Avoid: 2021, 2018, 2002 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)
Best: 2012 · Best recent: 2020
22 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 24 model years, the Mercedes-Benz S-class has 998 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and suspension. 2002 drew the most complaints (133), 2009 the fewest of the years on the road 3+ years (13).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Mercedes-Benz S-class vehicles (US, public record).
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 |
| 2024 | 12 |
| 2023 | 15 |
| 2022 | 48 |
| 2021 | 68 |
| 2020 | 21 |
| 2019 | 43 |
| 2018 | 62 |
| 2017 | 44 |
| 2016 | 87 |
| 2015 | 62 |
| 2014 | 25 |
| 2013 | 18 |
| 2012 | 14 |
| 2011 | 19 |
| 2010 | 34 |
| 2009 | 13 |
| 2008 | 24 |
| 2007 | 66 |
| 2006 | 32 |
| 2005 | 26 |
| 2004 | 50 |
| 2003 | 80 |
| 2002 | 133 |
Highest: 2002 (133 complaints). Lowest: 2009 (13).
\nSentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on the specific generation and model year.
Criticism of cheap-looking, poorly integrated screens that replace traditional luxury materials and design.
Potential for no-start conditions and dead screens.
Potential for cylinder wall scoring, particularly in cylinder 5.
Components can fail, leading to a sagging or bouncy ride, especially at higher mileages (around 60k+ miles).
The S-Class is criticized for losing its unique, grand appearance and looking too similar to cheaper models like the A-Class.
Owner insights cover all generations of the S-class. Individual model years are broken down above.
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