2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Driver Assistance & Speed Control
Driver Assistance & Speed Control leads by volume: 2 of 7 complaints (29%) mention it.
Complaints filed fell from 15 in 2019 to 7 in 2020.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | vs. 2020 Large Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 3,500–4,850 | 3,350–4,850 | 3,350–4,850 | 3,250–4,550 | 3,250–5,150 | |
| Combined MPG | 16–22 | 16–23 | 16–23 | 17–24 | 15–24 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 13–19 / 21–28 | 13–21 / 21–28 | 13–21 / 21–28 | 14–20 / 24–29 | 12–21 / 21–30 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 403–574 | 403–574 | 403–574 | 372–510 | 372–599 | |
| Complaints filed | 22 | 15 | 7 | 34 | 45 | |
| Recalls issued | 13 | 12 | 5 | 17 | 9 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |
| Injuries reported | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 8 | 9 | 9 | 3 | 4 |
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 2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class have?
5 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 2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
Driver Assistance & Speed Control: 2 of 7 NHTSA complaints (29%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class get?
EPA rates it 16–23 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
EPA estimates $3,350–$4,850 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (13)
| 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 | Rear-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 | 26 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 439 g/mi |
| Configuration 6 | Automatic 9-spd | 8 | 4.0L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 17 mpg | 27 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 437 g/mi |
| Configuration 7 | Automatic 9-spd | 8 | 4.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Large Cars | 17 mpg | 27 mpg | 21 mpg | $3,700 | 430 g/mi |
| Configuration 8 | Automatic 9-spd | 8 | 4.0L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Large Cars | 17 mpg | 26 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 443 g/mi |
| Configuration 9 | Automatic 9-spd | 8 | 4.0L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Large Cars | 17 mpg | 27 mpg | 21 mpg | $3,700 | 426 g/mi |
| Configuration 10 | Automatic 9-spd | 8 | 4.0L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Large Cars | 16 mpg | 25 mpg | 19 mpg | $4,100 | 455 g/mi |
| Configuration 11 | 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 12 | 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 13 | Automatic 9-spd | 6 | 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 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 1 | 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 (5)
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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:INJECTORS · Campaign 21V961000 · Dec 13, 2021
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 AMG G63, C300, E300, G550, AMG GT63, AMG GT53, 2019-2020 A220, GLA250, GLC300, 2016 C300, 2020 AMG A35, AMG C43, AMG C63, CLA250, E350, E450, GLB250, GLE450, GLS450, GLS580, S560, and SL550 vehicles equipped with a gasoline engine. During the manufacturing process, particles may have been trapped between the fuel rail and injectors, which can cause a fuel leak.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel rail and fuel injectors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for the recall is 2022030003.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:SIDE IMPACT · Campaign 21V527000 · Jul 13, 2021
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 CLS450, AMG E53, AMG CLS53, E350, E450, AMG GT43, AMG GT53, 2020 S450, S560, G550, AMG GLC63, 2020-2021 GLC300, and AMG G63 vehicles. The side crash sensor connectors may come loose, which could delay the activation of air bags and seatbelts during a side impact crash.
Consequence: Air bags and seatbelts that don't function as intended can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the side impact crash sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021070032/33.
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.
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.