repaired · 2023 Q3
Body: roof and pillars
Risk. The adhesive bonding of the front panel might deteriorate, possibly causing the front panel to detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the…
2018 Mercedes-Benz S 450Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 7 owner complaints about the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S 450, most often about the forward collision avoidance. It is covered by 8 safety recalls, and for recall 21V-197 the manufacturer reports only 55% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through January 22, 2025. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S 450 has problems
7 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
2Forward collision avoidance
2Service brakes
1Power train
1Seat belts
1Steering
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Forward collision avoidance | 2 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 2 | 0 |
| Power train | 1 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
8 recalls
2018 Mercedes-Benz S 450 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2023 Q3
Communication
Risk. A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting emergency services through the call center in an emergency, potentially delaying…
repaired · 2023 Q4
Communication: auto crash notification
Risk. Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
repaired · 2022 Q1
Foundation components: disc
Risk. The incorrect size brake components may lead to the wrong replacement components fitted to the vehicle during brake repairs, possibly affecting braking…
Show 4 more recalls
repaired · 2020 Q3
Lane keep: automatic steering
Risk. If the system remains active despite the driver not having their hands on the wheel, the driver's inattention may increase the risk of crash.
repaired · 2020 Q3
Lane keep: steering assist
Risk. If the system remains active despite the driver not having their hands on the wheel, the driver's inattention may increase the risk of crash.
repaired · 2019 Q4
Electrical system
Risk. If the power bars are not properly secured, it can cause higher electrical resistance increasing the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2019 Q2
Doors: latch
Risk. If the door appears to be locked, the door may be unintentionally opened, increasing the risk of injury.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Mercedes-Benz.
Best & worst years
2018 vs. every other S 450 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the S 450 median. How we score
'18'19'20
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
In owners' words
What S 450 owners report
Recent forward collision avoidance complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ S450. WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED, THE AUTOMATIC BRAKING ACTIVATED ON ITS OWN IN TRAFFIC. THE CONTACT HAD TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL IN ORDER TO DRIVE SAFELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF…
THE PRE-COLLISION SAFETY FEATURE GOES OFF WHEN THERE IS NO COLLISION IMMINENT. IT IS FRIGHTENING AND COULD ACTUALLY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
Own a 2018 S 450?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.