2004 Mercedes-Benz S430 problems
Owners have filed 28 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004 Mercedes-Benz S430. Electrical system is the most reported problem area, at 25% of complaints. After that come suspension (14%) and drivetrain & axles (11%).
At a glance
- Complaints
- 28 filed with NHTSA
- Most reported
- Electrical system 25% of complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 0 and 0
- Injuries and deaths
- 0 and 0
- Typical mileage
- 74,000 miles 24 complaints with mileage
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
Where the complaints are
Share of this model year's complaints by the part of the car involved. One complaint can name more than one part, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
When problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 1 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 5 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 1 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 6 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 4 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 3 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 1 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 0 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 2 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 1 |
| 200k+ miles | 0 |
What the data shows
Among the 24 complaints that report mileage, the typical (median) problem appeared at about 74,000 miles.
None of these complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death. Its complaints are less severe on average than those of 100% of model years in our database.
Looking only at complaints filed within five years of the model year (so older and newer years are comparable), the 2004 ranks 2nd most-complained-about out of 5 model years of the Mercedes-Benz S430 with enough data (6 complaints in that window).
What owners wrote
A few complaints as filed, shortened and with personal details removed. The first ones are among the most serious reports for this model year; the rest are typical.
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 mercedes benz s430. The dealer stated that rain water has been leaking into the front of the vehicle, which caused electrical and computer failures. A leak is present underneath the hood and water is accumulating near the floor mat. The dealer and manufacturer stated that the contact would be responsible for the repairs. The current and failure mileages were 60,000.
Air suspension failed due to cracks in the top of the front struts. This lead to loss of air pressure, overload and failure of the air compressor. The vehicle is unsafe to drive as the front of the car could no longer be safely supported by the suspension.
While changing gears from 1st to 2nd gear vehicle shifted harshly and entered into a limp mode. Once at a certified mechanic the problem was discovered to be a conductor plate and valve body which has been discovered to be defective on most vehicles with 6 speed transmission and needs to be replaced.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mercedes-benz s430. While driving at approximately 40 MPH, the instrument panel lighting failed to illuminate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the instrument panel control module failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 06v028000 (interior lighting). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
While driving airmatic strut snapped him half on the freeway. Whole car dropped and had to tow vehicle to shop. Replaced the airmatic strut and now ABS sensor came on and doesnt go away. Replaced sensor and still wont go away so now I lost cruise control, brakes weird, and lost esp control with heavy steering. Common issue on this vehicle with the airmatic suspension.