Mercedes-Benz S-Class Complaints

351 consumer complaints on file.

#11543229September 7, 2023
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
When in eco mode the vehicle will occasionally shut off at a stop light. The vehicle "jumps" and then all of the warning signals come on followed by the vehicle shutting down. It takes about 20-30 seconds for vehicle to be able to restart again. The dealership had the vehicle for nearly a month and the only solution they came up with was to turn eco mode off every time I start the vehicle. They said their will be a future recall to fix this issue. Also, the vehicle will occasionally move forward on its own and then quickly break. This phantom braking is quite painful and feels as if you were just hit from behind. A previous problem was the vehicle would move forward after being taken out of car wash mode even with the brake engaged. The dealership said this was solved by a software download. There is a current recall which includes the make and model of this vehicle but Mercedes insists this vehicle is not included in the recall. The vehicle was manufactured within the time frame listed in the documentation from NHTSA but nonetheless Mercedes does not include this vehicle amongst the cars qualifying for replacing the fuel pump. I believe this car is dangerous and will hurt somebody.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11541446August 29, 2023
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2022 Mercedes-Benz S500. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power, but the contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle seemed to return to normal functionality. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V445000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) for which the VIN was included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 34,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11540188August 22, 2023
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz S580. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle inadvertently activated the Forward Collision Avoidance feature and briefly applied the brakes hard enough for the ABS to be activated. The contact stated that there were no objects near or around the vehicle. The vehicle returned to normal functionality but had since become a regular failure. The Forward Collision Avoidance warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 23,500.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11533509July 20, 2023
ENGINE, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2022 Mercedes-Benz S580. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V445000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and inadvertently lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 4,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11527740June 19, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, SERVICE BRAKES
Similar to recall campagn #2017020018 or 17V-078. My car may have a damaged steering column-mounted shift lever module. If the internal circuit board is damaged, moving the shift lever will not select a transmission gear. Both the auto-P function and automatic parking brake will continue to operate as intended and prevent the vehicle from moving forward or rearward. The problem could also be the Mercedes Benz Intelligent Servo Module(ISM) module installed on the transmission side. Brought my car to dealer to fix, the 1st time on 4/14/2023 they simply replaced 48V battery. Today 6/19/2023, the same issue happens again.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11526539June 12, 2023
WHEELS
I have had one tire blow out after traveling over a moderate pot hole, and 3 other tires that have been damaged with "bubbles" due to excessive stress from normal driving. In addition to the damaged tires, I have had 3 bent wheels all due to normal driving because the 21 inch wheels/tires on this vehicle cannot tolerate the loads during normal driving. This is a well-known defect by Mercedes and I believe it is a design defect and that it is dangerous.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11525746June 6, 2023
ENGINE
B Camshaft position timing over-advanced or system performance Bank1 A Camshaft position timing over-advanced or system performance Bank 2 and Mercedes Benz didn't want to fix this problem and just wanted to change out the engine for 50 thousand dollars. the car is a 2017 w222 Mercedes Benz s550 s Class with a m278 engine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11524808June 1, 2023
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I bought a 2011 MB S400 last year. Everything was good till 3 months ago. I smelled a very bad gas leak one day and it gets worse after I fuel my thank. Nobody wants to seat my car after I buy a gas. I realized there is a gas on my driveway under my passenger seat. When I googled it, there is a recall for MB W221 for 2011 models because of the Fuel Filter parts problem. It's not designed for the heat. Somehow, some 2011 s are not part of this recall, and MB doesn't stand on their car even have the same problem. I removed the back seat and everywhere was gasoline because of the crooked fuel filter part. Protective layer was in so many pieces because of the heat. When I wrote the MB, they refused the replace the part, they didn't accept their safety problem that happened for 2011 MB W221 S class. Currently, I wait their respond. It is so sad, they refuse to replace 100$ part in part of recall. Be careful if you buy a MB, it is not designed for the heat, and MB refuses to replace the problematic fuel filter. Currently, I wait the day to replace the part, or I will be in fire because I drive with a gasoline leak every day. Look at the picture, it is a Mercedes Benz S Class with leaking because of the bad fuel filter design !
