5.2

fairly significant
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
18,800 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S430:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

problem #5

Dec 182010

S430 8-cyl

  • miles
When vehicle gets cold( outside temp below 17 F), the car will lower, and airomatic warning message comes on saying airomatic vehicle too low stop visit shop.

- La Cresent, MN, USA

problem #4

Jan 212011

S430

  • miles
When temperature falls below 17 degrees F, the vehicle drop to unsafe level, and message says airmatic stop car vehicle too low. The tires will start rubbing on liner. Called dealer they said temperature in germany does not go that low, well this car is sold in us, and they need to make it work.

- New Albin, IA, USA

problem #3

Oct 252009

S430

  • 84,500 miles
My suspension is horrible!! without warning my S430 airmatic light displayed "visit workshop", I pulled over and noticed my vehicle was riding extremely low...almost touching my front and back tires. Furthermore, there is a rubbing sound when the wheels are being turned. I contacted 4 dealers and they all claimed the suspension and/or airmatic system has been a common problem...my concern is why wasn't I notified about a recall" secondly, after scheduling an appointment for this week, mb is claiming that I will be charged for service a. this is unbelievable>>>why is Mercedes loosing their reputation for poor customer service" please contact me...I need my vehicle in operable condition and will expect to be reimbursed by Mercedes once this recall matter is approved and/or active. I'm glad to know that NHTSA cares...thank you.

- Richton Park, IL, USA

problem #2

Jun 122009

S430

  • miles
Incident one: 1. while driving in atlanta, ga in February of 2007. The front airmatic suspension failed while crossing an "inactive" railroad track. Just imagine if it was active. Mercedes-Benz towed the car and replaced the defect. 2. a few days ago, I'm driving on a 40 mph speed limit road and my car starts to lower. Again. I was lucky that no one was behind me, otherwise it could have had a different outcome. How many times will someone need to report this "safety hazard" to the national highway and traffic safety administration. Does someone need to die, in order to be heard" please help me. I cannot afford to have the car I purchased, as the salesman said, "the safest car on the road, " become the reason for serious injury or even death to me and others. Thank you, I hope you'll contact me within a reasonable amount of time. We need to be heard. We want you to do something, because it will make us feel that you genuinely car about listening and creating action on these complaints. What does it cost you to recall something" I know what it'll cost me or the public if you don't.

- Fairport, NY, USA

problem #1

Jan 112004

S430 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 9,500 miles
The front end of the vehicle collapsed while parked. The dealer could not determine the cause of the problem. Please provide any additional information.

- Downingtown, PA, USA