Model year

2018 Mercedes-Benz S560

Sedan, gasoline, AWD/All-Wheel Drive, built in Germany. Owner complaints on file from Apr 29, 2019 to Oct 25, 2022.

Recall campaigns covering this model year101.33M vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints13Close to the median 2018 sedan
Severity index7.72018 sedans average 6.6
First 24 months2Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S560 peaked in 2021, with 6 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

0246201920202021620222023202420252026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

23% of complaints about the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S560 name engine and cooling

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Engine and cooling
3
Fuel system
2
Brakes
2
Steering
2
Communication
1
Electrical system
1
Suspension
1
Visibility and wipers
1
Wheels
1
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

10 recall campaigns cover the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S560

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Recall campaigns for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S560
CampaignFiledSubjectComponentVehiclesRemedy
21V-197Mar 19, 2021Front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repairStructure15,096Repair or modification
21V-072Feb 12, 2021On June 18, 2021, an additional 9 vehicles were added, including certain 2021 GLA250, GLC300, 2018 S450, E400, and 2017 CLA250 vehiclesCommunication67Inspection
21V-058Feb 5, 2021Software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the…Communication1,292,258Software update
20V-449Jul 31, 2020Software in the replaced instrument cluster may cause the seat belt warning system to not operate properly, only displaying a solid warning light…Electrical system56Software update
20V-173Mar 20, 2020Two engine oil plugs may not withstand high engine loads while driving, possibly resulting in an engine oil leakEngine and cooling9,791Repair or modification
19V-915Dec 20, 2019These vehicles may be equipped with front brake components (brake discs, calipers, and pads) with different dimensions than specified for the vehicleBrakes75Part replacement
19V-821Nov 15, 2019Threaded connection between the camshaft idler gear and the crankcase may be improperly tightened, possibly causing the idler gear to detach from…Engine and cooling6Part replacement
18V-910Dec 19, 2018Hands-off-Detection system may malfunction, causing the Active Steering Assist system to remain engaged despite the driver's hands not being on…Driver assistance6,200Software update
18V-908Dec 19, 2018Due to an incorrect steering boot installation, the Active Steering Assist system may remain engaged despite the driver's hands not being on the…Driver assistance5,754Repair or modification
18V-407Jun 15, 2018Electrical power bars inside the pre-fuse box in the trunk may not have been secured properlyElectrical system1,701Part replacement
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S560

The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.

13 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

  1. Filed Oct 25, 2022Failure Jun 20, 2022Ocala, FLFuel/propulsion system, Suspension

    The Smell of fuel is present inside the vehicle around 50 percent of the time. When parked in the garage the vehicle emits an extremely strong fuel smell as if it has leaked fuel with no visible spills or leaks. While driving the smell of fuel is present almost always.

    NHTSA complaint 11490899
  2. Filed Oct 7, 2021Failure Sep 25, 2021Shelby Charter Twp, MIEngine

    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 shaking the entire care when the gas pedal was pressed. 5 mins later in heavy traffic, I stopped at a light, the engine started violently shaking and stalled. I shut the car off and tried to start it over a 5 min period. I was able to limp the vehicle to a local Mercedes dealership (Bloomfield, MI). Could only operate the vehicle below 25 MPH without violently shaking. The dealership was only 1 mile away. That dealership was able to quickly check codes. When I arrived the engine light went out and no codes where set. The assistant Service Manager told me that it looked like cylinder 4 was misfiring, but no code set. He told me that if it happens again, shut the car off and it should reset. I left the dealership around 1pm and continued driving. The issue had stopped. Approx 5 hours later, after driving for 3 hours, the same issue happened again about 5 miles from my home. The vehicle stalled multiple times and I finally got it running and limped the vehicle home at 20-25 MPH. The engine fault light stayed on this time. I let the vehicle sit in my garage on 9/26/21 as I was afraid to drive it anywhere. On 9/27/21 I drove the vehicle to the dealership close to my house. (Rochester Hills, MI) When I submitted the vehicle I was told that because I didn't have an appointment, they weren't sure if they could look at it that day. Service Rep called and said that the vehicle set a code (P030485). They said it would probably go away so I picked it up. Same issue occurred on 9/29/21 after driving for 25 mins. Had to limp the vehicle home again at 20 MPH. I turned the vehicle back into the same dealer on 9/30/21. I have zero visibility on a fix and next steps.

