury field 1, deaths field 0. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Other NHTSA names
These names matched the same EPA model but are not included in the headline counts above.
| Name | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|
| S | 0 | 1 |
| S430 | 0 | 73 |
| S500 | 0 | 34 |
| S55 AMG | 0 | 2 |
| S600 | 1 | 38 |
Investigations
| Action | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE05062 | INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILURE · INTERIOR LIGHTING | Nov 10, 2005 | Feb 8, 2006 |
Safety ratings
NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here.
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S430 · 4.3L · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 16 | 23 | 18 | — | — | $4,550 |
| S500 · 5L · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 14 | 21 | 17 | — | — | $4,850 |
| S55 AMG · 5.4L · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 14 | 20 | 17 | — | — | $4,850 |
| S600 · 5.8L · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 14 | 21 | 16 | — | — | $5,150 |
Open this model year in the fuel-cost calculator. The calculator starts with no fuel price filled in.
Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.