The 2000 Mercedes-Benz S Class has 4 recalls, the most serious being two separate fire risks: a climate control blower motor regulator that can overheat and ignite under the dashboard, and a hydraulic hose on 8-cylinder models that can leak fluid onto the catalytic converter and catch fire.
The blower motor regulator issue is compounded by a second electrical recall involving the same system: the blower motor fuse holder uses an undersized conductor that generates more heat than the plastic housing can handle, which can partially melt the fuse holder and knock out the blower motor entirely, leaving the driver without heating, cooling, or defrost. The Active Body Control hydraulic hose fire risk affects vehicles equipped with an 8-cylinder engine, where internal corrosion from moisture exposure can cause the high-pressure hose to develop a leak, and the escaping fluid can ignite near the hot exhaust. There is also a lower-severity electrical concern involving the trunk floor mats, which can build up static electricity and discharge when someone reaches in to move or retrieve items, potentially damaging battery and electrical components housed in the trunk.
At a glance
What can fail
The steel inside the Active Body Control's high-pressure hose can corrode from moisture exposure, potentially causing hydraulic fluid to leak near the catalytic converter and start a fire.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the high-pressure hose with a corrosion-resistant version.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
At a glance
What can fail
The electric conductor in the blower motor fuse holder may be undersized, causing it to generate excess heat. This heat can partially melt the plastic fuse holder and disable the blower motor.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the blower motor fuse holder with a properly sized component.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Static electricity can build up in the trunk floor mats. When you move or remove items from the trunk, this static discharge may damage electrical system components and the battery.
What the fix does
The dealer will install static insulation material between the carpet and battery to prevent static discharge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A manufacturing defect in the climate control blower motor regulator's circuitry may cause an internal capacitor to fail, leading to overheating of the regulator and nearby components or wiring.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the blower motor regulator if necessary.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
