2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Brakes
Brakes leads by volume: 5 of 22 complaints (23%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Suspension, Wheels & Tires include more crash reports (2) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed rose from 18 in 2017 to 22 in 2018.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | vs. 2018 Large Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 3,000–5,150 | 3,000–4,850 | 3,500–4,850 | 3,350–4,850 | 3,350–4,850 | |
| Combined MPG | 15–26 | 16–26 | 16–22 | 16–23 | 16–23 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 13–24 / 20–30 | 13–24 / 21–30 | 13–19 / 21–28 | 13–21 / 21–28 | 13–21 / 21–28 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 444–585 | 434–553 | 403–574 | 403–574 | 403–574 | |
| Complaints filed | 16 | 18 | 22 | 15 | 7 | |
| Recalls issued | 6 | 10 | 13 | 12 | 5 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | |
| Injuries reported | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 6 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 |
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 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class have?
13 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 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
Brakes: 5 of 22 NHTSA complaints (23%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class get?
EPA rates it 16–22 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
EPA estimates $3,500–$4,850 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (14)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 9-spd | 8 | 4.0L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Large Cars | 17 mpg | 26 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 443 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic 9-spd | 8 | 4.0L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Large Cars | 17 mpg | 27 mpg | 21 mpg | $3,700 | 426 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 9-spd | 8 | 4.0L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Large Cars | 16 mpg | 25 mpg | 19 mpg | $4,100 | 455 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic 9-spd | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Large Cars | 19 mpg (high) | 28 mpg (high) | 22 mpg (high) | $3,500 (low) | 403 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic 9-spd | 6 | 3.0L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Large Cars | 18 mpg | 28 mpg (high) | 22 mpg (high) | $3,500 (low) | 408 g/mi |
| Configuration 6 | Automatic 7-spd | 12 | 6.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Large Cars | 13 mpg (low) | 21 mpg (low) | 16 mpg (low) | $4,850 (high) | 572 g/mi |
| Configuration 7 | Automatic 7-spd | 12 | 6.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Large Cars | 13 mpg (low) | 22 mpg | 16 mpg (low) | $4,850 (high) | 574 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 8 | Automatic 7-spd | 12 | 6.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 14 mpg | 21 mpg (low) | 16 mpg (low) | $4,850 (high) | 542 g/mi |
| Configuration 9 | Automatic 9-spd | 8 | 4.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 17 mpg | 26 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 439 g/mi |
| Configuration 10 | Automatic 9-spd | 8 | 4.0L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 15 mpg | 24 mpg | 18 mpg | $4,300 | 493 g/mi |
| Configuration 13 | Automatic 7-spd | 12 | 6.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 13 mpg (low) | 21 mpg (low) | 16 mpg (low) | $4,850 (high) | 553 g/mi |
Show 3 more configurations
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 11 | Automatic 9-spd | 8 | 4.0L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 17 mpg | 27 mpg | 21 mpg | $3,700 | 426 g/mi |
| Configuration 12 | Automatic 9-spd | 8 | 4.0L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 17 mpg | 27 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 437 g/mi |
| Configuration 14 | Automatic 9-spd | 8 | 4.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Large Cars | 17 mpg | 27 mpg | 21 mpg | $3,700 | 426 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Electrical | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 2 | 0 | 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 (13)
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; COMMUNICATION: AUTO CRASH NOTIFICATION · Campaign 21V072000 · Feb 16, 2021
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2019 C300, E300, 2018-2020 CLA250, 2020 CLS450, AMG E53, AMG GT53, GLE450, 2018 AMG E63, AMG GTA, 2017-2020 GLA250, GLC300, 2019 GLC350, AMG GLC43, 2017-2018 GLE350, 2019 AMG GLC 43, GLC350, GLE400, 2017 GLS450, S550, C300 Cabrio, and 2018-2019 S560 vehicles. On June 18, 2021, an additional 9 vehicles were added, including certain 2021 GLA250, GLC300, 2018 S450, E400, and 2017 CLA250 vehicles. The communication module might have been inadvertently deactivated during a service visit, which could have disabled the Emergency Call (eCall) function.
Consequence: A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting emergency services through the call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the communication module and activate it, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Letters for the owners of the 9 additional vehicles were mailed July 9, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021030005.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; COMMUNICATION: AUTO CRASH NOTIFICATION · Campaign 21V058000 · Feb 8, 2021
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.
Consequence: Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · Campaign 20V449000 · Jul 31, 2020
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 C300, C300 Coupe, CLS450, E450 Coupe and S450, 2017-2019 E300, 2018 E400 Coupe, E400 Stationwagon, and 2018-2019 S560 vehicles that have previously had the instrument cluster replaced. The software in the replaced instrument cluster may cause the seat belt warning system to not operate properly, only displaying a solid warning light if either the driver or passenger seat belt is unfastened, instead of a blinking light with an audible tone.
Consequence: Without the audible tone and blinking warning light to remind the front seat occupants that their seat belts are not buckled, they may forget to buckle their seat belt, increasing their risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. The recall began September 8, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020080015.
ENGINE · Campaign 20V173000 · Mar 23, 2020
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 S560 and Maybach S560 vehicles equipped with 4.0L 8-cylinder gasoline-engines. Two engine oil plugs may not withstand high engine loads while driving, possibly resulting in an engine oil leak.
