2002 Mercedes-benz S-Class S430
WDBNG70J82A281043
Vehicle history report for the 2002 Mercedes-benz S-Class S430 (VIN WDBNG70J82A281043). Black, sedan/saloon, 4.3L 8-cyl 275 hp, gasoline. 122,012 mi reported. Registered in Wi. No open recalls. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history.
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
What's a 2002 Mercedes-benz S-Class worth?
What comparable 2002 Mercedes-benz S-Class vehicles are listed for — a quick gut-check before you negotiate.
Is the seller's price fair? Get this exact VIN's current market value — retail, trade-in & loan value — in the full report.
See this car's exact value →Full vehicle history report
What a full report checks for VIN WDBNG70J82A281043
A full report searches national title databases (NMVTIS) and licensed history providers for this VIN and shows whatever records are on file — not every vehicle has every record type. The decode, safety recalls and owner complaints above are always free.
Safety recalls None found
No open NHTSA recall campaigns were found for this 2002 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
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Common problems & what to inspect
Based on 133 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2002 Mercedes-benz S-Class, here are the most-reported problem areas — and exactly what to check before you buy.
💥 1 involved a crash 🔥 1 involved a fire
🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
🔍 Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
🔍 Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
🔍 Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
🔍 Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 133
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 2002 Mercedes-benz S-Class.
INTERIOR LIGHTING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
See attached document for complaint.
NHTSA ODI #11637417SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2002 Mercedes-Benz S600. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the active body control warning light illuminated, after which the front suspension lowered to the ground, preventing the vehicle from being driven. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the hydro-pneumatic suspension pump and high-pressure hose. …
NHTSA ODI #11600533SUSPENSION,ENGINE
ABC high pressure hose blew off while driving at low speed made a loud popping sound abc light came on with message drive carefully and fluid came pouring out
NHTSA ODI #11557963ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2002 Mercedes-Benz S500. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the instrument panel and dashboard lights were off. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that his daughter was able to drive the vehicle since the exterior lights were working properly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that …
NHTSA ODI #11443231INTERIOR LIGHTING
The contact owns a 2002 Mercedes-Benz S500. The contact stated that the instrument cluster had started to flicker and had eventually gone completely blank without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where he was informed that his vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 06V028000 (Interior Lighting). The manufacturer was also not…
NHTSA ODI #11441273ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,INTERIOR LIGHTING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES-BENZ S430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ILLUMINATION OF THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WAS INADEQUATE TO SEE THE GAUGES. FLETCHER JONES IMPORTS (7300 W SAHARA AVE, LAS VEGAS, NV 89117, (702) 364-2700) WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WARRANTY EXPIRED IN 2012. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT A DIAGNOSTIC TEST NEEDE…
NHTSA ODI #11377484INTERIOR LIGHTING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ S500. THE CONTACT STATED UPON START-UP, THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WENT BLANK. THE CONTACT CALLED MERCEDES-BENZ OF LOS ANGELES (1801 S. FIGUEROA ST, LOS ANGELES, CA 90015) WHERE THEY INFORMED HIM TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO BE INSPECTED. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT LINKED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBE…
NHTSA ODI #11353233AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES-BENZ S500V. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER HAD THE RIGHT OF WAY ON THEIR GREEN LIGHT. ANOTHER VEHICLE WAS GOING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION RAN THEIR LIGHT AND THEY CRASHED INTO THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER'S DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES…
Crash · NHTSA ODI #11232475+ 125 more complaints on record.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I find out who owns this vehicle from the VIN?
No — and no legitimate service can. Linking a VIN or plate to a named owner is restricted by the U.S. Driver's Privacy Protection Act, the EU GDPR and equivalent laws. CarLogs shows the vehicle only — specs, recalls, problems and value — never the person.
Is the VIN WDBNG70J82A281043 valid?
WDBNG70J82A281043 is a structurally valid 17-character VIN with a correct ISO 3779 check digit, assigned to a manufacturer in Germany. It decodes to the 2002 Mercedes-benz S-Class.
Does the 2002 Mercedes-benz S-Class have any open safety recalls?
No open NHTSA safety-recall campaigns were found for the 2002 Mercedes-benz S-Class. CarLogs checks this against official NHTSA data on every lookup.
What is a fair price for a 2002 Mercedes-benz S-Class?
Comparable 2002 Mercedes-benz S-Class listings run roughly $1,600–$7,100, typically around $3,811 (from 66 comparable vehicles). The full report shows this exact VIN's valuation.
Data last checked 1 Sep 2026 · Sources: NHTSA (recalls & complaints), U.S. EPA (fuel economy), NHTSA vPIC (specifications). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.