2018 Mercedes-Benz S560Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 13 owner complaints about the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S560, most often about the engine. It is covered by 10 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 October 25, 2022. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S560 has problems

13 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine31
Fuel/propulsion system20
Service brakes20
Steering20
Visibility/wiper10
Communication10
Wheels10
Electrical system10
Suspension10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

10 recalls

2018 Mercedes-Benz S560 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.

55%repaired · 2023 Q3

Body: roof and pillars

Recall 21V-197 · Mar 19, 2021 · 15,096 vehicles · 8,323 repaired

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…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

82%repaired · 2023 Q3

Communication

Recall 21V-072 · Feb 12, 2021 · 67 vehicles · 55 repaired

Risk. A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting emergency services through the call center in an emergency, potentially delaying…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

95%repaired · 2023 Q4

Communication: auto crash notification

Recall 21V-058 · Feb 5, 2021 · 1,292,258 vehicles · 1,231,020 repaired

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.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

63%repaired · 2022 Q2

Electrical system: software

Recall 20V-449 · Jul 31, 2020 · 56 vehicles · 35 repaired

Risk. Without the audible tone and blinking warning light to remind the front seat occupants that their seat belts are not buckled, they may forget to buckle their…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 6 more recalls
94%repaired · 2022 Q2

Engine

Recall 20V-173 · Mar 20, 2020 · 9,791 vehicles · 9,185 repaired

Risk. An engine oil leak can spill on to the road and cause slippery road conditions.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

95%repaired · 2022 Q1

Foundation components: disc

Recall 19V-915 · Dec 20, 2019 · 75 vehicles · 71 repaired

Risk. The incorrect size brake components may lead to the wrong replacement components fitted to the vehicle during brake repairs, possibly affecting braking…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

100%repaired · 2021 Q2

Engine: gasoline

Recall 19V-821 · Nov 15, 2019 · 6 vehicles · 6 repaired

Risk. A detached idler gear can damage the engine, resulting in a stall and increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

93%repaired · 2020 Q3

Lane keep: automatic steering

Recall 18V-910 · Dec 19, 2018 · 6,200 vehicles · 5,793 repaired

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.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

100%repaired · 2020 Q3

Lane keep: steering assist

Recall 18V-908 · Dec 19, 2018 · 5,754 vehicles · 5,754 repaired

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.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

94%repaired · 2019 Q4

Electrical system

Recall 18V-407 · Jun 15, 2018 · 1,701 vehicles · 1,603 repaired

Risk. If the power bars are not properly secured, it can cause higher electrical resistance increasing the risk of a fire.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

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 S560 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 S560 median. How we score

'18'19'20'21
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S560, and the recalls they led to.

  1. Front Roof Panel DetachmentPE21001 · closed Oct 14, 2021
    Led to recall 21V-197
In owners' words

What S560 owners report

Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

Walk Home Condition -I purchased a 2018 CPO Mercedes-Benz S560 on 8/20/21 from Knauz Continental Autos in Lake Bluff, IL. On 9/25/2, at approx noon, I was driving the vehicle and the engine light came on, the throttle/engine felt sluggish and not responsive. The engine felt very out of balance…
Complaint 11435904 · Oct 7, 2021
2018 MERCEDES BENZ S CLASS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO REWORK ENGINE OIL PLUGS SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME COMPLETING THE RECALL REPAIR. *JS THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. *JS
Complaint 11349483 · Aug 18, 2020
TL* THE CONSUMER OWNED A 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ S560. AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR APPROXIMATELY THREE MINUTES, THE CONTACT PARKED THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER WAS ALERTED BY SOMEONE THAT THERE WAS SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. WITHIN THIRTY SECONDS TO A MINUTE, THE VEHICLE BECAME ENGULFED IN…
Complaint 11278598 · Nov 7, 2019 · 39,000 miles

Own a 2018 S560?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.