2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Fuel System
Fuel System leads by volume: 7 of 19 complaints (37%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Engine include more fire reports (2) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed fell from 33 in 2010 to 19 in 2011.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | vs. 2011 Large Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 4,550–5,950 | 3,700–5,950 | 3,700–5,550 | 3,700–5,550 | 3,700–5,550 | |
| Combined MPG | 13–17 | 13–21 | 14–21 | 14–21 | 14–21 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 11–14 / 17–22 | 11–19 / 17–25 | 12–19 / 19–25 | 12–19 / 19–25 | 12–19 / 19–25 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 523–684 | 423–684 | 423–635 | 423–635 | 415–621 | |
| Complaints filed | 5 | 33 | 19 | 14 | 9 | |
| Recalls issued | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 0 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | |
| Injuries reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class have?
2 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
Fuel System: 7 of 19 NHTSA complaints (37%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class get?
EPA rates it 14–21 MPG combined across 6 configurations.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
EPA estimates $3,700–$5,550 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (6)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 7-spd | 8 | 5.5L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Large Cars | 15 mpg | 23 mpg | 18 mpg | $4,300 | 494 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic 7-spd | 8 | 5.5L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Large Cars | 14 mpg | 21 mpg | 17 mpg | $4,550 | 523 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 7-spd | 6 | 3.5L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Large Cars | 19 mpg (high) | 25 mpg (high) | 21 mpg (high) | $3,700 (low) | 423 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic 5-spd | 12 | 5.5L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Large Cars | 12 mpg (low) | 19 mpg (low) | 14 mpg (low) | $5,550 (high) | 635 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic 7-spd | 8 | 5.5L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Large Cars | 15 mpg | 22 mpg | 18 mpg | $4,300 | 494 g/mi |
| Configuration 6 | Automatic 5-spd | 12 | 6.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Large Cars | 12 mpg (low) | 19 mpg (low) | 14 mpg (low) | $5,550 (high) | 635 g/mi (high) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (2)
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE · Campaign 12V557000 · Dec 4, 2012
Defect: Mercedes-Benz is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 S400, S550, S550 4Matic, S63 AMG, C300, C300 4Matic, E350, GLK350, GLK350 4Matic, CL550 4Matic, and CL63 AMG vehicles manufactured from April 18, 2011, through July 12, 2011. Due to an irregularity stemming from the molding process of the fuel filter flange, the fuel filter flange may crack when operated in high temperatures.
Consequence: If the fuel filter flange cracks, it will leak fuel which may lead to a fire if an external ignition source is present.
Remedy: Mercedes-Benz will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel filter, free of charge. The recall campaign is expected to begin in February 2013. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS · Campaign 11V493000 · Oct 7, 2011
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (Mercedes Benz) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 S550, S550 CGI, S63, S600 Bi-Turbo, S65 AMG, S550 4-Matic, and S550 CGI 4-Matic and S400 Hybrid vehicles manufactured from March 3, 2011, through July 30, 2011, for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicles Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)." The tire pressure monitoring system indicators may only illuminate for a portion of the time required by the standard and under certain conditions may not re-illuminate immediately after the vehicle is restarted as required.
Consequence: If all four wheel sensors in the subject vehicles are simultaneously malfunctioning or missing, the TPMS will provide an initial warning, but this warning will not automatically repeat on subsequent ignition cycles, failing to remind the driver that the system is offline. Driving unknowingly with incorrectly inflated tires may result in sudden tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Mercedes Benz will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the tire pressure monitoring unit, free of charge. The recall began on September 12, 2014. Owners may contact Mercedes Benz at 1-800-367-6372.