Is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Reliable?
2007–2026 defect & recall-risk analysis from citable NHTSA data.
The score ranks this model's recall intensity against other luxurys — plus systemic-defect concentration and any open federal investigations. It measures defect and recall risk, not long-term mechanical durability, and is deliberately not skewed by how many were sold.
Reliability Score
Own a Mercedes-Benz S-Class? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Reliability by Year
| Model Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Reliability Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | — | — | — | — | Not enough data | |
| 2025 | 0 | 1 | — | — | 63 | Good |
| 2024 | 0 | 4 | — | — | 63 | Good |
| 2023 | 4 | 10 | 3 | — | 51 | Fair |
| 2022 | 2 | 37 | 4 | — | 38 | Poor |
| 2021 | 5 | 22 | 3 | — | 40 | Poor |
| 2020 | 2 | 8 | — | — | 62 | Good |
| 2019 | 5 | 8 | — | — | 55 | Fair |
| 2018 | 6 | 7 | — | — | 54 | Fair |
| 2017 | — | — | — | — | Not enough data | |
Reliability scores are proprietary to VinCheckEngine and incorporate multiple weighted safety signals.
How the S-Class Compares to Similar Vehicles
The S-Class scores 17 points below the average luxury. Consider checking years with lower complaint volumes.
Known Mercedes-Benz S-Class Reliability Issues
The following components appear most frequently in owner complaints filed with NHTSA:
Based on 97 owner complaints across recent model years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class reliable?+
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class scores 53/100 on our reliability index — rated "Fair." Across 10 recently analyzed model years, it accumulated 24 recall campaigns and 97 owner complaints in the NHTSA database.
What year S-Class is most reliable?+
Among the years analyzed, the 2025 S-Class achieved the highest reliability score of 63/100 with 0 recalls and 1 complaints.
How many miles does a S-Class last?+
With consistent maintenance, most Mercedes-Benz S-Class owners report 150,000 to 200,000+ miles of service life. Checking the VIN of any specific used S-Class will reveal its actual mileage history and any title events.
More Mercedes-Benz S-Class Research
Check a Specific Mercedes-Benz S-Class VIN
Model-level reliability scores show general trends. A VIN-specific report reveals the exact history of any individual vehicle — accidents, odometer records, auction events, and open recalls.
Run a Free VIN Report →