Vehicle 1

Mercedes BENZ S Class

169 complaints · 0 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Toyota Camry

2,003 complaints · 27 recalls

📊 Based on NHTSA owner complaint & recall data
Which Should I Buy?

Mercedes BENZ S Class vs Toyota Camry: The S Class has 169 complaints over 10 years (16.9/year) and 0 recalls, while the Camry has 2003 complaints (200.3/year) and 27 recalls. The S Class has fewer issues but may be costlier to repair. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

Lower numbers are better for complaints, recalls, and crashes.

4
Mercedes BENZ S Class
wins all 4 categories
0
Toyota Camry
no category wins
CategoryMercedes BENZ S ClassToyota Camry
Total Complaints
All years combined
169
✓ lower
2,003
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
0
✓ lower
27
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
6
✓ lower
174
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
16.9
✓ lower
200.3

Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records. Lower is better.

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

Mercedes BENZ S Class

1. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM31
2. FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE30
3. SERVICE BRAKES23
4. ENGINE23
5. UNKNOWN OR OTHER22

Toyota Camry

1. POWER TRAIN365
2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER316
3. ENGINE305
4. SERVICE BRAKES284
5. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM222
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Toyota Camry has far more complaints per year (200.3) than the Mercedes S Class (16.9), but the S Class has zero recalls. For a buyer, the Camry's higher complaint volume suggests more frequent issues, though the S Class's complaints may be more severe given its luxury complexity.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize fewer complaints and no recalls, choose the Mercedes S Class. If you prefer a more common, easier-to-service vehicle with lower repair costs, choose the Toyota Camry, but be aware of its higher complaint rate.

Key Differences
  • Toyota Camry has 200.3 complaints per year vs Mercedes S Class 16.9.
  • Mercedes S Class has 0 recalls; Toyota Camry has 27 recalls.
  • Camry has 174 crash complaints; S Class has 6.
  • Camry's top issue is POWER TRAIN (365); S Class top is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (31).
⚠ Watch on Mercedes BENZ S Class
  • Watch for electrical system issues (31 complaints) and forward collision avoidance problems (30 complaints).
⚠ Watch on Toyota Camry
  • Watch for power train issues (365 complaints) and engine problems (305 complaints).
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check for open recalls on the Camry using NHTSA VIN lookup.
  • Test forward collision avoidance system on the S Class.
  • Inspect electrical components on the S Class for any warning lights.
  • Review service history for power train repairs on the Camry.
  • Compare insurance costs as luxury vehicles may be higher.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

Mercedes BENZ S ClassToyota Camry
2026
0
68
2025
0
126
2024
6
44
2023
12
56
2022
45
55
2021
33
151
2020
7
260
2019
15
374
2018
29
721
2017
22
148
Mercedes BENZ S Class vs Toyota Camry — comparison facts
Comparison
Mercedes BENZ S Class vs Toyota Camry
Mercedes BENZ S Class total complaints
169
Toyota Camry total complaints
2,003
Mercedes BENZ S Class total recalls
0
Toyota Camry total recalls
27
Mercedes BENZ S Class avg complaints/year
16.9
Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
200.3
More reliable overall
Mercedes BENZ S Class
Mercedes BENZ S Class top complaint area
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Toyota Camry top complaint area
POWER TRAIN
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

Mercedes BENZ S Class Reliability & Problems

169 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Toyota Camry Reliability & Problems

2,003 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Buying a specific Mercedes BENZ S Class or Toyota Camry?

Run a free VIN check to see that exact car's accident history, open recalls, and title records.