Most common 2001 Mercedes-Benz S Class problems
Share of the 36 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mercedes-Benz S Class complaints by model year
Best S Class years: 1996, 1995, 1999. Years to avoid: 2000, 2002, 2001, 2003. Compare all years →
2001 Mercedes-Benz S Class recalls (5)
Engine and engine cooling
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.
Remedy: 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
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.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Remedy: Dealers will install new blower motor fuse holders. The recall began during October 2004. Owners should contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
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.
Remedy: 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.
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The sheathing material on the electrical connection of the heated windshield washer bottle hose could overheat.
Remedy: 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…
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2001 Mercedes-Benz S Class:
Instrument cluster failure
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened this investigation based on seven reports indicating that the instrument clusters in model year (my) 2000-2001 Mercedes-Benz s class vehicles failed in that consumers were unable to read any of the gauges while operating their vehicles at any speed during the day or night.in its 573 report to NHTSA dated February 1, 2006, Mercedes-Benz USA, llc (Mercedes-Benz)states…
What 2001 Mercedes-Benz S Class owners say
Electrical system all 21 →
Mercedes s-Class w220 (2000 and up)instrument cluster failed including spedometer, flashers, signal control, engine temperature, and other information critical to safe vehicle operation. Upon investigating it was determined that this is an extremely common problem caused by a series of defective transistors which the manuafacturer has since discontinued and replaced with a similar model. Inadequate heatseaking for the transistors coudl also explain the problem. This is particularly odd because the car has only been in production since 2000 and production is continuing strong. The cluster has 5 of these transistors, 3 of which are in series and go bad causing the described failure. The transistors cost about 50 cents each when purchased in bulk... Hardly justifying a $1600 repair. The siemens model: buz102s sipmos power transistor was replaced by the spd50n06s2-14 power transistor. …
Vehicle is a 2001 s-500. Almost word for word the same issue(s) as odi id number : 10100807. Same car, same problems, same sentiment. Replacing fuses only results in flickering instrument cluster lighting, and even then the backlight is still non-functional. Gauge needles flicker as well, until they too go out completely. Fuses last only for a couple of days, whereupon the entire instrument cluster remains entirely black. Problem could be remedied simply by replacing faulty transistors, or redesigning an improperly laid-out instrument cluster, ie cooling the transistors much more adequately. …
Lights
Vehicle is a 2001 s-500. Almost word for word the same issue(s) as odi id number : 10100807. Same car, same problems, same sentiment. Replacing fuses only results in flickering instrument cluster lighting, and even then the backlight is still non-functional. Gauge needles flicker as well, until they too go out completely. Fuses last only for a couple of days, whereupon the entire instrument cluster remains entirely black. Problem could be remedied simply by replacing faulty transistors, or redesigning an improperly laid-out instrument cluster, ie cooling the transistors much more adequately. …
I own a 2001 Mercedes Benz s500. I was driving home from work on Friday and all of a sudden, the lights in the dashboard went out. It frightened me because I couldn't tell how fast I was going and it hampered me from being as alert as I needed to be by trying to find out what the problem was. These lights need to be functional whenever you are operating the vehicle. Because of the time, the dealerships had closed and I couldn't drive it to them when it happened. This could have resulted in my having an accident and hurting and/or possibly killing myself and/or someone else. This is a serious problem that seems to be happening to others. Please investigate.
Suspension
Tl contact owns a 2001 Mercedes Benz s 500. When the vehicle is parked, the airmatic remains lowered when it should not. The contact stated that corrosion occurred in the inner steel portions of the active body control's (abc) high pressure distribution hose due to extensive exposure to humidity, which caused deterioration of the hose. The manufacturer stated that his VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 07V263000 (suspension), although the failures were identical. The failure mileage was 129,000 and current mileage was 129,500. Updated 10/03/08 the left front strut was blown and leaking oil. Updated 10/06/08.
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.
2001 Mercedes-Benz S Class engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.3L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 23 / 18 |
| 5.0L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 21 / 17 |
| 5.4L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 20 / 17 |
| 5.8L 12-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 21 / 16 |
EPA ratings. Class: Large car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2001 Mercedes-Benz S Class a good car?
Based on 36 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2001 S Class rates use caution: 1.9× as many complaints as a typical year of the S Class at the same age. It is one of the S Class years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2001 Mercedes-Benz S Class?
The electrical system — 21 complaints, 58% of all complaints for this model year, most often about instrument cluster/panel. Next are the lights (7) and suspension (5).
How many recalls does the 2001 Mercedes-Benz S Class have?
There are 5 recalls for the 2001 Mercedes-Benz S Class, the most recent from June 12, 2007 (engine and engine cooling). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Mercedes-Benz S Class?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1996, 1995 and 1999. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2000, 2002, 2001 and 2003. See the full Mercedes-Benz S Class years comparison.
At what mileage do 2001 Mercedes-Benz S Class problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 96,000 miles; 16% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.