NHTSA (USA)Medium Risk
At a glance
What can fail
This page covers 10 recalls and EPA fuel economy for the 2019 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.
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz S560 has 10 recalls, the most serious being an engine internal part that can detach and cause the engine to stall unexpectedly, raising the risk of a crash.
A separate engine concern involves oil plugs that can fail under hard driving, leaking oil onto the road and potentially running the engine dry, which can also cause a stall. On the structural side, the adhesive bonding on a front body panel can deteriorate, allowing the panel to separate from the vehicle and become a hazard for other drivers. Two safety equipment recalls cover occupant restraints: seatbelt pretensioners may not activate in a crash, and on vehicles where the instrument cluster has been replaced, the seatbelt reminder chime and warning light may not function, leaving front occupants without a buckle reminder.
The driver assistance systems have their own cluster of issues. The automatic emergency braking radar can become impaired and fail to apply braking when needed. On certain trims, the hands-off detection system can malfunction, keeping the steering assist engaged even when the driver is not holding the wheel. There are also three recalls tied to the emergency call system, which across different software versions can fail to connect to emergency services at all or transmit the wrong vehicle location after a crash.
At a glance
What can fail
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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 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
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
A software error in the radar sensor control unit may reduce or disable the Active Brake Assist system's ability to function properly.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the radar sensor control unit software at no cost to restore proper system function.
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 seatbelt buckle may incorrectly signal that the belt is unfastened even when properly fastened, which can prevent the seat belt pre-tensioners from engaging during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the seat belt buckles at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.