Reliability
Mercedes-Benz

S-Class (W223)

2021-2025 · Full-Size Sedan · 2 engines
100 NHTSA Complaints
29 Recalls
1 Fire Reports
3 Crash Reports
Data covers 5 NHTSA model names
MERCEDES-MAYBACH S-CLASSS-CLASSS-CLASS CABRIOLETS-CLASS HYBRIDS-CLASS PHEV
View all 4 generations of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class → Inspection checklist

Reliability Score

6.2 / 10

Reliability score

More owner complaints than similar full-size sedans

The class average is 7.0. Based on complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the engine, transmission or drivetrain.

Owners filed 28 powertrain complaints. A typical full-size sedan fleet of this size and age would have drawn about 19.

Scores this low have often eased: the three years after looked about 1.5 points better in the typical case.

Breakdown
Complaints overall28 complaints against about 19 for similar vehicles
6.2
Last three years
n/aNot enough data
Engine, transmission or drive unit failed or replaced
n/aNot enough data
Oil consumption, fuel in the oil or overheating
n/aNot enough data

Each line scores one view of the same complaints the same way, so the lines overlap. The mark on each bar is the class average. A line needs 20 expected complaints to show a number.

By model year
  • 20216.0
  • 20225.9
  • 2023n/a
  • 2024n/a
  • 2025n/a

Similar vehicles are others in the same class, compared at the same age and in the same years. The score counts complaints owners filed with NHTSA, per vehicle built, which is different from the share of vehicles that fail. How the score is worked out

By engine

4.0L 8-cyl turbo 6.0/10
No clear difference from the 3.0L 6-cyl turbo. (22 complaints, about 36,000 built)
3.0L 6-cyl turbo 7.3/10
No clear difference from the 4.0L 8-cyl turbo. (5 complaints, about 13,000 built)

A complaint counts toward an engine only when its VIN names the engine. Each score is that engine on its own against similar vehicles, worked out the same way as the score above.

On the record

No serious powertrain recall covering 5% or more of this generation and no escalated investigation in NHTSA's files. Warranty extensions and settlements have not been researched.

Complaints by Engine Code

M176

4.0L 8-cyl Turbo / 496 hp
74 complaints 18.5 per year Gasoline
1 fire report 1 fatality
View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
19
electrical
19
wheels tires
19
engine
16
brakes
12

Same engine used in

M256

3.0L 6-cyl Turbo / 429 hp
22 complaints 7.3 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
10
electrical
8
wheels tires
3
brakes
3
fuel system
3
Show 2 additional engine variants with limited data
These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints. A low count can mean a clean record, and it can also be a VIN-decode anomaly in NHTSA's data.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class Unidentified Engine

3 complaints 1.5 per year
View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
1
body
1
exterior
1
other
1

M279

6.0L 12-cyl Turbo / 621 hp
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

fuel system
1
safety systems
1

Battery & Propulsion Reliability

Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)

Battery & propulsion complaint analysis for the 2021-2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

0 battery-related complaints 0.0 per year 2 battery-related recalls

Too few field reports to rate this generation against peers yet. Most recently launched models accumulate complaints over the first 2-3 years.

Battery & propulsion recalls (2)
23V309000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY THERMAL:MANAGEMENT:SOFTWARE

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2023 EQE 350, S580e, 2022-2023 EQS 450, EQS 580, 2022 AMG EQS 53, and EQS 450+ vehicles. The high-voltage battery monitoring system software may not alert the driver of a battery malfunction. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 305, "Electric-powered vehicles: Electrolyte Spillage and Electrical Shock Protection."

Consequence: A high-voltage battery monitoring system that does not alert the driver of a battery malfunction may increase the risk of an injury.

25V129000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2023-2024 AMG GT 63 S E Performance 4-door coupe, 2025 AMG GLC 63 S E Performance, GLC 63 S E Performance Coupe, AMG GT 63 S E Performance, 2023-2025 AMG S 63 E Performance, and 2024-2025 AMG SL 63 S E Performance vehicles with a hybrid powertrain. A software error may cause the high-voltage starter alternator control unit to fail, causing a loss of drive power.

Consequence: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

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.

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.

