VIN REPORT

WDDUG8DB0JA4168342018 MERCEDES-BENZ S-ClassS560

7of 100
Low Risk
Buyer Risk Score
Recalls
Clear
No open recalls
Safety Grade
B-
80/100 composite
Complaints
29
NHTSA filed
Vehicle Age
8 yrs
Made in GERMANY
BUYPurchase Verdict

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.

Verdict & Risk Assessment
📄

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
Owner Complaint Intelligence

29 owner complaints filed — top areas: Engine/Powertrain (28%), Other (21%), Steering (14%). Common issues: check engine light. 2 crashes reported.

7
of 100
Low Risk
Low risk profile — minor signals only, likely routine.
LOWMODERATEHIGHCRITICAL
1 Contributing Risk Factor
Elevated fire risk signals detected
+7
Critical Alerts

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

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

CQuality55/100
Standard📍 SINDELFINGEN, GERMANY

No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.

Safety

Safety Intelligence

Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data

B-
Score: 80/100
Crash Test Rating20/40
Recall Safety30/30
Complaint History30/30
0/100Clear

✓ No high-risk recall components found

2/100
Basic
1 of 20 safety features detected
Missing: Automatic Emergency Braking, Pedestrian AEB, Forward Collision Warning, Electronic Stability Control
Elevated
  • 2 complaint(s) involved a fire

Driver Assistance Features

ADAS equipment data from NHTSA vPIC database

Forward Collision Warning?Unknown
Automatic Emergency Braking?Unknown
Pedestrian AEB?Unknown
Rear AEB?Unknown
Lane Departure Warning?Unknown
Lane Keep Assist?Unknown
Lane Centering Assist?Unknown
Blind Spot Monitoring?Unknown
Rear Cross Traffic Alert?Unknown
Adaptive Cruise Control?Unknown
Adaptive Headlights?Unknown
Auto High Beam?Unknown
Parking Assist?Unknown
Backup Camera?Unknown
Electronic Stability Control?Unknown
Tire Pressure Monitoring?Direct
Event Data Recorder?Unknown
Crash Notification?Unknown
Dynamic Brake Support?Unknown
Keyless Ignition?Unknown
Recalls

Deferred Failure Risk

Vehicle-specific risks from this model-year's complaint record, known defects, and service milestones

36/100
Monitor Deferred Risk
The engine/powertrain system is the most-reported problem for the 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class — 8 NHTSA complaints (28% of all filings). Prioritize it in a pre-purchase inspection.
No odometer data on record. Items marked VERIFY below are age-based maintenance reminders — general guidance, not confirmed findings for this specific vehicle. Confirm actual mileage and service history with the seller.
COMMONLY REPORTEDCriticalEngine/Powertrain
8 owner complaints · 28% of all filings · 1 crash-involved · 1 injury
Inspect the engine/powertrain system before purchase — the most-reported problem for the 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class
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.
COMMONLY REPORTEDHighSteering
4 owner complaints · 14% of all filings
Inspect the steering system before purchase — the 2nd most-reported problem for the 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class
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.
COMMONLY REPORTEDHighBrakes
4 owner complaints · 14% of all filings
Inspect the brakes system before purchase — the 3rd most-reported problem for the 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class
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.
VERIFYCriticalTiming Chain Tensioner
Typical interval: 120,000 mi / 10 yr · Verify service records (no odometer on file)
Verify timing chain tensioner service history with the seller
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.
VERIFYCriticalWater Pump
Typical interval: 100,000 mi / 8 yr · Verify service records (no odometer on file)
Verify water pump service history with the seller
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.
VERIFYHighTransmission Fluid / Service
Typical interval: 60,000 mi / 5 yr · Verify service records (no odometer on file)
Verify transmission fluid / service service history with the seller
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
VERIFYHighCoolant Flush
Typical interval: 100,000 mi / 5 yr · Verify service records (no odometer on file)
Verify coolant flush service history with the seller
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
VERIFYModerateSpark Plugs (iridium/platinum)
Typical interval: 100,000 mi / 8 yr · Verify service records (no odometer on file)
Verify spark plugs (iridium/platinum) service history with the seller
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
VERIFYModerateFuel Injectors
Typical interval: 120,000 mi / 10 yr · Verify service records (no odometer on file)
Verify fuel injectors service history with the seller
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.

NHTSA Safety Recalls

CLEAR
0found
No Recall Campaigns Found
NHTSA has no active or historical recalls for this 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ.
Complaints29

Complaint Intelligence

29 complaints analyzed across 8 system categories

Engine/Powertrain
1 crash1 inj8
Other
6
Steering
4
Brakes
4
Suspension/Wheels
1 crash3
Safety Systems
2
Electrical
1
Visibility
1
2017
1
2019
5
2020
2
2021
6
2022
1
2023
6
2024
3
2025
4
2026
1
24% trend in recent years (improving reliability)
Stable -12%
7
Last 24 months
8
Prior 24 months
Fire/smoke3
Brake failure2
Engine stalling1
Electrical failure1
Conditions Reported
Highway/high-speed (3)Parking/low-speed (2)Startup (2)Rain/wet (1)

Owner Complaints

HIGH VOLUME

29 safety complaints filed with NHTSA

29found
2
Fires
2
Crashes
1
Injury
ODI #11713255ENGINE

Excessive engine oil lead from the back seal. Also, slow coolant leak. The car has a low mileage of 46k.

