Mercedes-Benz S-Class Problems — All Years, Common Issues & Reliability
Year-by-year breakdown of safety recalls, NHTSA owner complaints, reported deaths, injuries, crashes, and worst problem areas. Updated daily from federal databases.
Own a Mercedes-Benz S-Class? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class — Year-by-Year Problem Comparison
| Year | Verdict | Recalls | Complaints | Crashes | Injuries | Deaths | Top Issue | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026Best | Excellent | — | — | — | — | — | — | Full report → |
| 2025 | Excellent | — | 1 | — | — | — | Unknown Or Other | Full report → |
| 2024 | Excellent | 1 | 1 | — | — | — | Visibility | Full report → |
| 2023 | Caution | 4 | 10 | 1 | 3 | — | Electrical System | Full report → |
| 2022Worst | Avoid | 5 | 35 | — | 4 | — | Electrical System | Full report → |
| 2021 | Avoid | 9 | 20 | — | 3 | — | Engine And Engine Cooling | Full report → |
| 2020 | Good | 4 | 5 | — | — | — | Engine | Full report → |
| 2019 | Caution | 7 | 6 | 2 | — | — | Unknown Or Other | Full report → |
| 2018 | Caution | 6 | 6 | — | — | — | Forward Collision Avoidance | Full report → |
| 2017 | Excellent | — | — | — | — | — | — | Full report → |
| 2016 | Excellent | — | — | — | — | — | — | Full report → |
| 2015 | Excellent | — | — | — | — | — | — | Full report → |
| 2014 | Excellent | — | — | — | — | — | — | Full report → |
| 2013 | Excellent | — | — | — | — | — | — | Full report → |
| 2012 | Excellent | — | 1 | 1 | — | — | Power Train | Full report → |
| 2011 | Excellent | — | — | — | — | — | — | Full report → |
| 2010 | Excellent | — | — | — | — | — | — | Full report → |
| 2009 | Excellent | 1 | 2 | 2 | — | — | Air Bags | Full report → |
| 2008 | Excellent | — | — | — | — | — | — | Full report → |
| 2007 | Excellent | — | — | — | — | — | — | Full report → |
20 model years shown. Crashes, injuries, and deaths from NHTSA complaint filings. Click any year for full details.
Most Common Mercedes-Benz S-Class Problems
Based on 87 owner complaints filed with NHTSA across all model years.
S-Class Years to Avoid
Best S-Class Years to Buy
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Problems by Year
Frequently Asked Questions — Mercedes-Benz S-Class Reliability
What year S-Class has the most problems?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class had the highest combined complaint and recall count — 35 complaints and 5 safety recalls. See the full 2022 report for specific defects.
Is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class reliable?
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has accumulated 87 owner-filed complaints and 37 safety recalls across all model years in NHTSA's database. The 2026 model year shows the fewest reported issues. Always run a VIN check before purchasing any used S-Class.
What are the most common S-Class problems?
The most frequently cited problem areas are: Forward Collision Avoidance (14 reports), Electrical System (10 reports), Service Brakes (8 reports), Tires (7 reports). Based on NHTSA complaints across all model years.
How do I check if my S-Class has an open recall?
Use the vehicle's 17-character VIN at VinCheckEngine.com. Our free VIN report pulls the latest NHTSA recall data along with auction history, odometer records, and 30+ intelligence signals.
Check a Specific Mercedes-Benz S-Class VIN
Model-level data shows what can go wrong. A VIN-specific report shows what has gone wrong with a particular vehicle — including auction history, odometer discrepancies, open recalls, accident records, and 30+ intelligence signals.
Run a Free Mercedes-Benz S-Class VIN Report →No account required · Instant results · Updated daily