2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class reliability
Owners have filed 29 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class over 11 years — 2 per year. That is fewer complaints per year than most S-Class years here — under the median of the other years, which is 2. NHTSA has no recalls on file for this model year.
29
2
0
11
The complaints owners file most often name Speed control (3 of 29), then Structure (3) and Visibility and wipers (3). Those filings include 1 that reports an injury.
The 2015 S-Class has 51 complaints, 4 per year, and the 2017 has 22 complaints, 2 per year. The 2016 has fewer complaints per year than the 2015. The 2016 has about the same number of complaints per year as the 2017.
The complaint rate is complaints filed in this year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market 2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. How we count. Data as of .
Recalls (0)
No recalls on file with NHTSA for this model year.
Complaints by component (29 total)
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Complaints filed per year
Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings
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"The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering failure warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized. The…"
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"2016 S550 front roof panel issues. Adhesive issues."
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"Started car in parking lot and warming light read zero air in right front tire. No prior warning. Checking tire for any road hazard - nails or other potential punctures but none were present but the tire had a hole just…"
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"Rear left seat belt is stuck and won’t retract. Seat has not been used much. Vehicle is a 2016 with 65,000 miles."
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"The car's front passenger passenger seat buckle fails to properly secure the seat belt. After inserting the seat belt it fails to latch into the buckle. The Mercedes dealer has examined the seat buckle and determined…"
NHTSA crash ratings
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2 DR 4WD | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2 DR FWD | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4 DR 4WD | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4 DR RWD | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hybrid 4 DR 4WD | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hybrid 4 DR RWD | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated |
Stars are how this vehicle did in NHTSA crash tests. They are a safety result, separate from the complaint record. Not rated means that test was not run for this version.
Specs and fitment
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.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class reliable?
Owners have filed 29 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class over 11 years — 2 per year. That is fewer complaints per year than most S-Class years here — under the median of the other years, which is 2. NHTSA has no recalls on file for this model year.
What are common problems with a 2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
The complaints owners file most often name Speed control (3 of 29), then Structure (3) and Visibility and wipers (3). Those filings include 1 that reports an injury.
Is the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class more reliable than the years next to it?
The 2015 S-Class has 51 complaints, 4 per year, and the 2017 has 22 complaints, 2 per year. The 2016 has fewer complaints per year than the 2015. The 2016 has about the same number of complaints per year as the 2017.
Has the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class been recalled?
NHTSA has no recalls on file for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
Owners have filed 29 complaints about the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class with NHTSA.
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).