NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
This page covers 10 recalls, 13 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S560.
21 mpg combined
11.2 L/100km
Large Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted.
Engine and fuel system concerns lead the complaint picture for the 2018 S560. Owners frequently describe a persistent fuel smell inside the cabin and around the vehicle, sometimes strong enough to notice while parked in an enclosed space, and present during driving as well. One pattern specifically ties the odor to the rear of the vehicle when the front is raised, such as during a tire change, with no visible leak apparent. On the engine side, owners report check-engine lights coming on accompanied by sluggish throttle response and noticeable shaking or vibration under acceleration. Steering and service brake complaints also appear in a handful of reports, though at lower volume and with less detail to characterize a clear symptom pattern. The fuel odor complaints, appearing across multiple reports, are the most consistent theme owners raise for this model year.
13
Total Complaints
1
Fire-Related
By System
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz S560 has 10 recalls, the most serious involving an engine component that can break loose and stall the vehicle, and a loose electrical connection in the trunk's fuse box that raises the risk of fire.
On the engine side, a camshaft idler gear can detach and damage the engine, cutting power while driving, and separately, two oil drain plugs may not hold under hard driving, leaking oil onto the road and potentially running the engine dry. A front body panel may also lose its adhesive bond and separate from the vehicle at speed, becoming a road hazard. The front brake components on some vehicles may have been fitted with the wrong-size discs, calipers, and pads, which can lead to incorrect replacement parts being installed during future brake work and reduce stopping performance. Two recalls cover the hands-free steering assist system, where a faulty hands-off detection sensor can leave the lane-keeping steering active even when no hands are on the wheel, reducing driver engagement. There are also two overlapping recalls for the automatic emergency call system, which in one case may fail to connect to emergency services at all, and in another may send responders to the wrong location. On certain vehicles where the instrument cluster has been replaced, the seatbelt reminder chime and warning light may not function, leaving front occupants without a prompt to buckle up.
At a glance
What can fail
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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 →
The front roof panel between the windshield and panoramic sunroof may not be properly bonded to the vehicle from a previous repair, risking separation.
What the fix does
The dealer will remove and replace the front roof panel using proper bonding materials and procedures at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The communication module may have been turned off during service, disabling the Emergency Call function that connects your vehicle to emergency services.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the communication module and reactivate it if needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The communication module software may fail to send your vehicle's correct location to emergency services when the eCall system activates during a crash.
What the fix does
A dealer will update the communication module software, or the update will be sent over-the-air, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The replacement instrument cluster software may fail to activate the seat belt warning system correctly, showing only a steady light instead of a blinking light with sound when a seat belt is unfastened.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the instrument cluster software at no cost to restore proper seat belt warning operation.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Two engine oil plugs may loosen or fail under high engine loads while driving, causing engine oil to leak.
What the fix does
Dealers will reinforce the engine oil plugs by installing a retaining plate to prevent leakage.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Front brake components (discs, calipers, and pads) may have incorrect dimensions for your vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front brake system at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The bolt connecting the camshaft idler gear to the engine block may not be tight enough, allowing the gear to come loose and separate from the engine.
What the fix does
The engine will be replaced at no cost to you by your Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The system that detects whether your hands are on the steering wheel may fail, allowing the Active Steering Assist to stay on even when your hands are off the wheel for an extended time.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the steering control unit software at no cost to restore proper hand-detection operation.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The steering boot was installed incorrectly, which can cause the Active Steering Assist system to stay engaged even when your hands are not on the steering wheel for an extended time.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect your vehicle and correct the steering boot installation at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The electrical power bars inside the pre-fuse box in the trunk may not be properly secured, which could cause them to shift or disconnect.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the pre-fuse box in your trunk and replace it if needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.