2006 Mercedes Benz S500 problems

Filed Sep 26, 2026 · Electrical, Fuel system · IL

2006 Mercedes-Benz S500 4MATIC, VIN [XXX]. On XXX, the vehicle suddenly shut off while driving. It was not overheating. It then would not restart or crank and could not be shifted out of Park. AAA connected a jump pack, but there was no starter engagement. It required a flatbed because it is 4MATIC. After the shutdown, the instrument cluster had intermittent power loss. The dashboard would illuminate when the key was turned but lose power after about 20 seconds. At times only the odometer displayed and the gear-selector indication was absent. Disconnecting/reconnecting the battery temporarily restored dashboard illumination but did not restore starting. A Mercedes technician at Smart Luxury Motors of the Quad Cities attempted diagnosis, but the vehicle could not be reliably scanned because electrical power would not remain available. The 7.5A EIS fuse was not blown. While investigating, I exposed the X4/10 electrical power-distribution area in the passenger footwell and found rust/corrosion and moisture around the connection, but I am concerned about a possible electrical defect causing loss of vehicle operation. On XXX, a Mercedes technician found a rodent nest and chewed knock-sensor wiring under the intake manifold; the wiring was repaired. Earlier, the vehicle had a crank/no-start condition during extreme cold, and I replaced the crankshaft position sensor. My safety concern is unexpected loss of propulsion or critical electrical functions while moving. I request that the federal safety agency compare this complaint with complaints, investigations, recalls, and manufacturer information involving the 2006 S500/W220/4MATIC and electrical system, including unexpected shutdown, power loss, no-crank, inability to shift from Park, and connector corrosion. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 1, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · CA

Vehicle stall - engine cut off - on highway at speed (50-55miles/hr) posing driver and passenger safety. No OBD error code or ECU error Similar incidents reported by Mercedes owners S500 model across USA As posted on Mercedes forums.

Filed Sep 11, 2024 · Engine, Steering · CA

Safety issues 1. Engine shuts off while driving. No error codes. Starts again with key and drives fine. 2. Steering locks while driving - maneuvering a turn. Stopped the car. Turn ignition off. Turn ignition on Everything works fine.

Filed Jun 1, 2016 · Engine · 68,085 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 mercedes benz s500. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the engine stalled. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the position sensor failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,085. Updated 01/11/2017

Filed Jan 19, 2016 · Transmission · 60,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 mercedes-benz s500. While driving 20 MPH with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle jerked before coming to a halt. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000.

Filed May 14, 2015 · Suspension · 114,343 miles · OH

While driving the car the front end dropped making it very difficult to steer. Had to slowly move to the right lane while traffic is going 70. This could have killed me.

Filed Nov 6, 2014 · Engine · 106,000 miles · NC

This problem happen three times in about 6 minutes in one night. While driving at 70 miles per hour. The engine cut off, almost before I knew what happen the engine started back running. In less than a minute it happen again. The engine cut out then started before I could do anything. The third time it cut out complete and stayed off. I was able to move the side of the road and stop and restart the car. It was very scary, all the lights were off and I was on a busy highway at night. It's happen before about a year ago. I mention it to the dealer, they acted as if it was nothing they were aware of.

Filed Jan 30, 2014 · Suspension · 125,000 miles · NY

Went out to the car to go to the pharmacy to get my asthma meds and the car was down on the ground,totally deflated shocks. Start car and rises to height but sinks when car is off, this is a danger if driving on the highway at 55 MPH, I have a wife and a young son. I feel that the dealers should recall and fix this problem correctly, and not have peoples lives in danger on the roads of america, any help would greatly be appreciated. Thank you , a cautious driver.

Filed Dec 25, 2013 · Acceleration, Electrical · 118,000 miles · CA

My transmission would not shift out of second gear. I turned it off and back on and it did not clear. I got a "pre-safe unavailable" message. I did some research and learned this is a "transmission control module" failure. It is very unsafe in that the car cannot keep up with traffic and is a danger to myself and others.

Filed Mar 30, 2011 · Tires · 50,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 mercedes benz s500 with yokohama advance s4 tires, tire size p265/40r18. The contact stated that the rear passenger tire exploded while driving approximately 65 MPH. Three months prior to the failure, the contact replaced the rear driver side tire for the same failure. The contacts roadside assistance installed the spare tire and the vehicle was then taken to a private mechanic who replaced the tire with another brand because the original brand was unavailable. The manufacturer advised the contact that it would take six weeks for the tire to arrive. There were no recalls or warranties. The failure mileage was 50,000. The VIN was unavailable.