WDDNG7EB9DA5044582013 MERCEDES-BENZ S-ClassS63 AMG
2013 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. 9 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA — review the complaint section for the most common failure patterns.
Executive Summary
2013 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class
2013 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. 9 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA — review the complaint section for the most common failure patterns.
9 owner complaints filed — top areas: Engine/Powertrain (33%), Electrical (33%), Steering (11%).
Title Brand Check
Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull
No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.
Vehicle Specifications
Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database
- Make
- MERCEDES-BENZ
- Model
- S-Class
- Year
- 2013
- Trim / Series
- S63 AMG
- Body Style
- Sedan/Saloon
- Vehicle Type
- PASSENGER CAR
- Fuel Type
- Gasoline
- Engine
- 8-cyl 5.5L
- Doors
- 4
- Manufacturer
- MERCEDES-BENZ CARS
- Assembly
- SINDELFINGEN, GERMANY
- GVWR
- Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
Assembly Plant Quality
Plant: SINDELFINGEN, GERMANY
No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.
Safety Intelligence
Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data
✓ No high-risk recall components found
- ▸1 complaint(s) involved a fire
Driver Assistance Features
ADAS equipment data from NHTSA vPIC database
Deferred Failure Risk
Vehicle-specific risks from this model-year's complaint record, known defects, and service milestones
Owners of the 2013 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class report engine/powertrain issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
Owners of the 2013 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class report electrical issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
Worn chain tensioners cause timing chain skip or snap — common on GM 5.3L/6.2L, Ford EcoBoost, VW/Audi EA888, BMW N47/N63. Listen for cold-start rattles.
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.
NHTSA Safety Recalls
CLEARComplaint Intelligence
9 complaints analyzed across 5 system categories
Owner Complaints
HIGH VOLUME9 safety complaints filed with NHTSA
-Combustion engine sporadically fails to start. -Combustion engine can no longer be started. -Start/Stop function is sporadically unavailable (READY displayed in yellow in instrument cluster). -Start/Stop function fails to function properly in dangerous road conditions - e.g., when pulling into an intersection, in stop & go traffic, when proceeding at a stop light, etc. -This is the second time this major incident has occurred; this was repaired in December 2020 under manufacturer warranty. The Power Electronics (Electric Motor) Control Unit was replaced. It is clear this is a recurring failure affecting this vehicle. ***Campaign No. 2012080004, November 2012 addresses this exact issue - for this exact car (i.e., Mercedes-Benz S 400 (221.195) V6-3.5L (272.974) Hybrid. However, that Recall Campaign is covers Model Years 2010-2012, but fails to cover MY 2013, which is exactly the same as the covered vehicles. This Campaign instructs to Check/Replace the Power Electronics Module, which is the part that my local Mercedes-Benz dealership has advised has failed and needs to be replaced.
A Retaliatory Action to cause personal harm. Believe original vin was placed on this car because of a complaint against medical doctors now under investigation. Took pictures and other proofs. Note on this vehicle says there are hazard mercury arts used on vehicle like lighting and lists other parts and advises removal to be done as hazardous materials etc. can upload photo of it.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES-BENZ S550. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS DIMMED WITHOUT WARNING. THE HEADLIGHTS DID NOT PROVIDE ENOUGH ILLUMINATION TO DRIVE SAFELY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WATER ENTERED THE HEADLIGHT HOUSINGS AND CREATED CONDENSATION. MERCEDES-BENZ OF COCONUT CREEK (LOCATED AT 4250 FL-7, COCONUT CREEK, FL 33073, (954) 406-1167) DIAGNOSED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS QUOTED $1,500 PER HEADLAMP UNIT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000.
