Mercedes-Benz S-Class Complaints

351 consumer complaints on file.

#11774344October 29, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, POWER TRAIN
I lease a 2024 Mercedes-Benz S580 4MATIC, currently at 22,527 miles. I have recurring braking and transmission concerns. Before the XXX service visit, I experienced increased brake-pedal travel and pressure needed to slow and stop, compared with earlier in the lease. The recent episode occurred in [XXX], at about 40 mph on a dry road with light traffic. I have experienced braking concerns on highways and local streets, including Indian [XXX], and recall earlier episodes around XXX and XXX. The recent episode involved no crash, injury, fire or police report. A brake-fluid warning appeared once; check-engine lights appeared on other occasions. Mercedes-Benz of Palm Springs opened RO XXXXXX, at 22,067 miles; the vehicle was ready XXX The order records my increased brake-pedal-travel complaint. The technician stated the pending recall could be related, with a remedy expected in one or two months. No brake repair was listed for that concern. The NHTSA VIN lookup refreshed October 28, 2026 lists recall 26V638, manufacturer campaign 2026100002, as incomplete with the remedy not yet available. It concerns front brake hoses that may leak and reduce braking performance. I cannot determine whether the recall caused my symptoms. Irregular shifting and difficulty accelerating have also recurred. RO XXX records harsh upshifts around 40 mph verified at times by the technician. Software was updated and adaptations reset; the subsequent dealer test drive was reported normal. I now have accelerator concerns and another service appointment. I have not returned for the brakes since that visit. I limit use because I feel unsafe and obtained another vehicle. I request review of these safety concerns and recall remedy availability. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771797October 17, 2026
ENGINE
Engine oil pressure control valve (Component Y130 / Diagnostic Code P06DA) and internal submerged wiring harness failed at 44,022 miles, triggering a Check Engine Light and causing an immediate failure during Massachusetts state OBD-II emissions inspections. Mercedes-Benz quoted over $16,500 to perform an engine-out repair to fix this internal component flaw. The internal harness sits in hot engine oil and degrades over time, creating an ongoing defect
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771078October 14, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
unintended jerky acceleration from a stop
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769755October 7, 2026
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My front drive shaft universal joint just suffered a catastrophic structural fracture while driving, which completely matches NHTSA Recall 26V216. Even though my VIN falls just outside the official database cut-off date, the identical supplier defect just destroyed my drive shaft. My car production date is just 5 weeks after the cut-off window. The car used the defective part.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766189September 22, 2026
AIR BAGS
Left front windows airbag malfunctioned and had to be totally replaced. Airbag shorted internally. Fault code B002111.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763035September 9, 2026
POWER TRAIN, STEERING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
The contact owns a 2022 Mercedes-Benz S 580. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the messages "Active Brake Assist Functions Currently Limited - See Owner's Manual", "Risk of Vehicle Rolling Away - N Activated Manually No Automatic Change To P", "Service Required Do Not Change Transmission Position", and "Active Parking Assist And Parktronic Inoperative - See Owner's Manual" were displayed, and an unknown warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle had experienced phantom braking and the transmission failed to shift into park(P) as needed. The contact moved the gear shifter back and forth before the proper gear was recognized. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the steering column needed to be replaced. The contact emailed the manufacturer regarding the failure, but the email was returned as undeliverable. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761666September 2, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel smell in vehicle. Upon investigation found fuel pump flange cracked and leaking fuel. Leaking fuel is a fire hazard. No warning lamps illuminated.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761003August 31, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz S-560 4Matic. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle while the brake pedal was depressed or while the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle lost automotive power. However, after several seconds, the vehicle suddenly regained automotive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for a routine oil change and brake service, and the contact made the dealer aware of the failure. The dealer stated that the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, and the dealer made the contact aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V216000 (Power Train). The contact was informed that the driveshaft needed to be replaced; however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,023.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11759759August 26, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Reckless driving on 94. The driver going more than 80mph up behind me into traffic blowing the horn the proceeds to go are flashing something could have been a cell phone maybe.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11758302August 20, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Electrical System malfunction with total electrical shutdown: Going in the street at about 35mph driven by a choffer and two passengers in the back seats , the right back seat passenger was using “relaxing massage”.controlled through the seat’s screen. The back seat”tablet” had a sign saying that the tablet was “ Over heated and it turned off. Seconds later there was a loud glass braking sound followed by a total electrical shutdown down and engene stall. All screens front and back turned off. The Right back passenger seat became extremely hot and a burning smell speared . The passenger on the hot seat had to Get out of the car. She was clearly in danger of burning. All lights including the door controls were off and the heaters ligh with its control were unusable. In about one minute later the burn smell started to subside and the car re-started on it’s own like all screens read “Maybach” and the users pictures appeared on the screens. The hot seat cooled on its own. We called Mercedes Service to report the incident. After about 10 minutes everything was normal. We made it home safe. The incident occurred around 3:40 pm so the car was taken to Mercedes of Coral Gables the following day. This Mercedes Dealer is literally accross the street from our apartment. The Chofer just crossed [XXX] and delivered the car at the service department. This was yesterday’s morning. They are revewing the car now..We have not heard from them. The passenger on the very hot seat was hot but she did not experience any burns. A couple of days earlier the car stopped “to avoid a none existing collision. There was no other vehicle in the street. This was also reported to Mercedes Service managet INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11758100August 19, 2026
