Mercedes-Benz S-Class Problems and Repair Histories
Mercedes-Benz S-Class problems reported via the Car Repair History and Car Reliability Surveys
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Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Reliability through December 31, 2012
General NotesModels and statistics marked with an asterisk (*) have very low sample sizes. These results, visible only to logged-in members, provide only a rough estimate of car reliability.Any result under 20 repair trips per 100 cars is likely a result of the small sample size, and should be expected to increase to 20 or so in future updates.
New models often start out with high repair rates, and then improve as the manufacturer identifies and addresses common problems. MethodologyOnly successfully completed repairs are currently included in the analysis. Routine maintenance, most wear items, recalls, and problems fixed with just a reflash or warning light reset are not included.
| Year | Make/Model | Trips/Year/100 Cars | Compared to all models for the same year | |
| 2007 | Mercedes-Benz S-Class | 17 S-Classes, 9.4 months of data per S-Class, average 52100 miles Small sample size. Join or 17 S-Classes, 9.4 months of data per S-Class, average 52100 miles Small sample size. sign in to view |
see reported repairs |
2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4dr Sedan, ext.
382-horsepower 5.5L V8 7-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| Mercedes-Benz S-Class in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2013 | 0 | Passenger side rear mirror would not always return to position after facing down for backup. Replaced mirror motor under warranty. | |
2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4dr Sedan, ext.
518-horsepower 6.2L V8 7-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| Mercedes-Benz S-Class in Maryland, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2011 | 0 | Diagnosed noisy differential. Replacement ordered | |
2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4dr Sedan, ext.
turbocharged 510hp 5.5L V12 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| Mercedes-Benz S-Class in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2009 | 21000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2009 | 23000 | 0 | ABC Malfunction Msg - R&R ABC Tandem Pump again. This is the 4th time it's been replaced since new. Car has been to 4 Benz shops 8 times since April '09 and been out of service 45 days since April '09. |
| Jan | 2010 | 23000 | 0 | Radio malfunction - Needed amplifier replaced |
| Jun | 2010 | 23000 | 0 | Car died on road and then after restarting the check engine light came on and car was misfiring badly, running very rough. Diagnosed to misfiring on 7 of 12 cylinders. |
| Oct | 2010 | 25000 | 0 | Check engine light came on, emissions issue and then they hooked it to computer and said the issue was no longer happening. No "true" repair that I am aware of. So nothing fixed so assume it will occur again. |
| Nov | 2010 | 25000 | 250 | Check engine light, bad O2 sensor. two spark plugs and new coil pack |
| Mar | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Mercedes-Benz S-Class in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2009 | 22940 | First odometer entry | |
| Nov | 2009 | 23560 | 0 | driver's seat creaked and bolts were loose |
| Feb | 2010 | 28520 | 0 | car wouldn't shift out of 2nd gear. Valve plate transmission problem |
| Jan | 2011 | 35960 | 0 | jerky transmission between 2nd and 3rd with cold starts while in "C" (comfort) mode. Valve body replaced |
| Sep | 2011 | 41540 | 0 | Coolant hose leaked. Had to order part from Germany. Had to remove turbos to get to area. This would have been am $8000 repair. |
| Mar | 2013 | 48980 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Mercedes-Benz S-Class in New Zealand | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2009 | 10540 | First odometer entry | |
| Nov | 2009 | 11160 | 0 | Active seat bolster left side of drivers seat backrest burst. |
| Jan | 2012 | 14880 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4dr Sedan, ext.
382-horsepower 5.5L V8 7-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| Mercedes-Benz S-Class in Alberta, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2009 | 32860 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2010 | 35340 | 0 | Back up camera failed due to pinched cable near trunk. |
| May | 2010 | 40960 | 1200 | The multicontour driver's seat cushion bolsters ceased functioning. |
| Aug | 2010 | 48400 | 0 | New blower and relay installed. |
| Dec | 2012 | 58900 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Mercedes-Benz S-Class in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2009 | 33000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2010 | 38000 | 0 | Small oil leak - new plug ordered,but not installed Squeaking from front suspension- replaced control arm |
| Apr | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4dr Sedan, ext.
302-horsepower 5.0L V8 7-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| Mercedes-Benz S-Class in Massachusetts, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2010 | 250 | Keyless-Go door handles replaced, Sunroof repaired for rain leaks - Covered by Aftermarket Extended Warranty | |
| Oct | 2010 | 300 | AirMatic Compressor Replacement - Covered by Aftermarket Extended Warranty | |
| May | 2011 | 100 | Mirror Turn Signals Replaced for Water Condensation | |
2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4dr Sedan, ext.
302-horsepower 5.0L V8 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| Mercedes-Benz S-Class in Maine, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2009 | 130 | AC quit. 0 pressure. System recharged by the dealer and dye added to try and find leak. no problems with system after that. | |
| Mar | 2010 | 300 | Transfer case trying to lock up.Took to dealer and he said it needed an oil change on the transfer case. The change interval had been update by MB to 30,000 miles due to this problem. Oil was changed per TSB and the problem has not return | |
| May | 2010 | 75 | Electrical Plug to Transmission leaking. Replaced | |
| Jul | 2010 | 100 | Crankshaft Position Sensor failed. Replaced | |
| Jul | 2011 | 60 | Voltage regulator was putting out reduced voltage. Brushes were warn and unit replaced. This has fixed the problem | |
2005 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4dr Sedan, ext.
