2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Engine
Engine is the largest identified problem area: 3 of 15 complaints (20%) mention it. 5 complaints mention a component NHTSA leaves uncategorised. Complaints mentioning Electrical include more fire reports (1) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed fell from 22 in 2018 to 15 in 2019.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | vs. 2019 Large Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 3,000–4,850 | 3,500–4,850 | 3,350–4,850 | 3,350–4,850 | 3,250–4,550 | |
| Combined MPG | 16–26 | 16–22 | 16–23 | 16–23 | 17–24 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 13–24 / 21–30 | 13–19 / 21–28 | 13–21 / 21–28 | 13–21 / 21–28 | 14–20 / 24–29 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 434–553 | 403–574 | 403–574 | 403–574 | 372–510 | |
| Complaints filed | 18 | 22 | 15 | 7 | 34 | |
| Recalls issued | 10 | 13 | 12 | 5 | 17 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | |
| Injuries reported | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |
| Configurations compared | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 3 |
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 2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class have?
12 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What gas mileage does the 2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class get?
EPA rates it 16–23 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
EPA estimates $3,350–$4,850 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (15)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 9-spd | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Large Cars | 19 mpg | 28 mpg (high) | 22 mpg | $3,500 | 403 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic 9-spd | 6 | 3.0L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Large Cars | 18 mpg | 28 mpg (high) | 22 mpg | $3,500 | 408 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 9-spd | 8 | 4.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 17 mpg | 26 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 439 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic 9-spd | 8 | 4.0L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 15 mpg | 24 mpg | 18 mpg | $4,300 | 493 g/mi |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic 9-spd | 8 | 4.0L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 17 mpg | 27 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 437 g/mi |
| Configuration 6 | Automatic 9-spd | 8 | 4.0L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Large Cars | 17 mpg | 26 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 443 g/mi |
| Configuration 7 | Automatic 9-spd | 8 | 4.0L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Large Cars | 17 mpg | 27 mpg | 21 mpg | $3,700 | 426 g/mi |
| Configuration 8 | Automatic 9-spd | 8 | 4.0L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Large Cars | 16 mpg | 25 mpg | 19 mpg | $4,100 | 455 g/mi |
| Configuration 9 | Automatic 9-spd | 8 | 4.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Large Cars | 17 mpg | 27 mpg | 21 mpg | $3,700 | 430 g/mi |
| Configuration 10 | Automatic 9-spd | 8 | 4.0L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 17 mpg | 26 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 439 g/mi |
| Configuration 11 | 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 12 | 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 |
| Configuration 13 | 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 14 | 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 15 | Automatic 9-spd | 4 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium and Electricity | Large Cars | 21 mpg (high) | 26 mpg | 23 mpg (high) | $3,350 (low) | 205 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 5 | 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 (12)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; COMMUNICATION: AUTO CRASH NOTIFICATION · Campaign 22V365000 · May 23, 2022
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.
Consequence: A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on July 8, 2022, May 17, 2024, July 29, 2024, and September 27, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers are for this recall is 2022060005 and 2023110006.
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.
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.
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS · Campaign 19V584000 · Aug 12, 2019
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling a 2019 S450 vehicle. The A, B, and C pillar covers may have been improperly installed, possibly affecting the deployment of the side curtain air bags and allowing the covers to detach in the event of a crash.
Consequence: If a side curtain air bag does not deploy as intended, or the pillar covers detach during a crash, there is an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify the owner, and a dealer will inspect the pillar covers, reinstalling them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began September 13, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019080006.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: RADAR · Campaign 19V540000 · Jul 22, 2019
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 C300 Cabrio, C300A Cabrio 4MATIC, C300 Coupe, C300 Coupe 4MATIC, C300, C300 4MATIC, C43 AMG Cabrio 4MATIC, C43 AMG Coupe 4MATIC, C43 AMG 4MATIC, C63 AMG Cabrio, C63S AMG Cabrio, C63 AMG Coupe, C63S AMG Coupe, C63 AMG, C63S AMG, CLS450, CLS450 4MATIC, CLS53 AMG 4MATIC, E300, E300 4MATIC, E450 Cabrio, E450 Cabrio 4MATIC, E450 Coupe, E450 Coupe 4MATIC, E450 Wagon 4MATIC, E450 4MATIC, E53 AMG Cabrio 4MATIC, E53 AMG Coupe 4MATIC, E53 AMG 4MATIC, E63S AMG 4MATIC, E63S AMG Wagon 4MATIC, S450, S450 4MATIC, S560 Cabrio, S560 Coupe 4MATIC, S560, S560 4MATIC, S560 4MATIC Maybach, S63 AMG Cabrio 4MATIC, S63 AMG Coupe 4MATIC, S63 AMG 4MATIC, S65 AMG Cabrio, S65 AMG, and AMG GT53 Coupe 4MATIC vehicles, and 2020 GLC300 Coupe 4MATIC, GLE350 4MATIC, and GLE450 4MATIC vehicles equipped with the Driver Assistance Package. A software error in the radar sensor control unit may impair the functionality of the Active Brake Assist.
Consequence: An impaired Active Brake Assist may not automatically apply partial or full braking as expected, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the radar sensor control unit software, free of charge. The recall began September 13, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019080008.
Show 2 earlier campaigns
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.
SEAT BELTS · Campaign 18V839000 · Nov 30, 2018
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 C300 4Matic Cabriolet, C43 AMG Cabriolet, C300 Cabriolet, C300 Coupe, C300 4Matic Coupe, C43 AMG Coupe, E450 Coupe, E53 AMG Cabriolet, S450, S560, E450 Cabriolet, E450 4Matic Cabriolet, E450 4Matic Coupe, E53 AMG Coupe, S450 4Matic, S560 4Matic, S63 AMG and S65 AMG vehicles and Mercedes-Mayback S650 and S560 4 Matic vehicles. A correctly fastened seatbelt may be inaccurately detected as being unfastened, preventing the seat belt pre-tensioners from activating in the event of a crash.
Consequence: If the seat belt tensioning does not activate in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat belt buckles, free of charge. The recall began March 18, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019020012.