S-Class (W221)
Engine Reliability Ratings
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
3.5-V6-Hybrid
3.5L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
6.2-V8-Gas
6.2L 8-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
4.7-V8-Gas
4.7L 8-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
5.5-V8-Gas
5.5L 8-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Show 5 additional engine variants with limited data
3.0-V6-Diesel
3.0L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
5.5-V12-Gas
5.5L 12-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
6.0-V12-Gas
6.0L 12-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
3.0-V6-PHEV
3.0L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
1.0-I3-Gas
1.0L 3-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Battery & Propulsion Reliability
Hybrid (HEV)
Battery & propulsion complaint analysis for the 2007-2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Too few field reports to rate this generation against peers yet. Most recently launched models accumulate complaints over the first 2-3 years.
What kind of battery complaint?
Among the 6 battery-related complaints, here's the type mix. These percentages describe what the complaints are about — not how reliable the vehicle is overall.
Loss of power, drive unit, inverter, traction motor, DC-DC converter.
Hybrid system warnings, eCVT, motor-generator, hybrid transaxle.
Propulsion battery defects, capacity loss, BMS faults, replacement claims.
Sample complaint excerpts
Electric Propulsion
- [2010] THE CAR FIRST STARTED TO STOP INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT ANY WARNING AT ALL AT THE TRAFFIC INTERSECTION, THEN I WAS ABLE TO START IT AGAIN AFTER SHUTTING EVERY THING DOWN. THEN A MONTH LATER, THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN BUT THIS TIME I WAS NOT ABLE TO START THE CAR AGAIN. THIS COULD BE A VERY DANGEROUS SAFETY SITUATION IF THE ENGINE SHUTS DOWN WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. MERCEDES ONLY PROVID
- [2013] -Combustion engine sporadically fails to start. -Combustion engine can no longer be started. -Start/Stop function is sporadically unavailable (READY displayed in yellow in instrument cluster). -Start/Stop function fails to function properly in dangerous road conditions - e.g., when pulling into an intersection, in stop & go traffic, when proceeding at a stop light, etc. -This is the second time th
- [2013] -Combustion engine sporadically fails to start. -Combustion engine can no longer be started. -Start/Stop function is sporadically unavailable (READY displayed in yellow in instrument cluster). -Start/Stop function fails to function properly in dangerous road conditions - e.g., when pulling into an intersection, in stop & go traffic, when proceeding at a stop light, etc. -This is the second time th
Hybrid Drivetrain
- [2010] WHEN COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP, THE HYBRID SYSTEM SHUTS DOWN THE ENGINE AND FAILS TO RESTART. THIS PLACES THE DRIVER, PASSENGER AND OTHERS AT RISK OF COLLISION AS VEHICLE WILL REMAIN STOPPED IN TRAFFIC. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN KNOWN TO MERCEDES-BENZ AS IF IS A FAILURE OF THE POWER ELECTRONICS MODULE. IT HAS BEEN SUBJECT TO TWO SERVICE CAMPAIGNS: 2012880004 NOVEMBER 2012 2015030006 JUNE 2015
- [2011] TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ S400. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START INTERMITTENTLY. THE HYBRID BATTERY WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INTERIOR LIGHTS WERE INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF TAMPA (4400 N DALE MABRY HWY, TAMPA, FL 33614, (813)543-8419) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE POWER ELECTRONIC M
High-Voltage Battery
- [2011] TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ S400. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START INTERMITTENTLY. THE HYBRID BATTERY WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INTERIOR LIGHTS WERE INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF TAMPA (4400 N DALE MABRY HWY, TAMPA, FL 33614, (813)543-8419) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE POWER ELECTRONIC M
Source: classified from NHTSA complaint and recall data. "Battery-related" includes high-voltage propulsion battery, charging system, hybrid drivetrain, electric propulsion, regenerative braking, 12V auxiliary battery, and thermal-event complaints. Other complaints (suspension, steering, brakes, infotainment) appear in the engine and vehicle-level sections. Rates are absolute counts, not normalized per-VIN — high-volume models naturally produce more raw complaints than low-volume ones. Self-reported death and injury counts are capped per complaint to limit form abuse.
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Mercedes-Benz S-Class regardless of engine variant.
All Generations
Alternatives in Full-Size Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2007-2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class problems?
The 2007-2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class has accumulated 173 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Electrical System, Engine, Fuel System. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Mercedes-Benz S-Class engine is most reliable?
The 2007-2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was offered with 10 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.5L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2007-2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class a good used car?
The 2007-2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 173 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2007-2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class have?
The 2007-2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class has 173 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2007-2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
There are 0 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2007-2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
Before buying a used Mercedes-Benz S-Class, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Electrical System, Engine, Fuel System, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
Does the S-Class have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2007-2013 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. 173 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-23.