2002 Mercedes-Benz S500 problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 36 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.0 times the median S500 year — the 2002 model ranks #3 of 13 S500 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
The trouble concentrates in one system: electrical system issues account for 42% of all reports (15 of 36), far ahead of suspension at 6.
36
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2002 compare to other S500 years?
What are the most common 2002 Mercedes-Benz S500 problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 15 | 42% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 6 | 17% | — flat |
| Lighting | 4 | 11% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 4 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 2 | 6% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 2 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Other | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
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 S500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER BURNED OUT AND ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT OBSERVED AN ABNORMAL BURNING ODOR. THE CONTACT SHUT OFF AND PARKED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY AN INDEPENDENT…”
“MY AIRMATIC SUSPENSION MADEY MY CAR GO DOWN REAL LOW, I PAY A LOT OF MONEY TO GET THE TWO AIR MATIC SUSPENSION FIX. MY REAR END IS STILL GOING DOWN AND NOW THE REAR IS LOWER THAN THE FRONT. I AM JUST LIJE THE REST OF THE PEOPLE THAT HAS COMPLAINT ABOUT THIS . NHTSA ACTION NUMBER PED7042. I FEEL…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ S500. THE CONTACT STATED UPON START-UP, THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WENT BLANK. THE CONTACT CALLED MERCEDES-BENZ OF LOS ANGELES (1801 S. FIGUEROA ST, LOS ANGELES, CA 90015) WHERE THEY INFORMED HIM TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO BE INSPECTED. UPON…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES-BENZ S500. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE CENTER OF THE VEHICLE. A WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS AN ABC HYDRAULIC FLUID LEAK, WHICH WAS NOT…”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ S500. ON OCTOBER 1, 2007, THE MILEAGE GAUGE DISPLAYED 26,700. THE FOLLOWING DAY, THE GAUGE DISPLAYED 43,000. EVER SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN 2005, THE WINDOWS AND SUNROOF HAVE OPENED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS RANGING FROM 20 TO 45MPH.…”
2002 Mercedes-Benz S500 — common questions
Is the 2002 Mercedes-Benz S500 reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 36 complaints put the 2002 model at #3 of 13 S500 years. It is one of the S500 years to avoid.
What are the most common 2002 S500 problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (15 complaints), suspension (6 complaints), lighting (4 complaints).
Does the 2002 Mercedes-Benz S500 have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2002 Mercedes-Benz S500.
Is the 2002 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.