Most common 2002 Mercedes-Benz S Class problems
Share of the 48 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 →
2002 Mercedes-Benz S Class recalls (2)
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2002 Mercedes-Benz S Class:
Air suspension system failure
The subject s-class vehicles contain a compressed air suspension system that uses air struts on each of the four wheels in lieu of traditional springs and shock absorbers.these air struts use compressed air to support the weight of the vehicle and control ride height.in the event of the loss of air from the system, an alert will flash on the instrument cluster warning the driver to either drive carefully or to stop…
What 2002 Mercedes-Benz S Class owners say
Suspension
I have a 2002 430s Mercedes Benz with only 69,000 miles on it. I have replaced the airmatic pump and paid $641.89 on sept 25, 2008 at rick hill imports in kingsport tn and my car is again lowering to the ground while driving speeds of 40 to 50 MPH. I have to pull off the road to air my car up which is dangerous. I took it back to rick hill imports they tell me the shocks are leaking air and that is a common problem with these cars. I have started doing research online I have found that their are several issues with this car yr make and model. I am told that I will have to spend another 3000-4000 to get my car in the running condition it needs to be in. My car has not been driven hard or that much. The yr of my car should have about 100000 mile on it, and it does not. I also found where there is an investigation already in place for the airmatic system. …
2002 Mercedes Benz s500 sport. After vehicle was shut off a very load growl came from under the hood on the right side. It was apparently the air compressor and it wouldn't shut off. The grumble or growl shook the car and smelled of electrical. The height of the car did not change. The growl stopped after about 10 minutes. I have parked the car outdoors as to not tempt fate with the possibility of a car fire in the garage in the middle of the night. There is obviously a failure in the air ride system. While I realize everything mechanical has the chance to fail I am deeply concerned that this component was running and has a chance to start a fire with the ignition in the off position. If this component fails while driving and drops the vehicle ride height on the highway the results could be catastrophic.
Electrical system
The instrument cluster issue I am experiencing began approximately July, 2012. Initially, the dashboard lights would flicker briefly and then illuminate again. Subsequent to the frequent flickering incidents, the cluster lighting didn't illuminate at all, with the exception of the small diagnostic viewer. Currently, all lighting, gauges, and any diagnostic instruments, including the control buttons located on the steering wheel do not function. In addition to the forementioned, the headlights now constantly illuminate and the turn signal is completely silent and not visible from the instrument panel. I immediately inquired with a certified Mercedes Benz technician regarding the lighting cluster and control issue and through that inquiry was made aware of the vehicle recall related to the instrument cluster. …
My 2002 Mercedes s430 instrument cluster back lighting went out while I was driving and I could not see my rate of speed. Along with not seeing my rate of speed my fuel and temperature was not visable. I called Mercedes dealer in virginia about the recall that came out in 2006 and I was told that the recall had expired. Looking on the internet there is a 10 year extension but I was told that it was from the time the car was manufactured. I have never heard of such in my life and I would like to know the bottom line truth to this situation.
Lights
Dt*: the contact stated while traveling at night, the dashboard lights went out. The vehicle was pulled over and was driven to the dealership the next day. The dealership replaced the instrument cluster module. There was a NHTSA recall #06V028000, regarding the interior lighting, but the vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN. Updated 12/1/20006 -
Instrument cluster failure. All lighting for instrument dark/unreadable (speedometer,tach,odometer,fuel,temp,turn signal etc). Taken to dealer and I paid for rebuild to unit. Identical failure occured again after approx 3 months.
2002 Mercedes-Benz S Class engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.3L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 22 / 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 | 13 / 21 / 16 |
EPA ratings. Class: Large car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Mercedes-Benz S Class a good car?
Based on 48 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2002 S Class rates avoid: 2.7× 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 2002 Mercedes-Benz S Class?
The suspension — 19 complaints, 40% of all complaints for this model year, most often about front. Next are the electrical system (12) and lights (6).
How many recalls does the 2002 Mercedes-Benz S Class have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2002 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 2002 Mercedes-Benz S Class problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 78,000 miles; 20% 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.