VehicleVerdict

2002 Mercedes-Benz S-Class problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 56 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 7.0 times the median S-Class year — the 2002 model ranks #2 of 16 S-Class years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Suspension leads the complaint categories with 19 reports (34% of the total).

56

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other S-Class years?

S-Class NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted101 complaints1992: 0 complaints1993: 1 complaints1994: 14 complaints1995: 32 complaints1996: 6 complaints1997: 4 complaints1998: 2 complaints1999: 10 complaints2000: 101 complaints2001: 46 complaints2002: 56 complaints2003: 43 complaints2004: 17 complaints2005: 3 complaints2009: 3 complaints2012: 1 complaints
S-Class NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all S-Class years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Mercedes-Benz S-Class problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Suspension1934%
Electrical System1323%
Lighting611%
Tires & Wheels47%
Engine47%
Airbags35%
Other35%
Transmission24%
Visibility & Wipers24%

Does the 2002 Mercedes-Benz S-Class have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

07V263000EngineJune 12, 2007 · 19,924 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN 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 HUMIDITY CAUSING DETERIORATION OF THE HOSE.

Consequence

THIS MAY RESULT IN ABC HYDRAULIC FLUID LEAKAGE NEAR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. LEAKING FLUID MAY COME IN CONTACT WITH HOT ENGINE COMPONENTS AND LEAD TO A POSSIBLE FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW CORROSION RESISTANT ABC HIGH PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION HOSE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 2, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.

06V028000LightingFebruary 2, 2006 · 36,911 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER IS EXPERIENCING ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS. THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER CONTAINS GAUGES AND INDICATORS THAT MUST BE ILLUMINATED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE IS IN OPERATION.

Consequence

DUE TO INADEQUATE ILLUMINATION, THE DRIVER WILL BE UNABLE TO READ THE GAUGES AND INDICATORS, SUCH AS THE SPEEDOMETER, WHICH COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER MODULES. THE RECALL WILL BE CONDUCTED IN PHASES. PHASE I WAS MAILED OUT TO APPROXIMATELY 7,500 OWNERS ON SEPTEMBER 29, 2006. PHASE II AND PHASE III IS SCHEDULED FOR DECEMBER 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ S430. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE AIRMATIC SUSPENSION SYSTEM WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND IMMEDIATELY, THE VEHICLE DROPPED TOWARDS THE GROUND. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE DRIVING WITH EXTREME CAUTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · February 23, 2011

“RECEIVED RECALL FROM MERCEDES BENZ #2007-060002. HAD JUST HAD THIS CONDITION FIXED BY DEALERSHIP AT MY COST. DEALERSHIP SAID THAT CONDITION WAS NOT RELATED AND REFUSED TO REIMBURSE ME FOR MY COST. I ASKED FOR REPLACEMENT PART # TO BE EMAILED TO ME. I HAVEN'T RECEIVED IT YET.I FEEL THAT THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 3, 2007

“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING AT NIGHT, THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS WENT OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALERSHIP THE NEXT DAY. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER MODULE. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL #06V028000, REGARDING THE INTERIOR LIGHTING, BUT THE VEHICLE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · October 23, 2006

“IDLE PULLEY (PLASTIC) FAILED/BROKE ON I-68 AT TOP OF SIDELING HILL GAP CAUSING LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND OTHER POWER RELATED ITEMS. CAR HARD TO CONTROL GOING DOWN LONG, STEEP HILL. WHEN PULLEY BROKE, SERPENTINE BELT FELL OFF. WE WERE INFORMED THAT THIS IS NOT AN UNCOMMON PROBLEM. CAR ONLY HAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 21, 2009

“2002 MERCEDES-BENZ S500 EXPERIENCING TIRE BLOW OUTS. *MR THERE WAS A RIGHT REAR GASH IN THE SIDEWALL AND A BULGE HIGH ON THE SIDEWALL NEAR THE REAR OF THE RIM, THE LEFT FRONT TIRE WAS FLAT DUE TO FISSURE IN THE SIDEWALL, THE THIRD TIRE BLEW OUT WHILE DRIVING ON AN INTERSTATE. THE FOURTH TIRE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · July 11, 2003

2002 Mercedes-Benz S-Class — common questions

Is the 2002 Mercedes-Benz S-Class reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 56 complaints put the 2002 model at #2 of 16 S-Class years. It is one of the S-Class years to avoid.

What are the most common 2002 S-Class problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (19 complaints), electrical system (13 complaints), lighting (6 complaints).

Does the 2002 Mercedes-Benz S-Class have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2002 Mercedes-Benz S-Class under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Mercedes-Benz S-Class years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the S-Class years to avoid are 2000, 2002, 2001, 2003, 1995. The cleanest record among S-Class years belongs to 1992.

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.