Suspension Problems of Mercedes Benz S430

Mercedes Benz S430 owners have reported 25 problems related to suspension (under the suspension category). The most recently reported issues are listed below.

1 Suspension problem of the 2001 Mercedes Benz S430

Failure Date: 09/12/2019

2001 was when the airmatics first came out mercedes perfected in 2002 there was a recall but I did not get the letter til after the date and mercedes wouldn't honor it I purchased this car and it's broken such a waste the airmatics won't go up it's slammed low we'll need to tow it w the big tow truck because it's too low it'll scratch.

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2 Suspension problem of the 2002 Mercedes Benz S430

Failure Date: 05/29/2018

Instrument lights went out, can't see speed or other dash information such as fuel. Rear suspension looses air, car sits to low to drive, body sits on rear tires. Happened while driving city street, tires smoked and are pitted.

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3 Suspension problem of the 2000 Mercedes Benz S430

Failure Date: 04/21/2017

Message in display airmatic visit workshop. Diagnosed automatic strut leak. Replaced strut assembly left rear & valve block suspension valve. I still hear air leaking. I've replaces all four air struts over the years. The struts are not cheap. In my opinion mercedes mfg should reimburse me total cost for all four. I'm sure you agree!.

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4 Suspension problem of the 2006 Mercedes Benz S430

Failure Date: 04/07/2017

My door lock would not work, could not even manually open them from the console. Took it in to be repaired, was told that the actuator had fried and melted the unit. It was replaced and within several weeks the "new actuator " also fried. Was told that the computer system would shut it down but the unit continues to run even when the car was turned off! with the unit being in the trunk it's a miracle that the car did not catch on fire. In order to repair this unit, and hopefully they must remove all doors head rest and seats check all vacuum lines to find out which one is leaking, and or replace all vacuum lines, and pray that works, the minimum cost of this is over $5000. 00 dollars! not only is this a fire hazard waiting to blow up, not being able to lock or unlock your doors. The dealership should be responsible to repair this shorty/ I'll built part! before someone is hurt or killed by this unit. Also as I was driving down the road my right strut assembly broke. I looked up recall info, there was a recall on that , but was told not for my VIN! just another safety hazard for the 2006 S430! does someone have to die first?.

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5 Suspension problem of the 2004 Mercedes Benz S430

Failure Date: 03/01/2017

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.

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6 Suspension problem of the 2003 Mercedes Benz S430

Failure Date: 01/02/2017

The suspension on my 2003 s 430 4-matic is stating stop, too close. It will not lift up. Is this a recall issue? please contact me at 240-462-6778. Thank you carlyn lucas.

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7 Suspension problem of the 2003 Mercedes Benz S430

Failure Date: 08/03/2016

Heater and air conditioner fan motor failed on my 2003 S430. Which is dangerous in seasonal climate conditions I've had to replace this part 2x at 700. 00 on both occurances at my own expense which I dont understand when there is a recall for this same issue for previous years 2000,2001. . Recall#2004 070010. I've also had to change my shifter gear box which jams in the park position and doesn't allow you to drive the vechicle this is caused by a plastic piece that is susceptible to break within the gear box this issue is also expensive for just 1 faulty trans shifter piece that can totally leave your car inoperable.

8 Suspension problem of the 2002 Mercedes Benz S430

Failure Date: 04/06/2016

I purchased my vehicle new in 2002. It has about 48500 miles. I work close to home. I have already replaced the suspension air bags once and my vehicle is dropping again. I have read that this is a common problem with my vehicle year, make and model. What can I do? my vehicle is very well taken care of and I find it outrageous that Mercedes Benz being fully aware of this issue, refuses to take responsibility. Especially with the original price of the vehicle.

9 Suspension problem of the 2004 Mercedes Benz S430

Failure Date: 03/15/2016

This vehicle often drops lower, while in motion. This is hazardous! I have had this airmatic air suspension system repaired three times on this vehicle within the last three years, and it appears this is one problem that Mercedes Benz refuses to correct. In my last S430, I had the same issue, and had to pay huge amounts to fix the problems. I feel no one is doing anything to get Mercedes Benz to fix this ongoing safety issue. I will like NHTSA to get Mercedes Benz to take responsibility for these ongoing defects.

10 Suspension problem of the 2000 Mercedes Benz S430

Failure Date: 11/10/2015

While driving 70 mph on the freeway my car all of a sudden flashed a red warning saying "stop car " warning " do not drive car to low" the car started dropping to the road rubbing tires. I immediately had to cut traffic and pull to the right to get out the way of moving vehicles. This is an extremely scary tragic and hazard! I am in the process of taking it to the shop now to see exactly the problem. Beware.

11 Suspension problem of the 2001 Mercedes Benz S430

Failure Date: 01/30/2015

January 30, 2015, I noticed my car sitting on the ground. I started the car, raised the airmatics up, pulled out my driveway, stopped at the stop sign and my car lowered and shut off. I repeat by turning the car back on and raising the car back up. On my way home I received an emergency call stated my cousin was about to be jumped and to come to their bus stop. I asked my family, "where are you?" when I arrived around the corner, my car began lowering while driving, I came over the hill and was shocked that traffic was completely impeded as my car began sliding down the hill. I had less than seconds to respond and swerved towards and open field. Four youth and one adult came in contact with my car. I was shacking, in shock as I thought I hit my own daughter. I called 911, took toxicology test and was charged with four counts of aggravated battery. My insurance said it was an accident and settled all claims with the injured parties. I knew my problem was the brakes or suspension as the police tampered with evidence, planted dirt and lied that there were skid marks when the photos showed none. I had four businesses and loss everything behind this car accident. This story hit national news as the truth was never told to the public. Please, stay on top of this issue pertaining to the suspension problems. I continued requesting for them to fix my car and have receipts to prove it. It was temporarily repaired but nenes completely fixed. If I had known the suspension could result to an accident I would not have purchase this car. I drove my children around in this unsafe car and it hurt others in the process. Please do not allow this to happen to anyone else.

