NHTSA (USA)Critical
This page covers 16 recalls and 32 owner complaints for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S 580.
Complaints for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S 580 spread across several systems, with wheels, the electrical system, and forward collision avoidance each drawing the same number of reports. Wheel and tire issues are a recurring theme, owners describe cracked rims, sometimes multiple cracks across several wheels on the same vehicle, leading to air loss in tires. Sidewall bubbling and premature tire failure on the large-diameter AMG wheels also come up more than once. On the electrical side, owners report false warning messages, particularly around rear lighting, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals flagged as faulty when the lights appear to be functioning. A handful of owners also report the adaptive high-beam system behaving erratically, with headlights switching between high and low beams unpredictably in response to ambient light conditions.
32
Total Complaints
2
Crash-Related
3
With Injuries
By System
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S 580 has 16 recalls, the most serious involving an airbag control unit that may not be properly secured, causing airbags or seatbelts to deploy unexpectedly or fail to deploy correctly in a crash.
Several recalls affect the engine and fuel system. A software error in the engine control unit can cause a sudden stall with no ability to restart, and a separate software issue tied to the Camtronic valve system can cause the engine to overheat or stall, raising the risk of fire. The fuel pump can also shut down and cut drive power, and a loose or missing nozzle inside the fuel tank pump can cause the engine to stall. On the braking side, front brake hoses can rupture and leak fluid, extending stopping distances. A loose electrical connector in the steering column can disable stability control, the driver's airbag, and turn signals, and can also block gear shifts.
Additional safety equipment concerns include a software error that can deactivate the front passenger airbag, and water leaking past an improperly sealed firewall that can disable seatbelt pretensioners and seat adjustments. A fixed glass roof panel on one specific vehicle may detach and become a road hazard. On the electronics and visibility side, the rearview camera can fail to display when reversing, rear turn signals and hazard lights can go dark due to a software fault, and the infotainment system may allow video and internet content to play while driving. The hands-off detection system in the heated steering wheel can fail, disabling driver monitoring and automatic emergency
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
At a glance
What can fail
The front brake hoses may rupture, causing brake fluid to leak and reducing braking ability.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front brake hoses at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The emergency call system may not automatically place calls or allow manual calls to be placed. The system also may fail to transmit the vehicle's location.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the communication module software at no cost to restore emergency call functionality and location transmission.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A mechanical failure in the engine Camtronic system can cause the ECU software to make the engine overheat or stall.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the engine control unit software at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel pump may shut down unexpectedly, causing a loss of engine power while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel pump at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The barrier between the engine and passenger compartment may not be properly sealed, allowing water to drain into the passenger cabin. Water in the foot wells can corrode electrical components and cause short circuits that disable safety features like seat belt tightening and seat adjustments.
What the fix does
Dealers will repair and properly seal the bulkhead front wall at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fixed glass panel between the windshield and panoramic sunroof may not be properly secured and could detach.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the front fixed glass panel at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error in the MBUX multimedia system prevents the rearview camera image from displaying on the screen.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the MBUX multimedia system software at no charge to restore rearview camera display.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error in the communication module's SIM card can prevent mobile network connection, which disables the emergency call (eCall) system.
What the fix does
The communication module software will be updated at no cost through an over-the-air update or by a dealer.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The electrical connector to the steering column module may not be properly secured, which can disable gear shifting and safety features like electronic stability control, the driver's airbag, and turn signals.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and reinstall the electrical connector cover as needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The hand detection system in the Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC may fail to sense when your hands leave the steering wheel due to a software error.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the hand detection control unit software at no cost to restore proper hand-off detection.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error may disable the rear turn signals, hazard lights, and reverse lights.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the rear signal software at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The air bag control unit may not be properly fastened, which could cause air bags or seat belts to deploy unexpectedly or fail to deploy correctly during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and tighten the air bag control unit fastening nuts as needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The MBUX infotainment system can activate the television and internet display while the vehicle is driving, which may distract the driver.
What the fix does
MBUSA updated their server to fix the issue remotely for most vehicles. Dealers will install a software update on vehicles that couldn't be updated remotely.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error in the engine control unit may cause the engine to suddenly stall, and the vehicle may not restart.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the engine control unit software at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The air bag control unit software may stop working properly and disable the front passenger air bag recognition system, leaving the passenger air bag inactive.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the air bag control unit software at no cost to fix the issue.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The suction jet pump inside the fuel tank may have a loose or missing nozzle, causing the pump to fail and the engine to stall.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the fuel tank and replace it along with the suction jet pump if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
