Mercedes-Benz S560 Recalls

The Mercedes-Benz S560 has 13 recalls covering the 2018-2019 model years, with the most serious being a camshaft idler gear that can detach from the crankcase on both model years, damaging the engine and causing a stall while driving.

On the structural side, the adhesive bonding the front roof panel can deteriorate on 2018-2019 vehicles, allowing the panel to separate from the car and become a hazard for other traffic. A separate 2018-only issue involves the pre-fuse box in the trunk, where improperly secured electrical power bars can generate excess heat and start a fire.

The 2018-2019 engine also has a second concern: two oil drain plugs can fail under high load and leak oil onto the road, creating a slipping hazard and, if enough oil is lost, causing the engine to stall. On 2019 models, the radar-based automatic emergency braking system can become impaired and fail to apply braking as expected when a collision is imminent. There is also a 2019-only issue where the seatbelt pretensioners may not activate in a crash, reducing restraint protection for occupants.

The hands-off detection system on 2018 models can malfunction, leaving the active steering assist engaged even when the driver's hands are off the wheel for an extended period, which can allow inattention to go uncorrected. On 2018 vehicles, front brake discs, calipers, and pads may have been installed with incorrect dimensions, which can lead to wrong replacement parts being fitted during future brake service and reduce braking performance.

Three separate recalls cover the automatic emergency call system across 2018-2019 models. In one case the system may fail to connect to the emergency call center, and in another it can dispatch responders to the wrong location. Both failures delay help after a crash. On 2018-2019 vehicles where the instrument cluster has been replaced, a software issue can disable the seatbelt reminder chime and warning light, removing the prompt for front occupants to buckle up.