Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Mercedes-Benz S500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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? …
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.
Takata recall. I was riding my vehicle when all of a sudden the instrument cluster went haywire. I thought it was battery but it wasn't the cause it drained 4 batteries I had on warranty and 1 I had to purchase. I found out the instrument cluster drains the battery and loss of power. I reached to a mechanic and he let me know that the instrument cluster is causing the power loss and needed to be replaced. I did some research and realize their was a recall for the instrument cluster for this defect. This defect could have a serious incident if wasn't properly aware. I would to have a recall if possible.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Mercedes Benz S500. While operating the vehicle, the instrument panel lighting became very dim and shut off. The electrical fuse was replaced and the failure was remedied, but eventually recurred. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 98,000. ...updated 06/03/15 updated 06/17/15.
When backing up in reverse the car begins to smoke from tail pipe. Once in drive it begins to shake and moves slowly in traffic then slowly picks up speed after an unusually long duration. Dashboard is almost totally blacked out cannot read gauges (gas level,speed odometer, engine temperature, mileage). Finally, the air conditioning suddenly stopped blowing.
While driving on the freeway, the back lights in the instrument cluster that illuminate the speed markings started to flicker for a few seconds and then turned off and went dark. Then after a few minuets, the whole instrument cluster went dark and the speedometer stopped working completely. It was impossible to know what speed you are going at.
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.
I was driving the vehicle on the highway when all of a sudden the entire dash gauge cluster flickered and went totally dark and stopped working. I was so distracted that I almost ran into the car that was in front of me. The interior lighting went out as well. Now, there is no way of knowing the speed of the vehicle or of seeing any of the other important gauges including gear selection. It is impossible to drive the car safely. The Mercedes dealer in manhattan and north America Mercedes center in nj says the car is not covered and that the extended warranty for this issue has expired. They have basically said" too bad" for me in a very arrogant and cold manner. Almost like I should be ashamed for asking them to fix it. This is a low miles well cared for vehicle that has always been pampered and garaged. It belonged to my father. …
While operating the vehicle on a two lane divided highway, the vehicle would not up-shift gears and got stuck in third gear while I was attempting to pass a tractor trailer with other vehicles behind me attempting to do the same. Subsequently, I managed to maneuver the vehicle to a parking lot to examine the issue. I could not find anything externally wrong with the vehicle that would stand out in a visual inspection. Next, I turned the ignition off and turned it back on, forcefully put the car in gear, and found that it would not shift out of first gear. Vehicle had to be towed over 150 miles to a shop. The problem stems from the design and materials used for the transmission wiring harness that enables transmission fluid to wick up the wiring harness from the bottom of the vehicle up into the transmission control unit that is encased in plastic and located under the hood. …
Electrical complaints in other S500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2001 Mercedes-Benz S500?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the electrical system of the 2001 Mercedes-Benz S500, 62% of the model year's 34 complaints. The component named most often is instrument cluster/panel (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Mercedes-Benz S500 electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2001 Mercedes-Benz S500. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2001 Mercedes-Benz S500 electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 135,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.