I JUST HAD A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR DONE TO MY 2013 S550; REPLACING THE ENGINE HARNESS, ON A CAR THAT WAS LOOKED AFTER LIKE MY OWN CHILD! OIL CHANGES REGULARLY, SERVICE A AND SERVICE B AS SOON AS THE LIGHT WENT ON, ABSOLUTELY NO REASON WHY THIS SORT OF DAMAGE SHOULD HAVE HAPPENED ON A PERFECTLY WELL-MAINTAINED VEHICLE. A REPAIR THAT SET ME BACK $6,800.00 THAT I DID NOT HAVE AT THE TIME. THROUGH FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES I WAS TOLD THAT I SHOULD REACH OUT TO MB USA REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND ASK FOR ASSISTANCE. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS WAS POTENTIALLY A DESIGN FLAW. SADLY, THEY NO LONGER COME TO THE PHONE AND THE CUSTOMER SERVICE INDIVIDUAL I SPOKE TO DECIDED THAT SINCE I DO NOT HAVE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY WITH MB, THERE IS LITTLE THEY WILL DO FOR ME. PERHAPS IF THE MECHANICS AT FLETCHER JONES MERCEDES BENZ IN LAS VEGAS WHO SERVICED MY CAR WHEN I BROUGHT IT IN, WOULD HAVE BOTHERED TO LOOK AT WHAT WAS DONE ON PREVIOUS VISITS, OR IF THEY WOULD HAVE MAYBE PAID A BIT MORE ATTENTION TO MY COMMENT THAT 'IT STILL SMELLS LIKE BURNING OIL' , PERHAPS I COULD HAVE AVOIDED A REPAIR THAT I COULD ILL AFFORD.
PROBLEM 1: CAR SOLD TO ME WITHOUT FULL DISCLOSURE. SILVERSTAR MOTORS IN L.I CITY, NY SOLD ME THE CAR & WITHHELD MATERIAL INFORMATION. THE CAR HAD 4 DAMAGED & DEFECTIVE WHEELS. THIS WAS DISCLOSED TO ME BY ANOTHER DEALER HELMS BROTHERS. TIRES WERE CONSTANTLY LOSING AIR; FRONT END WOULD VIBRATE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS & WAS CONSTANTLY IN THE SHOP. SILVERSTAR GAVE ME 4 NEW TIRES TO COMPENSATE ME FOR MY TROUBLES & I HAVE ALREADY LOST 2 OF THEM IN A FEW MONTHS. ONE WAS DAMAGED LAST FRIDAY DOING 10 MILES AN HOUR ON ARCHER AVENUE IN QUEENS NY HITTING A POT HOLE. I WAS FORCED TO PURCHASE TIRE INSURANCE KNOWING THE PROBLEMS I HAD WITH A PREVIOUS 2006 MERCEDES CLS 500 & THIS ONE. MANUFACTURES SHOULD BE HELD TO HIGHER STANDARDS FOR TIRES,& WHEELS STRENGTH & RESILIENCE. THEY SHOULD DISCLOSE TO ALL BUYERS THAT LOW PROFILE TIRES & LARGE RIMS CAN BE A MAJOR PROBLEM ON CITY STREETS. SEVERAL MONTHS AGO I WAS LEAVING AN ATM DRIVE-IN AT CHASE BANK; GOING 5 MPH I SIDE SWIPED THE CURB, LOST AIR IN BOTH RIGHT TIRES & HAD TO CALL FOR ROAD SERVICE. SUCH LITTLE FORCE TO THE TIRES CAUSED A MAJOR PROBLEM & COULD AT HIGH SPEEDS BE DEADLY. I WAS FORTUNATE THAT I WAS ONLY GOING YES 5MPH. THE WHEEL & TIRE ISSUES HAD CAR OUT OF SERVICE AT SILVER STAR FOR OF 3-4 WEEKS. PROBLEM # 2: ENGINE LIGHT ON. HELMS BROTHERS HAD CAR 3 X FOR 27 DAYS. THEY PULLED OUT ENGINE & TRANSMISSION TO REPLACE ENGINE HARNESS WIRING. I PICKED UP THE CAR & THE ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON AGAIN. THEY SAID THERE WAS AN OIL LEAK AT ONE OF THE ENGINE SENSORS & THEY CLEANED IT UP & SECURED IT. AGAIN THE 3RD TIME I RETURNED BECAUSE THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. HELMS BROTHERS SAID THEY MISSED ONE OF THE ENGINE SENSORS, & CLEANED IT OR REPLACED IT AND SECURED IT. THEY ALSO REMOVED ALL THE GAS FROM THE TANK (5 GALLONS +/-) THE THIRD TRIP & PUT IN A FEW GALLONS OF NEW GAS. THE CAR WAS ROAD TESTED ONE WEEK MORE. THE ENGINE LIGHT STAYED OFF.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES BENZ S350. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNOCCUPIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
WHILE MAKING RIGHT-HAND TURN THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED IN A TURNED POSITION AND WOULD NOT RETURN TO STRAIGHT - LOCKED EPISODE LASTED FOR 2-4 SECONDS. THIS HAPPENED 2X AND I HAVE LEFT THE CAR WITH A DEALER AND WILL NOT DRIVE IT AGAIN UNTIL ALL COMPONENTS IN THE STEERING ARE REPLACED. THE DEALER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM AND HAS NOT MADE ALL NECESSARY REPAIRS. *TR
