2004 Mercedes-Benz S430 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 22%of 18 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2004 Mercedes-Benz S430, 22% of the 18 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,000 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.
“Car stuck on park, wont release gear due to faulty plastic safety feature that cracks over time due to inferior material. Have to replace whole gear box or remove safety pin which can cause an accident since lever will shift whitout pressing brake or ignition on.”
NHTSA complaint #10966174, filed 2017-03, 98,000 miles“The contact owns a 2004 mercedes benz S430. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked while changing gears. The vehicle would also unexpectedly accelerate and decelerate. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and the contact was informed that the failure was due to a software malfunction within the valve body of the transmission. The failure occurred at various speeds. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure continued to occur and the check engine light began to illuminate on the instrument panel. …”
NHTSA complaint #10460800, filed 2012-06, 28,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11035005Jul 14, 2026Single 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 direction of…
- 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.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2004 Mercedes-Benz S430
7 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 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