2001 Mercedes-Benz S430 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 5%of 73 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 82,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2001 Mercedes-Benz S430, 5% of the 73 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 82,000 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.
“The vehicle will not shift out of park. As I researched the problem, I have learned that this is a common problem with this particular model and there is no way to override. The part for repair costs less than $5; it is a small plastic washer type piece. If I had been in traffic and this piece went, it could have resulted in a collision because my vehicle is immobile. As the vehicle is being towed, due to the fact the car cannot be placed in neutral , the rear wheels will not turn to load on tow vehicle. Possibly resulting in further damage to the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10534708, filed 2013-08, 82,000 miles“2001 model, dealer replaced driveshaft at 500 miles because vehicle was vibrating at speeds over 55 MPH. It did not remedy situation. Consumer then test drove 2 vehicles of same model, they vibrated as well. Mercedes currently told consumer that this was a characteristic of vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #885790, filed 2001-04“Consumer of a 2001 S430 v faulty sunroof, LED side mirrors, and turn signals. Customer states the vehicle has cost him a lot of money to repair and would like it to be fixed and be repaid in someway. **nar**kb the consumer stated the vehicle has had numerous problems such as persistent tail light and head light assembly failures, engine, fuel, accelerator pedal assembly, alternator, battery, instrument cluster, vacuum door pump, electrical, front suspension failures such as the airmatic shocks, the thrust arms, ball joints and the airmatic pump/relay. …”
NHTSA complaint #10202668, filed 2007-09“Vehicle will start to shake when traveling at 50 MPH and higher. Entire vehicle will shake, not just the steering. Contacted dealer, and dealer replaced the driveshaft, but the problem still occurring.”
NHTSA complaint #8002232, filed 2002-01Related service bulletins
- 11025648Nov 15, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse…
- 11019018May 21, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse…
- 11013298Jan 16, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse…
- 11013332Jan 15, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing…
- 10181124Sep 30, 2020Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D or R
- 10181123Sep 22, 2020Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D
- 10176661May 1, 20205 to 4 coasting downshift - shift quality concern with cold trans- mission oil on MODEL 217 or 222 in combination with ENGI- NE 278 and TRANSMISSION 722.9 without code 835/498
- 10165839Jul 14, 2014Shift quality complaints on TRANSMISSION 722.9 (7G-TRONIC and 7G-TRONIC PLUS)
- 10165844Jul 10, 2014Possible minor leakage at described components or oil transfer from assembly plant.
- 10166982Feb 19, 2014During disengagement from D to N and/or from R to N some slight jolting could be experienced.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2001 Mercedes-Benz S430
37 complaintsInterior lighting
11 complaintsSuspension
8 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsBrakes
2 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