SUSPENSION
Shock air leaking front right side. The car has 31,000 miles and is 5 years old. Is this to be expected?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11757779August 18, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The instrument cluster on my 2011 Mercedes-Benz S550 (W221) is locked by a persistent red “Battery Not Charged” warning message. This message appears even though the charging system is working correctly (normal charging voltage, new battery, and new battery sensor installed). Because the cluster is locked, I can no longer: • View or reset tire pressure (TPMS) • Access the digital speed display • Adjust or enable certain lighting functions, including daytime running lights • Adjust seatbelt settings • Turn the blind spot monitor on or off • Control PRE-SAFE braking / related safety systems • Use other instrument cluster menus and driver information displays The problem began after a low-voltage event (battery went dead and the car only partially cranked). Clearing fault codes does not permanently resolve it — the message returns immediately. This is a known software issue on facelift W221 models that requires an instrument cluster software update and SCN coding to fix. The locked cluster prevents access to required safety information and multiple safety-related vehicle functions. The vehicle and components are available for inspection.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11748478July 6, 2026
SEAT BELTS
The front passenger seat belt, after a hard break, it released and never retracted
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11747686July 1, 2026
WHEELS
The factory upgrade 21 inch spoke wheels with Pirelli P-Zero low profile tires are averaging a blow out every 800 miles. 5 flats and 2 sidewall blisters in the last 10,000 miles. Pirelli P-Zero 255/35/R21 Front and 285/30/R21 Rear are all four available for inspection if you tell me to save them before I replace them. There have been thousands of complaints and law suits re this issue just in the last 5 years on mercedes cars with low profile tires; to Mercedes, Pirelli, through legal discovery, to enthusiasts forums, and to NHTSA My first blowout was at 30 mph hitting a 1 1/2" deep pothole full of rain water. That one blew out the front right and blistered the sideall of the right rear at once. Then one of the new replacements blew on hitting a storm drain set 1" into the pavement on the way home from the dealership. I've been driving 60 years, and never had a single pothole blowout before now. Sidewall tears release all or most of the air at once creating an extremely dangerous situation. Somebody will lose control and hurt or kill someone, or behurt while stopped in an unsafe spot. Since the car can't be towed and has no spare, it is exteremely costly and inconvenient to replace a tire. It has cost me thousands so far, and left my disabled wife and me stranded beside the highway. Car is on a flat and one and a blister on a second tire right now in driveway. Best fix is to go to a square wheel/tire fitment using 19" x 8.5" wheels with 35 offset 66.6 mm bore on all four, all season radials. To keep outside diamter the same for the computer, 255/45/R19 /AS/ XL W and with acoustic tuning or dampening to match the quiet factory tires on these cars. 20" wheels is no good, because to maintain diameter would require the same too short 35 sidewall profile on two of the tires. Staggered 19 inch wheels will work, but the square fitment allows for tire rotaion and for the carrying of a spare. Maybe make that optional for replacement recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11747448June 30, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz S560 4MATIC. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced failures associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V216000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and the contact was informed that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact was informed that once the parts for the recall repair were available, vehicle owners would be notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact attempted to contact the manufacturer by telephone and by email; however, no response was received. The failure mileage was unavailable.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11744748June 17, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz S450. The contact received notification of NTHSA Campaign Number: 26V216000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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 experience a failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11737040May 11, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The control unit in my 2024 Mercedes 2580e triggers an increased number of system resets as part of fallback behavior. The increased number of resets resulted in the digital instrument cluster's display temporarily cutting out, and I had an entirely blank cluster. It came back on only after I stopped the vehicle, locked it, and waited approximately one hour to restart the car. A recall was just issued for 144,000 AMG GT, C-class, E-class, SL-class, CLE-class, and GLC-class vehicles but NOT for the S Class. I have experienced twice that type of digital instrument cluster failure but my class of vehicle was not included. It should however given that it is the same type of instrument cluster as on the recalled vehicles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11736544May 8, 2026
ENGINE
The vehicle lost acceleration and the check engine light came on. I took the vehicle to Mercedes dealership. They quoted that the Camtronic actuator has failed and needs to be replaced. Cost $9000. I have now seen online a recall for 2021 mercedes s580's for CAMTRONIC actuator failure issue. However- my VIN is not included in the recall. Please advise what I should do.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11736396May 7, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While I was driving on the freeway, I heard what sounded like a gunshot. I slowed down and exited the nearest exit. After checking my vehicle windows and seeing no damage, I got out of my car and noticed the front sunroof panel glass had shattered. I am not sure how this can happen.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11735535May 4, 2026
TIRES, TIRES:SIDEWALL
255/35R21 Unknown Bump on tire causing it to run flat.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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