2001 Mercedes-Benz S500 problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 55 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.6 times the median S500 year — the 2001 model ranks #2 of 13 S500 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 21 reports (38% of the total).
55
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
2
Crash-involved
2
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2001 compare to other S500 years?
What are the most common 2001 Mercedes-Benz S500 problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 21 | 38% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 15 | 27% | — flat |
| Suspension | 6 | 11% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 5 | 9% | — flat |
| Other | 2 | 4% | — flat |
| Steering | 2 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 2 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“MY INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS (DASH BOARD) WENT OUT ON MY 2001 S500 MERCEDES BENZ CAR. THE LIGHTS WOULD FLICKER ON OCCASIONALLY AND GO BACK OUT. I WAS ABLE TO RECOVER THE SIGNAL LIGHTS BY CHANGING THE FUSES. WHILE ON A ROAD TRIP MY KIDS NOTICED A SMELL AND SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE DASH BOARD. WE EXITED…”
“MY INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS (DASH BOARD) WENT OUT ON MY 2001 S500 MERCEDES BENZ CAR. THE LIGHTS WOULD FLICKER ON OCCASIONALLY AND GO BACK OUT. I WAS ABLE TO RECOVER THE SIGNAL LIGHTS BY CHANGING THE FUSES. WHILE ON A ROAD TRIP MY KIDS NOTICED A SMELL AND SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE DASH BOARD. WE EXITED…”
“I RECENTLY AM HEARING KNOCKING SOUNDS IN THE REAR END OF MY 2001 S500 MB. I AM AFRAID TO KNOW WHAT'S HAPPENING BUT IT SOUNDS MAJOR. THIS VEHICLE ONLY HAS 77K MILES AND HAS GIVEN ME SO MANY PROBLEMS. I'VE JUST SPENT 2K TO REPLACE A STRUT A WEEK AGO AND AM WONDERING IF THE VEHICLE IS JUST DEFECTIVE…”
“WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, THE BACK LIGHTS IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER THAT ILLUMINATE THE SPEED MARKINGS STARTED TO FLICKER FOR A FEW SECONDS AND THEN TURNED OFF AND WENT DARK. THEN AFTER A FEW MINUETS, THE WHOLE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WENT DARK AND THE SPEEDOMETER STOPPED WORKING COMPLETELY. IT WAS…”
“THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER PANEL HAS BEEN SHUTDOWN, I AM UNABLE TO SEE MY SPEED OR ANY OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION, WHILE DRIVING. *TR”
2001 Mercedes-Benz S500 — common questions
Is the 2001 Mercedes-Benz S500 reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 55 complaints put the 2001 model at #2 of 13 S500 years. It is one of the S500 years to avoid.
What are the most common 2001 S500 problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (21 complaints), lighting (15 complaints), suspension (6 complaints).
Does the 2001 Mercedes-Benz S500 have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2001 Mercedes-Benz S500.
Is the 2001 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.