Mercedes-Benz S400 Problems by Year

We compared every Mercedes-Benz S400 model year from 2010–2012 using 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 2 recalls and federal defect investigations. No S400 year stands out with an unusual number of complaints. The best years are 2012 and 2011.

3model years
22complaints
2recalls
—worst years
2012, 2011best years

Complaints by model year

2010201120121651
Owner complaints per model year, Mercedes-Benz S400. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
20121−60%2Traction ControlAverage
20115−23%2ElectricalFew
2010162.5×—ElectricalAverage

* Complaints compared with the median S400 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Mercedes-Benz S400 problems

  • Electrical systemworst: 2010
    1359%
  • Engine & coolingworst: 2010
    732%
  • Fuel & propulsion systemworst: 2010
    523%
  • Other / not specified
    29%
  • Stability & traction controlworst: 2010
    29%
  • Suspensionworst: 2010
    29%
  • A/C & heaterworst: 2010
    15%
  • Transmission & drivetrainworst: 2010
    15%
  • Speed control & accelerationworst: 2010
    15%
  • Steeringworst: 2010
    15%
  • Wheels & tiresworst: 2011
    15%

Latest Mercedes-Benz S400 recalls

Fuel system, gasoline

NHTSA recall 12V-557 · Dec 3, 2012 · 5,800 vehicles

Mercedes-Benz is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 S400, S550, S550 4Matic, S63 AMG, C300, C300 4Matic, E350, GLK350, GLK350 4Matic, CL550 4Matic, and CL63 AMG vehicles manufactured from April 18, 2011, through July 12, 2011.

Remedy: Mercedes-Benz will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel filter, free of charge. The recall campaign is expected to begin in February 2013. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

Tires › Pressure monitoring and regulating systems

NHTSA recall 11V-493 · Oct 3, 2011 · 158 vehicles

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (Mercedes Benz) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 S550, S550 CGI, S63, S600 Bi-Turbo, S65 AMG, S550 4-Matic, and S550 CGI 4-Matic and S400 Hybrid vehicles manufactured from March 3, 2011, through July 30, 2011, for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicles Safety Standard…

Remedy: Mercedes Benz will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the tire pressure monitoring unit, free of charge. The recall began on September 12, 2014. Owners may contact Mercedes Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Mercedes-Benz S400 should you avoid?

None of the Mercedes-Benz S400 years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.

What is the best year for the Mercedes-Benz S400?

2012 has the fewest complaints compared with other S400 years at the same age, followed by 2011. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.

What are the most common Mercedes-Benz S400 problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the electrical system (13), engine & cooling (7) and fuel & propulsion system (5). Electrical complaints peak in the 2010 model year.

How many recalls has the Mercedes-Benz S400 had?

2 recalls across 2010–2012. The model year with the most is 2011.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.