Mercedes-Benz S Class recalls and problems
10 recalls and 213 owner complaints for 8 model years. Pick your year for full details.
Recalls
10
Complaints
213
Crashes reported
7
Fires reported
6
Choose a model year
Mercedes-Benz S Class by year
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 S Class | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2009 S Class | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2005 S Class | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2004 S Class | 4 | 15 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 2003 S Class | 2 | 28 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| 2002 S Class | 2 | 48 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2001 S Class | 5 | 36 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 2000 S Class | 5 | 81 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 0 |
Most reported Mercedes-Benz S Class problems
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 78 | |
| Suspension | 64 | |
| Interior Lighting | 30 | |
| Air Bags | 16 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 10 | |
| Equipment | 9 | |
| Power Train | 8 | |
| Tires | 7 | |
| Visibility | 7 | |
| Seat Belts | 5 |
All Mercedes-Benz S Class recalls
| Recall | Date | Years | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11V-496 | Oct 3, 2011 | 2012 | Fuel System, Diesel | Mercedes-benz USA (Mbusa) is recalling certain model year 2011 vehicles including e-class (212 platform), manufactured from july 2010 through february 2011, r-class (251 platform), manufactured from april 2010 through… |
| 09V-081 | Mar 13, 2009 | 2009 | Latches/Locks/Linkages | Mercedes benz is recalling 54 my 2009 s-class, w221 vehicles. |
| 08V-303 | Jul 7, 2008 | 2004 | Electrical System | Mercedes-benz is recalling my 2006-2008 m-class, r-class, my 2005-2009 slk-class, my 2005-2008 c-class, my 2003-2004 and 2006-2008 clk-class, my 2003-2008 e-class, my 2004 and 2008 cl-class, my 2008 cls-class, my 2004… |
| 07V-263 | Jun 12, 2007 | 2000–2004 | Suspension, Engine and Engine Cooling | On certain vehicles, corrosion may occur in the inner steel portions of the active body control's (Abc) high pressure distribution hose due to extensive exposure to humidity causing deterioration of the hose. |
| 06V-028 | Feb 2, 2006 | 2000–2002, 2004–2005 | Interior Lighting | On certain vehicles, the instrument cluster is experiencing electrical malfunctions. |
| 04V-285 | Jun 9, 2004 | 2003–2004 | Latches/Locks/Linkages | On certain vehicles, the trunk lid springs could fail in the closed trunk lid position. |
| 04V-227 | May 13, 2004 | 2000–2001 | Electrical System | On certain passenger vehicles, during the production process of the blower motor fuse holder, the size of the electric conductor of the holder may be below appropriate tolerances. |
| 02V-338 | Dec 16, 2002 | 2000–2001 | Electrical System | On certain passenger vehicles, excessive static build-up in the trunk floor mats can cause a static discharge when individuals move or remove items from the trunk compartment. |
| 01V-014 | Jan 17, 2001 | 2001 | Visibility | Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. |
| 00V-141 | May 15, 2000 | 2000 | Equipment | Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. |
Frequently asked questions
What is the worst year for the Mercedes-Benz S Class?
By owner complaints to NHTSA, the 2000 Mercedes-Benz S Class has the most reports (81). Check the 2000 page for the problems owners describe.
How many recalls does the Mercedes-Benz S Class have?
NHTSA lists 10 safety recalls covering Mercedes-Benz S Class model years 2000–2005, 2009, 2012.
What are the most common Mercedes-Benz S Class problems?
Owners report electrical system, suspension, interior lighting problems most often.