Mercedes-Benz S-Class Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Mercedes-Benz S-Class model year (2014–2026) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, injuries, and deaths. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Years to Avoid
0 recalls · 51 complaints
8 reported injuries
Top issue: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Problem score: 67
0 recalls · 44 complaints
2 reported injuries
Top issue: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Problem score: 48
0 recalls · 32 complaints
3 reported injuries
1 reported death
Top issue: WHEELS
Problem score: 43
Best Mercedes-Benz S-Class Years to Buy
0 recalls · 0 complaints
Main area: No significant complaints
Problem score: 0
0 recalls · 0 complaints
Main area: No significant complaints
Problem score: 0
0 recalls · 4 complaints
Main area: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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 | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Excellent |
| 2024 | 0 | 4 | 4 | Excellent |
| 2023 | 0 | 12 | 14 | Good |
| 2022 | 0 | 44 | 48 | Avoid |
| 2021 | 0 | 32 | 43 | Caution |
| 2020 | 0 | 7 | 7 | Good |
| 2019 | 0 | 15 | 15 | Good |
| 2018 | 0 | 29 | 31 | Caution |
| 2017 | 0 | 22 | 22 | Good |
| 2016 | 0 | 29 | 31 | Caution |
| 2015 | 0 | 51 | 67 | Avoid |
| 2014 | 0 | 25 | 29 | Caution |
Higher scores indicate more reported safety issues across recalls, complaints, and injury data.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2026Recent S-Class models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. Lower problem scores typically appear in this era. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year S-Class should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class if possible. It has 0 recalls, 51 owner complaints, and the most common complaint category is UNKNOWN OR OTHER. The overall problem score is 67 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year S-Class to buy?+
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 0. It has only 0 recalls and 0 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which S-Class has the fewest problems?+
The 2025, 2026, 2024 model years have the fewest documented problems across recall and complaint databases. 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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