2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class reliability
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class has 34 complaints with NHTSA after 6 years, or 6 per year. That is more complaints per year than most S-Class years here — over the median of the other years, which is 2. NHTSA has no recalls on file for this model year.
34
6
0
6
The complaints owners file most often name Electrical system (10 of 34), then Wheels (6) and Engine and engine cooling (5). Those filings include 2 that report a crash, 3 that report an injury, and 1 that reports a death.
The 2020 S-Class has 7 complaints, 1 per year, and the 2022 has 48 complaints, 10 per year. The 2021 has more complaints per year than the 2020. The 2021 has fewer complaints per year than the 2022.
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 2021 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 (34 total)
Show 9 more Show less
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1
Complaints filed per year
Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings
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"Shock air leaking front right side. The car has 31,000 miles and is 5 years old. Is this to be expected?"
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"The vehicle lost acceleration and the check engine light came on. I took the vehicle to Mercedes dealership. They quoted that the Camtronic actuator has failed and needs to be replaced. Cost $9000. I have now seen…"
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"False warning message for right taillights/brake lights/signal light in rear lamp."
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"Three wheels had rim a total of eight cracks that lead to one tire unable to hold air. Loss of air in tire can lead to crash. Mercedes service inspected car after first crack was noticed by Discount Tire when they…"
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"Car was in for recall Dec 7,2025 to Mercedes Benz of Rockville Centre service 110 Graham Avenue Hempstead Ny they are having difficulties with the recall it is now Dec 30, 2025 still not repaired they told me it was a…"
NHTSA crash ratings
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2 DR 4WD | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2 DR RWD | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4 DR 4WD | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet C 4WD | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet C 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 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.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class reliable?
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class has 34 complaints with NHTSA after 6 years, or 6 per year. That is more complaints per year than most S-Class years here — over 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 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
The complaints owners file most often name Electrical system (10 of 34), then Wheels (6) and Engine and engine cooling (5). Those filings include 2 that report a crash, 3 that report an injury, and 1 that reports a death.
Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class more reliable than the years next to it?
The 2020 S-Class has 7 complaints, 1 per year, and the 2022 has 48 complaints, 10 per year. The 2021 has more complaints per year than the 2020. The 2021 has fewer complaints per year than the 2022.
Has the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class been recalled?
NHTSA has no recalls on file for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
Owners have filed 34 complaints about the 2021 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).