⌘K
Home›Mercedes-Benz›S-Class›2021
Mercedes-Benz · Large car

2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

HybridGas
Large Cars
7 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-09-11
F
Safety Signal
35 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
Recalls1 critical17
Complaintsowner reports to NHTSA34
Crash ratingNHTSA overall—
Fuel economybest combined, EPA24 mpg
202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is sold in the U.S. as a hybrid and gas large car with 7 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the S500 4matic, is EPA-rated at 24 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 17 recall campaigns for this model year, 1 rated critical, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of F. Owners have filed 34 complaints, most often about the electrical system.

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
ConfigurationPowertrainDriveEngine / motorCityHwyCombAnnual fuel*
S500 4maticHybrid4WD3.0L 6-cyl + 48V Li-Ion202924$3,250
S580 4maticHybrid4WD4.0L 8-cyl turbo + 48V Li-Ion172520$3,900
S580 4matic MaybachHybrid4WD4.0L 8-cyl turbo + 48V Li-Ion162419$4,100
S560 4matic CoupeGas4WD4.0L 8-cyl turbo162620$3,900
S560 ConvertibleGasRWD4.0L 8-cyl turbo162620$3,900
AMG S63 4matic Plus CoupeGas4WD4.0L 8-cyl turbo162619$4,100
AMG S63 4matic Plus ConvertibleGas4WD4.0L 8-cyl turbo142417$4,550

*EPA estimate at 15,000 miles/year at EPA reference fuel and electricity prices. fueleconomy.gov record ids: 44090, 44163, 44162, 43533, 43529, 43534, 43530.

Factory warranty running out?

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is in the years where transmission, electronics and drivetrain repairs land on the owner. Compare extended-coverage quotes in about two minutes.

Compare coverage →

Affiliate disclosure: some links on this page are affiliate links. If you request a quote or buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Nothing on this page changes because of it.

Recalls (17)

Source: NHTSA recall database
▲high

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

2025030007
20,339 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-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.RiskA brake fluid leak can extend the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.FixDealers 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. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2025030007.
NHTSA campaign 25V116000reported Feb 24, 2025Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
○minor

Electrical System

2024110002
21 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-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.RiskA disabled emergency call system that prevents a vehicle occupant from contacting emergency services or fails to identify the vehicle location, can delay emergency responders and increase the risk of injury.FixDealers 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. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024110002.
NHTSA campaign 24V807000reported Oct 25, 2024Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
!critical

Engine And Engine Cooling

2024100007
27,190 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2023 S580, and Maybach S580 vehicles. In the event of a mechanical failure in the engine Camtronic system, the engine control unit (ECU) software may cause the engine to overheat or stall.RiskAn engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. In addition, an engine that overheats can increase the risk of a fire.FixDealers will update the ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 15, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on November 15, 2024, January 10, 2025, and February 21, 2025. Owners can contact Mercedes-Benz Customer Service at 1-877-496-3691. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024100007.
NHTSA campaign 24V704000reported Sep 20, 2024Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
▲high

Fuel System, Gasoline

2023070012
143,551 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2023 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS, SL, GT, GLC, GLE, GLS, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The fuel pump may shutdown, which can result in a loss of drive power.RiskA loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.FixDealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 14, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2023070012.
NHTSA campaign 23V445000reported Jun 26, 2023Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
▲high

Electrical System

2023040009
6 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 Maybach S580 and S580 vehicles. The bulkhead that separates the engine compartment from the passenger compartment may not have been properly sealed, causing water to drain into the passenger compartment. Water intrusion into the foot wells may cause corrosion and/or short circuits to electrical components, disabling safety features, including seat belt tightening and seat adjustments (PreSafe system).RiskDisabled safety features, including seat belt tightening and seat adjustments, can increase the risk of injury in a crash.FixDealers will repair the bulkhead front wall sealing, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 12, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2023040009.
NHTSA campaign 23V200000reported Mar 24, 2023Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
▲high

Visibility

2023020008
1 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling one 2021 S 580 4Matic vehicle. The fixed front glass panel between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not be properly secured and may detach.RiskA detached glass panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.FixDealers will replace the front fixed glass panel, free of charge. The owner notification letters were mailed March 17, 2023. The owner may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2023020008.
NHTSA campaign 23V098000reported Feb 17, 2023Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
○minor

Back Over Prevention

2022080002
8,530 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2022 AMG EQS53, EQS580, EQS450, 2021 S500, S580, and Maybach S580 vehicles. The rearview camera may not display the rearview image due to a software error in the MBUX multimedia system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."RiskAn inoperative rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.FixDealers will update the MBUX multimedia system software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 19, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022080002.
NHTSA campaign 22V493000reported Jul 11, 2022Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
○minor

Electrical System

See Recall Schedule
242,722 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.RiskA disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.FixThe communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on July 8, 2022, May 17, 2024, July 29, 2024, and September 27, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers are for this recall is 2022060005 and 2023110006.
NHTSA campaign 22V365000reported May 20, 2022Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
▲high

Steering

2022040006
4 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 S580 4Matic and S500 4Matic vehicles. The electrical connector to the steering column module may not be secured properly, which can disable gear shifts and/or safety features including the electronic stability program, the driver's air bag, and turn signal indicators.RiskDisabled safety features or the inability to shift gears can increase the risk of a crash or injury.FixDealers will inspect and reinstall the cover for the electrical connector, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 13, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022040006.
NHTSA campaign 22V214000reported Apr 1, 2022Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
▲high