302-horsepower 5.0L V8 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| Mercedes-Benz S-Class in Florida, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2006 | 341 | Replace rear seat belt damaged by owner. Also, instrument cluster inspected per recall campaign (replacement not required). | |
| Sep | 2006 | 62 | Replaced both front Airmatic struts (they filled and rose at different rates); replaced collapsed transmission mount to clear up excess engine vibration. Both items were covered under waranty. | |
| Jul | 2009 | 23 | Replace blower regulator and blower motor | |
2005 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4dr Sedan, ext.
275-horsepower 4.3L V8 7-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| Mercedes-Benz S-Class in Georgia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2007 | 0 | Replaced entire Instrument cluster and Command Center | |
2004 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4dr Sedan, ext.
302-horsepower 5.0L V8 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| Mercedes-Benz S-Class in Illinois, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2009 | 450 | Airmatic compressor replaced. Front catch bin drain clogged. Flooded car to rear SAM module. Repair of catch bin drain valve based on class action suit and replaced rear SAM. Covered by Mercedes. Front control arms replaced. Oil leaks from valve covers. Valve cover gaskets replaced. Shifter unit replaced. | |
2004 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4dr Sedan, ext.
275-horsepower 4.3L V8 7-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| Mercedes-Benz S-Class in United Arab Emirates | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2011 | 500 | Paint or other exterior cosmetic issue, repair | |
2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4dr Sedan, ext.
turbocharged 493hp 5.5L V12 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| Mercedes-Benz S-Class in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2011 | 0 | Brakes: pads, rotors, or drums, repair | |
2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4dr Sedan, ext.
275-horsepower 4.3L V8 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| Mercedes-Benz S-Class in British Columbia, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2010 | 1400 | diagnose faulty keyless unlocking feature. cause us faulty electronic igntion switch. Can$1050 for part, app. $300 labour for diagnostic/repair services | |
2002 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4dr Sedan, ext.
275-horsepower 4.3L V8 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| Mercedes-Benz S-Class in Minnesota, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2007 | 400 | New AC dash fan on right side | |
| Jun | 2008 | 2500 | New cat convertor | |
| Dec | 2008 | 7000 | New air matic suspension | |
2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4dr Sedan, ext.
302-horsepower 5.0L V8 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| Mercedes-Benz S-Class in Bulgaria | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2012 | 88660 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2012 | 88660 | 20 | Auxiliary Heater water pump was replaced with one from a merc 124 recirculation pump |
| Feb | 2013 | 200 | rear left hydraulic line comes into contact with the plastic protecting under the fender and gets scratched until it finally breaks and loses all pressure(ABC). | |
| Apr | 2013 | 90520 | 40 | when driving at speed above 100km/h, there were big vibrations through the whole body. The transmission mount was replaced with the new recalled part and there is no problem anymore |
2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4dr Sedan, ext.
275-horsepower 4.3L V8 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| Mercedes-Benz S-Class in Florida, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2010 | 2700 | tires, ball joints, door opening vacuum pump,brakes, pads and rotors and sensors | |
2000 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Engine not specified
| Mercedes-Benz S-Class in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2010 | 130000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2010 | 133000 | 2200 | replaced front end suspsension, tie rod ends, bushings, etc replaced cv joints |
| Jan | 2011 | 136000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Mercedes-Benz S-Class in Minnesota, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2010 | 95000 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2011 | 96000 | 280 | |
| Mercedes-Benz S-Class in Washington, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2012 | 129000 | First odometer entry | |
| Nov | 2012 | 131000 | 750 | evaporator temp sensor was replaced. |
| Mar | 2013 | 139000 | 2500 | Hydraulic auto-leveling suspension repair. Three accumulator cells were replaced. all fluids were also replaced. |
| Mercedes-Benz S-Class in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2013 | 110000 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2013 | 110000 | 2500 | Cracked radiator. |
2000 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4dr Sedan, ext.
275-horsepower 4.3L V8 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| Mercedes-Benz S-Class in Florida, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2010 | 74000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2010 | 74000 | 1400 | brakes, rotors starter motor, battery |
| Feb | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2000 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4-door
turbocharged 6-cylinder diesel automatic 2WD
| Mercedes-Benz S-Class in Netherlands | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2010 | 192820 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2011 | 195920 | 2500 | The transmission wouldn't go out of the P modus. Eventually the pin blocking it all was removed. The 'fusee-kogel' (ball joint), had too much tolerance and therefore the car would not be approved to drive on Dutch roads. Sold it the week after (to a German family). I warned them, but I guess all the bling-bling won. |
2000 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4-door
8-cylinder automatic 2WD
| Mercedes-Benz S-Class in British Columbia, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2010 | 88660 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2010 | 89900 | 1000 | No heat, fixed and have heat but actuator motors not working. |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
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What People Are Saying about Problems with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class
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