Instrument Panel problems of the 2002 Mercedes Benz S Class

On starting the vehicle, the instrument panel was black without illumination or reading. As a result, gauges to speedometer, odometer, fuel, warnings to malfunctions, tachometer, oil pressure, & engine temperature are not present.

The contact owns a 2002 Mercedes Benz s430. While driving approximately 40 mph, the instrument panel lights began blinking and then suddenly dimmed. The contact purchased the vehicle in July of 2007 and was unaware of any recalls. He researched his defect and came across a recall. He called the manufacturer and they stated that his VIN was not included. The contact feels that his vehicle should be included in the recall since he is experiencing the same failure. The recall number was unknown. The failure mileage was 78,000.

The contact owns a 2002 Mercedes Benz S Class. While driving approximately 55 mph, the instrument panel lights stopped illuminating. The contact could not read the speedometer and other gauges. The dealer stated that his VIN was excluded from NHTSA campaign id number 06v028000 (interior lighting); therefore, the contact would be responsible for the repair costs, which would exceed $2,000. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure and current mileages were 22,000.

Failure of instrument cluster, had to be replaced.