Mercedes-Benz

S-Class (W222)

2014-2020 · Full-Size Sedan ยท 2 engines
Best Engine โœ… Recommended (3.9)
176 NHTSA Complaints
0 Recalls
6 Fire Reports
13 Crash Reports
Includes data from: S-CLASSS-CLASS CABRIOLETS-CLASS COUPES-CLASS HYBRID
View all 4 generations of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class → ๐Ÿ“‹ Inspection checklist

Engine Reliability Ratings

M276

3.0L 6-cyl Turbo / 362 hp
โœ… Recommended (3.9)
13 complaints 4.3 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

other
5
brakes
3
safety systems
2
transmission
1
steering
1

Known Issues

Brakes Issues (3 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (2 complaints)
Transmission Issues (1 complaints)
Show 6 additional engine variants with limited data
These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints and aren't included in the main ratings above. Low counts can mean a genuinely clean record, but they can also reflect VIN-decode anomalies in NHTSA data. Treat as informational, not as a confident rating.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class Unidentified Engine

โœ… Recommended (4.1)
9 complaints 3.0 per year
View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission
2
other
2
electrical
2
safety systems
2
exterior
1

Known Issues

Transmission Issues (2 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (2 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (2 complaints)

5.5-V8-Gas

5.5L 8-cyl / 577 hp
โœ… Recommended (4.5)
7 complaints 1.5 per year Gasoline
View details

M177

4.0L 8-cyl Turbo / 603 hp
โš ๏ธ Caution (2.8)
7 complaints 2.0 per year Gasoline
1 fire report
View details

Complaint Breakdown

steering
3
fuel system
3
brakes
2
suspension
2
transmission
1

Known Issues

Steering Issues (3 complaints)
Fuel System Issues (3 complaints)
Brakes Issues (2 complaints)

3.0-V6-PHEV

3.0L 6-cyl
โœ… Recommended (4.5)
3 complaints 1.5 per year Electric
View details

Complaint Breakdown

other
2
wheels tires
1

Known Issues

Wheels & Tires Issues (1 complaints)

3.5-V6-Gas

3.5L 6-cyl
โœ… Recommended (4.7)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
1

Known Issues

Safety Systems Issues (1 complaints)

Same engine used in

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2.2-I4-Diesel

2.2L 4-cyl
โœ… Recommended (4.7)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Diesel
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
1
brakes
1

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (1 complaints)
Brakes Issues (1 complaints)

Vehicle-Level Issues

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

Engine Issues (18 complaints)
engine critical
Steering Issues (18 complaints)
steering critical
Interior Issues (15 complaints)
interior critical
Wheels & Tires Issues (14 complaints)
wheels_tires critical
Body/Trim Issues (13 complaints)
body critical

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 176 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Engine, Steering, Interior. 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 2014-2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was offered with 8 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.0L Turbo 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 sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 176 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 176 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 โ€” 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 Engine, Steering, Interior, 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 2014-2020 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. 176 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-23.

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