2001 Mercedes-Benz S500 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 62%of 34 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 124,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the electrical system of the 2001 Mercedes-Benz S500, 62% of the 34 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 124,500 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving on a 400 mile trip home in the dark, the entire cluster lighting turned off and speedometer began to fluctuate. The situation was extremely hazardous and I was forced to pull over on a major highway to find out what is wrong. As no fuses or relays were blown out, I had to use a small flashlight to illuminate the cluster to get home.”
NHTSA complaint #10621393, filed 2014-08, 106,340 miles“I have had the car since 2010 in june and I have already had to replace the front driver side ball bearing and joints and they have stopped working once again I was driving last week in traffic at around 5 pm when my entire dashboard went out none of the gauges are working I couldnt see anything.”
NHTSA complaint #10939271, filed 2017-01, 138,000 miles“We purchased our 2001 mercedes s-500 used. Everything ran fine. After running it through an auto carwash with a under body spray, the electrical system went haywire. I noticed that the front passenger floor was soaked. Electrical malfunctions included non functioning locks, windows, air, all lights flickering, seat controls, horn, hazard lights, sunroof, dash control, virtually everything electrical. These malfunctions occurred while the car was in motion and while parked. When we turned the key off and removed them, the car continued to run. …”
NHTSA complaint #11323603, filed 2020-05, 165,000 miles“I was at a stop light on 225 and chambers and when the light turned green as soon as a hit the gas my entire dashboard went blank. I no longer had light and my gauges were not responding either. After doing some research I seen some forums about the recall so I call the manufacturer and was told that even though acknowledged as a safety concern the recall was closed june 2011. I purchased the car june 2010 and no one reached out. I have only one car and I can not drive it because I cant see the speed or if I even have gas. …”
NHTSA complaint #10940293, filed 2017-01, 138,000 miles“Takata recall. I was riding my vehicle when all of a sudden the instrument cluster went haywire. I thought it was battery but it wasn't the cause it drained 4 batteries I had on warranty and 1 I had to purchase. I found out the instrument cluster drains the battery and loss of power. I reached to a mechanic and he let me know that the instrument cluster is causing the power loss and needed to be replaced. I did some research and realize their was a recall for the instrument cluster for this defect. This defect could have a serious incident if wasn't properly aware. …”
NHTSA complaint #11124600, filed 2018-09, 160,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11015640Mar 5, 2025Complaint During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or interference/background noises are audible to the called party…
- 11008091Sep 28, 2024Complaint During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or interference/background noises are audible to the called party…
- 10186141Dec 10, 2020NTG5.5: Incorrect time shown on instrument cluster, COMAND display, and analog clock
- 10135604Mar 31, 2015Vehicle cannot be opened via Keyless-Go and radio remote control
- 10205233Aug 5, 2013Mobile phone cotacts are not transferred completely.
Electrical system: other model years
Other parts of the 2001 Mercedes-Benz S500
9 complaintsInterior lighting
6 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Mercedes-Benz S500
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