Model year 2021 · Subcompact Cars, Compact Cars, Large Cars
2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class: recalls, fuel economy and safety ratings
EPA rates the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class at 17–24 mpg combined across 7 versions. NHTSA lists 17 safety recalls and 35 owner complaints for this model year.
Recall file dated Oct 28, 2026 · EPA file dated Sep 29, 2026 · updated Oct 28, 2026, 7:36 AM EDT
NHTSA lists this vehicle as AMG S63, S 500, S 560, S 580.
Check your own car: enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls for that exact vehicle, and contact a Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the repair — safety recall repairs are free. The list below covers the whole model year, so not every recall applies to every car.
2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class recalls
NHTSA's recall file lists 17 safety recalls for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, newest first.
Service brakes, hydraulic: Foundation components
NHTSA 25V116000 Reported Feb 24, 2025
- Filed by
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (manufacturer recall no. 2025030007)
- Units affected
- 20,339 (estimate)
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Communication: Auto crash notification and 1 more component
NHTSA 24V807000 Reported Oct 25, 2024
- Filed by
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (manufacturer recall no. 2024110002)
- Components
- Communication: Auto crash notification; Electrical system: Software
- Units affected
- 21 (estimate)
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Engine and engine cooling: Engine: Engine control module (ecu/ecm): Software
NHTSA 24V704000 Reported Sep 20, 2024
- Filed by
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (manufacturer recall no. 2024100007)
- Units affected
- 27,190 (estimate)
- Problem
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2023 S580, and Maybach S580 vehicles. In the event of a mechanical failure in the engine Camtronic system, the engine control unit (ECU) software may cause the engine to overheat or stall.
- Risk
- An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. In addition, an engine that overheats can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 15, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on November 15, 2024, January 10, 2025, and February 21, 2025. Owners can contact Mercedes-Benz Customer Service at 1-877-496-3691. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024100007.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Fuel system, gasoline: Delivery: Fuel pump
NHTSA 23V445000 Reported Jun 26, 2023
- Filed by
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (manufacturer recall no. 2023070012)
- Units affected
- 143,551 (estimate)
- Problem
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2023 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS, SL, GT, GLC, GLE, GLS, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The fuel pump may shutdown, which can result in a loss of drive power.
- Risk
- A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 14, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2023070012.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Structure: Frame and members and 1 more component
NHTSA 23V200000 Reported Mar 24, 2023
- Filed by
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (manufacturer recall no. 2023040009)
- Components
- Structure: Frame and members; Electrical system
- Units affected
- 6 (estimate)
- Problem
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 Maybach S580 and S580 vehicles. The bulkhead that separates the engine compartment from the passenger compartment may not have been properly sealed, causing water to drain into the passenger compartment. Water intrusion into the foot wells may cause corrosion and/or short circuits to electrical components, disabling safety features, including seat belt tightening and seat adjustments (PreSafe system).
- Risk
- Disabled safety features, including seat belt tightening and seat adjustments, can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will repair the bulkhead front wall sealing, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 12, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2023040009.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Visibility: Fixed panaramic roof/sky light assembly
NHTSA 23V098000 Reported Feb 17, 2023
- Filed by
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (manufacturer recall no. 2023020008)
- Units affected
- 1 (estimate)
- Problem
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling one 2021 S 580 4Matic vehicle. The fixed front glass panel between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not be properly secured and may detach.
- Risk
- A detached glass panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the front fixed glass panel, free of charge. The owner notification letters were mailed March 17, 2023. The owner may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2023020008.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Back over prevention: Display function
NHTSA 22V493000 Reported Jul 11, 2022
- Filed by
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (manufacturer recall no. 2022080002)
- Units affected
- 8,530 (estimate)
- Problem
- 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."
- Risk
- 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.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Electrical system: Software and 1 more component
NHTSA 22V365000 Reported May 20, 2022
- Filed by
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (manufacturer recall no. See Recall Schedule)
- Components
- Electrical system: Software; Communication: Auto crash notification
- Units affected
- 242,722 (estimate)
- Problem
- 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 connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.
- Risk
- 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.
- 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 2022060005 and 2023110006.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Steering: Column
NHTSA 22V214000 Reported Apr 1, 2022
- Filed by
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (manufacturer recall no. 2022040006)
- Units affected
- 4 (estimate)
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Steering: Steering wheel/handle bar
NHTSA 22V189000 Reported Mar 25, 2022
- Filed by
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (manufacturer recall no. 2022040010)
- Units affected
- 8,396 (estimate)
- Problem
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2022 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL, EClass Coupe/Convertible, CLS, AMG GT 4-doors Coupe, and EQS vehicles with a heated leather steering wheel. Due to a software error in the hand detection control unit, the hands-off detection might not detect when the driver's hands are away from the steering wheel when using the Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC system.
