Mercedes-Benz

S-Class (W223)

2021-2025 · Full-Size Sedan ยท 2 engines
Best Engine โœ… Recommended (3.7)
92 NHTSA Complaints
0 Recalls
1 Fire Reports
3 Crash Reports
Includes data from: S-CLASSS-CLASS CABRIOLETS-CLASS HYBRIDS-CLASS PHEV
View all 4 generations of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class → ๐Ÿ“‹ Inspection checklist

Engine Reliability Ratings

M256

3.0L 6-cyl Turbo / 429 hp
โœ… Recommended (3.7)
19 complaints 6.3 per year Gasoline
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Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
9
electrical
7
brakes
3
fuel system
3
wheels tires
2

Known Issues

Safety Systems Issues (9 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (7 complaints)
Brakes Issues (3 complaints)

M176

4.0L 8-cyl Turbo / 496 hp
โŒ Avoid (1.7)
69 complaints 17.2 per year Gasoline
1 fire report 1 fatality
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Complaint Breakdown

electrical
19
wheels tires
18
safety systems
18
engine
14
brakes
11

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (19 complaints)
Wheels & Tires Issues (18 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (18 complaints)
Show 2 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 (4.5)
3 complaints 1.5 per year
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Complaint Breakdown

other
1
safety systems
1
body
1
exterior
1

Known Issues

Safety Systems Issues (1 complaints)
Body/Trim Issues (1 complaints)
Exterior Issues (1 complaints)

M279

6.0L 12-cyl Turbo / 621 hp
โœ… Recommended (4.7)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

fuel system
1
safety systems
1

Known Issues

Fuel System Issues (1 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (1 complaints)

Vehicle-Level Issues

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

Safety Systems Issues (29 complaints)
safety_systems critical
Electrical System Issues (26 complaints)
electrical critical
Wheels & Tires Issues (18 complaints)
wheels_tires critical
Engine Issues (14 complaints)
engine critical
Brakes Issues (14 complaints)
brakes critical

Alternatives in Full-Size Sedan

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The 2021-2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class has accumulated 92 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Safety Systems, Electrical System, Wheels & Tires. 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 2021-2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was offered with 4 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 2021-2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class a good used car?

The 2021-2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 92 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 2021-2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class have?

The 2021-2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class has 92 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 2021-2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?

There are 0 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2021-2025 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 Safety Systems, Electrical System, Wheels & Tires, 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 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. 92 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: moderate. Last updated: 2026-05-23.

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