Safety Systems: 31 owner complaints
Electrical System: 27 owner complaints
Wheels & Tires: 22 owner complaints
Engine: 17 owner complaints
Brakes: 15 owner complaints

What to check on a used 2021-2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

On a used 2021-2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the airbags and driver-assist systems (31), the electrical system (27) and the wheels and tires (22). 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.

  1. Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 31 owner complaints on the 2021-2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
  2. Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 27 owner complaints on the 2021-2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class about the electrical system.
  3. Measure the tread on all four tires, read the date codes and look at each wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 22 owner complaints on the 2021-2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class about the wheels and tires.
  4. Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 17 owner complaints on the 2021-2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class about the engine, all engines combined.
  5. On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 15 owner complaints on the 2021-2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class about the brakes.
Open the full inspection checklist for the 2021-2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Recalls (29)

26V638000Oct 2, 2026serious
Service Brakes

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2022-2025 S 500 4MATIC, Maybach S 580 4MATIC, Maybach S 680 4MATIC, S 580 4MATIC, 2023-2025 S 580 E 4MATIC, and 2024-2025 AMG S 63 E Performance vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.

25V366000Jun 5, 2025serious
Back Over Prevention

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2022-2025 S-Class, EQE SUV, EQE, EQS SUV and EQS vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. Software in the Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) may cause an incorrect external pedestrian warning sound while reversing. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid Electric Vehicles."

25V255000May 12, 2025serious
Electrical System

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2023-2024 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL, GLC, EQE SUV, EQE, EQS SUV, and EQS vehicles that were incorrectly repaired under recall 24V-115. An incorrect fuse box that was not designed for the vehicle may have been installed.

25V129000Feb 28, 2025serious
Electrical System

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2023-2024 AMG GT 63 S E Performance 4-door coupe, 2025 AMG GLC 63 S E Performance, GLC 63 S E Performance Coupe, AMG GT 63 S E Performance, 2023-2025 AMG S 63 E Performance, and 2024-2025 AMG SL 63 S E Performance vehicles with a hybrid powertrain. A software error may cause the high-voltage starter alternator control unit to fail, causing a loss of drive power.

25V116000Feb 24, 2025serious
Service Brakes

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2022 S 500, Maybach S 580 4MATIC, 2021-2023 S 580 4MATIC, 2022 S 680 4MATIC, and 2023 S 580e 4MATIC vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.

Show 24 older recalls
24V862000Nov 15, 2024serious
Powertrain

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2024 GLC 300 4MATIC, and S 580 4MATIC vehicles. The bolts that secure the rear axle differential to the rear axle carrier may come loose, which can result in a separation of the drive shaft from the rear axle differential.

24V807000Oct 25, 2024serious
Communication

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 Maybach S 580 4MATIC, S 500 4MATIC, and S 580 4MATIC vehicles. The emergency call system may fail to place an automatic or manual call and may not provide the vehicle location as intended.

24V704000Sep 20, 2024serious
Engine & Cooling

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2023 S580, and Maybach S580 vehicles. In the event of a mechanical failure in the engine Camtronic system, the engine control unit (ECU) software may cause the engine to overheat or stall.

24V115000Feb 16, 2024serious
Electrical System

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2023-2024 C300, AMG C43, S580e, S580, Maybach S580, Maybach S680, AMG SL43, AMGSL63, GLC300, EQE350, EQE500, EQS450, EQS580, AMG EQS, 2023 S500, AMG SL55, AMG EQE, 2024 E350, E450, AMG C63e S, CLE300 Coupe, CLE450 Coupe, and GLC300 Coupe vehicles. The 80-Amp fuses may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause the fuses to fail.

23V880000Dec 21, 2023serious
Fuel System

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2024 GLE, GLS, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL, GLC, CLS, AMG GT, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The fuel pump may shutdown, causing a loss of drive power.

23V445000Jun 26, 2023serious
Fuel System

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2023 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS, SL, GT, GLC, GLE, GLS, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The fuel pump may shutdown, which can result in a loss of drive power.

23V360000May 19, 2023serious
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2022 EQS 450, EQS 580, 2023 Maybach S 580, Maybach S 680, and S 580e vehicles. The electronic stability program (ESP) software may malfunction, which can result in disabled vehicle dynamics control systems, including the anti-lock brake system, acceleration slip regulation, electronic stability program, and electronic brake force distribution (ABS, ASR, ESP, and EBD), as well as a vehicle speed display failure.

