Mercedes-Benz S-Class years to avoid and best years
Newer Mercedes-Benz S-Class years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2022 has the most complaints per year, at 10 (48 complaints). 2021 through 2022 are in that same range. Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2012 at 0 (from 14 complaints), 2020 at 1 (from 7 complaints), and 2013 at 1 (from 9 complaints). The Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet. On the 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, 5 of 48 complaints name Forward collision avoidance.
Data as of .
2012
2020
2013
2025–26
Mercedes-Benz S-Class reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Mercedes-Benz S-Class. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Too early | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 2025 Too early | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 2024 | 2 | 6 | 0 | Electrical system, Speed control, Unknown or other | — |
| 2023 → | 4 | 12 | 0 | Tires | — |
| 2022 → Most | 10 | 48 | 0 | Forward collision avoidance | — |
| 2021 → | 6 | 34 | 0 | Engine and engine cooling | — |
| 2020 Fewest | 1 | 7 | 0 | Engine | — |
| 2019 → | 2 | 16 | 0 | Engine | — |
| 2018 → | 3 | 29 | 0 | Engine | — |
| 2017 → | 2 | 22 | 0 | Steering | — |
| 2016 → | 2 | 29 | 0 | Visibility and wipers | — |
| 2015 → | 4 | 51 | 0 | Seat belts | — |
| 2014 → | 3 | 25 | 0 | Seat belts | — |
| 2013 Fewest | 1 | 9 | 0 | Engine | — |
| 2012 → Fewest | 0 | 14 | 0 | Fuel and propulsion system | — |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- Sedan, Coupe, Cabriolet
- Oil
- 0W-30, 0W-40, 5W-30, or 5W-40 (S 550) · 8.5 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 245/45R19 (common); AMG staggered larger (trim dependent) front / 245/45R19 or 275/40R19 staggered (trim dependent) rear
Known issues for this generation
Recall 20V-449 covers certain 2017-2019 S-Class vehicles (with C-Class, E-Class, and related coupe/convertible/CLS models) where an unfastened front seat belt may trigger only a steady warning lamp instead of the intended blinking lamp and audible tone. Dealers update instrument-cluster software. NHTSA complaints on 2015 S-Class filings most often name seat belts, structure, and the electrical system.
- Body styles
- Sedan
- Oil
- 0W-40 or 5W-40 (S 500; verify MB sheet on the oil container) · 7.7 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 255/50R18, 255/45R19, or 255/40R20 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
Recall 21V-843 covers certain 2021-2022 S 580 and Maybach S 580 vehicles (9,120 units across those nameplates) where engine control unit software may not meet production specification. A write error related to the immobilizer can stall the vehicle shortly after start, and a restart may not be possible. Dealers update the engine control unit software. NHTSA complaints on 2022 S-Class filings most often name forward-collision avoidance, the electrical system, and service brakes.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mercedes-Benz S-Class years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2012 at 0 (from 14 complaints), 2020 at 1 (from 7 complaints), and 2013 at 1 (from 9 complaints).
Which Mercedes-Benz S-Class year has the most owner complaints?
2022 has the most complaints per year, at 10 (48 complaints). 2021 through 2022 are in that same range. On the 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, 5 of 48 complaints name Forward collision avoidance.
How do Mercedes-Benz S-Class owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Mercedes-Benz S-Class years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones.
Which Mercedes-Benz S-Class years are too early to compare?
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet.
What oil does a Mercedes-Benz S-Class take?
W222 S 550 lists 0W-30/0W-40/5W-30/5W-40 (~8.5 qt); W223 S 500 lists 0W-40 or 5W-40 (~7.7 qt). Verify the MB approval sheet on the oil container.
What does recall 21V-843 cover on the S-Class?
Certain 2021-2022 S 580 and Maybach S 580 vehicles (9,120 units across those nameplates) where engine wiring may be incorrect—see the NHTSA campaign for the remedy.
Which S-Class generations does this site track?
W222 (2012-2020) and W223 (2021-on).