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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 1995–2012

Mercedes-Benz S-Class recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns and 259 owner complaints for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, covering model years 1995 to 2012. The 2000 model year drew the most complaints (81), and Electrical System is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Mercedes-Benz S-Class VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 11 recall campaigns on file
  • 259 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 13 model years with data (1995–2012)
  • most complaints: 2000 (81 for that model year)
  • top component: Electrical System (101 complaints)
  • latest recall 11V496000 (reported Oct 3, 2011)
  • 8 complaints reporting a crash (3.1%)
  • 7 complaints reporting a fire (2.7%)
  • 8 complaints reporting an injury (3.1%)
  • 0 complaints reporting a death (0.0%)

Mercedes-Benz S-Class complaints by model year

13 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2000 model year has the most complaints: 81 of 259, or 31.3%. Next come 2002 (48) and 2001 (36). The fewest are for 2012, with 1 complaint.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Mercedes-Benz S-Class owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 1995–2012Column chart of 259 complaints across 18 model years. The highest is 2000 with 81. The full figures are in the table below the chart.1995: 27 complaints2719951996: 6 complaints619961997: 2 complaints219971998: 2 complaints219981999: 9 complaints919992000: 81 complaints8120002001: 36 complaints3620012002: 48 complaints4820022003: 28 complaints2820032004: 15 complaints1520042005: 2 complaints220052006: 0 complaints20062007: 0 complaints20072008: 0 complaints20082009: 2 complaints220092010: 0 complaints20102011: 0 complaints20112012: 1 complaint12012
Show the figures for all 13 model years
Mercedes-Benz S-Class complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Mercedes-Benz S-Class complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
1995270100
199660000
199720000
199820000
199991010
2000813430
2001360110
2002480000
2003280020
2004151110
200521000
200921000
201211000
All model years2598780

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Mercedes-Benz S-Class components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Electrical System is the component named most often, in 101 complaints (39.0% of all 259), followed by Suspension (56) and Interior Lighting (30).

Components named most often in Mercedes-Benz S-Class complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in Mercedes-Benz S-Class complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Electrical System10139.0%
Suspension5621.6%
Interior Lighting3011.6%
Air Bags197.3%
Engine and Engine Cooling145.4%
Power Train124.6%
Equipment103.9%
Tires103.9%
Visibility93.5%
Seat Belts83.1%
Latches/Locks/Linkages51.9%
Service Brakes, Hydraulic51.9%
Steering51.9%
Structure41.5%
Vehicle Speed Control41.5%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class recalls

11 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name S-Class, newest first. The 11 campaigns cover model years 1996 to 2012. The 2000 and 2001 model years appear in the most campaigns (5 each).

  • 11 recall campaigns
Mercedes-Benz S-Class recall campaigns covering each model year
DecadeYears ending in 0Years ending in 1Years ending in 2Years ending in 3Years ending in 4Years ending in 5Years ending in 6Years ending in 7Years ending in 8Years ending in 9
1996: 1 campaign1997: no campaigns1998: no campaigns1999: no campaigns
2000: 5 campaigns2001: 5 campaigns2002: 2 campaigns2003: 2 campaigns2004: 4 campaigns2005: 1 campaign2006: no campaigns2007: no campaigns2008: no campaigns2009: 1 campaign
2010: no campaigns2011: no campaigns2012: 1 campaign
Highlighted: the model years with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 11V496000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Diesel

    Model year 2012

    Mercedes-Benz usa (mbusa) is recalling certain model year 2011 vehicles including e-class (212 platform), manufactured from July 2010 through February 2011, r-class (251 platform), manufactured from April 2010 through April 2011, ML-class (W164 platform), manufactured from January 2010 through March 2011, GL-class (X164 platform), manufactured from March 2010 through March 2011, and model year 2012 s-class (221 platform) vehicles. The diesel fuel filter may leak from the area around the heating component.

    Consequence:
    Diesel fuel may be deposited onto the highway and create the potential for a crash.
    Remedy:
    Mbusa will contact owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the diesel fuel filter if necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on November 30, 2011. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz usa at 1-800-367-6372.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  2. NHTSA campaign 09V081000

    Reported

    Latches/Locks/Linkages

    Model year 2009

    Mercedes Benz is recalling 54 MY 2009 s-class, W221 vehicles. During production the front and rear passenger side door locks may have been mistakenly interchanged during production. The exchange of a front and a rear passenger side door lock would result in a passenger side door that cannot be opened by merely pulling on the interior handle and a rear door lock that can be opened with a simple pull of the interior door handle even if locked.

    Consequence:
    This situation could affect the safe exiting of a vehicle in the event of a crash or protection of children from inadvertent opening of the rear door.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will check the part number on all door locks and replace any incorrectly installed door lock free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2009. Owners may contact Mercedes Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  3. NHTSA campaign 08V303000

    Reported

    Electrical System

    Model year 2004

    Mercedes-Benz is recalling MY 2006-2008 m-class, r-class, MY 2005-2009 SLK-class, MY 2005-2008 c-class, MY 2003-2004 and 2006-2008 CLK-class, MY 2003-2008 e-class, MY 2004 and 2008 CL-class, MY 2008 CLS-class, MY 2004 and 2007-2008 s-class, MY 2003 g-class, and MY 2003-2004, 2006 and 2009 SL-class vehicles. A software calibration number (SCN) coding received on the affected vehicles during a recent workshop visit was incorrect. Depending on the model year and model affected, the results of an incorrect SCN coding can affect a number of vehicle safety and emission functions including the following types of functions: (1) the fuel gauge readings may be incorrect; (2) a stuck fuel-level sensor may not be displayed in the instrument cluster; (3) the OBD system may cause the check engine light to illuminate incorrectly; and, (4) the speedometer may be out of tolerance.

