2009 Mercedes-Benz S-class

Photo: FotoSleuth / CC BY 2.0 / Wikimedia Commons

2009 Mercedes-Benz S-class: common problems and reliability

· W221

An average S-class year.

13 owner complaints, most about electrical system. No recalls.

Should I buy a 2009 S-class?

The 2009 Mercedes-Benz S-class has 13 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 0 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and service brakes. Owners most often flag airmatic suspension failure (struts, air pump, valve block).

Safety record for the 2009 model year

13
Owner complaints
0
Recalls
3
Crash reports
1
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2009 Mercedes-Benz S-class vehicles (US, public record).

The Year Score compares this year with other S-class years only. How we score it

Is 2009 a good year for the S-class?

Across the 24 S-class model years we track, complaint volume runs from 13 (2009) to 133 (2002). With 13 complaints, the 2009 S-class sits below the model's median of 34.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

Where owners report problems

electrical system
3
service brakes
3
fuel/propulsion system
2
steering
2
latches/locks/linkages
2

What owners report on the W221 S-class

Owners consistently describe the W221 S-class as a magnificent highway cruiser with a magic-carpet ride and unmistakable road presence, but they overwhelmingly warn that it is an extremely expensive car to maintain.

  • Very frequentAirmatic suspension failure (struts, air pump, valve block)
  • Very frequentABC (Active Body Control) suspension extremely expensive to repair
  • RecurrentEngine control unit (ECU) failure due to position on top of engine
  • RecurrentTransmission (722.9) rough shifting
  • RecurrentElectrical gremlins (sensors, control units)

Owner insights for the W221 S-class. Read the full W221 owner report.

Other S-class model years

Compare every S-class year side by side to see how 2009 ranks against the rest.

2025 S-class2024 S-class2023 S-class2022 S-class2021 S-class2020 S-class2019 S-class2018 S-class2017 S-class2016 S-class2015 S-class2014 S-class2013 S-class2012 S-class2011 S-class2010 S-class2008 S-class2007 S-class2006 S-class2005 S-class2004 S-class2003 S-class2002 S-class

Compare the S-class against its rivals

S-class vs Bentley MulsanneS-class vs BMW 7 SeriesS-class vs BMW i7S-class vs Cadillac CT6

Looking at a specific car?

We're building a full check by VIN: the exact trim and engine, its known problems and recalls, what to inspect, a fair price, and how it compares with its rivals. Get an email when it's ready.

One email when it launches. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy

Full Mercedes-Benz S-class owner reportCompare against another car