Reliability & cost of ownership
Mercedes Benz S Reliability & Common Problems
How reliable is the Mercedes Benz S? Compare every model year side by side — NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and crash-test stars where on file — then open the year you're shopping for its AI reliability outlook where NHTSA has enough data.
Mercedes Benz S problems by model year
4 recall entries across 2 model years and 2 owner complaints across 4 model years on file, sourced from the federal NHTSA database. We couldn't confirm the NHTSA recall list for the remaining 2 model years — check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | NCAP stars | Full report |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 S | 2 | None on file at try.vin | No overall rating on file | Recalls & complaints → |
| 2007 S | 2 | None on file at try.vin | No overall rating on file | Recalls & complaints → |
| 2001 S | Not confirmed | 1 | No overall rating on file | Recalls & complaints → |
| 1995 S | Not confirmed | 1 | No overall rating on file | Recalls & complaints → |
Most-complained-about components
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA against the Mercedes Benz S, grouped by the component each complaint names — the fastest read on where this model gives trouble.
- electrical system2 complaints
- exterior lighting1 complaint