    Consequence:
    In the event of a vehicle crash, the electrical fuel pump may not receive a crash signal that is required for the fuel pump to disconnect and prevent future fuel delivery as designed.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will recode the SCN free of charge. The recall began on August 30, 2008. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  4. NHTSA campaign 07V263000

    Reported

    Engine and Engine Cooling; Suspension

    Model years 2000–2004

    On certain vehicles, corrosion may occur in the inner steel portions of the active body control's (abc) high pressure distribution hose due to extensive exposure to humidity causing deterioration of the hose.

    Consequence:
    This may result in abc hydraulic fluid leakage near the catalytic converter. Leaking fluid may come in contact with hot engine components and lead to a possible fire.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will install new corrosion resistant abc high pressure distribution hose. The recall began on July 2, 2007. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  5. NHTSA campaign 06V028000

    Reported

    Interior Lighting

    Model years 2000–2002, 2004–2005

    On certain vehicles, the instrument cluster is experiencing electrical malfunctions. The instrument cluster contains gauges and indicators that must be illuminated whenever the vehicle is in operation.

    Consequence:
    Due to inadequate illumination, the driver will be unable to read the gauges and indicators, such as the speedometer, which could increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the instrument cluster modules. The recall will be conducted in phases. Phase I was mailed out to approximately 7,500 owners on September 29, 2006. Phase ii and phase iii is scheduled for December 2006. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  6. NHTSA campaign 04V285000

    Reported

    Latches/Locks/Linkages › Trunk Lid › Lock

    Model years 2003–2004

    On certain vehicles, the trunk lid springs could fail in the closed trunk lid position.

    Consequence:
    If the trunk lid is manually lifted, it may not remain in the up position and could cause injury if it comes down while someone is reaching into the trunk.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace both trunk lid springs. The recall began August 17, 2004. Owners should contact mercedes- benz at 1-800-367-6372.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  7. NHTSA campaign 04V227000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Wiring › Fuses and Circuit Breakers

    Model years 2000–2001

    On certain passenger vehicles, during the production process of the blower motor fuse holder, the size of the electric conductor of the holder may be below appropriate tolerances.

    Consequence:
    Consequently, the electric conductor of the blower motor fuse holder may dissipate more heat than the plastic fuse holder was designed to withstand, which could result in overheating of the holder and disabling of the blower motor and the ability to defrost or defog the windshiled in cold or hot and humid weather conditions. Depending on the occurrence and weather situation, driver visibility could be reduced, which could result in a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will install new blower motor fuse holders. The recall began during October 2004. Owners should contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  8. NHTSA campaign 02V338000

    Reported

    Electrical System › 12V/24V/48V Battery

    Model years 2000–2001

    On certain passenger vehicles, excessive static build-up in the trunk floor mats can cause a static discharge when individuals move or remove items from the trunk compartment.

    Consequence:
    This can damage the electrical system components located in the trunk, including the vehicle's battery.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will install a static insulation panel between the carpet and the vehicle battery which will provide an electrical grounding. Owner notification began February 14, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  9. NHTSA campaign 01V014000

    Reported

    Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer

    Model year 2001

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The sheathing material on the electrical connection of the heated windshield washer bottle hose could overheat.

    Consequence:
    This could cause the surrounding plastic and insulation to melt.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the heated washer bottle hose assembly. Owner notification began January 29, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  10. NHTSA campaign 00V141000

    Reported

    Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner

    Model year 2000

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Due to an internal defect in the circuitry of the blower motor regulator, the regulator may overheat.

    Consequence:
    This could cause surrounding plastic, insulation, and wiring to deform and possibly melt or burn.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the blower motor regulator.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Show 1 more recall

  1. NHTSA campaign 96V058000

    Reported

    Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine

    Model year 1996

    The drive belt pulley on the engine can develop fatigue cracks in the metal and break. If the drive pulley breaks, the car would not have engine cooling, battery charging, and/or power steering.

    Consequence:
    Loss of these systems can cause the car to over heat, lose power from the battery, and loss of control of the car increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the engine crankshaft damper-pulley on these vehicles.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it; older campaigns, which NHTSA stores in capital letters, are shown in sentence case. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Mercedes-Benz S-Class have?

NHTSA lists 11 vehicle recall campaigns for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, covering model years 1995 to 2012. The most recent, 11V496000, was reported on October 3, 2011 and is filed under “Fuel system, diesel”. The 2000 and 2001 model years are covered by the most campaigns (5 each).

Which Mercedes-Benz S-Class model year has the most complaints?

The 2000 model year, with 81 of the 259 complaints in NHTSA’s file (31.3%). The next are 2002 (48) and 2001 (36). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Mercedes-Benz S-Class complaint?

Electrical System is the component named most often: 101 complaints, or 39.0% of all 259. Suspension (56) and Interior Lighting (30) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Mercedes-Benz S-Class?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Mercedes-Benz dealer.

How many Mercedes-Benz S-Class complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 259 complaints, 8 report a crash, 7 a fire, 8 at least one injury and 0 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other Mercedes-Benz models

8 models · most complaints first

The Mercedes-Benz models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Mercedes-Benz VIN decoder with every Mercedes-Benz model page, WMI code and VIN note.

All Mercedes-Benz models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.