repaired · 2026 Q2
Communication: auto crash notification
Risk. A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency…
2020 Mercedes-Benz S 450Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 4 owner complaints about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz S 450, most often about the fuel/propulsion system. It is covered by 4 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 14, 2026. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2020 Mercedes-Benz S 450 has problems
4 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
1Fuel/propulsion system
1Vehicle speed control
1Visibility/wiper
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2020 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 Q2
Sensor: side impact
Risk. Air bags and seatbelts that don't function as intended can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
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…
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.
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
2020 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 fuel/propulsion system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The fuel pump My car stopped on the highway [XXX] on [XXX] with my children in the car with no warning at all. I was so lucky nobody hit us and it took 20 minutes of trying to start it to get off of the highway to a gas station where it cut off again The dealer said it is a known problem however my…
Own a 2020 S 450?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.