Head-to-head reliability
Mercedes BENZ S Class vs FORD F 150
How the Mercedes BENZ S Class and FORD F 150 compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Mercedes BENZ S Class vs FORD F 150: The S Class has 17.1 complaints per year with no recalls, but owners report battery warnings and brake failures. The F-150 has 2,755.3 complaints per year and 141 recalls, with powertrain and power loss issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mercedes BENZ S Class or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mercedes BENZ S Class
The Mercedes-Benz S Class is a luxury sedan that, based on NHTSA data, shows a moderate complaint rate of about 17 per year over 10 years, with no recalls. Owners frequently report electrical system issues, particularly a persistent 'Battery Charge Status Critical' warning that can leave the car unable to start. Forward collision avoidance and brake problems also appear, sometimes leading to crashes at low speeds. Overall, the S Class seems to have focused, recurring electronic gremlins rather than widespread mechanical failures.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a popular pickup with a very high complaint rate of over 2,700 per year and 141 recalls over 10 years. The dominant issue is powertrain problems, including the shifter getting stuck in drive and failing to engage park, which can cause the truck to roll away. Engine and electrical system complaints are also common, with reports of sudden power loss while driving. The F-150's reliability picture is concerning due to the sheer volume of complaints and safety-related failures.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mercedes BENZ S Class | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 171 Better | 27,553 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 141 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 6 Better | 762 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 17.1 Better | 2755.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 7 Better | 714 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 Better | 10 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Mercedes BENZ S Class
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM31
- 02FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE30
- 03ENGINE23
- 04SERVICE BRAKES23
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER22
Owners report constant 'Battery Charge Status Critical' warnings on the dashboard, requiring immediate driving to recharge the 12-volt battery, even waking them at night. This can lead to the car not starting if ignored.
The system can cause brakes to fail at low speeds (e.g., 5 mph), leading to crashes. Also, a defective hood lens makes the adaptive driver assistance system work intermittently, increasing crash risk.
Engine-related complaints often tie back to the electrical system, with the same battery warning appearing. Some owners report jerking upon acceleration when the battery auxiliary warning is displayed.
Brake failure at low speeds is reported, sometimes causing crashes. Additionally, a damaged steering column shift lever module can prevent gear selection and disable automatic park functions.
“Background: This is a V-8, gas vehicle.The 12-volt battery gives CRITICAL CHARGE notifications constantly. Incident: Dry pavement, 400-mile, January winter night, highway driving in Wisconsin Northwoods at posted 70 mph; some with cruise control, some without…”
“Issue: STARTER BATTERY Repetitive online and dashboard screen message notices stating, "BATTERY CHARGE Status Critical," at all hours of day and night requesting immediate 30-60-min. of driving or car will not start. Have had to wake up from nightime sleep to…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN9,967
- 02ENGINE4,861
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3,474
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER3,211
- 05STRUCTURE1,485
The shifter can get stuck in drive when shutting down the truck, failing to automatically shift into park, which may allow the vehicle to roll. Also, turbo wastegate issues are reported on newer models.
Engine problems include the same shifter/park issue, as well as emissions control label updates. Some owners experience sudden power loss while driving, making the truck inoperable.
Complete power loss while driving is reported, disabling all safety systems including brakes, steering, and airbags. ABS system noise after recall repairs is also a concern.
Sudden unintended acceleration at low speeds, even without pressing the accelerator, has been reported. Also, severe shake and vibration persist after repairs, affecting drivability.
“When I am parking the truck, I press and hold the brake pedal, While the truck shifter in in "Drive", I press the start/stop button to shut truck down, the shifter gets stuck in "drive" and doesn't automatically shift in to park. The truck locks down and will…”
“My truck is a 2025 Ford F150 STX with 5,900 miles on it. This truck was purchased new at River City Ford in Lavalette, WV The component in questions seems to be involved with the turbos and more specifically the wastegate that attached to the turbos. Also, ye…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Mercedes BENZ S Class
No recalls on record.
FORD F 150 — 141 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 F-150, 2022-2026 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, Maverick, 2024-2026 Ranger, 2023-2026 F-600 SD, 2022-2027 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, and 2026 E-Transit vehicles. When towing a trailer, the integrated trailer module (ITRM) may los…
The risk: Trailer lights or brakes that do not function can reduce the driver’s ability to control the trailer and decrease the trailers visibility to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The integrated trailer module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, 2024 Expedition and 2024 Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with a 3.5L GTDI engine. The engines may have a misaligned engine cup plug, which can result in a rapid oil leak.
The risk: A rapid oil leak can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, an oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the engine cup plug alignment, and replace the plug if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 23, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for th…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, Bronco, 2024 Ranger, 2025 Mustang, Explorer, and Aviator vehicles. The transmission valve body may have been machined incorrectly, which can cause reverse gear failure, or unexpected forward movement in reverse or neutral gear.
The risk: Unexpected vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the transmission main control valve body, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S19.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, Expedition, and 2024 Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI engines. The engine may have a misaligned engine cup plug, which can result in a rapid oil leak.
The risk: A rapid oil leak can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, an oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the engine cup plug alignment, and replace the plug if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this…
Buyer analysis
Mercedes BENZ S Class or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Mercedes-Benz S Class has far fewer complaints per year (17.1) compared to the Ford F-150 (2,755.3), indicating a lower frequency of reported issues. However, the S Class's problems are concentrated on electrical gremlins that can leave you stranded, while the F-150's issues are more varied and include safety-critical failures like power loss and unintended acceleration. In practice, the S Class may be more predictable in its failures, but both require careful inspection.
Key differences
- The S Class has 17.1 complaints per year vs. 2,755.3 for the F-150, a massive difference in reported issues.
- The S Class has zero recalls, while the F-150 has 141 recalls over 10 years.
- S Class problems center on electrical system and battery warnings; F-150 problems span powertrain, engine, and electrical with safety-critical failures like power loss.
- Crash-related complaints: 6 for S Class vs. 762 for F-150, indicating more safety incidents reported for the Ford.
- Check for persistent 'Battery Charge Status Critical' warnings and test the 12-volt battery health.
- Test the forward collision avoidance system at low speeds to ensure brakes engage properly.
- Verify that the shifter automatically engages park when the engine is shut off while in drive.
- Check for any history of sudden power loss or unintended acceleration, and ensure all recalls are performed.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full NHTSA complaint history for the specific VIN of each vehicle.
- For the S Class, have the electrical system and battery tested by a Mercedes specialist.
- For the F-150, verify all 141 recalls have been completed, especially those related to powertrain and electrical system.
- Test drive both vehicles at low speeds to check for brake and shifter anomalies.
- Review service records for any repeated repairs on the top complaint areas.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Mercedes BENZ S Class | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 9 |
| 2025 | 0 | 320 |
| 2024 | 6 | 597 |
| 2023 | 12 | 1448 |
| 2022 | 46 | 3290 |
| 2021 | 33 | 4938 |
| 2020 | 7 | 2530 |
| 2019 | 16 | 5718 |
| 2018 | 29 | 5505 |
| 2017 | 22 | 3198 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Mercedes BENZ S Class or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mercedes BENZ S Class vs FORD F 150
- Mercedes BENZ S Class total complaints
- 171
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 27,553
- Mercedes BENZ S Class total recalls
- 0
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 141
- Mercedes BENZ S Class avg complaints/year
- 17.1
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 2755.3
- More reliable overall
- Mercedes BENZ S Class
- Mercedes BENZ S Class top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN