Mercedes BENZ S Class Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Mercedes BENZ S Class options? We analyzed 10 model years (2017–2026) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Mercedes BENZ S Class has 174 owner complaints and 0 safety recalls across model years 2017–2026. The most reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
- Make
- Mercedes BENZ
- Model
- S Class
- Model years analyzed
- 2017–2026 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 174
- Safety recall campaigns
- 0
- Crash-related complaints
- 6
- Fire-related complaints
- 4
- Top reported issue area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Reliability signal
- Poor
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
NCAP crash test ratings for this model are not yet loaded or this vehicle was not tested in the years analyzed. NHTSA tests a subset of new vehicles each year. Check nhtsa.gov/ratings directly for the latest results.
What the complaint data suggests
PoorThe MERCEDES BENZ S CLASS has 174 NHTSA complaints and 0 recalls on record. 6 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 174 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 0 federal recall campaigns
- 6 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Oct 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
0 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
No NHTSA recalls were found in our database for this model. Always verify open recalls using your specific VIN on NHTSA.gov.
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2017–2026. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 174 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
174 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
While driving down the road I heard a loud explosion that sounded like a gunshot hit my read window. This caused me to jerk the car and almost hit the driving car next to me. I pulled over and realized that my sunroof had suddenly exploded and shattered onto the shade located in the ceiling.
The fuel pump My car stopped on the highway [XXX] on [XXX] with my children in the car with no warning at all. I was so lucky nobody hit us and it took 20 minutes of trying to start it to get off of the highway to a gas station where it cut off again The dealer said it is a known problem however my vin number was included despite the fact that they know that the 2020 mercedes benz s450 has an issue that should be recalled due to the severity of the situation and safety of the public. Warning lights did not come on until the car totally stopped. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz S 560. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the warning light was cleared; however, the failure recurred the following day. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the oil pump and an unknown wiring harness had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 29,100.
Had windshield breakage and replacement on 14 December 2023. On 29 January 2024, had an apparent windshield strike (pinhead size) and windshield cracked from middle to top. Within 20 minutes crack had spread all across the top of windshield. While parked crack spread down and completely across the bottom of windshield in about 30 minutes. Vehicle is now in Mercedes dealership for windshield service once again. I have been driving for 60+ years and never saw this massive of a windshield crack caused by a pinhead size strike. My belief is that either it was bad glass or installation. I have read numerous complaints regarding Mercedes glass and am concerned whether I can safely operate this vehicle. Would appreciate you looking into this issue.
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz S560. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, there was an abnormal sound and shards of glass started entering the vehicle from the sunroof. No injuries were sustained. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified in writing and he received a call back and was informed that no assistance would be offered. The failure mileage was 38,193.
INTERMITTENT (AT LEAST A HALF DOZEN TIMES SINCE FEB 2020 PURCHASE) UNINTENDED INCREASE IN SPEED BY AS MUCH AS 35 MPH; TAKEN TO SELLING DEALER WHO COULD NOT DETECT A PROBLEM OR DUPLICATE MALFUNCTION. *TR
Read 14 more owner reports
AUTOMATIC DRIVE SHUTS OFF WHEN YOU BRAKE. HOWEVER, IN A ROLLING STOP AND BRAKE, IT DOES NOT RESTART IN CERTAIN SITUATIONS WHEN YOU ACCELERATE OUT OF THE STOP. IT IS INCONSISTENT, BUT SERVICE TEAM AT LOCAL DEALER HAVE RECREATED THE SITUATION. THE CAR IS DESIGNED TO AUTO RESTART AND THE FUNCTION CANNOT BE DISABLED.
The sunroof shattered suddenly while driving. There was no external impact to the vehicle.
While driving on highways using cruise control and adaptive cruise control the vehicle decelerates without driver input. The system also misreads or fails to update speed limit signs causing incorrect cruise speeds and sudden speed changes. This behavior has occurred repeatedly during normal driving conditions and creates a risk of rear end collision from following traffic. The problem has been documented across multiple service visits. A repair attempt was made and I was informed that no repair is currently available. The issue recurred immediately after the repair attempt and remains unresolved. No consistent warning lights are displayed before or during the events. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.
The car was designed too low. When parked at a supermarket, Publix in surfside Miami Beach, when ready to leave the parking bumper pulled at the front bumper and disconnected it partially. A north miami Mercedes Benz service department said this is not unusual as this car is very low. A claim was filed with progressive auto insurance [XXX] and an escalation case opened with Mercedes Benz customer service case number [XXX] asking that at least they cover the $1,000 insurance deductible. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The tire (Pirelli 255/35R21) on my 2023 Mercedes Benz 580V4 developed a bubble on its sidewall. This tire was just replaced February 16, 2024, and has under 8,000 miles on it. This is the fourth tire I have replaced due to bubbles on the sidewalls.