- Risk
- Deactivated hands-off detection will prevent DISTRONIC system features from functioning, including warnings to grab the steering wheel and calling first responders as part of the Active Emergency Stop Assist, which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the hand detection control unit software for the DISTRONIC system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 6, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022040010.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Exterior lighting: Turn signal and 2 more components
NHTSA 22V167000 Reported Mar 18, 2022
- Filed by
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (manufacturer recall no. 2022040013)
- Components
- Exterior lighting: Turn signal; Exterior lighting: Hazard flashing warning lights; Exterior lighting: Back up lights
- Units affected
- 9,156 (estimate)
- Problem
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Air bags: Critical fasteners and 1 more component
NHTSA 22V124000 Reported Mar 4, 2022
- Filed by
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (manufacturer recall no. 2022030024)
- Components
- Air bags: Critical fasteners; Air bags: Air bag/restraint control module
- Units affected
- 14 (estimate)
- Problem
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 S580 4Matic vehicles. The air bag control unit may be improperly secured and may result in an unintentional air bag or seat belt deployment, or an improper deployment in the event of a crash.
- Risk
- Unintentional or improper deployment of air bags and/or seat belts can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and tighten the air bag control unit fastening nuts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-637-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022030024.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Electrical system: Software
NHTSA 21V931000 Reported Nov 29, 2021
- Filed by
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (manufacturer recall no. 2022010003)
- Units affected
- 227 (estimate)
- Problem
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 S580, 2022 EQS450, EQS580, and S500 vehicles with an active and connected Mercedes me connect account. The MBUX infotainment system might allow activation of the television and internet display while driving, causing a distraction for the driver.
- Risk
- Driver distraction can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- MBUSA has updated their computer server to correct the issue for most vehicles, free of charge. For vehicles that were not able to be updated remotely, dealers will provide the software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 25, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Engine and engine cooling: Engine: Engine control module (ecu/ecm): Software
NHTSA 21V843000 Reported Oct 29, 2021
- Filed by
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (manufacturer recall no. 2022010002)
- Units affected
- 8,669 (estimate)
- Problem
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 S580 and Maybach S580 vehicles. An engine control unit software error may cause a sudden engine stall, without the ability to restart the vehicle.
- Risk
- An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the engine control unit software, free of charge. Owners notification letters were mailed on January 28, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Air bags: Sensor: Occupant classification: Front passenger and 1 more component
NHTSA 21V789000 Reported Oct 11, 2021
- Filed by
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (manufacturer recall no. 2021100010)
- Components
- Air bags: Sensor: Occupant classification: Front passenger; Air bags: Air bag/restraint control module: Software
- Units affected
- 1,311 (estimate)
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Fuel system, gasoline: Delivery: Fuel pump and 1 more component
NHTSA 21V704000 Reported Sep 10, 2021
- Filed by
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (manufacturer recall no. 2021090012)
- Components
- Fuel system, gasoline: Delivery: Fuel pump; Fuel system, gasoline: Storage: Tank assembly
- Units affected
- 7 (estimate)
- Problem
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 S580 vehicles. The suction jet pump in the fuel tank may have a loose or missing nozzle, which can cause the pump to fail and result in an engine stall.
- Risk
- An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the fuel tank including the suction jet pump, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed October 26, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Electrical system: Software and 1 more component
NHTSA 21V058000 Reported Feb 5, 2021
- Filed by
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (manufacturer recall no. 2021020025)
- Components
- Electrical system: Software; Communication: Auto crash notification
- Units affected
- 1,292,258 (estimate)
- Problem
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.
- 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.
- Remedy
- MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Recall summaries are written by NHTSA from manufacturers' defect reports. Dates are when NHTSA received the report.
2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class fuel economy by version
EPA city/highway/combined estimates for each engine, transmission and drive combination. Annual fuel cost is EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year (55% city, 45% highway) at EPA's current fuel-price assumptions; your cost will vary.
Source: FuelEconomy.gov (U.S. DOE and EPA), file dated Sep 29, 2026. Each version links to its FuelEconomy.gov record.
EPA estimates come from standardized lab tests so cars can be compared fairly; real-world mileage depends on speed, weather, load, tires and driving style.
2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class crash-test ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the tested versions. More stars mean a lower chance of serious injury in that type of crash. Rollover risk is NHTSA's estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program), checked Oct 26, 2026.
Star ratings compare vehicles of similar size and weight; a frontal rating for a large pickup is not directly comparable with one for a small car.
2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class owner complaints
Owners have filed 35 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, most recently on Oct 17, 2026. 2 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 3 injured people and 1 deaths. These are unverified reports; a complaint is not proof of a defect.
Source: NHTSA consumer complaint files (complaints received since January 1, 2015). One complaint can name several components.
Had a safety problem with your vehicle? You can report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem.
