2000 Mercedes-Benz S500 problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 85 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 7.1 times the median S500 year — the 2000 model ranks #1 of 13 S500 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 32 reports (38% of the total).
85
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
3
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
7
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2000 compare to other S500 years?
What are the most common 2000 Mercedes-Benz S500 problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 32 | 38% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 18 | 21% | new |
| Suspension | 8 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 5 | 6% | new |
| Body & Structure | 4 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 4 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 3 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 3 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Other | 2 | 2% | new |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 1% | new |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 1% | new |
| Fuel System | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 1% | new |
| Steering | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Airbags | 1 | 1% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“I WAS GETTING STUFF FROM THE TRUNK. WHEN I WENT BACK TO THE CAR IT WAS FULL OF SMOKE. WHEN I INSPECTED THE SORCE OF THE FIRE IT WAA THE BLOWER RESISTOR. THE WIRING TO THE BLOWER WAS BURNT AT THE CONNECTOR. THE PLASTIC AROUND THE EVAPORATOR BOX WAS DAMAGED.”
“IN REFERENCE TO CAMPAIGN 06V028000 WHAT IS THE BASIS FOR EXCLUSION OF SOME CARS OF THE SAME YEAR VS OTHERS? JUST BECAUSE THE 7 CARS THAT WERE PART OF THE ORGINAL COMPLAINT FALL IN THE NARROWLY DEFINED VIN RANGE DOES NOT MEAN OTHER CARS OF THE SAME MODEL AND YEAR DO NOT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. THE…”
“WHILE DRIVING MY 2000 S500 THE AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM MALFUNCTION WITHOUT WARNING. I HAD THE AIRMATIC SENSOR REPLACE 6 MONTHS AGO. THEN A AIR KIT WAS INSTALLED A MONTH LATER, AND NOW THE COMPRESSOR HAS BURNT OUT. RESULTING IN THE CAR COMPLETELY COLLAPSING. THE CAR WAS NOT ABLE TO DRIVE AND WAS TOWED…”
“THE CAR WAS BEING TAKEN OUT OF THE DRIVE WAY IN REVERSE AT 5MPH. SUDDENLY THE STEERING WHEEL WENT INTO A SPIN AND THE CAR ACCELERATED TO MAY BE ABOUT 10MPH AND THE CAR WENT BACKWARDS AS THE STEERING WHEEL TURNED AND HIT ANOTHER CAR PARKED IN NEIGHBOR'S DRIVEWAY, DAMAGING BOTH CARS. *AK”
“PLEASE RE-OPEN INVESTIGATION #PE05-062 AS MY INSTRUMENT CLUSTER HAS COMPLETELY FAILED AT 45K MILES ON THE CAR AND YOU AND MBUSA DECIDED TO DISCRIMINATE WHICH CARS WERE INCLUDED IN THE MAJOR RECALL - WHY NOT ALL VEHICLES. MY CAR IS IN PRISTINE SHAPE, ALWAYS BEEN GARAGED, NOT TO MENTION A VERY…”
2000 Mercedes-Benz S500 — common questions
Is the 2000 Mercedes-Benz S500 reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 85 complaints put the 2000 model at #1 of 13 S500 years. It is one of the S500 years to avoid.
What are the most common 2000 S500 problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (32 complaints), lighting (18 complaints), suspension (8 complaints).
Does the 2000 Mercedes-Benz S500 have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2000 Mercedes-Benz S500.
Is the 2000 Mercedes-Benz S500 under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Mercedes-Benz S500 years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the S500 years to avoid are 2000, 2001, 2002. The cleanest record among S500 years belongs to 1996.
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.