Most common 2001 Mercedes-Benz S500 problems
Share of the 34 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mercedes-Benz S500 complaints by model year
Best S500 years: 2021, 2023. Years to avoid: 2022, 2000, 2001. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2001 Mercedes-Benz S500:
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 S500 owners say
Electrical system all 21 →
We purchased our 2001 Mercedes s-500 used. Everything ran fine. After running it through an auto carwash with a under body spray, the electrical system went haywire. I noticed that the front passenger floor was soaked. Electrical malfunctions included non functioning locks, windows, air, all lights flickering, seat controls, horn, hazard lights, sunroof, dash control, virtually everything electrical. These malfunctions occurred while the car was in motion and while parked. When we turned the key off and removed them, the car continued to run. We disconnected the battery and the car continued to run still for an additional 5 minutes. After doing some research online, we have discovered similar complaints with the same situations including passenger floor being soaked resulting in electrical faulting. …
My instrument panel lights (dash board) went out on my 2001 S500 Mercedes Benz car. The lights would flicker on occasionally and go back out. I was able to recover the signal lights by changing the fuses. While on a road trip my kids noticed a smell and smoke coming out of the dash board. We exited the car and flagged down a police officer. We were told to get as much as we could out of the car because it was going to catch fire. Within in seconds my dash board was in flames. I could not believe it. The instrument cluster had an electrical malfunction and ignited into flames. I contacted Mercedes to find out about a possible recall and to report that there is a more serious danger associated with the malfunction of the instrument cluster. I was asked what did I expect for them to do? …
Lights
My instrument panel lights (dash board) went out on my 2001 S500 Mercedes Benz car. The lights would flicker on occasionally and go back out. I was able to recover the signal lights by changing the fuses. While on a road trip my kids noticed a smell and smoke coming out of the dash board. We exited the car and flagged down a police officer. We were told to get as much as we could out of the car because it was going to catch fire. Within in seconds my dash board was in flames. I could not believe it. The instrument cluster had an electrical malfunction and ignited into flames. I contacted Mercedes to find out about a possible recall and to report that there is a more serious danger associated with the malfunction of the instrument cluster. I was asked what did I expect for them to do? …
I was at a stop light on 225 and chambers and when the light turned green as soon as a hit the gas my entire dashboard went blank. I no longer had light and my gauges were not responding either. After doing some research I seen some forums about the recall so I call the manufacturer and was told that even though acknowledged as a safety concern the recall was closed June 2011. I purchased the car June 2010 and no one reached out. I have only one car and I can not drive it because I cant see the speed or if I even have gas. I have kids and like everyone else I work but I can not afford to pay $1800.00 to fix this and I shouldnt have to. I cant understand how a safety recall can expire. Seems as if there is no true regard to safety.
Suspension
I have had the car since 2010 in June and I have already had to replace the front driver side ball bearing and joints and they have stopped working once again I was driving last week in traffic at around 5 pm when my entire dashboard went out none of the gauges are working I couldnt see anything.
Right front end continuously lowering for months. Tried filtering abc fluid and changing filters several times, finally pump failed and required replacing at $4,000. OEM pump only available. After repair, advised that the valve block May still need replacing for an additional $4,000. Also noticed that the front right spring control arm rubber mount was cracked and grinding against the front subframe. Service department recommended both arms and subframe replaced at a cost of around $3,000. Since the car is no longer valued at this total expense, I ordered parts on-line and met a friend to repair both front control arms as recommended. Just prior to making this repair, my friend identified a technical service bulletin (order # p-b-33. 15/12c/12d, dated 4 sept 2008) issued by Mercedes to repair this control arm and recommended to contact Mercedes to fix at no charge. …
2001 Mercedes-Benz S500 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.0L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 21 / 17 |
EPA ratings. Class: Large car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2001 Mercedes-Benz S500 a good car?
Based on 34 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2001 S500 rates use caution: 1.8× as many complaints as a typical year of the S500 at the same age. It is one of the S500 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 S500?
The electrical system — 21 complaints, 62% of all complaints for this model year, most often about instrument cluster/panel. Next are the lights (15) and suspension (6).
How many recalls does the 2001 Mercedes-Benz S500 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2001 Mercedes-Benz S500. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Mercedes-Benz S500?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2021 and 2023. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2022, 2000 and 2001. See the full Mercedes-Benz S500 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2001 Mercedes-Benz S500 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 112,000 miles; 4% 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.