VehicleVerdict

2001 Mercedes-Benz S600 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 44 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 17.6 times the median S600 year — the 2001 model ranks #1 of 16 S600 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 52% of all reports (23 of 44), far ahead of suspension at 11.

44

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2001 compare to other S600 years?

S600 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted44 complaints1993: 1 complaints1994: 2 complaints1995: 7 complaints1997: 3 complaints2001: 44 complaints2002: 12 complaints2003: 8 complaints2004: 4 complaints2005: 4 complaints2006: 1 complaints2007: 9 complaints2011: 0 complaints2012: 0 complaints2015: 0 complaints2016: 0 complaints2017: 0 complaints
S600 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all S600 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2001 Mercedes-Benz S600 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine2352%
Suspension1125%
Electrical System511%
Lighting37%
Brakes25%

Does the 2001 Mercedes-Benz S600 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

04V228000SuspensionMay 13, 2004 · 6,238 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER 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 HEAT AND HUMIDITY. OVER TIME, CORROSION MAY DETERIORATE THE INNER STEEL PORTIONS OF THE HOSE.

Consequence

THIS MAY RESULT IN ABC HYDRAULIC FLUID LEAKAGE. UNDER SOME CIRCUMSTANCES, LEAKING HYDRAULIC FLUID MAY COME IN CONTACT WITH HOT ENGINE COMPONENTS AND LEAD TO A POSSIBILITY OF FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW, CORROSION RESISTANT ABC HIGH-PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION HOSES. THE RECALL BEGAN AUGUST 31, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD 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.

“MY OIL COOLER HAS BEEN LEAKING SINCE 41,000 MILES AND I HAVE READ OTHER MERCEDES BENZ S600 OWNERS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS. TO FIX THIS PROBLEM I WOULD HAVE TO PAY A SHOP 4K DOLLARS. IF THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THIS CAR I THINK MERCEDES BENZ SHOULD HAVE A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE AND FIX THE PROBLEM.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 11, 2009

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ S-600. THE CONTACT IS EXPERIENCING SUSPENSION FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE IS LEAKING HYDRAULIC FLUID. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. HE ALSO STATED THAT THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · September 26, 2008

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ S600. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER BECAME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE STALLED BUT RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 26, 2015

“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILED. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, # 06V028000, REGARDING THE INTERIOR LIGHTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. *AK UPDATED 10/4/2006 - *NM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · August 11, 2006

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ S-600. THE CONTACT IS EXPERIENCING SUSPENSION FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE IS LEAKING HYDRAULIC FLUID. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. HE ALSO STATED THAT THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 26, 2008

2001 Mercedes-Benz S600 — common questions

Is the 2001 Mercedes-Benz S600 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 44 complaints put the 2001 model at #1 of 16 S600 years. It is one of the S600 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2001 S600 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (23 complaints), suspension (11 complaints), electrical system (5 complaints).

Does the 2001 Mercedes-Benz S600 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2001 Mercedes-Benz S600. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2001 Mercedes-Benz S600 under NHTSA investigation?

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

Which Mercedes-Benz S600 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the S600 years to avoid are 2001. The cleanest record among S600 years belongs to 2017.

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.