ODI #11698526STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKESCRASH

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.

ODI #11691944AIR BAGS

The Squib For PRE-SAFE(R) Pulse '' Front Passenger'' Has A S560 w222 model airbag sensors problem an defective parts needs be investigated

ODI #11664290ENGINE

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.

ODI #11637720POWER TRAIN

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.

ODI #11626611UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

ODI #11609520STEERING,ENGINE

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.

ODI #11604856UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

ODI #11561163FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

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.

ODI #11549938ENGINE

Ignition coil failed and cylinder 5 misfired. Car has less than 30K miles.

ODI #11524278STEERING

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.

ODI #11509829SERVICE BRAKES

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.

ODI #11509192SERVICE BRAKES

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.

ODI #11506663SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMCRASHFIRE1 INJURY

Vehicle Check Engine Light turned on a Vehicle Lost power. Vehicle often hesitates upon acceleration. Convertible Top does not close as well intermittently.

ODI #11490899SUSPENSION,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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.

ODI #11435904ENGINE

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.

ODI #11426613ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,COMMUNICATION

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.

ODI #11420617UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

ODI #11405395FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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.

ODI #11405399SERVICE BRAKES

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.

ODI #11405073WHEELS

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".

ODI #11350886SERVICE BRAKES

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

ODI #11349483ENGINE

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

ODI #11278598ENGINEFIRE

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

ODI #11254623VISIBILITY/WIPER

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.

ODI #11229256STEERING

2018 MERCEDES BENZ S CLASS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO NHTSA RECALL 18V-910. *LD *JS

ODI #11217774FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

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.

ODI #11204316STEERING

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.

ODI #11053437SEAT BELTS,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

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

Annual complaints and reliability score for MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class — recall years marked in red
036050100201720192021202320252026Complaints/yrReliability (0–100)
Annual complaints (left axis)
Reliability score 0–100 (right axis, higher = safer)
Crash-involved complaints that year
Chart Analysis

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.

Details & Analysis
Financial

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation

$32,364
~$539/mo over 5 yrs
$0.3/mi
cost per mile
Fuel
$10,000
Insurance (est.)
$9,750
Maintenance
$6,000
Repair Risk Buffer
$1,500
Depreciation
$5,114

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

MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: ENGINE
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: AIR BAGS
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic
For any used vehicle with a risk score above Low, a $100–$150 independent inspection is always worth it.
MEDIUM
Run a VIN check on NHTSA.gov to confirm all recalls are closed
Free at nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/recalls — enter the VIN and confirm all campaigns show as completed.
MEDIUM
Verify title is clean and check for salvage/rebuilt brands at your state DMV
Title washing across state lines is common — confirm with your state DMV before finalizing purchase.

Recall Probability Forecast

Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals

5%
18-month
10%
2-year
Low Probability
Cumulative 2-year risk: 10%

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.

History & Auctions

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

Full Coverage
$3,010–$3,830/yr
~$251–$319/mo
Liability Only
$650–$820/yr
~$54–$68/mo
Category: Luxury SUV/SedanModerate surcharge risk
High theft risk model: +18% to comprehensive premium 8-year-old vehicle: −7% (moderate depreciation)

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

High
3.0× national average · 32/1,000 vehicles
Recovery rate:45%of stolen MERCEDES-BENZ S-Classs are recovered

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

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Complete Data Table

All decoded fields in a single flattened view

Vehicle Identity

VINWDDUG8DB0JA416834
Model Year2018
MakeMERCEDES-BENZ
ModelS-Class
TrimS560
Vehicle TypePASSENGER CAR

Body & Configuration

Body StyleSedan/Saloon
Doors4
Fuel TypeGasoline
TransmissionAutomatic

Engine

Engine Cylinders8
Displacement (L)4
Horsepower463

Manufacturer

ManufacturerMERCEDES-BENZ CARS
Assembly CitySINDELFINGEN
Assembly CountryGERMANY

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 Count0
NHTSA Complaint Count29

VIN Structure Decode

ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number

W
1
D
2
D
3
U
4
G
5
8
6
D
7
B
8
0
9
J
10
A
11
4
12
1
13
6
14
8
15
3
16
4
17
WMI (1–3)
VDS (4–8)
Check Digit (9)
Model Year (10)
Serial (11–17)
W
World Manufacturer
Country & region of manufacture
Position 1
D
Manufacturer
Specific manufacturer identifier
Position 2
D
Vehicle Type
Division or vehicle type
Position 3
UG8DB
Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)
Body style, engine type, restraint system
Position 4–8
0
Check Digit
Mathematical validation character
Position 9
J
Model Year
Year of manufacture
Position 10
A
Assembly Plant
Where the vehicle was assembled
Position 11
416834
Production Sequence
Unique serial number for this vehicle
Position 12–17
Country of Manufacture
Germany
From VIN position 1 (W)
Model Year Character
"J" → 2018
Could also be 1988
Check Digit (Pos 9)
✓ Valid
ISO 3779 weighted-sum algorithm
Research This Model

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.