2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Electrical
Electrical leads by volume: 10 of 34 complaints (29%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Driver Assistance & Speed Control include more deaths (1) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed rose from 7 in 2020 to 34 in 2021.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | vs. 2021 Large Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 3,350–4,850 | 3,350–4,850 | 3,250–4,550 | 3,250–5,150 | 3,350–5,550 | |
| Combined MPG | 16–23 | 16–23 | 17–24 | 15–24 | 14–23 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 13–21 / 21–28 | 13–21 / 21–28 | 14–20 / 24–29 | 12–21 / 21–30 | 12–20 / 20–29 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 403–574 | 403–574 | 372–510 | 372–599 | 388–618 | |
| Complaints filed | 15 | 7 | 34 | 45 | 7 | |
| Recalls issued | 12 | 5 | 17 | 9 | 7 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
| Injuries reported | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 1 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 9 | 9 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
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 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class have?
17 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 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
Electrical: 10 of 34 NHTSA complaints (29%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class get?
EPA rates it 17–24 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
EPA estimates $3,250–$4,550 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (7)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 9-spd | 8 | 4.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 16 mpg | 26 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 454 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic 9-spd | 8 | 4.0L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 14 mpg (low) | 24 mpg (low) | 17 mpg (low) | $4,550 (high) | 510 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 9-spd | 8 | 4.0L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 16 mpg | 26 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 454 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic 9-spd | 8 | 4.0L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 16 mpg | 26 mpg | 19 mpg | $4,100 | 471 g/mi |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic 9-spd | 6 | 3.0L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Large Cars | 20 mpg (high) | 29 mpg (high) | 24 mpg (high) | $3,250 (low) | 372 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 6 | Automatic 9-spd | 8 | 4.0L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Large Cars | 16 mpg | 24 mpg (low) | 19 mpg | $4,100 | 469 g/mi |
| Configuration 7 | Automatic 9-spd | 8 | 4.0L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Large Cars | 17 mpg | 25 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 452 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 10 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Brakes | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 8 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 1 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
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 (17)
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS · Campaign 25V116000 · Feb 25, 2025
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2022 S 500, Maybach S 580 4MATIC, 2021-2023 S 580 4MATIC, 2022 S 680 4MATIC, and 2023 S 580e 4MATIC vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.
Consequence: A brake fluid leak can extend the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front brake hoses, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2025030007.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; COMMUNICATION: AUTO CRASH NOTIFICATION · Campaign 24V807000 · Oct 28, 2024
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 Maybach S 580 4MATIC, S 500 4MATIC, and S 580 4MATIC vehicles. The emergency call system may fail to place an automatic or manual call and may not provide the vehicle location as intended.
Consequence: A disabled emergency call system that prevents a vehicle occupant from contacting emergency services or fails to identify the vehicle location, can delay emergency responders and increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will update the communication module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 6, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024110002.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM):SOFTWARE · Campaign 24V704000 · Sep 23, 2024
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2023 S580, and Maybach S580 vehicles. In the event of a mechanical failure in the engine Camtronic system, the engine control unit (ECU) software may cause the engine to overheat or stall.
Consequence: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. In addition, an engine that overheats can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will update the ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 15, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on November 15, 2024, January 10, 2025, and February 21, 2025. Owners can contact Mercedes-Benz Customer Service at 1-877-496-3691. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024100007.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP · Campaign 23V445000 · Jun 26, 2023
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2023 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS, SL, GT, GLC, GLE, GLS, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The fuel pump may shutdown, which can result in a loss of drive power.
Consequence: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 14, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2023070012.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS · Campaign 23V200000 · Mar 24, 2023
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 Maybach S580 and S580 vehicles. The bulkhead that separates the engine compartment from the passenger compartment may not have been properly sealed, causing water to drain into the passenger compartment. Water intrusion into the foot wells may cause corrosion and/or short circuits to electrical components, disabling safety features, including seat belt tightening and seat adjustments (PreSafe system).
