Mercedes-Benz S-Class Complaints

351 consumer complaints on file.

#11693453October 14, 2025
STEERING
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering failure warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized. The contact stated that he was lucky to have been driving the vehicle in front of the residence and not on the highway. In addition, the contact stated that it was very difficult trying to move the vehicle from one parking space to another in front of the residence. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed electric power steering module. The contact was informed that the electric power steering module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed about NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V899000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688590September 20, 2025
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Adaptive High Beam Assist function on vehicle with Multibeam LED headlights with Digital Light System fail to detect ambient lighting properly. Consequently hi-beam lights operate erratically and unpredictably, switching between high and low beams too frequently. [XXX] 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
#11688276September 19, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The car is out of control! It first began a couple of weeks ago when (1) the side view mirrors no longer closed automatically 2) Next, while I was driving, the car yesterday, the seat belt suddenly tightened as the car prepared for a sudden impact (which there was none).3) Today, the car refused to stop when I backed it out of the garage. It hit a tree behind us and the car has a rear dint! I am now fearful of driving this car. It needs major servicing or something!!! I have had it towed in to my local Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11687434September 15, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2022 Mercedes-Benz S 580. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated and the engine stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed CAM shaft solenoid. The contact was informed that the CAM shaft solenoid needed to be replaced. In addition, the contact was informed that the engine needed to be dismantled. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure description; however, the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11686338September 10, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY, VISIBILITY/WIPER
Subject: Report of Spontaneous Sunroof Explosion - Mercedes S580 2022 Model Dear National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, I am writing to report a concerning incident that occurred on [XXX] at approximately [XXX] while I was driving my 2022 Mercedes S580 to work on [XXX] N. During my drive, I experienced a sudden, loud explosion within the vehicle. Initially, I believed it was either a gunshot or that I had been rear-ended. In a state of confusion, I quickly pulled over to the shoulder to assess the situation. Upon closer inspection, I discovered that my sunroof had shattered spontaneously. I am certain that this was not caused by an external object, such as a falling stone. There were no overpasses, bridges, or surrounding traffic that could have contributed to the damage. This was an extremely frightening experience, and I believe it is important to bring this matter to your attention for safety considerations. I have also reported this incident to my local Mercedes-Benz dealership. Thank you for your attention to this serious safety concern. Sincerely, [XXX] 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
#11686347September 10, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Over ~3 years of ownership, the vehicle has experienced recurrent electrical and engine-management issues, resulting in 15+ service visits and ~100 cumulative days out of service at an authorized dealer. Patterns include: (1) electrical—keyless entry intermittently unresponsive, instrument cluster flickering/rebooting, multiple warning messages including a battery/electrical icon, HVAC/A/C becoming inoperative without cooling; and (2) powertrain/engine—check-engine light (MIL) illuminated, hesitation/limited power on initial acceleration, and rough operation after start. Safety risk: intermittent failure to unlock/start can leave occupants stranded; loss of power/hesitation creates risk when merging or crossing intersections; multiple warning messages/flicker are distracting; and loss of A/C in hot conditions has required operation with windows down to avoid heat stress. Reproduction/confirmation: The concerns have been observed by the dealer on multiple visits with fault codes recorded (codes UNKNOWN to me). Repairs/updates have been attempted, but symptoms recur after service. The vehicle has been inspected repeatedly by the authorized dealer and remains available for inspection upon request. Warnings/symptoms prior to failure: intermittent MIL, battery/electrical warning, cluster glitches/flicker, and A/C blowing warm air; some events followed periods where the vehicle would not unlock or start on the first attempt. Root cause: UNKNOWN.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11679825August 11, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2016 S550 front roof panel issues. Adhesive issues.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11678585August 5, 2025
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz S550. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH and approaching a stop, the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. There was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine, and the brakes squeaked while turning. While refueling the vehicle, there was fuel leaking from the vehicle. The contact stated that while driving and attempting to stop, the brake pedal was depressed and felt loose, and the vehicle hesitated while coming to a stop. The vehicle was restarted and taken to a local dealer; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. Several local independent mechanics were contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11677623July 31, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes Benz S550. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact became aware of oil spots on the driveway after parking the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where an inspection indicated that the oil filter housing was defective and needed to be replaced. The contact was then given a list of other parts associated with the oil filter housing that also needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and was informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 89,677.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11676456July 27, 2025
