When driving my car makes noises like I'm pulling a trailer and I'm not.. In july my right shock went out so I repaired it.. Then prior to that the alternator was detected so I repaired that and just last week my instrument cluster went out. My suspension is really messed up and I can't shift at all
The worst 2001 Mercedes Benz S500 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Electrical21
- Lights15
- Suspension6
- Acceleration5
- Steering2
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical21
- Lights15
- Suspension6
- Acceleration5
- Steering2
- Transmission2
- Body1
- Engine1
Recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Defect investigations
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 the federal safety agency dated february 1, 2006, mercedes-benz USA, llc (mercedes-benz)states that there are three instrument cluster failure modes that would result in undesirable operation.these three failure modes are specific to certain dates of production (see below) for the subject vehicle, and mercedes-benz is recalling those vehicles within those dates.specific information regarding the failure modes is described in mercedes-benz's report (see the federal safety agency recall 06v028).three of the odi complaints submitted to mercedes-benz involve vehicles that were produced before the dates of production of vehicles affected by the three failure modes.based on review of those three complaints, mercedes-benz was unable to identify a relation of those three to the defects identified in the recalled vehicles.all of the mercedes-benz complaints with vins identified were within the recall population (only 2 vehicle vins were not available to positively identify vehicle build date).the recall population will include 36,911 s class and cl class mercedes-benz vehicles built in the production dates ranging from june 2000 through november 2000, january 2002 through april 2002, and may 2004 through september 2004.these dates of production cover vehicles from the 2000-2002 my and the 2004-2005 my.to correct the condition, mercedes-benz will replace all affected instrument clusters with improved ones that are not subject to the failure modes.mercedes-benz will begin owner notification during the 1st quarter of 2006.
PE05062
Technical service bulletins for the 2001 Mercedes Benz S500 30
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end)
- Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged
- Headlamps leaking or fogged
- Vehicle with atypical reduced heat output
- During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or...
- Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end)
- Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end)
- Washer fluid system leaks
- Headlamp or front fog lamp leaky or fogged
- Rear lamps fogged up/not leaktight
2001 Mercedes Benz S500 fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.0L 8‑cyl | RWD | 14 | 21 | 17 |
What 2001 Mercedes Benz S500 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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. (see attached picture) complaint below mentions a stupid repair kit at owners cost meaning mercedes is aware of this dangerous possibly deadly fault in their vehicles.
Instrumental cluster light not working
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.
Mbusa partially covered ($2400) cost for $5800 total repair to remove rust in 2011 but rust has returned to both rear quarter panels and doors. Documentation that paint was not prepped properly for all 2001 s500 models, however, not covered for cost to repair, reimburse for costs incurred or replace defective finish. Current quote for repairs estimated over $7500.00
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.
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.
For the second time the instrument cluster lighting had to be replace by the dealer. It did the same thing it did under the original recall. No lighting in instrument cluster.
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 *bf 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.
Compare the 2001 Mercedes Benz S500
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Questions about the 2001 Mercedes Benz S500
Is the 2001 Mercedes Benz S500 reliable?
Owners have filed 34 complaints about the 2001 Mercedes Benz S500, 2.8 times a typical S500 model year.
What is the 2001 Mercedes Benz S500 year score?
The 2001 Mercedes Benz S500 scores 37 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the Mercedes Benz S500: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2001 Mercedes Benz S500?
Electrical system, with 21 complaints, typically around 135,000 miles. Next is lights (15).
How many recalls does the 2001 Mercedes Benz S500 have?
No recalls on record.
What year does the Mercedes Benz S500 have the most electrical problems?
The Mercedes Benz S500 model years with the most electrical complaints are 2000 (31 complaints), 2001 (21 complaints) and 2002 (14 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2001 Mercedes Benz S500 get?
Official estimates for the 2001 Mercedes Benz S500 range from 17 mpg combined. The most efficient version (5.0L 8-cyl, RWD) gets 14 city and 21 highway.
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