2001 Mercedes-Benz S430 Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 3%of 73 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 11,510miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the brakes of the 2001 Mercedes-Benz S430, 3% of the 73 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 11,510 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Happened twice in one day while traveling at a speed of approximately 50-60 MPH. The first time happened as I was driving on a service road traveling at about 50 MPH. The second time happened as I was traveling at approximately the 60 MPH. Both occasions the front brakes abruptly and completely locked and forcefully pulled the steering to the right. Each event was were in the movement of a lot of traffic, during rush hour. I was unable to accelerate, the brakes resisted slowly pulled the car to a complete stop. While traveling in the right lane I had to cut the vehicle completely off. …”
NHTSA complaint #10934041, filed 2016-12, 20 miles“Dt: contact states the there was complete brake failure at 23,000 miles. The vehicle was still under warranty. Service dealer stated they couldn't find what is wrong with the brakes. While driving at speeds above 40 MPH the vehicle vibrated. On several occasion the vehicle would not stop when the brakes were applied. This resulted in several near accidents. The dealer/manufacturer were notified and concluded that the brake wear was normal wear and tear and that they just needed to be replaced. The center console would not open properly. The stereo's volume goes up and down. …”
NHTSA complaint #10124896, filed 2005-06, 23,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10030929Jun 15, 2009Mercedes: corrosion protection coatings for brake components and hardware may be damaged and or stripped away if highly concentrated acid based cleaners are used. Once the…
- 10028684Mar 20, 2009Mercedes: esp service required displayed in instrument cluster. Also includes 4matics, bi turbos and kompressors. Models 215 and 220. Model years unknown.
Brakes: other model years
Other parts of the 2001 Mercedes-Benz S430
37 complaintsInterior lighting
11 complaintsSuspension
8 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Mercedes-Benz S430
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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