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2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2020 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
- 9owner complaints
- 0crash reports
- 0fire reports
- 9%fail the UK MOT
9 complaints, against an average of 23 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 2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
The components named most often in the 9 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
Has the 2020 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 2020 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 DVSAA 12V ground connection bolt in the boot might not meet specifications
Risk: On affected vehicles a 12V ground connection bolt in the boot might not meet specifications.
Fix: Check and rework if necessary.
UK DVSAOn affected vehicles a bolt connection in the engine compartment main fuse box might not meet specifications and the torque of the bolt…On affected vehicles a bolt connection in the engine compartment main fuse box might not meet specifications and the torque of the bolt connection may not be sufficient.
Risk: On affected vehicles a bolt connection in the engine compartment main fuse box might not meet specifications and the torque of the bolt connection may not be sufficient.
Fix: Check the bolt connection and repair if necessary.
UK DVSAOn affected vehicles the voltage converter software of the secondary on-board electrical system might not meet specifications.
Risk: On affected vehicles the voltage converter software of the secondary on-board electrical system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the voltage converter software of the secondary on-board electrical system via an over-the-air update in accordance with the Mercedes me terms of use or alternatively via its Mercedes-Benz service partners should the over-the-air update not be possible.
UK DVSAOn affected vehicles the voltage converter software of the secondary on-board electrical system might not meet specifications.
Risk: On affected vehicles the voltage converter software of the secondary on-board electrical system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the voltage converter software of the secondary on-board electrical system via an over-the-air update in accordance with the Mercedes me terms of use or alternatively via its Mercedes-Benz service partners should the over-the-air update not be possible.
UK DVSAOn affected vehicles the firewall seal may not satisfy leak tightness requirements.On affected vehicles the firewall seal may not satisfy leak tightness requirements. Water may enter into the vehicle causing corrosion on electrical contacts function of the PreSafe system may be impaired and it may not be possible to restart a parked vehicle.
Risk: On affected vehicles the firewall seal may not satisfy leak tightness requirements. Water may enter into the vehicle causing corrosion on electrical contacts function of the PreSafe system may be impaired and it may not be possible to restart a parked vehicle.
Fix: Install an additional seal for the firewall as a precautionary measure.
UK DVSAThe hands-off detection might not detect when the driver's hands are away from the steering wheel
Risk: The hands-off detection might not detect when the driver's hands are away from the steering wheel.
Fix: Update the coding of the hand detection system on the affected vehicles.
UK DVSAThe software of the rear signal acquisition and actuation module might not meet specifications
Risk: The software of the rear signal acquisition and actuation module might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the signal acquisition and actuation module on the affected vehicles.
UK DVSAThe air bag control unit might not have been bolted according to specifications
Risk: The airbag control unit might not have been bolted according to specifications.
Fix: Check the bolting of the airbag control unit on the affected vehicles and correct it if necessary.
UK DVSAThe configuration of the mbux system might not meet specifications
Risk: On certain vehicles with an active and connected Mercedes me connect account the configuration of the MBUX system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the configuration of the MBUX system on affected vehicles.
UK DVSAThe communication module might not meet specifications
Risk: On certain vehicles the communication module might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software including a correct configuration of the communication module on the affected vehicles.
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 configuration of the mbux system might not meet specifications.
Risk: On certain vehicles with an active and connected Mercedes me connect account the configuration of the MBUX system might not meet specifications.
Fix: A remote update of the configuration of the MBUX system will be conducted without the need for a workshop visit.
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 fuel level might not be displayed correctly
Risk: The movement of the fuel fill level sensor might be impaired.
Fix: Modify the routing of the internal fuel line in the fuel tank on the affected vehicles
UK DVSAThe software of the air bag control unit might not meet specifications
Risk: The software of the airbag control unit might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the airbag control unit on the affected vehicles.
UK DVSAThe communication module might not meet specifications
Risk: The communication module might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software including a correct configuration of the communication module on the affected vehicles.
UK DVSAThe communications module might not meet specifications
Risk: The communication module might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software including a correct configuration of the communication module on the affected vehicles.
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 bolting of the 48v wiring harness on a body sided support point might not meet specifications
Risk: The bolting of the 48V wiring harness on a body-sided support point might not meet specifications.
