Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | −25% | 5 | Brake | Few |
| 2022 | 21 | 5.3× | 9 | Collision Avoidance | Caution |
| 2021 | 1 | −40% | 7 | Engine | Few |
| 2006 | 13 | typical | — | Transmission | Average |
| 2005 | 11 | −48% | — | Electrical | Good |
| 2004 | 12 | −83% | — | Electrical | Good |
| 2003 | 10 | −57% | — | Seat Belt | Good |
| 2002 | 25 | 1.6× | — | Electrical | Average |
| 2001 | 34 | 1.8× | — | Electrical | Caution |
| 2000 | 55 | 2.5× | — | Electrical | Caution |
* Complaints compared with the median S500 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Mercedes-Benz S500 problems
Latest Mercedes-Benz S500 recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2022-2025 S 500 4MATIC, Maybach S 580 4MATIC, Maybach S 680 4MATIC, S 580 4MATIC, 2023-2025 S 580 E 4MATIC, and 2024-2025 AMG S 63 E Performance vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front brake hoses, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 27, 2026. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2023-2024 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL, GLC, EQE SUV, EQE, EQS SUV, and EQS vehicles that were incorrectly repaired under recall 24V-115. An incorrect fuse box that was not designed for the vehicle may have been installed.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the main fuse boxes, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components
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.
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.
Communication › Auto crash notification
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.
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.
Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2023-2024 C300, AMG C43, S580e, S580, Maybach S580, Maybach S680, AMG SL43, AMGSL63, GLC300, EQE350, EQE500, EQS450, EQS580, AMG EQS, 2023 S500, AMG SL55, AMG EQE, 2024 E350, E450, AMG C63e S, CLE300 Coupe, CLE450 Coupe, and GLC300 Coupe vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the main fuse boxes, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 5, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024030008.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Mercedes-Benz S500 should you avoid?
2022, 2000 and 2001 — these years have the most complaints relative to other S500 years at the same age, led by driver assistance problems in the 2022.
What is the best year for the Mercedes-Benz S500?
2021 has the fewest complaints compared with other S500 years at the same age, followed by 2023. 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 S500 problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the electrical system (92), lights (43) and suspension (26). Electrical complaints peak in the 2000 model year.
How many recalls has the Mercedes-Benz S500 had?
17 recalls across 2000–2023. The model year with the most is 2022. See all Mercedes-Benz S500 recalls by year.
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.