2002 Mercedes-Benz S Class Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 40%of 48 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 70,134miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the suspension of the 2002 Mercedes-Benz S Class, 40% of the 48 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,134 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“There was no warning it just gave a alert that the car was riding low and to stop. Airmatic suspension for a 2002 s430. Very costly, I did research and found out that this problem is a common occurrence for mercedes S Class. I believe it is a defect at the manufacturer and mb should be held account for said defect.”
NHTSA complaint #10355005, filed 2010-09, 105,236 miles“After driving and placing gear of 2002 mercedes benz s430 in park, my car collapsed so low that car could not be driven, leaving all occupants stranded. Airmatic compressor system, which is car's suspension system totally failed. Car towed on flat bed to dealership. Several parts replaced, including airmatic compessor, sensor, fuse, pump, and more. Car repair cost me $1000.”
NHTSA complaint #10150390, filed 2006-02, 5,100 miles“In april 2007 I noticed the car dropping and the hissing sound of air when the car was parked and turned off. On april 12, 2007 the car dropped extremely close to the tires and I was forced to it for repair since my car is my livelihood. I was told my rear suspension compressor and front suspension on one side needed replacing along with the r/f strut costing me a total of $2086.00. I hope that I will be reimbursed for something that could have been very tragic. …”
NHTSA complaint #10212667, filed 2007-12, 96,423 miles“I own a 2002 mercedes benz s430 and feb. 2010 the airmatic system warning light came on. There are only 43,000 miles on my car.the dealer wants close to $1000 to put a 'kit on to replace the failing seals on the airmatic struts, which the mfg has since changed the design and offered recalls on other models. I have not driven the car since as I was told if the pump burns up from the air leaking out the suspension will drop the car, causing the car to be undrivable, and it could be dangerous if the car is in motion. I have 2 children and can not take the chance.”
NHTSA complaint #10351789, filed 2010-08, 43,912 miles“I have a 2002 430s mercedes benz with only 69,000 miles on it. I have replaced the airmatic pump and paid $641.89 on sept 25, 2008 at rick hill imports in kingsport tn and my car is again lowering to the ground while driving speeds of 40 to 50 MPH. I have to pull off the road to air my car up which is dangerous. I took it back to rick hill imports they tell me the shocks are leaking air and that is a common problem with these cars. I have started doing research online I have found that their are several issues with this car yr make and model. …”
NHTSA complaint #10274389, filed 2009-06, 58,067 milesRelated recalls
- 07V263000Jun 12, 2007On certain vehicles, corrosion may occur in the inner steel portions of the active body control's (abc) high pressure distribution hose due to extensive…Covers: Mercedes-Benz S Class 2000–2004, CL Class 2000–2004
Suspension: other model years
Other parts of the 2002 Mercedes-Benz S Class
12 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsInterior lighting
4 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsTires
3 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Mercedes-Benz S Class
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology