WDDUG8DB0JA4168342018 MERCEDES-BENZ S-ClassS560
2018 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. 29 owner complaints include 1 reported injury, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.
Executive Summary
2018 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class
2018 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. 29 owner complaints include 1 reported injury, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.
- 1 injury reported across 29 owner complaints
- Common owner-reported issues: check engine light
29 owner complaints filed — top areas: Engine/Powertrain (28%), Other (21%), Steering (14%). Common issues: check engine light. 2 crashes reported.
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
- 2018
- Trim / Series
- S560
- Body Style
- Sedan/Saloon
- Vehicle Type
- PASSENGER CAR
- Fuel Type
- Gasoline
- Engine
- 8-cyl 4L 463 hp
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Doors
- 4
- Manufacturer
- MERCEDES-BENZ CARS
- Assembly
- SINDELFINGEN, GERMANY
- GVWR
- Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg)
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
- ▸2 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 2018 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 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class report steering 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 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class report brakes 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
29 complaints analyzed across 8 system categories
Owner Complaints
HIGH VOLUME29 safety complaints filed with NHTSA
Excessive engine oil lead from the back seal. Also, slow coolant leak. The car has a low mileage of 46k.
Vehicle had a low tire, vehicle indicated it needed to be driven for recalibration of the sensor(s). Took vehicle for short drive up two lane road. Turned around and headed back to where was staying and upon acceleration the vehicle seemed to have pulled off the road but come to find out it didn't at all go off the right side of the roadway. The vehicle sort of jerked and went to the left, causing me to travel over the opposite lane and into the ditch on opposite side of the road, then when pulling out of the ditch the vehicle flipped and overturned skidding on it's top side along the roadway. There was a vehicle coming, they were able to slow but were still impacted by the car as it traveled on it's roof. The vehicle finally came to a stop. After exiting the vehicle, being able to ensure everyone was ok, it was clear the lower control arm on the driver's side was broken in half and that was what had caused the "jerking" and when it seemed like vehicle initially had gone off the right side of the road when it hadn't at all-it was a mechanical malfunction.
The Squib For PRE-SAFE(R) Pulse '' Front Passenger'' Has A S560 w222 model airbag sensors problem an defective parts needs be investigated
My 2018 S560 Mercedes occasionally misfires upon acceleration. This has happened at six times over the past three years. When this happens, the engine loses power, starts to shake, and the check engine light comes on. This happened when I was trying to pass a car on US 301 a week ago nearly causing a head on collision as I tried to get back into the right lane. The problem occurs without any warning. This first happened at 64,242 miles, then at 104833, next 108599, then 119,012, then 121,726, and finally at 126580 (my current mileage). Each time I have gone to a Mercedes mechanic. They have replaced the coils three times and the spark plugs twice. They now tell me the problem is due to the walls of the cylinders delaminating and scratched/scoring and the engine needs replaced (come on, 126,000 miles). They have checked the compression and say it is low across all eight cylinders. The vehicle has been inspected by a Mercedes dealership and by other certified Mercedes mechanics. They gave me pictures of the cylinders (attached). Here are their notes: Cylinder walls in #1 look delaminated, also scratched, no signs of oil consumption on spark plug, carbon is burnt off #1 piston in center. Preformed compression test on cylinder 1 and 2, #1 dry 140, wet 170, #2 dry 110, wet 170. Just these 2 cylinders are showing leakage past rings, luckily no oil consumption. Compression spec's13 to 17 Bar{ 188 psi to 246 psi } Cylinder #1 dry 160psi, wet 190 psi, Cyl #2 dry 150psi wet 185psi, #3 160psi dry, wet 190psi, Cyl #4 160psi dry, wet 190 psi, Cyl #5 155psi dry, wet 190psi, Cyl #6 155 dry, wet 190, Cyl #7 155 psi dry, wet 180psi, Cyl #8 160psi dry, wet 185psi. All wet and dry actual compression are all too low, likely from the cylinder wall conditions. Being compression is low across all cylinders this is causing misfires at random times across all cylinders.
The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz S450. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the gear shifter independently shifted into neutral. The contact had to hold down the gear shifter for about 30 seconds before the system was reset. Additionally, the check engine warning light was later illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission valve body failure. The contact was informed that the transmission valve body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
1. The leather cover for the dashboard has peeled up on the passenger side. The vehicle is parked inside a covered garage while it is not being driven since it was purchased in 2021. 2. I am worried about the safety airbag restraints in the dashboard might not be working. 3. The vehicle was taken to the Mercedes Benz dealership and they assessed that the ENTIRE dashboard had to be replaced. 4. It has only been inspected by the dealership. 5. There were not any warning signs from the vehicle intelligence and monitoring systems. The problem first appeared at the beginning of November 2024.
The engine failed while my friend was driving. The car is available for inspection. My friend almost got into a car accident because the car started shaking and the steering wheel closed up before the engine completely failed. Additionally, the airbags did not go off. It could've been a fatal accident because he was driving on the highway. The problem was confirmed by an independent service center. The vehicle has been inspected by a certified mechanic. The car has had problems since I bought it. The tire pressure would always go down. The steering wheel and car would shake at times, and the tires had to be replaced two times within two years.
I was driving on highway on 7/26 Friday in exit lane when my panoramic sunroof exploded and shattered on me while driving. It sounded like a shogun. Some of the glass came in on me and other part flew out vehicle causing paint damage. I inspected car there was no impact from anything (ie rock, branch etc). It was a clear sunny dry day no vehicles in front that would have kicked up an object no impact whatsoever. I made to my house 3 miles away and there is no impact after inspection i have insurance adjuster coming Monday 7/29. I checked internet and have heard of others stating same experience. I looked at NHTSA site and my car doesn’t look like it was part of a national recall notice. Very frightening situation a more inexperienced driver may have not handled the situation.
Driving on interstate 95 in South Carolina in the high speed lane Saturday December 2 2023 late morning. Adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, self driving modes engaged. No traffic in front, large semi truck next to passenger side about equal to side mirror, I believe it was advancing. Car sounds collision warning beep and executes full emergency barking with seat belt tensioners emergency retraction. The system quickly releases the brakes which may have been the result of me pressing the gas pedal, I am not sure as this all happened in fractions of seconds. I disengaged all self driving and distronic systems including parking sensors and continued on the journey.
Ignition coil failed and cylinder 5 misfired. Car has less than 30K miles.
Steering wheel became extremely stiff to turn and a message that read “steering malfunction increase physical effort” appeared while driving at around 30 mph while in a vacation trip, not only was this extremely unsettling since it happened suddenly but I had to act fast to avoid a collision with other vehicles, once I made it to a safe location I shut the vehicle off and restarted after 15 minutes and it seem drivable again but left me extremely concerned as I am 500 miles away from with no dealerships open to have it looked since is Memorial Day.
The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz S450. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact attempted to depress the brake; however, the vehicle failed to decelerate and slow as needed. The contact stated that the brakes failed to work as needed. The contact stated that the “Service Required” message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and was diagnosed with electronic parking brake failure. The manufacture was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
I’m reporting this safety concern and seeking advisement from those more knowledgeable than myself on this issue. Recently, as I attempted to actuate the brake of my vehicle. My right foot was entangled with the brake pedal as I moved it from the acceleration pedal to the brake pedal in observance of a “Stop Sign.” I barely avoided what surely would have been a catastrophic collision with another vehicle. The incident occurred in a split second. The shoe of my right foot was entangled with the lower right corner of the underside of the brake pedal, which has a protruding sharp thin metal edge. The sharp thin metal edge impeded the performance my right leg as it dug into my shoe’s sole edge and the leather upper. In my opinion the sharp thin metal edge of the underside of the brake pedal as described herein is a dangerous and extremely problematic issue. After the recent incident, I am consumed with concern, trepidation and fear when operating the vehicle. During the excitement of the near collision, my wife made an audible gasp, and in the split second I struggled to free my shoe and foot to avoid a potentially fatal crash. I barely freed my foot and shoe in time enough to successfully bring my vehicle to a halt. My wife and I narrowly averted a life changing, potentially deadly accident.
Vehicle Check Engine Light turned on a Vehicle Lost power. Vehicle often hesitates upon acceleration. Convertible Top does not close as well intermittently.
The Smell of fuel is present inside the vehicle around 50 percent of the time. When parked in the garage the vehicle emits an extremely strong fuel smell as if it has leaked fuel with no visible spills or leaks. While driving the smell of fuel is present almost always.
Walk Home Condition -I purchased a 2018 CPO Mercedes-Benz S560 on 8/20/21 from Knauz Continental Autos in Lake Bluff, IL. On 9/25/2, at approx noon, I was driving the vehicle and the engine light came on, the throttle/engine felt sluggish and not responsive. The engine felt very out of balance shaking the entire care when the gas pedal was pressed. 5 mins later in heavy traffic, I stopped at a light, the engine started violently shaking and stalled. I shut the car off and tried to start it over a 5 min period. I was able to limp the vehicle to a local Mercedes dealership (Bloomfield, MI). Could only operate the vehicle below 25 MPH without violently shaking. The dealership was only 1 mile away. That dealership was able to quickly check codes. When I arrived the engine light went out and no codes where set. The assistant Service Manager told me that it looked like cylinder 4 was misfiring, but no code set. He told me that if it happens again, shut the car off and it should reset. I left the dealership around 1pm and continued driving. The issue had stopped. Approx 5 hours later, after driving for 3 hours, the same issue happened again about 5 miles from my home. The vehicle stalled multiple times and I finally got it running and limped the vehicle home at 20-25 MPH. The engine fault light stayed on this time. I let the vehicle sit in my garage on 9/26/21 as I was afraid to drive it anywhere. On 9/27/21 I drove the vehicle to the dealership close to my house. (Rochester Hills, MI) When I submitted the vehicle I was told that because I didn't have an appointment, they weren't sure if they could look at it that day. Service Rep called and said that the vehicle set a code (P030485). They said it would probably go away so I picked it up. Same issue occurred on 9/29/21 after driving for 25 mins. Had to limp the vehicle home again at 20 MPH. I turned the vehicle back into the same dealer on 9/30/21. I have zero visibility on a fix and next steps.
The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz S560. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V058000 (Communication, Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Recall # 21V058 The above Safety recall has not been cleared via dealer. (Two visits). I mentioned to dealer and they claim that it gets resolved "over the air". If so, then why hasn't it been resolved.
WHEN THE CAR IS LIFTED IN THE FRONT (TO CHANGE BOTH TIRES) THERE IS A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE CAR WHEN WALKING AROUND THE BACK. THE TANK WAS 50%FULL AND THIS OCCURS WHENEVER THE CAR IS LIFTED IN THE FRONT.
THE FRONT ROTORS SEEM TO RETAIN BRAKE DUST JUST ON THE INSIDES OF THE ROTORS. THE OUTSIDES ARE VERY CLEAN AND SHINY BUT ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROTOR (INTERIOR) BECOMES VERY COARSE CAUSING VIBRATIONS IN STEERING. KEEP IN MIND THAT THE INTERIOR IS PROTECTED BY THE BRAKE SHIELD WHICH MUST BE CAUSING HEAT NOT TO BE DISSIPATED THEREBY FOSTERING BRAKE DUST TO AMASS. SUCH VIBRATIONS WILL ALARM DRIVERS TO PANIC AND CAUSE ACCIDENTS.
ON THE MORNING OF MARCH 8TH, MY VEHICLE WAS SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY AND I STARTED IT. I RECEIVED A LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING FROM THE FRONT LEFT TIRE. I ADDED AIR FOR SEVERAL DAYS AND THEN ON MARCH 13TH TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL AMERICAS TIRES FOR REPAIR. THE SHOP TOLD ME THE TIRE WAS FINE, THE RIM HAD DEVELOPED A HAIRLINE CRACK. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO MERCEDES BENZ AND WITHOUT EVEN LOOKING AT THE RIM, THEY SAID THIS WAS NOT A DEFECT, BUT THAT I MUST HAVE DAMAGED THE RIM AND ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE IS UNDER WARRANTY, THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR IT. I CAN FIND MANY CASES OF THIS ON LINE, AND THE SHOP TOLD ME "THIS IS COMMON WITH MERCEDES".
BRAKES FAILED WITH NO PRIOR WARNING WHILE DRIVING AT RATED SPEED LIMIT OF 55 MPH AND TRYING TO SLOW DOWN THE CAR TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN. NO BRAKE RESPONSE AND BARELY MISSED WRAPPING THE CAR TO THE POWER LINE LOCATED ON ROUTE 62 AND BATEMAN ROAD IN BARRINGTON IL 60010
2018 MERCEDES BENZ S CLASS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO REWORK ENGINE OIL PLUGS SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME COMPLETING THE RECALL REPAIR. *JS THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. *JS
TL* THE CONSUMER OWNED A 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ S560. AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR APPROXIMATELY THREE MINUTES, THE CONTACT PARKED THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER WAS ALERTED BY SOMEONE THAT THERE WAS SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. WITHIN THIRTY SECONDS TO A MINUTE, THE VEHICLE BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND VEHICLE WERE DESTROYED. POLICE AND FIRE REPORTS WERE FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF CALDWELL (1220 BLOOMFIELD AVE, WEST CALDWELL, NJ 07006, (973) 227-3600) TO BE INSPECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,000. *LN*JB *AS
TL* THE CONTACT DROVE A 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ S560 COMPANY VEHICLE. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING, A SMALL ROCK STRUCK AND CRACKED THE WINDSHIELD. THE CRACK QUICKLY SPREAD ACROSS THE ENTIRE WINDSHIELD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED FOUR TIMES AND THE WINDSHIELD WAS REPLACED EACH TIME AT JOHN SISSON MOTORS MERCEDES-BENZ (480 WASHINGTON RD, WASHINGTON, PA 15301, (724) 367-4013). THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 190703000028. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21,436.
2018 MERCEDES BENZ S CLASS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO NHTSA RECALL 18V-910. *LD *JS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ S450. WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED, THE AUTOMATIC BRAKING ACTIVATED ON ITS OWN IN TRAFFIC. THE CONTACT HAD TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL IN ORDER TO DRIVE SAFELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF ALEXANDRIA (200 S PICKETT ST, ALEXANDRIA, VA 22304, (703) 341-2100) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,826.
THERE ARE 2 ACTIVE RECALLS SINCE PAST 4 MONTHS AND THERE IS NO REMEDY YET. I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALER TO FIX THE ISSUE AND THEY ARE TELLING ME THAT THE REMEDY HAS NOT BEEN MADE YET.
THE PRE-COLLISION SAFETY FEATURE GOES OFF WHEN THERE IS NO COLLISION IMMINENT. IT IS FRIGHTENING AND COULD ACTUALLY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
Complaint & Reliability Timeline
Annual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red
The blue line shows 29 total NHTSA complaints filed over 9 years, with the worst year being 2021 (6 complaints).
The amber reliability line is declining — recent years score around 93/100, lower than earlier in the vehicle's life. This pattern indicates issues are accumulating over time rather than being resolved, which is a concern for used buyers.
Notably, despite 29 complaints on file, no recall has been issued — either the defect pattern has not met NHTSA's threshold for a formal campaign, or a recall may be forthcoming.
Red dots on the amber line flag 2 years (2023, 2025) where complaints included crash events — these are the highest-severity incidents in the dataset.
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: $32,364 (~$539/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Tailored for the 2018 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 WDDUG8DB0JA416834. 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 | WDDUG8DB0JA416834 |
| Model Year | 2018 |
| Make | MERCEDES-BENZ |
| Model | S-Class |
| Trim | S560 |
| Vehicle Type | PASSENGER CAR |
Body & Configuration
| Body Style | Sedan/Saloon |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
| Transmission | Automatic |
Engine
| Engine Cylinders | 8 |
| Displacement (L) | 4 |
| Horsepower | 463 |
Manufacturer
| Manufacturer | MERCEDES-BENZ CARS |
| Assembly City | SINDELFINGEN |
| Assembly Country | GERMANY |
VIN Structure
| WMI (Chars 1–3) | WDD |
| Check Digit (Char 9) | 0 |
| Model Year Code (Char 10) | J |
| Plant Code (Char 11) | A |
| Sequence (Chars 12–17) | 416834 |
Safety Data
| NHTSA Recall Count | 0 |
| NHTSA Complaint Count | 29 |
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, 10:01:33 AM.