VehicleVerdict

2002 Mercedes-Benz S600 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 12 complaints on file for the 2002 Mercedes-Benz S600 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

12

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other S600 years?

S600 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 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, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all S600 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Mercedes-Benz S600 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine650%
Electrical System325%
Suspension325%

Does the 2002 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.

“THE MERCEDES S600 HAS A DESIGN FLAW THAT CAUSES A MAJOR OIL LEAK FROM THE OIL COOLER THAT IS EMBEDDED INSIDE THE ENGINE. THIS REQUIRES THE INTAKE AND HEADS TO BE REMOVED TO REPLACE THE OIL COOLER AT A COST OF APPROXIMATELY $5K. SPECIAL CARE MUST BE TAKEN TO CLEAN THE OIL FROM THE WIRING HARNESS,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 15, 2008

“THE CAR WAS LEAKING OIL AND HYDRAULIC FLUID. THE CAR WOULD NOT RAISE UP AND WAS LEAKING OIL AS FAST AS IT WAS PUT IN. IT WAS NOT DRIVABLE. COULD NOT FIX IT I HAD TO PARK IT.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · July 31, 2010 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES-BENZ S600. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE LIGHTS, GAUGES, AND METERS ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 1, 2016

2002 Mercedes-Benz S600 — common questions

Is the 2002 Mercedes-Benz S600 reliable?

The record is thin — 12 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2002 S600 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (6 complaints), suspension (3 complaints), electrical system (3 complaints).

Does the 2002 Mercedes-Benz S600 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2002 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 2002 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.