Steering

2022040010
8,396 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2022 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL, EClass Coupe/Convertible, CLS, AMG GT 4-doors Coupe, and EQS vehicles with a heated leather steering wheel. Due to a software error in the hand detection control unit, the hands-off detection might not detect when the driver's hands are away from the steering wheel when using the Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC system.RiskDeactivated hands-off detection will prevent DISTRONIC system features from functioning, including warnings to grab the steering wheel and calling first responders as part of the Active Emergency Stop Assist, which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.FixDealers will update the hand detection control unit software for the DISTRONIC system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 6, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022040010.
NHTSA campaign 22V189000reported Mar 25, 2022Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
○minor

Exterior Lighting

2022040013
9,156 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2022 EQS 450, EQS 580, and 2021 S500 and S580 vehicles. A software error may disable the rear turn signals, hazard lights, and reverse lights.RiskDisabled rear turn signals, hazard lights, and reverse lights can reduce the vehicle's visibility to other driver's, increasing the risk of a crash.FixDealers will update the rear signal software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022040013.
NHTSA campaign 22V167000reported Mar 18, 2022Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
▲high

Air Bags

2022030024
14 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 S580 4Matic vehicles. The air bag control unit may be improperly secured and may result in an unintentional air bag or seat belt deployment, or an improper deployment in the event of a crash.RiskUnintentional or improper deployment of air bags and/or seat belts can increase the risk of a crash or injury.FixDealers will inspect and tighten the air bag control unit fastening nuts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-637-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022030024.
NHTSA campaign 22V124000reported Mar 4, 2022Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
○minor

Electrical System

2022010003
227 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 S580, 2022 EQS450, EQS580, and S500 vehicles with an active and connected Mercedes me connect account. The MBUX infotainment system might allow activation of the television and internet display while driving, causing a distraction for the driver.RiskDriver distraction can increase the risk of a crash.FixMBUSA has updated their computer server to correct the issue for most vehicles, free of charge. For vehicles that were not able to be updated remotely, dealers will provide the software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 25, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
NHTSA campaign 21V931000reported Nov 29, 2021Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
○minor

Engine And Engine Cooling

2022010002
8,669 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 S580 and Maybach S580 vehicles. An engine control unit software error may cause a sudden engine stall, without the ability to restart the vehicle.RiskAn engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.FixDealers will update the engine control unit software, free of charge. Owners notification letters were mailed on January 28, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
NHTSA campaign 21V843000reported Oct 29, 2021Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
○minor

Air Bags

2021100010
1,311 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 S500, S580, and Maybach S580 vehicles. The air bag control unit software may deactivate the occupant recognition control unit, resulting in a deactivated front passenger air bag.RiskA deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.FixDealers will update the air bag control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 1, 2021. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021100010. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
NHTSA campaign 21V789000reported Oct 11, 2021Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
▲high

Fuel System, Gasoline

2021090012
7 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 S580 vehicles. The suction jet pump in the fuel tank may have a loose or missing nozzle, which can cause the pump to fail and result in an engine stall.RiskAn engine stall increases the risk of a crash.FixDealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the fuel tank including the suction jet pump, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed October 26, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
NHTSA campaign 21V704000reported Sep 10, 2021Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
○minor

Electrical System

2021020025
1,292,258 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.RiskFailure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.FixMBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.
NHTSA campaign 21V058000reported Feb 5, 2021Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
34complaints filed

2 involved a crash · 0 a fire · 3 injuries · 1 deaths reported

Filed per year: 2021: 6 · 2022: 7 · 2023: 5 · 2024: 5 · 2025: 7 · 2026: 4

Most-cited components

Electrical System10
Wheels6
Forward Collision Avoidance5
Engine And Engine Cooling5
Unspecified4
Lane Departure4

What owners describe

“The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz. The contact stated while driving at 10 MPH, the vehicle stalls until the contact engages the vehicle in sport mode. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer for diagnosis or repairs. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure and a case was opened. The…”Dec 4, 2024 · Engine And Engine Cooling · NHTSA owner report
“Every Mercedes Benz manufactured in 2021 has a defective hood lens which prevents the adaptive driver assistance system from working properly. You can have it on and it will work intermittently which can easily cause a major crash. Mercedes Benz says the part is not available in USA or Germany. Every Mercedes is affect…”Jun 1, 2024 · Forward Collision Avoidance · NHTSA owner report
“The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz S580. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the "Camera System Unavailable" and "Camera Dirty" messages were displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was initially taken to a dealer where the contact was informed that the failure was caused by a bumper guar…”Apr 30, 2024 · Electrical System · NHTSA owner report

Complaint counts are raw owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects, and scale with how many were sold. Use them to spot patterns, not to rank.

Crash ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP

NHTSA has not published 5-Star crash ratings for this model year.

Other S-Class model years

A

2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

0 recalls · 0 complaints

A

2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

0 recalls · 0 complaints

A

2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

1 recalls · 2 complaints

C

2024 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

2 recalls · 3 complaints

F

2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

8 recalls · 10 complaints

F

2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

9 recalls · 44 complaints

F

2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

6 recalls · 8 complaints

F

2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

13 recalls · 17 complaints

F

2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

14 recalls · 26 complaints

F

2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

10 recalls · 20 complaints

F

2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

7 recalls · 29 complaints

Sources & method

Safety Signal starts every model-year at 100 and subtracts points per open NHTSA recall campaign by severity: critical 15 (fire risk, park-outside or do-not-drive advisories), high 8 (brakes, steering, airbags, loss of drive power, structure, battery), moderate 6, minor 3 (software, labels, lighting fixed by an update). Floor 35. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Complaint counts and NHTSA crash ratings are shown separately and are not blended into the grade.

EPA figures come from fueleconomy.gov vehicle records. Recalls, complaints, investigations and crash ratings come from NHTSA's public flat files, refreshed weekly.

JSON for this page · API