AI Damage2001 Mercedes-Benz S600: common problems
Owners of the 2001 Mercedes-Benz S600 filed 38 complaints with NHTSA, most often about engine and cooling and suspension. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 38
What fails most often
- 1 Engine and cooling 45% of all complaints
- 2 Suspension 26% of all complaints
- 3 Engine 16% of all complaints
- 4 Electrical system 13% of all complaints
- 5 Service brakes 5% of all complaints
- Engine and cooling: 17 complaints (45% of all).
- Suspension: 10 complaints (26% of all).
- Engine: 6 complaints (16% of all).
- Electrical system: 5 complaints (13% of all).
- Service brakes: 2 complaints (5% of all).
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 38 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine and cooling | 17 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 10 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 3 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
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…
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 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.
The vehicle stalled but restarted. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 87,600.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 mercedes benz s600. The contact stated that the instrumental panel light system failed. The contact was unable to read the instrumental panel. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who advised that the instrument cluster failed. The vehicle was not repaired.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 mercedes benz s-600. The contact was driving 30 mph when the active body control lowered the suspension on to the tires, making the vehicle very difficult to steer. The contact was able to drive to a local mechanic. The mechanic noticed fluid leaking from the suspension system.
Instrument cluster in vehicle displaying speed, oil pressure, fuel level, and other engine functions not working. Referring to recall id 06v028000, I contacted local mercedes dealer and was told that an extended warranty has expired and owner of vehicle would be responsible for all repairs.
Tl contact owns 2001 mercedes benz s-600. While he attempted to park the vehicle, the front and rear suspension failed. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic who stated that there was air in the front and rear suspension active control body pump.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 6,094 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 17% most complained about).
On average one model year of the S600 has 6 complaints (13 years in the data). This year has 38, above average.
What to check before buying
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Suspension. Wheel alignment, control arms, subframe, even tire wear.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Mercedes-Benz S600?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: engine and cooling, suspension, engine. Total complaints: 38. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: oil leak or consumption (39%), smoke, burning smell, fire (26%), warning lights, check engine (5%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2001 Mercedes-Benz S600?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2001 Mercedes-Benz S600 from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2001 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.