2002 Mercedes-Benz S Class recalls and problems

The 2002 Mercedes-Benz S Class has 2 safety recalls and 48 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
48
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2002 Mercedes-Benz S Class vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2002 Mercedes-Benz S Class recalls

Recall 07V-263: Suspension, Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Jun 12, 2007 · 19,924 vehicles affected · MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC.

Problem: On certain 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 humidity causing deterioration of the hose.

Risk: This may result in abc hydraulic fluid leakage near the catalytic converter. Leaking fluid may come in contact with hot engine components and lead to a possible fire.

Fix: Dealers will install new corrosion resistant abc high pressure distribution hose. The recall began on july 2, 2007. Owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.

Recall 06V-028: Interior Lighting

Reported Feb 2, 2006 · 36,911 vehicles affected · MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC.

Problem: On certain vehicles, the instrument cluster is experiencing electrical malfunctions. The instrument cluster contains gauges and indicators that must be illuminated whenever the vehicle is in operation.

Risk: Due to inadequate illumination, the driver will be unable to read the gauges and indicators, such as the speedometer, which could increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the instrument cluster modules. The recall will be conducted in phases. Phase I was mailed out to approximately 7,500 owners on september 29, 2006. Phase II and phase III is scheduled for december 2006. Owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.

2002 Mercedes-Benz S Class problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Suspension19
Electrical System12
Tires4
Engine and Engine Cooling4
Interior Lighting4
Air Bags3
Visibility2
Equipment2
Power Train2
Exterior Lighting2
Electronic Stability Control1
Unknown or Other1

Most reported parts

  • Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 6
  • Suspension › Front — 3
  • Suspension › Front › Springs › Air Suspension System — 2
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 2
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 2
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline — 1
  • Tires › Sidewall — 1
  • Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under Dash — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 78,139 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2002 Mercedes-Benz S Class complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · at 46,000 miles · reported Feb 14, 2013
Instrument cluster failure. All lighting for instrument dark/unreadable (Speedometer,tach,odometer,fuel,temp,turn signal etc). Taken to dealer and I paid for rebuild to unit. Identical failure occured again after approx 3 months.
Electrical System · at 130,000 miles · reported Sep 25, 2012
The instrument cluster issue I AM experiencing began approximately july, 2012. Initially, the dashboard lights would flicker briefly and then illuminate again. Subsequent to the frequent flickering incidents, the cluster lighting didn't illuminate at all, with the exception of the small diagnostic viewer. Currently, all lighting, gauges, and any diagnostic instruments, including the control buttons located on the steering wheel do not function. In addition to the forementioned, the headlights now constantly illuminate and the turn signal is completely silent and not visible from the instrument…
Electrical System · at 103,000 miles · reported Jun 6, 2012
On starting the vehicle, the instrument panel was black without illumination or reading. As a result, gauges to speedometer, odometer, fuel, warnings to malfunctions, tachometer, oil pressure, & engine temperature are not present.
Electrical System · at 98,500 miles · reported May 11, 2012
The contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz s-class. The contact stated that while driving 58 MPH, all of the instrument panel lights and gauges failed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's home and the dealer was contacted. The dealer advised the contact that there was an electronic malfunction. The manufacturer confirmed that the vehicle was not included in any recalls. The failure mileage was 98500.
Electrical System · at 89,533 miles · reported Sep 28, 2011
My 2002 mercedes s430 instrument cluster back lighting went out while I was driving and I could not see my rate of speed. Along with not seeing my rate of speed my fuel and temperature was not visable. I called mercedes dealer in virginia about the recall that came out in 2006 and I was told that the recall had expired. Looking on the internet there is a 10 year extension but I was told that it was from the time the car was manufactured. I have never heard of such in my life and I would like to know the bottom line truth to this situation.

Other Mercedes-Benz S Class years

Compare all Mercedes-Benz S Class years · All Mercedes-Benz models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Mercedes-Benz S Class have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2002 Mercedes-Benz S Class: 07V-263 (suspension, engine and engine cooling), 06V-028 (interior lighting). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Mercedes-Benz S Class?

Owners report suspension problems most often (19 reports), followed by electrical system (12). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 78,139 miles.

Are Mercedes-Benz recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Mercedes-Benz dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.