My 2000 Mercedes S500 cluster, back lighting, speedometer failed (unable to see instrument cluster) on April,3 2011 mileage at time of defect 24,568 I saw that there is a recall for my car concerning the problem. I contacted the dealer and, I was inform that the extended warranty expired (recall). So I called the mercedes1-800-367-6372 number they informed me the same I was covered but expired. So I called NHTSA 1800 number they informed me that I would still be covered because the recall took place in 2006 and it is 10 years before it expires so until 2016. So I will appreciate some help concerning my problem. V.I, N [xxx] NHTSA campaign id number 06V028000 information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Ft. Washington, MD, USA

The contact owns a 2000 Mercedes Benz S430. The contact stated that the instrument panel was too bright. While driving, the brightness of the fuel gauge adjusted on its own. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the instrument panel needed to be replaced. The current mileage was approximately 95,000. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

- Medford, MA, USA

Instrument cluster on 2000 my Mercedes Benz S500 illumination failed. Cannot see gauges nor odometer. An obvious safety hazard. Both dealer and M-B usa deny coverage under their 10-year warranty extension for this specific issue. The car was placed in service in 12/99 and waited for 10 years and 6 months before failure. Formerly known for durability and reliability over many years, the company is now unwilling to stand behind their defective product. This is a safety issue. Why would there be any time limit on a known safety failure?

- Garland, TX, USA

Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) September 2009 air blower to heater and air conditioning quit working. Mechanic replaced fuse. Air blower worked for 2 days. Returned November 2009 and was told air blower would need to be replaced. February 2010 automatic trunk locks quit working. Now trunk lock only works with key, no longer automatic. March 2010 air blower replaced. Worked one week, then began malfunctioning until it no longer works. March 2010 dash lights began to flicker, then entire dash went out. Door locks no longer automatic, no indicators for speedometer, turn signals, temperature controls etc. Mechanic checked and replaced fuse. No results. Mechanic indicated that instrument cluster would need to be replaced. Internet research resulted in identifying recall of instrument cluster for 2000 "S" series, but that my VIN #[xxx] is not included in the recall. Internet research reveals that all these malfunctions are common among the 2000 "S" series along with the instrument cluster malfunction and does appear to be closely related to the instrument cluster issue. Mechanic indicated that he has replaced hundreds of the instrument clusters for specifically the "S" series, primarily year 2000 and has seen many of the issues with my S430 correlating to the instrument cluster malfunction.

- Vancouver, WA, USA

The instrument cluster panel on my S500 2000 Mercedes Benz lost its lighting and then lost all its functions. Mercedes has recalled 36,000 S500 2000 for this problem but my vehicle is not included in the recall. By their own admission, this problem constitutes a safety issue and costs approximately 2000 dollars to correct. I had to pay the money because my vehicle is not covered in the recall. Obviously, it should be. I had the cluster replaced as it was unsafe to drive under the conditions.

- Salem, NH, USA

My instrument cluster is flickering and I was told by Mercedes West springfield I needed a new cluster at $1710. I searched online and found a recall for the exact same issue on newer S class cars like mine, and many complaints of non-action on older (2000-2002) cars on the part of Mercedes.

- Springfield, MA, USA

: the contact stated that there was overheating with the air conditioner as related to recall #00V141000. The vehicle was taken to the dealers who determined that the blow motor and the regulator needed repairs however the problems were not related to the recall. The contact expressed the dealer did not check the vehicle's VIN number to confirm the analysis. The manufacturer was also alerted who confirmed that the problem was not part of the recall. Problems with the vehicle still persist. The dealer stated a blower motor was needed for the air condition. Updated 07/25/06.

- Owings Mills, MD, USA

2000 Mercedes S500V steering wheel was replaced. Upon inspection of vehicle mechanic determined that instrument cluster had been worked on before. The vehicle was purchased with an odometer reading of 69 miles. When the consumer contacted the manufacturer he was told that he was not the original owner of the vehicle. The vehicle had been owned by another person for three months. The consumer was then told that warranty work had been performed on the vehicle and that at that time the mileage was 128 miles. A day later, more warranty work was done and the mileage was 220+ miles. A law suit has been filed. Updated 02/24/06.

- Hillsborough, CA, USA

Failure: 2000 Mercedes S class instrument cluster failure. All electronic gauges, including mph, rpms, fuel gauge, heat sensor, etc., ceased working on approximately September 10, 2005, and have not worked since. I have called dealership and will be taking car in for service. I have also called Mercedes directly. I have heard that this is a common problem with this make of car. I consider this is a safety issue.

- Nashville, TN, USA