Most common 2006 Mercedes-Benz S500 problems
Share of the 13 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mercedes-Benz S500 complaints by model year
Best S500 years: 2021, 2023. Years to avoid: 2022, 2000, 2001. Compare all years →
What 2006 Mercedes-Benz S500 owners say
Transmission & drivetrain
2006 Mercedes-Benz S500 4MATIC, VIN [redacted]. On [redacted], the vehicle suddenly shut off while driving. It was not overheating. It then would not restart or crank and could not be shifted out of Park. AAA connected a jump pack, but there was no starter engagement. It required a flatbed because it is 4MATIC. After the shutdown, the instrument cluster had intermittent power loss. The dashboard would illuminate when the key was turned but lose power after about 20 seconds. At times only the odometer displayed and the gear-selector indication was absent. Disconnecting/reconnecting the battery temporarily restored dashboard illumination but did not restore starting. A Mercedes technician at Smart Luxury Motors of the Quad Cities attempted diagnosis, but the vehicle could not be reliably scanned because electrical power would not remain available. The 7.5A EIS fuse was not blown. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Mercedes-Benz S500. While driving 20 MPH with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle jerked before coming to a halt. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000.
Electrical system
Vehicle stall - engine cut off - on highway at speed (50-55miles/hr) posing driver and passenger safety. No OBD error code or ECU error Similar incidents reported by Mercedes owners S500 model across USA As posted on Mercedes forums.
2006 Mercedes-Benz S500 4MATIC, VIN [redacted]. On [redacted], the vehicle suddenly shut off while driving. It was not overheating. It then would not restart or crank and could not be shifted out of Park. AAA connected a jump pack, but there was no starter engagement. It required a flatbed because it is 4MATIC. After the shutdown, the instrument cluster had intermittent power loss. The dashboard would illuminate when the key was turned but lose power after about 20 seconds. At times only the odometer displayed and the gear-selector indication was absent. Disconnecting/reconnecting the battery temporarily restored dashboard illumination but did not restore starting. A Mercedes technician at Smart Luxury Motors of the Quad Cities attempted diagnosis, but the vehicle could not be reliably scanned because electrical power would not remain available. The 7.5A EIS fuse was not blown. …
Engine & cooling
Safety issues 1. Engine shuts off while driving. No error codes. Starts again with key and drives fine. 2. Steering locks while driving - maneuvering a turn. Stopped the car. Turn ignition off. Turn ignition on Everything works fine.
Vehicle stall - engine cut off - on highway at speed (50-55miles/hr) posing driver and passenger safety. No OBD error code or ECU error Similar incidents reported by Mercedes owners S500 model across USA As posted on Mercedes forums.
2006 Mercedes-Benz S500 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.0L 8-cyl | 7-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 22 / 17 |
EPA ratings. Class: Large car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2006 Mercedes-Benz S500 a good car?
Based on 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2006 S500 rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the S500 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2006 Mercedes-Benz S500?
The transmission & drivetrain — 4 complaints, 31% of all complaints for this model year, most often about automatic transmission. Next are the electrical system (4) and engine & cooling (4).
How many recalls does the 2006 Mercedes-Benz S500 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2006 Mercedes-Benz S500. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Mercedes-Benz S500?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2021 and 2023. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2022, 2000 and 2001. See the full Mercedes-Benz S500 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2006 Mercedes-Benz S500 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 68,000 miles; 20% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.