S-Class (W220)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
4.3-V8-Gas
4.3L 8-cyl / 275 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
5.0-V8-Gas
5.0L 8-cyl / 302 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
5.5-V8-Gas
5.5L 8-cyl / 355 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
5.5-V12-Gas
5.5L 12-cyl / 493 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 3 additional engine variants with limited data
6.0-V12-Gas
6.0L 12-cyl / 362 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
3.2-V6-Gas
3.2L 6-cyl / 215 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
3.7-V6-Gas
3.7L 6-cyl / 241 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2000-2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
On a used 2000-2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the electrical system (121), the suspension (72) and the engine (36). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 121 owner complaints on the 2000-2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class about the electrical system.
- Drive over a speed bump and a rough patch at 15 to 20 mph with the radio off.Safety. NHTSA has 72 owner complaints on the 2000-2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class about the suspension.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 36 owner complaints on the 2000-2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class about the engine, all engines combined.
- Latch and tug every seat belt, move every seat through its full travel and lock each seatback.Safety. NHTSA has 31 owner complaints on the 2000-2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class about the seats, seat belts and interior.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 30 owner complaints on the 2000-2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class about the transmission and drivetrain, all engines combined.
Recalls (2)
MERCEDES BENZ IS RECALLING 4,564 MY 2001-2006 CL-CLASS (MODEL 215), MY 2002-2006 S-CLASS (MODEL 220), MY 2003-2007 SL-CLASS (MODEL 230), MY 2007-2008 CL-CLASS (MODEL 216), AND MY 2007 S-CLASS (MODEL 221)PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ACTIVE BODY CONTROL (ABC) ACCELERATION SENSORS ON THE FRONT STRUTS. THESE SENSORS MEASURE ACCELERATION AROUND THE Z-AXIS OF THE VEHICLE AND ASSURE AN AUTOMATIC ADAPTATION OF THE FRONT STRUTS TO MAINTAIN A RELATIVELY LEVEL BODY POSITION. VARIATIONS IN THE SOLDERING PROCESS RESULTED IN SOLDERING POINTS ON THE BOARD OF THE ABC SENSORS WHICH MAY NOT BE WITHIN DESIGN TOLERANCES. SIGNALS FROM THE AFFECTED SENSORS MEASURING THE ACCELERATION MAY NOT BE ACCURATELY TRANSMITTED TO THE ENGINE CONTROL UNIT.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, CORROSION MAY OCCUR IN THE INNER STEEL PORTIONS OF THE ACTIVE BODY CONTROL'S (ABC) HIGH-PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION HOSE DUE TO EXTENSIVE EXPOSURE TO HEAT AND HUMIDITY. OVER TIME, CORROSION MAY DETERIORATE THE INNER STEEL PORTIONS OF THE HOSE.
All Generations
Alternatives in Full-Size Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2000-2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class complaints?
Owners have filed 296 complaints with NHTSA about the 2000-2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The systems they name most often are the electrical system, the suspension and the engine.
Is the 2000-2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 296 complaints with NHTSA about the 2000-2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2000-2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class have?
NHTSA has 296 owner complaints on file for the 2000-2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2000-2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls covering some 2000-2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the electrical system, the suspension and the engine, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
Does the S-Class have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2000-2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 296 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.