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11524278May 29, 2023
STEERING
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11522006May 15, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
While driving on the freeway at approximately 40 mph on May 10, the yellow check engine light came on. I was approximately 200 miles into the current tank of gas, I stopped and checked to make sure the gas cap was properly secured. There were no obvious drivability issues. I immediately dropped the car off at Mercedes of Ontario, California, and they were able to confirm the problem, but could not clear the code, or determine the root cause of failure. Ontario Mercedes has now had my car for 6, days and that they are waiting for a M/B factory technician to tell them what to do.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11518948April 25, 2023
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I am reporting the headlights on my vehicle which will go "Light Inoperative" while driving, yes. Yes, I could not see down the road on a dark highway I had to pull over to gain my senses and get to safety clear of oncoming traffic. Yes, the issue has been inspected by the dealership Mercedes as well as a third party shop to indicate moisture in the lights which causes a malfunction. Yes, my vehicle has been inspected before a few years ago when it was involved in a head on collision with a dog. Yes, the dashboard issues the warning immediately that their is failure in the lightning system.---------The lights have been replaced multiple times along with computer modules. Mercedes is aware of the issue and multiple owners are reporting the same issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11517064April 14, 2023
STEERING
Had my S550 into this dealership two (2) consecutive years for a power steering rack issue that ended up being related to rodent damage. The first time it happened the dealership replaced the wiring free of charge after discovering it, after initially telling me that the rack itself would have to be replaced. This year both the wiring and the rack itself needed to be replaced, and I was made to go through my auto insurance to have it fixed. My sons Cadillac, and my girlfriends Range Rover Sport share the same driveways with me, and have had no rodent damage. I did a bit of research and found that Mercedes now designs their cables with soy based materials, which attract rats, so the fact that my car has been eaten twice is more or less by MB design, as they apparently care more about the environment than they do about my ability to steer my car continuously for 1 year straight. My service Manager and his Manager acknowledged that they see this a lot, and were laughing when I asked for an inedible cable. I submitted a complaint to MBUSA, one which I had to continuously follow up on, as they weren’t proactive at all, and after contacting me this AM, they informed me that they don’t see a problem, and are not considering reimbursing me for my $750 deductible, or the 3 + weeks that I was without my car between both incidents. My issue isn’t necessarily with the dealership, although if they are quick to acknowledge that their cables are attractive to animals, they should have in my estimation been my advocate in the complaint. Mercedes can make their decisions, and for me it wasn’t really about the money anyway, rather the inherent safety issue that their design decisions have caused for me and for my family.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11513428March 23, 2023
VISIBILITY/WIPER, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I'm reporting a problem that can cause the vehicle to catch on fire. During cold temperatures the heated windshield will turn on and the car will catch on fire.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11512500March 18, 2023
ENGINE
Catalytic converters are factory defective My vehicle has less than 80K miles and used as pleasure vehicle. The problem has been inspected and confirmed by a reputable independent service provider. Warning lights came on and upon inspection it was determined that 3 catalytic converters are defective. My spouse also complains about a bad odor when vehicle is on but not running.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11510629March 7, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owns a 2022 Mercedes-Benz S580. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH and entering the highway, the vehicle experienced an inadvertent brake failure. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that a software update was needed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that on another occasion while driving approximately 15 MPH, the failure recurred. The contact was able to depress the brake pedal and then continued driving. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights became illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11510491March 6, 2023
EXTERIOR LIGHTING, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
A Retaliatory Action to cause personal harm. Believe original vin was placed on this car because of a complaint against medical doctors now under investigation. Took pictures and other proofs. Note on this vehicle says there are hazard mercury arts used on vehicle like lighting and lists other parts and advises removal to be done as hazardous materials etc. can upload photo of it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11509829March 2, 2023
SERVICE 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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11509192February 26, 2023
SERVICE 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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11506663February 10, 2023
POWER TRAIN, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, SUSPENSION
Vehicle Check Engine Light turned on a Vehicle Lost power. Vehicle often hesitates upon acceleration. Convertible Top does not close as well intermittently.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11506308February 8, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Was driver the car at 35 mph when the automated emergency breaks activated and made the car into a full stop. No cars or anyone was in front of the car. This happed again two days later doing about 30mph with no one around the car. Car had proximity 3000 miles My heads-up display stopped working on the car twice. First time it stopped the dealer had to order a new one and replace it. Same problem happed again after 2 month. Car lock does open when the car is running. I had a dad sitting the car and I came out with the keys with engine was running. The car locked itself and when pressed the unlock button on the key it doesn’t open. Have this problem multiple time.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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