Mercedes-Benz

S-Class (W222)

2014-2020 · Full-Size Sedan · 3 engines
Best Engine Recommended (4.3)
325 NHTSA Complaints
0 Recalls
9 Fire Reports
16 Crash Reports

Engine Reliability Comparison

M157

5.5L 8-cyl / 577 hp
Recommended (4.3)
2 complaints 2.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
2

Known Issues

Safety Systems Issues (2 complaints)

Also found in

MERCEDES-BENZ Ml-Class (2013-2013)MERCEDES-BENZ Ml-Class (2014-2014)MERCEDES-BENZ GLE-Class (2012-2019)MERCEDES-BENZ G-Class (2019-2025)MERCEDES-BENZ GLS-Class (2013-2019)MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class (2014-2020)

M276

3.0L 6-cyl Turbo / 362 hp
Recommended (3.5)
30 complaints 10.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

other
13
brakes
6
safety systems
4
fuel system
3
transmission
2

Known Issues

Brakes Issues (6 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (4 complaints)
Fuel System Issues (3 complaints)

Also found in

MERCEDES-BENZ Ml-Class (2013-2013)MERCEDES-BENZ GLC-Class (2016-2022)MERCEDES-BENZ Ml-Class (2014-2014)MERCEDES-BENZ CLA-Class (2014-2019)MERCEDES-BENZ SL-Class (2013-2020)MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class (2017-2023)MERCEDES-BENZ Ml-Class (2015-2015)MERCEDES-BENZ Ml-Class (2012-2012) +7 more

M177

4.0L 8-cyl Turbo / 603 hp
⚠️ Caution (2.4)
15 complaints 4.3 per year Gasoline
2 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

steering
7
fuel system
6
brakes
4
suspension
4
electrical
3

Known Issues

Steering Issues (7 complaints)
Fuel System Issues (6 complaints)
Brakes Issues (4 complaints)

Also found in

MERCEDES-BENZ GLS-Class (2026-2026)MERCEDES-BENZ GLC-Class (2016-2022)MERCEDES-BENZ Gt Class Cabriolet (2020-2020)MERCEDES-BENZ GLE-Class (2020-2025)MERCEDES-BENZ Gt Class (2023-2023)MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class (2017-2023)MERCEDES-BENZ Gle (2024-2024)MERCEDES-BENZ Amg Gt63 (2026-2026) +15 more

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Mercedes-Benz S-Class regardless of engine variant.

Brakes Issues (10 complaints)
brakes critical
Fuel System Issues (9 complaints)
fuel_system critical
Steering Issues (7 complaints)
steering critical
Safety Systems Issues (6 complaints)
safety_systems cosmetic

Alternatives in Full-Size Sedan

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2014-2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class problems?

The 2014-2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class has accumulated 325 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Brakes, Fuel System, Steering. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Mercedes-Benz S-Class engine is most reliable?

The 2014-2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was offered with 3 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.0L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2014-2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class a good used car?

The 2014-2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 325 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 2014-2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class have?

The 2014-2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class has 325 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 2014-2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?

There are 0 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2014-2020 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 Brakes, Fuel System, Steering, 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.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 325 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-06.

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