I LEASED THIS CAR NEW IN 2013, SINCE 06/06/2013 THIS CAR HAS BEEN BACK IN SHOP FOR SAME PROBLEM 8 TIMES, BUBBLES ON THE TIRES WHICH CUTS OPEN THE TIRE AT THE EDGE OF THE WHEEL. LAST MONTH THE TIRE WAS CHANGED AGAIN AND WHILE THE CAR WAS IN THE SHOP IT DEVELOPED ANOTHER BUBBLE ON ANOTHER TIRE. NOW MBUSA IS SAYING THERE IS NO DEFECT ON THE CAR, I AM SAYING WHEELS AND TIRES COME WITH THE CAR AND THEY ARE PART OF THE CAR AND THAT THAT THIS CAR IS LEMON OR DEFECTIVE, I DO NOT FEEL SAFE TO TRAVEL IN IT. MBUSA DONT WANT TO ADMIT IT BUT ALL THE SERVICE RECORDS ARE AVAILABLE AT KOONS DEALERSHIP IN CATONSVILLE MD. IN MY OPINION A FATAL ACCIDENT CAN HAPPEN ANY TIME IF THIS CAR IS DRIVEN ON THE ROAD. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES BENZ S550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS A HALF OF A INCH HIGHER THAN THE REAR DRIVER SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE VEHICLE MEASURED UP TO SPECIFICATIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 3,500. *TR
Complaint & Reliability Timeline
Annual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red
The blue line shows 9 NHTSA complaints on file for the MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class — a relatively low volume that spans from 2013 to 2025.
The amber reliability line averaged 99/100 across the vehicle's life — relatively stable, with the lowest point of 97/100 in 2025.
Legal & Regulatory Actions
Known class action lawsuits, settlements, and manufacturer extended warranty programs
5-Year Total Cost of Ownership
Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation
Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $35,364 (~$589/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Tailored for the 2013 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list
Recall Probability Forecast
Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals
5% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.
Maintenance Schedule
OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle
Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.
Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.
Auction History
Public sale records from Copart, IAAI, and auction aggregators
Searching Public Auction Records
Checking Copart, IAAI, BidFax, and other sources for WDDNG7EB9DA504458. Results appear automatically when found.
Insurance Cost Estimate
Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings
Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.
Market & Background Signals
Theft risk, fleet history, dealer patterns, and emissions compliance
MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class has an elevated theft rate (3.0× average). Factor in higher comprehensive insurance costs.
State-Specific Legal Protections
What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state
Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.
Complete Data Table
All decoded fields in a single flattened view
Vehicle Identity
| VIN | WDDNG7EB9DA504458 |
| Model Year | 2013 |
| Make | MERCEDES-BENZ |
| Model | S-Class |
| Trim | S63 AMG |
| Vehicle Type | PASSENGER CAR |
Body & Configuration
| Body Style | Sedan/Saloon |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
Engine
| Engine Cylinders | 8 |
| Displacement (L) | 5.5 |
Manufacturer
| Manufacturer | MERCEDES-BENZ CARS |
| Assembly City | SINDELFINGEN |
| Assembly Country | GERMANY |
VIN Structure
| WMI (Chars 1–3) | WDD |
| Check Digit (Char 9) | 9 |
| Model Year Code (Char 10) | D |
| Plant Code (Char 11) | A |
| Sequence (Chars 12–17) | 504458 |
Safety Data
| NHTSA Recall Count | 0 |
| NHTSA Complaint Count | 9 |
VIN Structure Decode
ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number
Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 8/3/2026, 5:27:35 AM.