Summary
The Mercedes-Benz S Class has 30 recalls spanning 1995 through 2022, with the most serious recent issue affecting 2021 models where the airbag control unit may not be properly secured, potentially causing airbags and seatbelt pretensioners to fire without a crash or fail to deploy in one.
The 2021 model year also has a fuel pump nozzle that can detach inside the tank and stall the engine without warning, a firewall that may not be fully sealed against water intrusion causing electrical shorts and potentially disabling the Pre-Safe crash preparation system, a passenger seat sensor software error that can incorrectly switch off the front passenger airbag even with an adult seated, and a software fault that can prevent the emergency call system from connecting after a crash or when the SOS button is pressed. On 2022 models, a similar communications module fault can disable the same emergency calling feature.
The 2019 model year has pillar trim covers that may not be correctly installed and can detach or be thrown toward occupants when side curtain airbags deploy. On 2018 models, several mechanical concerns exist: oil port plugs on S 560 and Maybach S 560 variants can fail and drain engine oil until the engine seizes, a timing chain wheel bolt on S560 4Matic models can loosen and cause the chain to skip and damage the engine, the driveshaft universal joint can wear and break causing loss of drive power, and unsecured power bars inside the trunk fuse box can overheat and cause a fire or loss of vehicle functions. A software fault on 2018 models can also allow the lane-keeping assist to alert the driver of a lane departure at highway speeds without actually steering the vehicle back into its lane, and the steering boot on certain 2018 S-Class, AMG S 63, and Maybach S 560 variants may allow the hands-off detection feature to miss when the driver has released the steering wheel.
The 2017 model year has an electric power steering control unit where a transistor bracket can crack from vibration, unexpectedly removing steering assist and increasing steering effort. There is also a door lock on 2017 models that can indicate a locked position while the door remains unlocked. On 2016 models, front seatbelt extenders may not retract as intended, and low-beam headlamps may be misaimed outside allowable tolerances. The 2014 model year has front seatbelt anchor fittings that can release under heavy loading in a crash, and AMG S63 models from that year have an engine control software fault that can stall the engine at idle before the car comes to a complete stop.
The 2011 model year has a fuel filter flange that can crack and leak fuel. The 2009 model year has front and rear passenger-side door latches that were swapped during assembly, affecting proper door retention. The 2008 model year has a faulty signal acquisition module that can interrupt power to the wipers, steering wheel adjustment, and headlamps. On 2007 models, a front strut radial knuckle can fail over time and destabilize the vehicle's handling. The 2001 model year has a heated windshield washer bottle with electrical wiring that can overheat and melt surrounding plastic, potentially causing an engine compartment fire. On 2000 models, Active Body Control hydraulic hose corrosion on 8-cylinder variants can leak fluid near the catalytic converter and cause a fire, a climate control blower motor regulator can fail internally and cause