23V309000May 2, 2023serious
Electrical System

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2023 EQE 350, S580e, 2022-2023 EQS 450, EQS 580, 2022 AMG EQS 53, and EQS 450+ vehicles. The high-voltage battery monitoring system software may not alert the driver of a battery malfunction. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 305, "Electric-powered vehicles: Electrolyte Spillage and Electrical Shock Protection."

23V200000Mar 24, 2023serious
Structure

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 Maybach S580 and S580 vehicles. The bulkhead that separates the engine compartment from the passenger compartment may not have been properly sealed, causing water to drain into the passenger compartment. Water intrusion into the foot wells may cause corrosion and/or short circuits to electrical components, disabling safety features, including seat belt tightening and seat adjustments (PreSafe system).

23V098000Feb 17, 2023serious
Visibility

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling one 2021 S 580 4Matic vehicle. The fixed front glass panel between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not be properly secured and may detach.

22V935000Dec 16, 2022serious
Structure

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling one 2022 S 500 vehicle. The dashboard may be insufficiently attached, which can result in an improper front passenger air bag deployment in the event of a crash.

22V493000Jul 11, 2022serious
Back Over Prevention

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2022 AMG EQS53, EQS580, EQS450, 2021 S500, S580, and Maybach S580 vehicles. The rearview camera may not display the rearview image due to a software error in the MBUX multimedia system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

22V365000May 20, 2022serious
Communication

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.

22V214000Apr 1, 2022serious
Steering

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 S580 4Matic and S500 4Matic vehicles. The electrical connector to the steering column module may not be secured properly, which can disable gear shifts and/or safety features including the electronic stability program, the driver's air bag, and turn signal indicators.

22V194000Mar 28, 2022serious
Suspension

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2022 S580Z, S500V, and S580V vehicles. The sub frame weld for the thrust arm on the rear axle carrier may have been improperly welded, causing the thrust arm to break and detach.

22V189000Mar 25, 2022serious
Steering

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2022 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL, EClass Coupe/Convertible, CLS, AMG GT 4-doors Coupe, and EQS vehicles with a heated leather steering wheel. Due to a software error in the hand detection control unit, the hands-off detection might not detect when the driver's hands are away from the steering wheel when using the Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC system.

22V167000Mar 18, 2022serious
Exterior Lighting

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2022 EQS 450, EQS 580, and 2021 S500 and S580 vehicles. A software error may disable the rear turn signals, hazard lights, and reverse lights.

22V124000Mar 4, 2022serious
Air Bags

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 S580 4Matic vehicles. The air bag control unit may be improperly secured and may result in an unintentional air bag or seat belt deployment, or an improper deployment in the event of a crash.

21V00J000Dec 27, 2021serious
Communication

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2022 EQS450, S500, and S580 vehicles. The communication module software may restrict or disable the emergency call system (eCall).

21V931000Nov 29, 2021serious
Electrical System

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 S580, 2022 EQS450, EQS580, and S500 vehicles with an active and connected Mercedes me connect account. The MBUX infotainment system might allow activation of the television and internet display while driving, causing a distraction for the driver.

21V843000Oct 29, 2021serious
Engine & Cooling

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 S580 and Maybach S580 vehicles. An engine control unit software error may cause a sudden engine stall, without the ability to restart the vehicle.

21V789000Oct 11, 2021serious
Air Bags

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 S500, S580, and Maybach S580 vehicles. The air bag control unit software may deactivate the occupant recognition control unit, resulting in a deactivated front passenger air bag.

21V704000Sep 10, 2021serious
Fuel System

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 S580 vehicles. The suction jet pump in the fuel tank may have a loose or missing nozzle, which can cause the pump to fail and result in an engine stall.

21V058000Feb 5, 2021serious
Communication

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.

Alternatives in Full-Size Sedan

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2021-2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class complaints?

Owners have filed 100 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021-2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The systems they name most often are the safety systems, the electrical system and the wheels and tires.

Is the 2021-2025 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 100 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021-2025 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 2021-2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class have?

NHTSA has 100 owner complaints on file for the 2021-2025 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 2021-2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?

NHTSA lists 29 recalls covering some 2021-2025 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 safety systems, the electrical system and the wheels and tires, 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 2021-2025 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. 100 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.

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