    NHTSA complaint 11435904
  3. Filed Jul 27, 2021Failure Mar 1, 2021Pelham, NYCommunication, Electrical system

    The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz S560. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V058000 (Communication, Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

    NHTSA complaint 11426613
  4. Filed Jun 11, 2021Failure Jun 10, 2021Pelham Manor, NYUnknown or other

    Recall # 21V058 The above Safety recall has not been cleared via dealer. (Two visits). I mentioned to dealer and they claim that it gets resolved "over the air". If so, then why hasn't it been resolved.

    NHTSA complaint 11420617
  5. Filed Mar 29, 2021Failure Mar 26, 202120,000 milesPelham Manor, NYService brakes

    THE FRONT ROTORS SEEM TO RETAIN BRAKE DUST JUST ON THE INSIDES OF THE ROTORS. THE OUTSIDES ARE VERY CLEAN AND SHINY BUT ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROTOR (INTERIOR) BECOMES VERY COARSE CAUSING VIBRATIONS IN STEERING. KEEP IN MIND THAT THE INTERIOR IS PROTECTED BY THE BRAKE SHIELD WHICH MUST BE CAUSING HEAT NOT TO BE DISSIPATED THEREBY FOSTERING BRAKE DUST TO AMASS. SUCH VIBRATIONS WILL ALARM DRIVERS TO PANIC AND CAUSE ACCIDENTS.

    NHTSA complaint 11405399
  6. Filed Mar 29, 2021Failure Mar 27, 202120,000 milesPelham Manor, NYFuel/propulsion system

    WHEN THE CAR IS LIFTED IN THE FRONT (TO CHANGE BOTH TIRES) THERE IS A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE CAR WHEN WALKING AROUND THE BACK. THE TANK WAS 50%FULL AND THIS OCCURS WHENEVER THE CAR IS LIFTED IN THE FRONT.

    NHTSA complaint 11405395
  7. Filed Mar 26, 2021Failure Mar 8, 202138,560 milesRoseville, CAWheels

    ON THE MORNING OF MARCH 8TH, MY VEHICLE WAS SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY AND I STARTED IT. I RECEIVED A LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING FROM THE FRONT LEFT TIRE. I ADDED AIR FOR SEVERAL DAYS AND THEN ON MARCH 13TH TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL AMERICAS TIRES FOR REPAIR. THE SHOP TOLD ME THE TIRE WAS FINE, THE RIM HAD DEVELOPED A HAIRLINE CRACK. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO MERCEDES BENZ AND WITHOUT EVEN LOOKING AT THE RIM, THEY SAID THIS WAS NOT A DEFECT, BUT THAT I MUST HAVE DAMAGED THE RIM AND ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE IS UNDER WARRANTY, THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR IT. I CAN FIND MANY CASES OF THIS ON LINE, AND THE SHOP TOLD ME "THIS IS COMMON WITH MERCEDES".

    NHTSA complaint 11405073
  8. Filed Aug 24, 2020Failure Jul 9, 20207,600 milesBarrington, ILService brakes

    BRAKES FAILED WITH NO PRIOR WARNING WHILE DRIVING AT RATED SPEED LIMIT OF 55 MPH AND TRYING TO SLOW DOWN THE CAR TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN. NO BRAKE RESPONSE AND BARELY MISSED WRAPPING THE CAR TO THE POWER LINE LOCATED ON ROUTE 62 AND BATEMAN ROAD IN BARRINGTON IL 60010

    NHTSA complaint 11350886
  9. Filed Aug 18, 2020Failure Apr 1, 2020Santa ANA, CAEngine

    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

    NHTSA complaint 11349483
  10. Filed Nov 7, 2019Failure Aug 15, 201939,000 milesFairfield, NJEngineFire

    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 FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND VEHICLE WERE DESTROYED. POLICE AND FIRE REPORTS WERE FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF CALDWELL (1220 BLOOMFIELD AVE, WEST CALDWELL, NJ 07006, (973) 227-3600) TO BE INSPECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,000. *LN*JB *AS

    NHTSA complaint 11278598
  11. Filed Sep 11, 2019Failure Jan 4, 201921,436 milesCanonsburg, PAVisibility/wiper

    TL* THE CONTACT DROVE A 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ S560 COMPANY VEHICLE. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING, A SMALL ROCK STRUCK AND CRACKED THE WINDSHIELD. THE CRACK QUICKLY SPREAD ACROSS THE ENTIRE WINDSHIELD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED FOUR TIMES AND THE WINDSHIELD WAS REPLACED EACH TIME AT JOHN SISSON MOTORS MERCEDES-BENZ (480 WASHINGTON RD, WASHINGTON, PA 15301, (724) 367-4013). THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 190703000028. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21,436.

