The Used Car Index

2021 Mercedes-Benz S 500 problems

NHTSA lists 1 complaints for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S 500, 0 of them mention a crash and 0 mention a fire. 0 complaints mention an injury, with 0 injuries and 0 deaths reported.

Data build 2026-10-10.

NHTSA lists this vehicle as MERCEDES-BENZ S 500.

At a glance

Complaints
1
With crash
0
With fire
0
With injury (complaints)
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
0
Recalls
7
Do not drive recalls
0
Park outside recalls
0
Recall potential units (maximum)
242,722
Investigations
0
Open investigations
0
Manufacturer communications
298

Complaints per 100k sold unavailable. No sales source is available for this record.

Where the complaints are

Top systems
SystemComplaintsShare of this vehicle's complaints
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING1100.0%
Top subsystems
SystemSubsystemComplaints

One complaint can name several systems, so shares can add to more than 100 percent.

Model-generated complaint tags

These labels are model-generated, not NHTSA data.

Failure modes
LabelCountShare of taggedMean confidence
loss of control1100.0%0.99
Severities
LabelCountShare of taggedMean confidence
low1100.0%0.45

Model: typesafe/jev-1.13-20260917; schema version: tag-v1. 1 tagged complaints of 1 complaints (100.0%).

Confidence is the model's own probability for the label it chose (0 to 1), not accuracy.

Model-generated labels on tagged complaints only. Model years 2013 and newer are tagged in full; 2012 in part (see tagged_share); earlier model years have no tags. NHTSA's own flags remain separate in the complaints block.

Recalls

See new recalls and investigations this week.

7 recalls.

25V116000

Date: 2025-02-24. Systems: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC.

Defect: 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.

Consequence: A brake fluid leak can extend the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

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. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2025030007.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

24V807000

Date: 2024-10-25. Systems: COMMUNICATION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Defect: 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.

Consequence: A 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.

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. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024110002.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

22V493000

Date: 2022-07-11. Systems: BACK OVER PREVENTION.

Defect: Mercedes-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."

Consequence: An inoperative rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers 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.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

22V365000

Date: 2022-05-20. Systems: COMMUNICATION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Defect: Mercedes-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 connecti (excerpt)

Consequence: A 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. (excerpt)

Remedy: The 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 2 (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

22V214000

Date: 2022-04-01. Systems: STEERING.

Defect: Mercedes-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.

Consequence: Disabled safety features or the inability to shift gears can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: Dealers 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.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

22V167000

Date: 2022-03-18. Systems: EXTERIOR LIGHTING.

Defect: Mercedes-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.

Consequence: Disabled rear turn signals, hazard lights, and reverse lights can reduce the vehicle's visibility to other driver's, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers 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.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

21V789000

Date: 2021-10-11. Systems: AIR BAGS.

Defect: Mercedes-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.

Consequence: A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy: Dealers 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.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

Investigations

0 investigations; 0 open.

Manufacturer communications

298 manufacturer communications.

Communications by system
SystemCount
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM162
POWER TRAIN31
STRUCTURE28
STEERING18
VISIBILITY/WIPER17
EXTERIOR LIGHTING16
SUSPENSION16
EQUIPMENT14

11038185

Date: 2026-09-26. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE.

Complaint Sporadic warning message in instrument cluster "Engine oil pressure, stop switch off vehicle" (or similar) is shown in red on vehicles with low mileage. Cause Directional control valve may stick. Remedy 1a Read off oil level in instrument cluster and correct if necessary. 2a Perform ap

11038187

Date: 2026-09-26. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: POWER TRAIN.

Complaint Customer complaints relating to automatic transmission 725.0 (NAG3 Classic /9Ga TRONIC automatic transmission) and 725.1 (NAG3 facelift/9Ga TRONIC automatic transmission facelift) For faster, more effective and more targeted diagnosis, Intelligent Predictive Repair (IPR) has been develop

11038188

Date: 2026-09-26. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: STEERING.

Complaint Slight creaking noises when steering. Cause Noises may come from one or more sleeves of the horn contact plate. Remedy Remove the horn contact plate and check the sleeves for noise; see attached video. If necessary, apply lubricant to the sleeves.

11037484

Date: 2026-09-25. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: VISIBILITY/WIPER.

Complaint CEL illuminates and/or AC does not blow cold. Cause Potentially relevance to hardware and/or software Remedy Scenario 1: 1. If the AC does not blow cold air, replace compressor (if compressor's index and part number Figure 1 match against Table 1). a. If the compressor does not fall within

11038186

Date: 2026-09-22. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: SERVICE BRAKES.

Complaint Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is similar to a tire or wheel vibration, it is usually readily noticeable that it is distinctly different if it happens at all times or only while braking. Cause Although the cause of the vibra

11037379

Date: 2026-09-18. Type: Other. Systems: POWER TRAIN, STRUCTURE, SUSPENSION, VISIBILITY/WIPER.

Dear Dealer Partners, The part numbers listed in the chart below should no longer be installed and any existing stock must be returned to your facing PDC. The deadline for all dealer returns is Thursday, October 8th, 2026. After October 8th, we will no longer accept returns of these parts. These par

11038175

Date: 2026-09-17. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Complaint Issue after OTA Update IC Odometer Reading blank("_ _ _ _") IC Maintanence data unavailable Cause OTA Update E61.0 Remedy In the IC Control Unit Log, please check the following information: Verify whether DTCs B228229, B228287, and B226656 are present in either A or A+S. Verify that Status

11038176

Date: 2026-09-17. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE.

Complaint Red coolant warning in instrument cluster. Fault codes U019F00 or U019F87 current/stored in MRG1 control unit. Cause Various causes Remedy Perform guided test for fault code U019F with XENTRY diagnosis. Verify the following connections are clean and tight. Correct any problems and retest p

11037834

Date: 2026-09-14. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: POWER TRAIN.

Complaint Whining / humming noises (described as foghorna like) from the drivetrain in the rear axle area during cornering. (figure 1) On the abovea mentioned vehicles with a mileage up to 15,000 km (about 9,300 mi), noises can occur from the rear axle differential. Cause Drivetrain resonance caus

11037987

Date: 2026-09-14. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: POWER TRAIN.

Complaint Only vehicles with a variable transfer case are affected. This can be identified through control unit N45 or N15/7 in the quick test. When accelerating with light load, vibrations or jolting sensation may come from the drivetrain. It may be mistaken for a harsh shift. Cause Modified oil qu

Notes on this record

  • Complaints from the API and bulk file are merged and deduplicated by ODI number; the API alone misses records.
  • System and subsystem counts are numbers of distinct complaints, recalls or communications that name them. One record can name several systems, so shares across systems can add to more than 100 percent; a single share never exceeds 100 percent.
  • Recalls are counted once per campaign, investigations once per action and manufacturer communications once per NHTSA id, even when NHTSA lists several model names for the same record.
  • A sales denominator is a calendar-year proxy, not the population of vehicles still in use. Rates are copied from verified pipeline output.

Other names NHTSA uses

None listed.

Matched NHTSA models

Matched labels and complaints
NHTSA model labelComplaints
S 5001

Same model, other years

All model years | All Mercedes-Benz models

Other Mercedes-Benz models, 2021

Sources

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