Consequence: Disabled safety features, including seat belt tightening and seat adjustments, can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will repair the bulkhead front wall sealing, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 12, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2023040009.
VISIBILITY:FIXED PANARAMIC ROOF/SKY LIGHT ASSEMBLY · Campaign 23V098000 · Feb 21, 2023
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling one 2021 S 580 4Matic vehicle. The fixed front glass panel between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not be properly secured and may detach.
Consequence: A detached glass panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front fixed glass panel, free of charge. The owner notification letters were mailed March 17, 2023. The owner may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2023020008.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION · Campaign 22V493000 · Jul 13, 2022
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2022 AMG EQS53, EQS580, EQS450, 2021 S500, S580, and Maybach S580 vehicles. The rearview camera may not display the rearview image due to a software error in the MBUX multimedia system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence: An inoperative rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the MBUX multimedia system software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 19, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022080002.
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.
STEERING:COLUMN · Campaign 22V214000 · Apr 4, 2022
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 S580 4Matic and S500 4Matic vehicles. The electrical connector to the steering column module may not be secured properly, which can disable gear shifts and/or safety features including the electronic stability program, the driver's air bag, and turn signal indicators.
Consequence: Disabled safety features or the inability to shift gears can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and reinstall the cover for the electrical connector, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 13, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022040006.
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR · Campaign 22V189000 · Mar 28, 2022
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2022 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL, EClass Coupe/Convertible, CLS, AMG GT 4-doors Coupe, and EQS vehicles with a heated leather steering wheel. Due to a software error in the hand detection control unit, the hands-off detection might not detect when the driver's hands are away from the steering wheel when using the Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC system.
Consequence: Deactivated hands-off detection will prevent DISTRONIC system features from functioning, including warnings to grab the steering wheel and calling first responders as part of the Active Emergency Stop Assist, which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will update the hand detection control unit software for the DISTRONIC system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 6, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022040010.
Show 7 earlier campaigns
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS; EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL; EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS · Campaign 22V167000 · Mar 21, 2022
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2022 EQS 450, EQS 580, and 2021 S500 and S580 vehicles. A software error may disable the rear turn signals, hazard lights, and reverse lights.
Consequence: Disabled rear turn signals, hazard lights, and reverse lights can reduce the vehicle's visibility to other driver's, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the rear signal software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022040013.
AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE; AIR BAGS:CRITICAL FASTENERS · Campaign 22V124000 · Mar 4, 2022
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 S580 4Matic vehicles. The air bag control unit may be improperly secured and may result in an unintentional air bag or seat belt deployment, or an improper deployment in the event of a crash.
Consequence: Unintentional or improper deployment of air bags and/or seat belts can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the air bag control unit fastening nuts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-637-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022030024.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · Campaign 21V931000 · Nov 30, 2021
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 S580, 2022 EQS450, EQS580, and S500 vehicles with an active and connected Mercedes me connect account. The MBUX infotainment system might allow activation of the television and internet display while driving, causing a distraction for the driver.
Consequence: Driver distraction can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA has updated their computer server to correct the issue for most vehicles, free of charge. For vehicles that were not able to be updated remotely, dealers will provide the software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 25, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM):SOFTWARE · Campaign 21V843000 · Nov 1, 2021
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 S580 and Maybach S580 vehicles. An engine control unit software error may cause a sudden engine stall, without the ability to restart the vehicle.
Consequence: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the engine control unit software, free of charge. Owners notification letters were mailed on January 28, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE; AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER · Campaign 21V789000 · Oct 12, 2021
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 S500, S580, and Maybach S580 vehicles. The air bag control unit software may deactivate the occupant recognition control unit, resulting in a deactivated front passenger air bag.
Consequence: A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the air bag control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 1, 2021. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021100010. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP · Campaign 21V704000 · Sep 10, 2021
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 S580 vehicles. The suction jet pump in the fuel tank may have a loose or missing nozzle, which can cause the pump to fail and result in an engine stall.
Consequence: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the fuel tank including the suction jet pump, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed 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.