SUSPENSION, WHEELS, SERVICE BRAKES
mechanical and safety-related failures observed in a Mercedes-Benz vehicle, specifically involving the suspension system, wheels, and braking components. Despite extensive repair efforts—including replacement of all four wheels and tires, complete AWD four-wheel alignment, and diagnostics performed at authorized Mercedes-Benz dealerships—the underlying issues persist. To date, the total cost incurred in attempting to remedy these defects exceeds $15,848. The vehicle and its components have been inspected by two independent Mercedes-Benz dealer service centers and a certified third-party auto inspection firm. All parties have confirmed, through drive testing and diagnostics, that the problems are reproducible and continue to impair vehicle safety and performance. The suspension and associated hardware have been identified as the root cause of instability and braking inconsistencies. These findings align with broader patterns observed in similar vehicles, suggesting a recurring defect that warrants intervention by the manufacturer. Despite clear evidence from multiple independent sources, the manufacturer has failed to initiate a recall or implement corrective measures. This failure poses an ongoing safety risk to operators and the general public. The vehicle remains available for further inspection upon request. Immediate attention to this matter is expected to prevent further liabilities and protect consumer welfare.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11673103July 12, 2025
STEERING
Steering wheel will move in and out, but has stopped moving up and down. The steering wheel is stuck in the UP position. This has caused me to readjust all my seat settings and has made it more difficult to see the dash.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11670520July 1, 2025
SEAT BELTS, AIR BAGS
Rear drivers side seat belt/airbag combo locked in place and will not retract.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11669111June 25, 2025
WHEELS, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Excessive Tire failure on "AMG" 21 inch wheel and tires. Pirelli tires have replaced 4 tires in four months. cracks in side wall bubbling.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11667245June 16, 2025
TIRES:SIDEWALL, TIRES:TREAD/BELT
Started car in parking lot and warming light read zero air in right front tire. No prior warning. Checking tire for any road hazard - nails or other potential punctures but none were present but the tire had a hole just below the wheel that had blown out. The tire is a Pirelli P Zero 245/40R20 Run Flat. Was able to drive it to Tire Discount the next day to replace the tire. Manager checked tire and could not find any other issue with the tire. They were supposed to hold the tire but it was removed by the recycling company. I have pictures and the managers examination. Our safety any others if the split in the tire would have blown at speed in traffic. Called and emailed Pirelli and they could care less about a safety issue. Just told me it was out of warranty because it was over 1 year old. The tire has approximately 5,000 miles on it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11665748June 9, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz S 560 E. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle vibrated abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 76,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11665021June 5, 2025
AIR BAGS
The leather dashboard came off. We were offered to fix it for $6,000, even though the car had an extended warranty through the dealership. Mercedes corporate and the dealership came back and said they would fix it for $3,000. We reluctantly paid the $3,000 to have the dashboard fixed. A year later, the same defect occurred, and the Mercedes dealership said there is no warranty on the work done. We went back to Mercedes corporate, and they offered a 20% discount on the original $6,000 to fix the same problem. My concern is that because the leather on the dashboard is coming off, it can interfere with the airbag deployment.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11665098June 5, 2025
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz S550. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the air bag warning light remained illuminated, with the message "Front Drivers Air Bag Malfunction - Service Required" displayed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V177000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, AIR BAGS). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 10,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11663143May 27, 2025
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
The contact owns a 2024 Mercedes-Benz S 580-E. The contact stated that while driving 80 MPH, there was an explosive sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact drove to the nearest dealer where it was discovered that the sunroof had exploded without impact. The dealer provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 29,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11662395May 21, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz S560 E. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Get B Service Done In 19 days" was displayed two weeks after an oil change was performed on the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing; however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure, and an oil change was performed. The contact stated that a couple of weeks later, the message "Add a Quarter Oil" was displayed. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the cause of the failure could not be determined and an oil change was performed. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was previously serviced under an unknown NHTSA Campaign Number related to engine replacement. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660977May 14, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY
The car was designed too low. When parked at a supermarket, Publix in surfside Miami Beach, when ready to leave the parking bumper pulled at the front bumper and disconnected it partially. A north miami Mercedes Benz service department said this is not unusual as this car is very low. A claim was filed with progressive auto insurance [XXX] and an escalation case opened with Mercedes Benz customer service case number [XXX] asking that at least they cover the $1,000 insurance deductible. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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