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2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 1safety recall
- 18owner complaints
- 1crash report
- 1fire report
- 7%fail the UK MOT
18 complaints, against an average of 22 for the other 13 Mercedes-Benz S-Class model years.
Every Mercedes-Benz S-Class model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
The components named most often in the 18 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 18 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
Has the 2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class been recalled?
1 U.S. safety recall. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Power Train: Driveline: Universal Joint Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 E 400 4MATIC Sedan, E 400 4MATIC Wagon, E 400 4MATIC Cabriolet, E 400 4MATIC Coupe, 2018-2020 Maybach S 560 4MATIC, S 560 4MATIC Coupe, S 450 4MATIC, 2019-2020 E 450 4MATIC Sedan, E 450 4MATIC Wagon, E 450 4MATIC Coupe, and E 450 4MATIC Cabriolet vehicles. The drive shaft universal joint may break, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power.
Risk: A sudden loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the drive shaft as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed May 22, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning April 10, 2026.
Is the 2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSACoolant pump might have a leakage between the vacuum system and the coolant circuit
Risk: On certain vehicles with a Diesel engine the coolant pump which is controlled by vacuum might have a leakage between the vacuum system and the coolant circuit.
Fix: Update the software of the coolant pump and replace the electrical switch valve on the affected vehicles.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAVehicles with a panoramic sunroofthe polycarbonate panel may not have been bonded correctly during a prior service repair
Risk: The polycarbonate panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly during a prior service repair.
Fix: Remove the bonded panel and install a new polycarbonate panel if required.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe communication module may be deactivated
Risk: The communication module may be deactivated
Fix: Carry out a check of the configuration of the communication module on affected vehicles and if necessary activate the communication module.
UK DVSAThe emergency call system (ecall) does not meet the specification
Risk: On affected vehicles the software of the communication module for the emergency call system does not meet the specification
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system
UK DVSAThe seat belt warning function does not meet the specification
Risk: The seat belt warning function does not meet the specification
Fix: Activate the correct seat belt warning scenario in the instrument cluster
UK DVSAThe data documenting the correct mounting of the turbocharger oil feed as well as the oil return line may be missing
Risk: The HV battery pack can overheat and result in the venting of hot gas which can ignite vehicle components or in extreme cases the entire vehicle.
Fix: To prevent a vehicle fire the vehicles should not be charged using the external charging cable and the vehicles should only be driven using the default Auto EV mode only
UK DVSAThe material of two closure plugs on the engine may not withstand the maximum loads whilst driving
Risk: The material of two closure plugs on the engine might not withstand the maximum loads while driving.
Fix: Rework the closure plugs on the engine on the affected vehicles
UK DVSAOn activation of the curtain air bag the pillar cover may detach
Risk: The curtain airbag might not deploy as intended.
Fix: Check the installation of the pillar covers and correct if necessary.
UK DVSAThe software of the radar control unit may not meet specification
Risk: ; The software of the radar control unit might not meet the specification
Fix: Update the software of the radar sensor control unit on the affected vehicles.
UK DVSASwitches in certain seat belt buckles may not have been manufactured to specifications
Risk: The switches in certain seat belt buckles might not have been manufactured according to specifications.
Fix: The affected seat belt buckles are to be replaced.
UK DVSASwitches in certain seat belt buckles may not have been manufactured to specifications
Risk: The switches in certain seat belt buckles might not have been manufactured according to specifications.
Fix: The affected seat belt buckles are to be replaced.
UK DVSAA reset in the cpc control unit could occur whilst driving
Risk: The ECO Start-Stop function may be disabled and cause the vehicle to stall.
Fix: The affected vehicles are to be recalled and the software updated.
UK DVSAHands off detection function might not meet specifications
Risk: The Hands-off-Detection function (HoD) might not meet specifications.
Fix: The position of the steering boot will be checked and corrected if necessary.
