repaired · 2026 Q3
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components
Risk. A brake fluid leak can extend the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
2021 Mercedes-Benz S500Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 1 owner complaint about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S500, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 7 safety recalls, and for recall 24V-807 the manufacturer reports only 57% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through February 24, 2025. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S500 has problems
1 complaint grouped by the system owners reported.
1Engine and engine cooling
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine and engine cooling | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
7 recalls
2021 Mercedes-Benz S500 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 · 2026 Q3
Communication: auto crash notification
Risk. A disabled emergency call system that prevents a vehicle occupant from contacting emergency services or fails to identify the vehicle location, can delay…
repaired · 2024 Q2
Back over prevention: display function
Risk. An inoperative rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
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…
Show 3 more recalls
repaired · 2024 Q1
Steering: column
Risk. Disabled safety features or the inability to shift gears can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
repaired · 2024 Q1
Exterior lighting: back up lights
Risk. 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.
repaired · 2023 Q3
Air bag/restraint control module: software
Risk. A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during 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
2021 vs. every other S500 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 S500 median. How we score
'93'94'95'96'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'21'23
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
In owners' words
What S500 owners report
Recent engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
Own a 2021 S500?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.