Fix: Check the bolting of the 48V wiring harness on the affected vehicles and correct it if necessary.
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 inner tie rods on the front axle steering are the improper length for the vehicle type
Risk: Vehicles may have been equipped with inner tie rods on the front axle steering that are the improper length.
Fix: Check the inner tie rods on the affected vehicles and replace them if necessary.
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 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.
EU Safety GateIn the event of an independent hardware failure, the lambda control in the Engine Control Unit (ECU) software can erroneously increase the…In the event of an independent hardware failure, the lambda control in the Engine Control Unit (ECU) software can erroneously increase the amount of injected fuel during cylinder deactivation. As a result, exhaust temperatures can increase and this can damage surrounding components (e.g. engine wiring harness, catalytic converter). This can create an unexpected loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries. Moreover, this can increase the risk of fire. In addition, local statutory exhaust emission limits could be exceeded.
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 12 volt ground wire screw in the trunk may be defective, which can lead to that certain electronic stability program (ESP) functions…The 12 volt ground wire screw in the trunk may be defective, which can lead to that certain electronic stability program (ESP) functions can be disabled or strong electrical currents may lead to a local increase in temperature, increasing the risk of an accident or fire. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles
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 fuse box of the engine compartment may be defective.High electrical currents could increase the temperature, creating a risk of fire. This is turn can lead to an electricity interruption and the vehicle may lose propulsion power, 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 GateTrim parts of the backrest on both front seats can detach during rear airbag deployment in the event of an accident.The airbag deployment may be impaired and the airbag itself may be damaged, increasing the risk of injury to rear 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
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 airbag control unit might not have been bolted according to specifications and might detect incorrect acceleration values when the…The airbag control unit might not have been bolted according to specifications and might detect incorrect acceleration values when the vehicle is moving. In consequence, the restraint systems might not be activated completely, which can increase the risk of an injury in case 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 GateWhen the vehicle stops the airbag control unit may deactivate the passenger airbag.This could increase the risk of injury in the event 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: 29/10/2021
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 electrical connector of the side-impact sensors might not be correctly latched and could become detached.This would lead to delayed activation of the restraint systems in the event of a side impact, reducing their restraining effect and increasing the risk of injury to the vehicle 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
EU Safety GateDue to defective fixing, the electrical connection between the 48V or 12V wiring harness and the support point may be sporadically…Due to defective fixing, the electrical connection between the 48V or 12V wiring harness and the support point may be sporadically interrupted.This could result in electrical arcing, leading to increased risk of fire.Furthermore, if the electrical connection were completely interrupted, the vehicle could not be started.
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 screw connection of an electrical connector at the pre-fuse box in the passenger footwell may be defective, which could increase the…The screw connection of an electrical connector at the pre-fuse box in the passenger footwell may be defective, which could increase the electrical transition resistance at that connection. As a result, the high electrical currents flowing through the connection could increase the temperature in this area, 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 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 GateThe internal tie rods used for the front axle steering may not have been intended for the type of vehicle, and thus, could be too short.In such a case, the rods could be bent or pulled out in the event of an additional, sudden force. This would impair the steerability of 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 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
How often does the 2020 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 2020, 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 2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class owners report?
9 of the 9 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.
My front drive shaft universal joint just suffered a catastrophic structural fracture while driving, which completely matches NHTSA Recall 26V216. Even though my VIN falls just outside the official database cut-off date, the identical supplier defect just destroyed my drive shaft. My car production date is just 5 weeks after the cut-off window. The car used the defective part.
While I was driving on the freeway, I heard what sounded like a gunshot. I slowed down and exited the nearest exit. After checking my vehicle windows and seeing no damage, I got out of my car and noticed the front sunroof panel glass had shattered. I am not sure how this can happen.
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…
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…
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
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.
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2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class: questions owners ask
Is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 9 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class; the most common categories were vehicle speed control (3, 33.3%), electronic stability control (esc) (1, 11.1%), engine (1, 11.1%). There is 1 safety recall.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
Across 9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are vehicle speed control (33.3% of complaints), electronic stability control (esc) (11.1% of complaints), engine (11.1% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (11.1% of complaints), steering (11.1% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2020 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.
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 2020 only; combines NHTSA's entries for S 560 4MATIC, S-CLASS, S-CLASS CABRIOLET and S-CLASS HYBRID.