EU Safety GateDue to a defect in the high fuel pressure manifold the engine might be damaged.This may lead to reduced engine power and to inability to start the vehicle, increasing the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Importer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe vacuum-controlled coolant pump may not be tightly sealed between the coolant and vacuum circuits.This may result in the coolant leaking into the vacuum circuit leading to an electrochemical reaction, increasing the risk of fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateA trapped particle may damage the sealing between the fuel rail and fuel injector, which could cause fuel to leak into the engine…A trapped particle may damage the sealing between the fuel rail and fuel injector, which could cause fuel to leak into the engine compartment. Consequently, leaking fuel may come into contact with hot parts of the engine, increasing the risk of fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe middle fold-down rear headrest may not be correctly locked into the in-use position.This could impair its protective effect, increasing the risk of injury in the event of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe polycarbonate roof panel located between the windscreen and the panoramic roof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle…The polycarbonate roof panel located between the windscreen and the panoramic roof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair. In such cases, the adhesive bonding could gradually deteriorate and the panel could become detached from the vehicle, posing a risk to other road users.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateDue to the lack of documentation, there is no confirmation that the screw connections of the turbocharger’s oil-supply and oil-return…Due to the lack of documentation, there is no confirmation that the screw connections of the turbocharger’s oil-supply and oil-return pipes were correctly executed during the assembly process. In the event of a loose screw connection, oil might leak at the oil-supply and/or oil-return pipe of the turbocharger.The leaking oil might then come into contact with hot components, increasing the risk of fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe elastomer material of the oil feed line for the exhaust-gas turbocharger may not comply with the specification, allowing oil to leak…The elastomer material of the oil feed line for the exhaust-gas turbocharger may not comply with the specification, allowing oil to leak out.Consequently, the leaking oil could come into contact with hot components, increasing the risk of fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe material used in two closure plugs on the engine might not be able to withstand the maximum load under dynamic driving conditions,…The material used in two closure plugs on the engine might not be able to withstand the maximum load under dynamic driving conditions, allowing up to 9 liters of engine oil to escape around the plugs. Consequently, the escaped oil could leak onto the road, posing a risk to the following traffic.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe fixing screw connecting the base holder of the manual control device may not be correctly fitted.This can impair the control over the vehicle, increasing the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe A, B and C pillar trims may not have been correctly fastened.In the event of an accident, the trims may impair the efficacy of the window airbags. If the window airbags are deployed, the trims might be detached and propelled into the passenger compartment, increasing the risk of injuries.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe sensors in some seatbelt locks may not have been adequately manufactured.Consequently, they might not detect a correctly fastened seatbelt and thus not activate the pre-tensioner systems (electric and pyrotechnic). In the event of an accident, these might not work leading to a limited restraint capacity and increasing the risk of injury to the occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2019, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class owners report?
12 of the 18 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz S-560 4Matic. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle while the brake pedal was depressed or while the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle lost automotive power. However, after several seconds, the vehicle suddenly regained automotive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for a routine oil change and brake service, and the contact made the dealer aware of the failure. The dealer stated that the failure was not yet determined. The…
The front passenger seat belt, after a hard break, it released and never retracted
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz S450. The contact received notification of NTHSA Campaign Number: 26V216000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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 contact had not experience a failure.
The car is out of control! It first began a couple of weeks ago when (1) the side view mirrors no longer closed automatically 2) Next, while I was driving, the car yesterday, the seat belt suddenly tightened as the car prepared for a sudden impact (which there was none).3) Today, the car refused to stop when I backed it out of the garage. It hit a tree behind us and the car has a rear dint! I am now fearful of driving this car. It needs major servicing or something!!! I have had it towed in to my local Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Rear drivers side seat belt/airbag combo locked in place and will not retract.
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz S 560 E. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle vibrated abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The…
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz S560 E. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Get B Service Done In 19 days" was displayed two weeks after an oil change was performed on the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing; however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure, and an oil change was performed. The contact stated that a couple of weeks later, the message "Add a Quarter Oil" was displayed. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the cause of the failure could not be…
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz S560. The contact stated that when his wife started the vehicle, the rear brake actuator seized, and became inoperable. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed rear brake actuator. The contact was informed that the rear brake actuator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000.
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG S63. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally strong fuel odor detected. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that there was fuel leaking from the fuel rail. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V961000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included in the recall…
The adjustment up and down of the vehicle's steering column regularly sticks in the full "up" position and then cannot be easily re-adjusted. I have taken the vehicle in three times for servicing of this problem and the dealer solution was to only re-lubricate bearings and gears. Finally after problem has become more acute has the Mercedes dealer agreed to replace steering column in total.
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz S560. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would jerk upon depression of the accelerator pedal as the battery auxiliary warning message would appear on instrument panel. The contact had initially taken the vehicle to a dealer where they stated that water in the fuel tank had caused the failure; the fuel was drained and replaced with the gasoline at the dealer. The failure persisted and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The contact was informed by the dealer that she had compromised the vehicle and that she had to pay…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 MERCEDES-BENZ S560. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE SEAT BELT WOULD TIGHTEN AND THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WOULD MOVE FROM SIDE TO SIDE. MERCEDES-BENZ OF BUCKHEAD (2799 PIEDMONT RD NE, ATLANTA, GA 30305) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ENTERED ARBITRATION WITH THE CONTACT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,000.
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2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class: questions owners ask
Is the 2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 18 complaints with NHTSA about the 2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class; the most common categories were engine (3, 16.7%), power train (3, 16.7%), seat belts (3, 16.7%). There is 1 safety recall. 1 complaint mentions a crash, 1 mentions a fire.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
Across 18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are engine (16.7% of complaints), power train (16.7% of complaints), seat belts (16.7% of complaints), service brakes (16.7% of complaints), steering (16.7% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class; the most recent (campaign 26V216000, 2026-04-03) concerns Power Train: Driveline: Universal Joint. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has the 2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class had engine failures?
3 of the 18 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (16.7%) describe complete engine failure or a replaced engine. One owner wrote: "The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz S 560 E. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle vibrated abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated." (NHTSA complaint 11665748, June 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own S-Class
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2019 only; combines NHTSA's entries for S 560 4MATIC, S-CLASS, S-CLASS CABRIOLET and S560E.