Consequence: An engine oil leak can spill on to the road and cause slippery road conditions. Additionally, if the engine runs out of oil it can cause an engine stall while driving. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will reinforce the engine oil plugs by adding a retaining plate, free of charge. The recall began August 11, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020060018.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER · Campaign 20V048000 · Jan 28, 2020
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 E63 AMG 4MATIC, E63S AMG 4MATIC Wagon, S63 AMG Cabrio 4MATIC, S63 AMG Coupe 4MATIC, and S63 AMG 4MATIC and 2019 G63 AMG 4MATIC, AMG GT63 4MATIC, AMG GT63S 4MATIC vehicles equipped with 4.0L 8-cylinder gasoline turbocharged engines. The oil feed line to the turbocharger may leak.
Consequence: An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the oil feed line to the turbocharger, free of charge. The recall began March 20, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020020023.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS · Campaign 19V915000 · Dec 23, 2019
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 S560 and S450 vehicles. These vehicles may be equipped with front brake components (brake discs, calipers, and pads) with different dimensions than specified for the vehicle.
Consequence: The incorrect size brake components may lead to the wrong replacement components fitted to the vehicle during brake repairs, possibly affecting braking performance and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front brake system, free of charge. The recall began May 8, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020030020.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE · Campaign 19V821000 · Nov 18, 2019
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 S560, S560 Cabriolet, and S560 4MATIC vehicles equipped with 8-cylinder gasoline engines. The threaded connection between the camshaft idler gear and the crankcase may be improperly tightened, possibly causing the idler gear to detach from the crankcase.
Consequence: A detached idler gear can damage the engine, resulting in a stall and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine, free of charge. The recall began February 21, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020020013.
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM; LANE DEPARTURE: LANE KEEP: STEERING ASSIST · Campaign 18V908000 · Jan 30, 2019
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 AMG S63 4MATIC coupe, AMG S63 4MATIC sedan, AMG S63 4MATIC Cabriolet, S450 4MATIC sedan, S560 4MATIC coupe, S560 4MATIC sedan, and Maybach S560 4MATIC vehicles. Due to an incorrect steering boot installation, the Active Steering Assist system may remain engaged despite the driver's hands not being on the steering wheel for a prolonged period of time.
Consequence: If the system remains active despite the driver not having their hands on the wheel, the driver's inattention may increase the risk of crash.
Remedy: MBUSA has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and correct the steering boot installation, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 13, 2019. Owners may contact Mercedes Benz customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019040025.
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM; LANE DEPARTURE: LANE KEEP: AUTOMATIC STEERING; LANE DEPARTURE: LANE KEEP: STEERING ASSIST · Campaign 18V910000 · Jan 30, 2019
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (Mercedes) is recalling certain 2018 S450 4MATIC, S560 4MATIC Coupe, S63 AMG 4MATIC Coupe, Maybach S560 4MATIC, S560 4MATIC, S63 AMG and S63 AMG 4MATIC Cabrio vehicles. The Hands-off-Detection system may malfunction, causing the Active Steering Assist system to remain engaged despite the driver's hands not being on the steering wheel for a prolonged period of time.
Consequence: If the system remains active despite the driver not having their hands on the wheel, the driver's inattention may increase the risk of crash.
Remedy: Mercedes has notified owners, and dealers will update the software of the steering control unit, free of charge. The recall began May 13, 2019. Owners may contact Mercedes customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019040024.
Show 3 earlier campaigns
LANE DEPARTURE: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA · Campaign 18V607000 · Sep 14, 2018
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 Mercedes Benz S63 AMG 4MATIC and S65 AMG vehicles. The software calibration for the Active Lane Keeping Assist may be incorrect, and as a result, the system may not intervene in the event of an unintended lane departure while traveling faster than 65 miles an hour.
Consequence: If the Active Lane Keeping Assist does not intervene as expected above 65 miles per hour, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the multipurpose camera software, free of charge. The recall began October 5, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018090008.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · Campaign 18V407000 · Jun 20, 2018
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 Mercedes-Maybach S560 and S560 4Matic and Mercedes S450 4Matic, S450, S560, S560 4Matic, and S560 Coupe 4Matic vehicles. The electrical power bars inside the pre-fuse box in the trunk may not have been secured properly.
Consequence: If the power bars are not properly secured, it can cause higher electrical resistance increasing the risk of a fire. Additionally, an intermittent contact between the power bars could lead to a loss of vehicle functions. The engine operation, the seat belt functions and the instrument cluster could be impaired, increasing the risk of a crash and injuries.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the pre-fuse box, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began August 30, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018080001.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH · Campaign 17V816000 · Dec 21, 2017
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017 GLE400 4Matic, GLE350 4Matic, GLE350, GLE550e 4Matic, GLE43 AMG 4Matic, GLE63 AMG 4Matic, GLS450, GLE63S 4Matic, GLS63 4Matic, S550e, S600, S63 AMG 4Matic, S65 AMG, S550, Mercedes-Maybach S600, Mercedes-Maybach S550 4Matic, GLE43 AMG 4Matic Coupe, GLE63S 4Matic Coupe, 2017-2018 GLS550 4Matic, S550 4Matic, 2018 S450, and S63 AMG 4Matic vehicles. The rear passenger door on the driver side may indicate that it is locked, when it may not be. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."
Consequence: If the door appears to be locked, the door may be unintentionally opened, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left rear door lock, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in January 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691.