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Mercedes-Benz S-Class Problems, Recalls and Owner Complaints by Model Year
Across 14 model years, NHTSA lists 5 recalls and 313 owner complaints for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Newest model year first. Data as of October 25, 2026.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class by model year
Model years with no recall and fewer than three complaints are not listed. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. All Mercedes-Benz models.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class: questions owners ask
Which Mercedes-Benz S-Class year has the most problems?
By owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class model years with the most are the 2015 (51), 2022 (48) and 2021 (35). Newer model years have had less time on the road, so their counts are naturally lower; compare years of a similar age.
Which Mercedes-Benz S-Class years have the fewest complaints?
Leaving out the newest model years (too new to compare), the fewest owner complaints were filed for the 2024 (6), 2013 (9) and 2020 (9), out of 13 model years from 2012 to 2024. A low count can also mean that year sold fewer cars.
How many recalls does the Mercedes-Benz S-Class have?
NHTSA lists recalls for 4 Mercedes-Benz S-Class model years, 5 in total when counted per model year (one recall often covers several years). The years with the most are the 2025 (2), 2018 (1) and 2019 (1). Check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Which Mercedes-Benz S-Class years have the most check engine light complaints?
11 owner complaints across 2 Mercedes-Benz S-Class model years describe the check engine light coming on. The most were filed for the 2022 (7) and 2018 (4) model years. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
How often does the Mercedes-Benz S-Class fail its MOT?
In 2023 UK MOT tests, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class's first-time failure rate ranged from 2.6% for cars first registered in 2021 to 23.2% for 2012, across 13 registration years with at least 100 tests. Older cars fail more often. The most common failure areas were tyres, suspension, brakes. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results.