On [XXX] I had a blowout on the passenger front side of my vehicle. The vehicle was towed to Sugarland MB and a new Pirelli 255/35 R21 purchased. The blowout happened after I hit a bump (not pothole) in the road on [XXX] at [XXX] . My 2023 MB 580V had 9701 miles on it and had just had it's first "A" service with no defects noted in any of the tires. On [XXX] I noticed a bulge on the front driver's side tire. I took it into Sewell MB and they notice additional defects on another tire. I had to purchase one front driver side 255/35 R21 and a rear passenger side 285/30R 21. After leaving the dealership I filed a complaint with the NHTSA file #11622692 and called Pirelli to report the failures and make a formal complaint. I also called MB customer service and opened case #[XXX]. A representative from Pirelli contacted me on 10/31/2024 @ 11:00am and basically stated the issue with multiple failures of these 21" tires across the US is a MB problem and not Pirelli's. As of this followup complaint I have not been contacted by any one else . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I had 9985 miles on my 2023 Mercedes S580V when the front passenger tire experienced a blowout earlier this year. The tire failed right after I had my first A service which did not show an issue with tires. Today is 10/30/2024 and I have 13978 miles on my vehicle. The driver side front tire Pirelli 255/35-R21/98Y has a bubble on the side wall. I took it to my dealership and they discovered that the rear passenger side Pirelli 285/30-R21/100Y has a bubble as well. I am having both tires replaced today.
Emergency stop assist
The "distronic" cruise control is so abrupt in its acceleration and declaration that vehicles behind me tend to take evasive action. The car doesn't sense vehicles far enough ahead to take smooth action, resulting in a jarring, favorite, and fearful ride.
The contact owns a 2023 Mercedes-Benz S580. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the message "Do Not Drive Car" was displayed temporarily. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that no issues were found. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V880000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The check engine warning was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 4,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available. The contact is requesting an update on the case.
When in eco mode the vehicle will occasionally shut off at a stop light. The vehicle "jumps" and then all of the warning signals come on followed by the vehicle shutting down. It takes about 20-30 seconds for vehicle to be able to restart again. The dealership had the vehicle for nearly a month and the only solution they came up with was to turn eco mode off every time I start the vehicle. They said their will be a future recall to fix this issue. Also, the vehicle will occasionally move forward on its own and then quickly break. This phantom braking is quite painful and feels as if you were just hit from behind. A previous problem was the vehicle would move forward after being taken out of car wash mode even with the brake engaged. The dealership said this was solved by a software download. There is a current recall which includes the make and model of this vehicle but Mercedes insists this vehicle is not included in the recall. The vehicle was manufactured within the time frame listed in the documentation from NHTSA but nonetheless Mercedes does not include this vehicle amongst the cars qualifying for replacing the fuel pump. I believe this car is dangerous and will hurt somebody.
2nd issue with objects in tire and losing air. There are known issues with this new model and the combination of the 21"rim, new model series, and Pirelli tire. Additional consumer issues can be found at: https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w223/845213-those-experienced-tire-blowouts-21n-pirellis.html
I leased a 2023 Mercedes from Grapevine Mercedes. When I test drove the vehicle the car had a check engine light on. The sales man said he would get that fixed. The salesman had the service tech clear the code without addressing the issue. A week later the check engine light comes on. The dealership has advised me that the car has a software issue and its unsafe to drive. They must wait for technicians in Germany to fix the problem. It will take weeks. There is a chance the car will shut off while driving.
Excessive engine oil lead from the back seal. Also, slow coolant leak. The car has a low mileage of 46k.
Showing 20 of 174 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
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Before you buy, check the exact Mercedes BENZ S Class
These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Mercedes BENZ S Class, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Mercedes BENZ S Class has 174 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Mercedes BENZ S Class has 0 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 6 of the Mercedes BENZ S Class's 174 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Mercedes BENZ S Class vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Mercedes BENZ S Class vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Mercedes BENZ S Class has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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Mercedes BENZ S Class reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Mercedes BENZ S Class reliable?
Poor. The Mercedes BENZ S Class has 174 NHTSA owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Mercedes BENZ S Class years to avoid?
Check individual year pages for complaint breakdowns.
What are the most common Mercedes BENZ S Class problems?
Top reported issues: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (31 complaints); FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (31 complaints); ENGINE (23 complaints).
Does the Mercedes BENZ S Class have recalls?
No NHTSA recall campaigns are currently on record for the Mercedes BENZ S Class. Always verify with a VIN check as recalls can be added at any time.