2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Airbags & Restraints
Airbags & Restraints leads by volume: 9 of 44 complaints (20%) mention it.
Complaints filed rose from 25 in 2014 to 44 in 2015.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | vs. 2015 Large Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 3,700–5,550 | 3,900–4,300 | 3,000–5,150 | 3,000–5,150 | 3,000–4,850 | |
| Combined MPG | 14–21 | 18–20 | 15–26 | 15–26 | 16–26 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 12–19 / 19–25 | 15–17 / 23–26 | 13–24 / 20–30 | 13–24 / 20–30 | 13–24 / 21–30 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 415–621 | 444–499 | 444–585 | 444–585 | 434–553 | |
| Complaints filed | 9 | 25 | 44 | 16 | 18 | |
| Recalls issued | 0 | 6 | 8 | 6 | 10 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 0 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | |
| Injuries reported | 0 | 2 | 7 | 1 | 0 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 6 | 3 | 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 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class have?
8 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 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
Airbags & Restraints: 9 of 44 NHTSA complaints (20%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class get?
EPA rates it 15–26 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
EPA estimates $3,000–$5,150 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (9)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 7-spd | 8 | 4.7L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Large Cars | 17 mpg | 26 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 444 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic 7-spd | 8 | 5.5L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Large Cars | 15 mpg | 23 mpg | 18 mpg | $4,300 | 499 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 7-spd | 8 | 4.7L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Large Cars | 16 mpg | 26 mpg | 19 mpg | $4,100 | 462 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic 7-spd | 12 | 6.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Large Cars | 13 mpg (low) | 21 mpg | 16 mpg | $4,850 | 572 g/mi |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic 7-spd | 12 | 6.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Large Cars | 13 mpg (low) | 20 mpg (low) | 15 mpg (low) | $5,150 (high) | 578 g/mi |
| Configuration 6 | Automatic 7-spd | 8 | 4.7L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 16 mpg | 24 mpg | 19 mpg | $4,100 | 465 g/mi |
| Configuration 7 | Automatic 7-spd | 8 | 5.5L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 15 mpg | 23 mpg | 18 mpg | $4,300 | 490 g/mi |
| Configuration 8 | Automatic 7-spd | 12 | 6.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 13 mpg (low) | 20 mpg (low) | 15 mpg (low) | $5,150 (high) | 585 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 9 | Automatic 7-spd | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium and Electricity | Large Cars | 24 mpg (high) | 30 mpg (high) | 26 mpg (high) | $3,000 (low) | 227 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 5 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 9 | 3 | 0 | 5 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 5 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 5 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Other | 9 | 0 | 1 | 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 (8)
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS · Campaign 23V854000 · Dec 18, 2023
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2014-2020 C-Class, CLA, GLA, S-Class, GLC, and GLE vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair, allowing the front panel to detach from the vehicle.
Consequence: A detached roof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 2, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on, March 22,2024, and August 2, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 21V-197.
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS · Campaign 21V197000 · Mar 22, 2021
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2020 C300 Coupe, C43 Coupe AMG, C43 AMG, 2015-2020 C300, GLA250, 2016-2018 C350e, CLA45 Coupe AMG, 2015 C400, S65 AMG, 2015-2019 C63 AMG, 2016 C450, 2015-2016 GLA45 AMG, S600, 2016-2020 GLC300, 2017-2019 GLC43 AMG, GLE43 Coupe AMG, 2014-2019 CLA250 Coupe, 2014-2015 CLA45 AMG, 2018 GLC63 AMG, 2014-2017 S550, 2018-2020 S450, 2016-2019 GLE63 Coupe AMG, 2016 GLE450 Coupe, 2014-2020 S63 AMG, 2018-2019 S560, and 2019 GLC350e vehicles equipped with a panoramic sunroof. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair.
Consequence: The adhesive bonding of the front panel might deteriorate, possibly causing the front panel to detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Mercedes-Benz dealer will remove the bonded panel and will install a new front panel by following the detailed repair instructions and using the approved primer, cleaner and adhesive, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021 and October 26, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
COMMUNICATION · Campaign 19V787000 · Nov 4, 2019
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2017 vehicles due to a software fault that may cause the date and time for the emergency call system (eCall) to differ from the actual date and time, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V787-4620.pdf
Consequence: An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: MBUSA has initiated an Over the Air (OTA) remote update. MBUSA will also notify owners, and dealers will check software for a successful OTA or update the communication module software as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019120008.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · Campaign 17V177000 · Mar 17, 2017
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 AMG GT-S, GLC300, CLA250 and GLE300d 4Matic vehicles, 2013 C250, E350 BlueTec and G63 AMG vehicles, 2008-2014 C300 vehicles, 2013-2014 C300 4Matic and ML350 4Matic vehicles, 2009 C350 vehicles, 2014 CLS550, E350 4Matic, E350 Coupe 4Matic, E350 Wagon 4Matic, GLK350 and SL550 vehicles, 2012 CLS550 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2016 E350 vehicles, 2016-2017 GL450 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2014 ML350 4Matic BlueTec vehicles, 2015 S550, S550 4Matic and C300 4Matic Sedan vehicles, 2015-2016 C300 Sedan vehicles, and 2017 SL63 AMG vehicles. Various control units on these vehicles may have been updated with incorrect software, potentially affecting the correct deployment of the air bags in the event of a crash.
Consequence: If the air bags do not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, there would be an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update software in the affected control units, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM · Campaign 16V899000 · Dec 14, 2016
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 SL550, 2013-2014 SL63 AMG, 2014-2016 E350, 2014 E350 Cabriolet, E350 Coupe, 2014-2015 S550, 2015 E350 Bluetec, 2015-2016 E400, 2016 E550 Coupe, and Maybach S600 vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to August 14, 2015. The affected vehicles use an electric power steering system that may have improperly soldered contacts inside the control unit, potentially resulting in the power steering system deactivating while driving.
Consequence: If the control unit pins lose connection, there would be a loss of electric power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash. The increase in pin contact resistance can also increase the risk of a fire, even while the vehicle is parked and ignition is off.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric power steering control unit, free of charge. The recall began October 13, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM · Campaign 15V796000 · Nov 24, 2015
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2015 S550 Hybrid vehicles manufactured April 24, 2015, to June 12, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with a high voltage onboard charger that may not have been built to specification, and as a result, the charging function for an external charging cable might not function and the onboard charger may incorrectly detect a charging cable, even while the vehicle is being driven.
Consequence: If the charging cable is incorrectly detected and the vehicle is stopped or moving at a very slow speed, the vehicle may unexpectedly shift to park, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the onboard charger, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2016. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT · Campaign 15V657000 · Oct 14, 2015
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2015 S550 4Matic Coupe, AMG S63 4Matic Coupe, and AMG S65 vehicles manufactured January 27, 2014, to April 2, 2015. In the affected vehicles, left-side front seat belts may have been installed on the right-side and vice versa. As a result, the installation angle may be incorrect, affecting the seat belt locking behavior. Additionally, the child seat restraint function for the passenger seat would not be available. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection," and FMVSS number 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."
Consequence: If the seat belt is installed improperly, it may not properly restrain the seat occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the installation of the seat belts, correcting them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on October 30, 2015. MBUSA's recall number is 2015100002. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY · Campaign 15V647000 · Oct 13, 2015
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2015 S550 Hybrid vehicles manufactured May 13, 2013 to April 22, 2015. In the affected vehicles, after driving in electric mode, the fuel pump output may be insufficient to restart the gasoline engine and the vehicle will stall.
Consequence: A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the fuel system control unit software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in November 2015. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz customer service at 1-800-367-6372.