    NHTSA complaint 11254623
  12. Filed Jul 8, 2019Failure Feb 1, 2019Dunmore, PASteering

    2018 MERCEDES BENZ S CLASS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO NHTSA RECALL 18V-910. *LD *JS

    NHTSA complaint 11229256
  13. Filed Apr 29, 2019Failure Apr 15, 20193,800 milesNorth Hills, CASteering

    THERE ARE 2 ACTIVE RECALLS SINCE PAST 4 MONTHS AND THERE IS NO REMEDY YET. I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALER TO FIX THE ISSUE AND THEY ARE TELLING ME THAT THE REMEDY HAS NOT BEEN MADE YET.

    NHTSA complaint 11204316
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

1 NHTSA investigation on file

  • PE21001 Preliminary evaluation, Structure
    Front Roof Panel Detachment
    Opened Jan 8, 2021, closed Oct 14, 2021 · led to a recall
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins

57 manufacturer communications cover this model year

Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.

  • SC-2022070004 Aug 11, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Mercedes-Benz AG ("MBAG"), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain Model Year (“MY”) 2028-2021 S-Class, S-Class Coupe/Cabriolet (217 and 222 platforms) vehicles, the low pressure fuel line does not correspond to the curr…
  • LI91.10-P-065540 May 26, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint Creaking noise from side bolster when load applied to seat cushion of front seats. Cause Soiling to the replacement fabric of the seat cushion cover means that friction on the seat side finisher mountings generates a creaking noise. Remedy 1.…
  • LI54.10-P-071499 Mar 31, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint The result from the XENTRY battery test does not match the current state of the battery. Cause The XENTRY battery tester uses the stored on-board electrical system data in the SAM module to access the health of the 12 volt battery. The XENTRY …
  • LI68.05-P-060307 Jan 9, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint The range of the integrated garage door opener (GTO) is too short. Cause 1. Vehicles equipped with infrared windows and/or a heated windshield may suffer from complaints involving low transmission power. 2. When comparing the range between the…
  • LI68.05-P-060306 Jan 27, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Complaint The garage door hand transmitter cannot be initialized with the integrated garage door opener in the inside rearview mirror. Cause 1. The integrated garage door opener (GDO) is not compatible with the opening system installed in the garage. 2…
  • LI09.00-P-074093 Dec 8, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    "MY15+ M278 and M157 Equipped Vehicles with Fault Code ""P023400 – Boost Pressure is Too High"" "
  • LI8860P073470 Aug 11, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Fuel filler flap opens slowly/switch flashes/tank is bleeding instrument cluster warning
  • LI8270P071024 Aug 27, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The mobile phone address book may not be transferred completely to the multimedia system COMAND, Audio 20, or MBUX. The contact list may not be fully populated and in some instances, the call list will display telephone numbers but no names.
  • LI9110P0633475 Nov 21, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Map pocket on front seat backrest trim does not close.
  • LI8850P057071 Aug 13, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Trunk lid closes too quickly.
  • LI8370P0644803 Aug 11, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    High voltage battery warning message in instrument cluster.
  • LI8285P0633424 Nov 29, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Navigation system permanently displays "Activating".
  • LI8285P0633423 Aug 25, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Navigation system permanently displays "Activating".
  • LI8270P055572 Aug 5, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Mobile phone cotacts are not transferred completely.
  • LI1830P0597123 Aug 5, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Gasket may settle causing a slight oil leak.
  • LI8220P073063 Jun 16, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Touch pad: Search lighting does not dim or does not turn on.
  • LI54.30-P-072145 Dec 10, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    NTG5.5: Incorrect time shown on instrument cluster, COMAND display, and analog clock
  • LI82.85-P-071453 Jul 31, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Incorrect time and/or instrument cluster message "SOS, service not activated" and/or Mercedes Me connect services nonfunctional
  • LI54.10-P-071499 Aug 10, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Xentry Battery Tester results disagree with workshop assessment
  • LI27.50-P-071658 Aug 26, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D or R
  • LI27.00-P-060741 Aug 24, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Shifting complaints and transmission fault codes in vehicles with transmission 725.0
  • LI82.10-P-062051 Jun 30, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Headlamps fogged
  • LI27.60-P-071237 May 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    5 to 4 coasting downshift - shift quality concern with cold trans- mission oil on MODEL 217 or 222 in combination with ENGI- NE 278 and TRANSMISSION 722.9 without code 835/498
  • P-SC-2020020001 Feb 7, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Information Label on Tire Sealant
  • SC-2019070001 Jan 10, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Update Engine Control Unit Software
  • SC-2019060011 Jan 10, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Update engine electronics (ME-SFI) control unit software
