Most common 2001 Mercedes-Benz S600 problems
Share of the 38 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mercedes-Benz S600 complaints by model year
Best S600 years: 2015, 2016, 2017. Years to avoid: 2001. Compare all years →
2001 Mercedes-Benz S600 recalls (1)
Suspension
On certain passenger 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 heat and humidity. Over time, corrosion May deteriorate the inner steel portions of the hose.
Remedy: Dealers will install new, corrosion resistant abc high-pressure distribution hoses. The recall began August 31, 2004. Owners should contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2001 Mercedes-Benz S600:
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 S600 owners say
Engine & cooling all 23 →
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Mercedes-Benz S600. The contact stated that there was a progressing oil leak. Upon further inspection, it was determined that there was a presence of a leak. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic who diagnosed that the oil cooler needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 84,000. Updated 11/01/16 the consumer stated oil leaked out on to the manifold causing heavy smoke. Also, there was an issue with the suspension causing the vehicle to sag or lean in the front end and rear.
Takata inflators my car seems to be leaking oil. I took it to a shop they told me it was my oil cooler, I was told this is a common problem with the Mercedes Benz s 600 in that it should be a recall on this matter...when I purchased the car I noticed oil leaks in my garage so as I drove the vehicle I noticed smoke coming from underneath the car I pulled the car over shut it off and called the tow truck...
Suspension
Instrument cluster in vehicle displaying speed, oil pressure, fuel level, and other engine functions not working. Referring to recall id 06V028000, I contacted local Mercedes dealer and was told that an extended warranty has expired and owner of vehicle would be responsible for all repairs. Contacted Mercedes-Benz representative and was told exactly the same. I explained to both representatives that I took ownership in 2008 and was not notified of any recalls on vehicle, but they both gave same response, emphasizing of an expired extended warranty but not of recall as mentioned. (representative did not have any knowledge of any recall existing.) while at traffic light, supension goes up and down constantly; while driving still goes up and down, but not as constant. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Mercedes Benz s-600. The contact was driving 30 MPH when the active body control lowered the suspension on to the tires, making the vehicle very difficult to steer. The contact was able to drive to a local mechanic. The mechanic noticed fluid leaking from the suspension system. The contact then had the vehicle towed to a dealer where the dealer performed a diagnostic test but did not inform the contact of the test results. The contact called the manufacturer regarding NHTSA campaign I.d. Number: 04V228000 (suspension) but was advised that the vehicle was not included in the recall campaign. The failure mileage was 82,000. Udpated evoq 04/19/12
Electrical system
Tl contact owns a 2001 Mercedes Benz S600. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 15 MPH, the instrument cluster became inoperable. The vehicle stalled but restarted. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 87,600.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 35 MPH the instrument panel flickered and failed completely. The vehicle was taken to a service dealer, where it was determined that there was complete failure of the instrument cluster. The dealer ordered a new cluster for the vehicle. There is a NHTSA recall # 06V028000 pertaining to the interior lighting. The vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN. Updated 10/4/2006 - the turns signal visual and audible indicators failed which made it impossible for the consumer to know if/when the turn signal was activated.
2001 Mercedes-Benz S600 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.8L 12-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 21 / 16 |
EPA ratings. Class: Large car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2001 Mercedes-Benz S600 a good car?
Based on 38 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2001 S600 rates avoid: 7.0× as many complaints as a typical year of the S600 at the same age. It is one of the S600 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 S600?
The engine & cooling — 23 complaints, 61% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine. Next are the suspension (10) and electrical system (5).
How many recalls does the 2001 Mercedes-Benz S600 have?
There is 1 recall for the 2001 Mercedes-Benz S600, the most recent from May 13, 2004 (suspension). 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 S600?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2015, 2016 and 2017. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2001. See the full Mercedes-Benz S600 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2001 Mercedes-Benz S600 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 69,000 miles; 19% 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.