12 Suspension problem of the 2002 Mercedes Benz S430

Failure Date: 02/17/2014

Air suspension problems. Driving down the road and front end of my car drops and wheels start to touch car body, cant turn the wheels either (only slightly) the fender gets on the way, car is too low. I pulled over in a little bit car raised up to normal position. Happened more that few times. Sometimes it doesn't rises all the way up to normal. Air strut, air pump, valve box or relay failure.

13 Suspension problem of the 2002 Mercedes Benz S430

Failure Date: 10/28/2013

The air pump is inoperable. The vehicle had a severely low frontend. Mechanic stated it was a common problem in the mercedes S430.

14 Suspension problem of the 2002 Mercedes Benz S430

Failure Date: 08/28/2013

Second airmatic breakdown. First was front side last July 2012. Second breakdown August 28, 2013 rear pump left side. His problem is getting real expensive. Do all mercedes do this?.

15 Suspension problem of the 2000 Mercedes Benz S430

Failure Date: 05/20/2013

The whole car was laying on the floor and. The red light flashed on the dashboard that said "stop car too low , because of how low it was the tires were rubbing on the fender and caused the tires to ball up ,I. Got the car towed to Mercedes Benz dealer and got the airmatic system fixed a year later the exact same thing happens and the didn't want to fix it.

16 Suspension problem of the 2002 Mercedes Benz S430

Failure Date: 05/14/2013

Tl - the contact owns a 2002 Mercedes Benz S430. The contact stated when driving at night the exterior, interior and the instrument panel would fail. The contact stated when driving intermittently the airmatic shocks would drop make the vehicle very low and was unable to turn the wheels of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 185,000. Bt.

17 Suspension problem of the 2003 Mercedes Benz S430

Failure Date: 01/24/2013

The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes Benz S430. The contact stated that while parked, he noticed that the front passenger's side of the vehicle was sitting abnormally low. The contact proceeded to drive the vehicle however, once he reached 60 mph a warning light illuminated, indicating that the vehicle was too low. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but did the contact did not have a diagnostic test performed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 07v263000 (engine and engine cooling, suspension). The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and the current mileage was 113,000.

18 Suspension problem of the 2002 Mercedes Benz S430

Failure Date: 11/20/2012

The vehicle safety light went red indicating the airmatic failed and to stop the vehicle.

19 Suspension problem of the 2002 Mercedes Benz S430

Failure Date: 05/10/2012

The gear shifter had locked initially out of the blue, I couldn't get the car out of drive. I turned it off to stop it and then it wouldn't go into park. After the mercedes tech came out it wouldn't start at all. The tech said it was most likely a safety feature which had kicked in. Then the whole right side went down. I am told the airmatic suspension went out. Why? the car said stop airmatic to low. I have never had any problems which may have lead up to these issues. Unfortunately I can not afford the $2,000 to repair this issue with the airmatic. Is there any kind of recall on this vehicle or warranty with mercedes that is responsible. The electrical problem is the radio going out for 2-3 months and then coming back on out of the blue. The door open signal not going off in the alerts. The trunk switch not working to open the trunk, it can only be opened manually. Lastly the headlights continually going out after replacing the bulb for 1 month. Rust and deterioration on the roof by the sunroof.

20 Suspension problem of the 2004 Mercedes Benz S430

Failure Date: 02/15/2012

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.

21 Suspension problem of the 2003 Mercedes Benz S430

Failure Date: 09/02/2010

Electrical problems with s-class Mercedes Benz navigation system shutdowns and alot of electrical systems failures.

22 Suspension problem of the 2001 Mercedes Benz S430

Failure Date: 12/28/2008

Vehicle instrument cluster panel has failed. No lights or instrument indicators function. All lights with in the panel do not operate. Also suspension of vehicle failing. Affected by weather. Cold weather affects vehicle not allowing rise of car.

23 Suspension problem of the 2000 Mercedes Benz S430

Failure Date: 06/24/2008

Traveling with a family of four, the car lowered completely to ground and caused to almost spin out of control it was the airmatic shocks almost $ 2,000 in repairs. . . Now recently is dropping constantly while driving researched and found hundreds upon hundreds of people that have had the same issues including one that lost control due to front air shock sudden drop mercedes acknowledge the problem as a continuous problem with these models.

24 Suspension problem of the 2004 Mercedes Benz S430

Failure Date: 03/02/2007

I purchased a certified pre-owned 2004 Mercedes Benz S430-4matic in March 2007, after retiring. I also brought an extended warranty costing over $3000 dollars. I have returned this vehicle to a Mercedes Benz dealership for repairs over approximately 27 times since purchasing the vehicle. The problems include the electrical system (door locks); trunk lid lock, suspension system, tire pressure sensors, engine and engine cooling system (air conditioning system will only dispense cold air at 55 degrees and lower) and most recently the radio and navigation system are failing. Now that the warranties on the vehicle have expired the dealership will not repair the above problems under warranty. I filed a complaint with Mercedes Benz USA and I'm waiting for a decision regarding the repairs totaling over $4700. 00.

25 Suspension problem of the 2001 Mercedes Benz S430

Failure Date: 01/01/2002

Vehicle will start to shake when traveling at 50 mph and higher. Entire vehicle will shake, not just the steering. Contacted dealer, and dealer replaced the driveshaft, but the problem still occurring.


Other Common Suspension related problems of Mercedes Benz S430


S430 Service Bulletins
S430 Defect Investigations