  • LI82 95-P-056655 Jul 23, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Customer experiences low battery conditions, resulting in jump starts, and eventually requiring battery replacement.
  • LI33.30-P-056665 Jul 18, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Single, throttle lift-off, clunking noise from the side shaft when starting off (audible at the wheel). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse (and vice versa).
  • LI27.20-P-055758 Jul 30, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    FC 2783 (Friction power of torque converter lockup clutch is too high) or FC 0741 (Actuation of torque converter lockup clutch not possible) stored in transmission control unit. One possible additional customer complaint could be "poor acceleration" e.g. du…
  • LI88.70-P-058639 Mar 4, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The outside mirror jolts when retracting/extending and makes a grinding noise.
  • LI82.62-P-058583 Feb 27, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Sound system: Intermittent loss of sound after engine start
  • LI72.12-P-058637 Mar 4, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Rear door quarter window roller blind fails to extend.
  • LI72.10-P-058636 Mar 4, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Gap between cap and outside door handle is wedge shaped on driver door
  • LI72.00-P-058634 Mar 4, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Wind noises at the front door above 70 MPH.
  • LI42.10-P-058354 Mar 21, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Squeaking noises from the service brake when braking. The complaint occurs primarily at low speeds when the operating temperature of the brakes is low.
  • LI32.22-P-058763 Mar 20, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Thumping/rattling/clattering noises from area of rear axle. Primarily, and sometimes only, heard by rear-seat passengers.
  • LI32.22-P-058343 Mar 17, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The vehicle drops at the front axle on one or both sides by more than 2 cm overnight.
  • LI07.08-P-058759 Mar 24, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Engine diagnosis warning lamp (check engine light - CEL) lights up in instrument cluster. Fault codes relating to combustion misfiring are logged in the fault memory of the engine control unit. In rare cases the engine may be in a limp-home mode. Otherwis…
  • LI01.30-P-058630 Mar 21, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Minor leaks at the oil duct of the left or right cylinder head of engines 157, 276 and 278. 1. Left cylinder head: Oil passage plug hole on left beside mechanical vacuum pump. 2. Right cylinder head: Oil passage plug hole below high-pressure pump housing.
  • LI54.15-P-057918 Feb 14, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The side markers light up continuously.
  • LI54.10-P-058326 Feb 10, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Display message in instrument cluster "Additional Battery - Service Required"
  • LI46.10-P-057961 Feb 18, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Surface damage on steering wheel trim
  • LI42.10-P-058354 Feb 25, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Squeaking noises from the front axle when braking
  • LI32.22-P-058343 Jan 31, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The vehicle drops at the front axle on one or both sides by more than 2 cm overnight.
  • LI32.22-P-058342 Jan 31, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Creaking noises from the area of the air suspension strut on the front axle when driving over bumps with the steering turned. Topic only reported from outer wheel until now.
  • GI88.40-P-057430 Feb 3, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Message in instrument cluster "DISTRONIC PLUSCurrently Unavailable - See Owner's Manual"
  • LI82.85-P-059356 Jul 8, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The animation in individual vehicle settings such as, e.g. mirror folding function or seat belt adjustment is missing. Note: The functions of these vehicle settings are not affected.
  • LI80.20-P-059363 Jul 12, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The trunk lid sometimes does not open completely and does not close (completely). This complaint is accompanied by the following symptoms: - Illumination of the trunk lid control button (S62/26) fails. - The ACTUAL value* of the trunk lid lock main catch…
  • LI68.20-P-059330 Jul 3, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    When on rough roads and with side loads applied to the center console (leg support) cracking noise may occur in the transition between the instrument panel and the center console.
  • LI35 30-P-058566 Aug 5, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Throttle lift-off clunking noises at drive shafts of rear axle
  • LI33 30-P-056665 Aug 5, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Throttle lift-off clunking noises at drive shafts of front axle
  • LI72 40-P-069934 Jun 27, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Outside mirror folding out/in nonfunctional
  • LI54-10-P-069831 May 21, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Electric range is reduced after brief period
  • LI83-70-P-064480 May 22, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    "High-voltage battery warning message" in instrument cluster
  • LI82-85-P-069789 May 20, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    NTG 5.5 head unit - Browser shows "Fault during authentication" message
  • LI82 20-P-067107 Oct 5, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    LED light on thermal cup holder in rear passenger compartment of BR 222 flickers
  • LI82 20-P-067044 Sep 19, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Partial operation of interior ambient lighting
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.