2001 Mercedes-Benz S600 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 16%of 38 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 79,008miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the engine of the 2001 Mercedes-Benz S600, 16% of the 38 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 79,008 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.
“Takata inflators my car seems to be leaking oil. I took it to a shop they told me it was my oil cooler, I was told this is a common problem with the mercedes benz s 600 in that it should be a recall on this matter...when I purchased the car I noticed oil leaks in my garage so as I drove the vehicle I noticed smoke coming from underneath the car I pulled the car over shut it off and called the tow truck...”
NHTSA complaint #10884648, filed 2016-07, 84,000 miles“Oil cooler seals fail approximately every 50 to 60,000 miles & in order to change them you have to remove the heads off the engine.this job cost anywhere from $3,400 to $6,000 depending on where you go. First & foremost the oil leak becomes bad very quickly & spills down the manifold, while driving could cause a fire & even worst death.”
NHTSA complaint #10824354, filed 2016-02, 70,000 miles“Engine oil cooler leaks. This looks to be a common problem with this model with v12 engine.this vehicle should be recalled because of this very expensive problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10824310, filed 2016-02, 80,015 miles“The contact owns a 2001 Mercedes-Benz S600. The contact stated that the vehicle leaked oil into the exhaust manifold. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 54,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10824246, filed 2016-02, 54,000 miles“The contact owns a 2001 Mercedes-Benz S600. The contact stated that there was a progressing oil leak. Upon further inspection, it was determined that there was a presence of a leak. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic who diagnosed that the oil cooler needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 84,000. Updated 11/01/16 the consumer stated oil leaked out on to the manifold causing heavy smoke. Also, there was an issue with the suspension causing the vehicle to sag or lean in the front end and rear.”
NHTSA complaint #10884660, filed 2016-07, 84,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11017039Apr 1, 2025Complaint Vehicle with atypical reduced heat output. Cause Silicate granulate may have escaped from a damaged bag in the expansion reservoir (not visible), reducing the coolant…
Engine: other model years
Other parts of the 2001 Mercedes-Benz S600
17 complaintsSuspension
10 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsInterior lighting
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Mercedes-Benz S600
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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