Mercedes-Benz S-Class Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Mercedes-Benz S-Class model year (2007–2026) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Years to Avoid
12 recalls · 21 complaints
3 reported injuries
Top issue: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Problem score: 63
5 recalls · 36 complaints
4 reported injuries
Top issue: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 59
7 recalls · 7 complaints
Top issue: POWER TRAIN
Problem score: 28
Best Mercedes-Benz S-Class Years to Buy
1 recall · 1 complaint
Main area: POWER TRAIN
Problem score: 4
0 recalls · 4 complaints
Main area: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 4
1 recall · 1 complaint
Main area: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Problem score: 4
Found the right year? Verify that specific S-Class with a free VIN report.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 1 | 1 | — | — | 4 | Excellent |
| 2024 | 0 | 4 | — | — | 4 | Excellent |
| 2023 | 3 | 10 | 3 | — | 25 | Caution |
| 2022 | 5 | 36 | 4 | — | 59 | Avoid |
| 2021 | 12 | 21 | 3 | — | 63 | Avoid |
| 2020 | 5 | 6 | — | — | 21 | Good |
| 2019 | 7 | 7 | — | — | 28 | Caution |
| 2018 | 7 | 7 | — | — | 28 | Caution |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | Excellent |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | Excellent |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | Excellent |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | Excellent |
| 2013 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | Excellent |
| 2012 | 1 | 1 | — | — | 4 | Excellent |
| 2011 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | Excellent |
| 2010 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | Excellent |
| 2009 | 1 | 2 | — | — | 5 | Excellent |
| 2008 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | Excellent |
| 2007 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | Excellent |
All 20 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2026Recent S-Class models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. The 2026 stands out with just 0 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
2013–2017
Best: 2017Mid-decade S-Class units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2017 shows the lowest problem count for this era.
Pre-2013
Proceed with CautionOlder S-Class models have more accumulated wear and a larger recall history. These are higher-risk purchases without documented maintenance records and a clean VIN history report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year S-Class should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class if possible. It has 12 recalls, 21 owner complaints. The overall problem score is 63 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year S-Class to buy?+
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 4. It has only 1 recall and 1 complaint on record with NHTSA.
Which S-Class has the fewest problems?+
The 2012, 2024, 2025 model years have the fewest documented problems. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Mercedes-Benz S-Class Research
Check a Specific Mercedes-Benz S-Class VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
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