The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S Class has 5 recalls, the most serious being two that share equal severity: an airbag control unit that may not be properly secured, which can prevent airbags and seatbelt pretensioners from firing in a crash or cause them to deploy without one.
A separate fuel system recall involves the in-tank fuel pump nozzle, which can detach and cause the engine to stall without warning while driving. On the occupant safety side, a software error in the passenger seat sensor can incorrectly classify an adult as a child or empty seat and switch off the front passenger airbag without the occupant knowing, though a warning message will appear on the instrument panel. There is also a structural concern: the engine compartment firewall may not be fully sealed, allowing water to leak in and short circuit electrical components, which can disable the Pre-Safe emergency braking system or prevent the vehicle from starting. The fifth recall involves a software fault that can prevent the automatic emergency calling system from contacting emergency services after a crash or when the SOS button is pressed.
At a glance
What can fail
A software issue may prevent the emergency calling system from functioning correctly during a crash or when the SOS button is pressed.
What the fix does
Mercedes-Benz will mail you instructions to visit a dealership for a communication module software update.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The engine compartment firewall may not seal properly, allowing water to enter the vehicle. Water inside can damage electrical components, potentially affecting the Pre-Safe safety system or preventing the engine from starting.
What the fix does
Mercedes-Benz will mail you instructions to bring your vehicle to a dealership, where technicians will reseal the firewall.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The airbag control unit may not be securely fastened to the vehicle, which could prevent airbags from working in a crash or cause them to deploy unexpectedly without a crash.
What the fix does
Your dealer will inspect and secure the airbag control unit attachment bolts, and repair them if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error in the occupant classification system may cause the passenger-front airbag to turn off even when an adult is seated in that seat.
What the fix does
The airbag control unit software will be updated at a dealer to correct the occupant classification system.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel pump nozzle may not be properly installed and could detach from the fuel pump. This can cause sudden engine power loss and stalling while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the fuel system and replace the fuel tank if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
