VehicleVerdict

2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class electrical system problems

The 2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class has 24 electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA — 52% of the year's total, and down from the prior model year.

24

Electrical System complaints

52%

Share of year

0

Crash-involved

2

Related recalls

Electrical System complaints by year

S-Class electrical system complaints by model year34 complaints1993: 1 complaints1994: 13 complaints1995: 23 complaints1996: 1 complaints1997: 4 complaints2000: 34 complaints2001: 24 complaints2002: 13 complaints2003: 8 complaints2004: 3 complaints2005: 1 complaints
S-Class electrical system complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

04V227000Electrical SystemMay 13, 2004 · 54,454 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, DURING THE PRODUCTION PROCESS OF THE BLOWER MOTOR FUSE HOLDER, THE SIZE OF THE ELECTRIC CONDUCTOR OF THE HOLDER MAY BE BELOW APPROPRIATE TOLERANCES.

Consequence

CONSEQUENTLY, THE ELECTRIC CONDUCTOR OF THE BLOWER MOTOR FUSE HOLDER MAY DISSIPATE MORE HEAT THAN THE PLASTIC FUSE HOLDER WAS DESIGNED TO WITHSTAND, WHICH COULD RESULT IN OVERHEATING OF THE HOLDER AND DISABLING OF THE BLOWER MOTOR AND THE ABILITY TO DEFROST OR DEFOG THE WINDSHILED IN COLD OR HOT AND HUMID WEATHER CONDITIONS. DEPENDING ON THE OCCURRENCE AND WEATHER SITUATION, DRIVER VISIBILITY COULD BE REDUCED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW BLOWER MOTOR FUSE HOLDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING OCTOBER 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.

02V338000Electrical SystemDecember 16, 2002 · 65,000 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, EXCESSIVE STATIC BUILD-UP IN THE TRUNK FLOOR MATS CAN CAUSE A STATIC DISCHARGE WHEN INDIVIDUALS MOVE OR REMOVE ITEMS FROM THE TRUNK COMPARTMENT.

Consequence

THIS CAN DAMAGE THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM COMPONENTS LOCATED IN THE TRUNK, INCLUDING THE VEHICLE'S BATTERY.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A STATIC INSULATION PANEL BETWEEN THE CARPET AND THE VEHICLE BATTERY WHICH WILL PROVIDE AN ELECTRICAL GROUNDING. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 14, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.

What owners report

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ S500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 1, 2011

Common questions

How many electrical system complaints does the 2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class have?

NHTSA has 24 complaints about the 2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class electrical system — 52% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class electrical system?

Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year are tied to the electrical system: 02V338000, 04V227000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.