Is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Reliable?
2014–2026 reliability analysis based on NHTSA safety recalls and owner complaints. Updated daily from federal safety databases.
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 | Reliability Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 0 | 100 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 0 | 0 | 100 | Excellent |
| 2024 | 0 | 4 | 96 | Excellent |
| 2023 | 0 | 12 | 88 | Excellent |
| 2022 | 0 | 44 | 69 | Good |
| 2021 | 0 | 32 | 61 | Fair |
| 2020 | 0 | 7 | 93 | Excellent |
| 2019 | 0 | 15 | 85 | Excellent |
| 2018 | 0 | 29 | 71 | Good |
| 2017 | 0 | 22 | 78 | Good |
Reliability scores are proprietary to VinCheckEngine and incorporate multiple weighted safety signals.
How the S-Class Compares to Similar Vehicles
The S-Class scores 14 points above the average luxury — a strong result.
Known Mercedes-Benz S-Class Reliability Issues
The following components appear most frequently in owner complaints filed with NHTSA:
Based on 165 owner complaints across recent model years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class reliable?+
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class scores 84/100 on our reliability index — rated "Excellent." Across 10 recently analyzed model years, it accumulated 0 recall campaigns and 165 owner complaints in the NHTSA database.
What year S-Class is most reliable?+
Among the years analyzed, the 2026 S-Class achieved the highest reliability score of 100/100 with 0 recalls and 0 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 →