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2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Gas
Large Cars
14 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-09-11
F
Safety Signal
35 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
Recalls2 critical14
Complaintsowner reports to NHTSA26
Crash ratingNHTSA overall—
Fuel economybest combined, EPA22 mpg
202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is sold in the U.S. as a gas large car with 14 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the S450, is EPA-rated at 22 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns for this model year, 2 rated critical, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of F. Owners have filed 26 complaints, most often about the service brakes.

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
ConfigurationPowertrainDriveEngine / motorCityHwyCombAnnual fuel*
S450GasRWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo192822$3,500
S450 4maticGas4WD3.0L 6-cyl turbo182822$3,500
S560GasFWD4.0L 8-cyl turbo172721$3,700
S560 4maticGas4WD4.0L 8-cyl turbo172721$3,700
S560 4matic CoupeGas4WD4.0L 8-cyl turbo172721$3,700
AMG S63 4maticGas4WD4.0L 8-cyl turbo172620$3,900
AMG S63 4matic CoupeGas4WD4.0L 8-cyl turbo172720$3,900
S560 ConvertibleGasFWD4.0L 8-cyl turbo172620$3,900
Maybach S560 4maticGas4WD4.0L 8-cyl turbo162519$4,100
AMG S63 4matic ConvertibleGas4WD4.0L 8-cyl turbo152418$4,300
AMG S65GasRWD6.0L 12-cyl turbo132216$4,850
AMG S65 ConvertibleGasRWD6.0L 12-cyl turbo142116$4,850
AMG S65 CoupeGasRWD6.0L 12-cyl turbo132116$4,850
Maybach S650GasRWD6.0L 12-cyl turbo132116$4,850

*EPA estimate at 15,000 miles/year at EPA reference fuel and electricity prices. fueleconomy.gov record ids: 39439, 39440, 40091, 39302, 39947, 39301, 39948, 39945, 39303, 39946.

Factory warranty running out?

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Recalls (14)

Source: NHTSA recall database
▲high

Power Train

24,092 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 E 400 4MATIC Sedan, E 400 4MATIC Wagon, E 400 4MATIC Cabriolet, E 400 4MATIC Coupe, 2018-2020 Maybach S 560 4MATIC, S 560 4MATIC Coupe, S 450 4MATIC, 2019-2020 E 450 4MATIC Sedan, E 450 4MATIC Wagon, E 450 4MATIC Coupe, and E 450 4MATIC Cabriolet vehicles. The drive shaft universal joint may break, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power.RiskA sudden loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.FixDealers will inspect and replace the drive shaft as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed May 22, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning April 10, 2026.
NHTSA campaign 26V216000reported Apr 3, 2026Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
▲high

Structure

2021070010
15,096 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2020 C300 Coupe, C43 Coupe AMG, C43 AMG, 2015-2020 C300, GLA250, 2016-2018 C350e, CLA45 Coupe AMG, 2015 C400, S65 AMG, 2015-2019 C63 AMG, 2016 C450, 2015-2016 GLA45 AMG, S600, 2016-2020 GLC300, 2017-2019 GLC43 AMG, GLE43 Coupe AMG, 2014-2019 CLA250 Coupe, 2014-2015 CLA45 AMG, 2018 GLC63 AMG, 2014-2017 S550, 2018-2020 S450, 2016-2019 GLE63 Coupe AMG, 2016 GLE450 Coupe, 2014-2020 S63 AMG, 2018-2019 S560, and 2019 GLC350e vehicles equipped with a panoramic sunroof. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair.RiskThe 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 risk of a crash.FixMercedes-Benz dealer will remove the bonded panel and will install a new front panel by following the detailed repair instructions and using the approved primer, cleaner and adhesive, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021 and October 26, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
NHTSA campaign 21V197000reported Mar 19, 2021Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
●moderate

Communication

2021030005
67 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2019 C300, E300, 2018-2020 CLA250, 2020 CLS450, AMG E53, AMG GT53, GLE450, 2018 AMG E63, AMG GTA, 2017-2020 GLA250, GLC300, 2019 GLC350, AMG GLC43, 2017-2018 GLE350, 2019 AMG GLC 43, GLC350, GLE400, 2017 GLS450, S550, C300 Cabrio, and 2018-2019 S560 vehicles. On June 18, 2021, an additional 9 vehicles were added, including certain 2021 GLA250, GLC300, 2018 S450, E400, and 2017 CLA250 vehicles. The communication module might have been inadvertently deactivated during a service visit, which could have disabled the Emergency Call (eCall) function.RiskA disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting emergency services through the call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.FixMBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the communication module and activate it, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Letters for the owners of the 9 additional vehicles were mailed July 9, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021030005.
NHTSA campaign 21V072000reported Feb 12, 2021Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
○minor

Electrical System

2021020025
1,292,258 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-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.RiskFailure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.FixMBUSA 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.
NHTSA campaign 21V058000reported Feb 5, 2021Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
○minor

Seat Belts

2020080015
56 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 C300, C300 Coupe, CLS450, E450 Coupe and S450, 2017-2019 E300, 2018 E400 Coupe, E400 Stationwagon, and 2018-2019 S560 vehicles that have previously had the instrument cluster replaced. The software in the replaced instrument cluster may cause the seat belt warning system to not operate properly, only displaying a solid warning light if either the driver or passenger seat belt is unfastened, instead of a blinking light with an audible tone.RiskWithout 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 seat belt, increasing their risk of injury in the event of a crash.FixMBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. The recall began September 8, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020080015.
NHTSA campaign 20V449000reported Jul 31, 2020Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
▲high

Engine

2020060018
9,791 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 S560 and Maybach S560 vehicles equipped with 4.0L 8-cylinder gasoline-engines. Two engine oil plugs may not withstand high engine loads while driving, possibly resulting in an engine oil leak.RiskAn engine oil leak can spill on to the road and cause slippery road conditions. Additionally, if the engine runs out of oil it can cause an engine stall while driving. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.FixMBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will reinforce the engine oil plugs by adding a retaining plate, free of charge. The recall began August 11, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020060018.
NHTSA campaign 20V173000reported Mar 20, 2020Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
!critical

Engine And Engine Cooling

2020020023
2,518 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 E63 AMG 4MATIC, E63S AMG 4MATIC Wagon, S63 AMG Cabrio 4MATIC, S63 AMG Coupe 4MATIC, and S63 AMG 4MATIC and 2019 G63 AMG 4MATIC, AMG GT63 4MATIC, AMG GT63S 4MATIC vehicles equipped with 4.0L 8-cylinder gasoline turbocharged engines. The oil feed line to the turbocharger may leak.RiskAn oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components can increase the risk of a fire.FixMBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the oil feed line to the turbocharger, free of charge. The recall began March 20, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020020023.
NHTSA campaign 20V048000reported Jan 27, 2020Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
▲high

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

2020030020
75 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 S560 and S450 vehicles. These vehicles may be equipped with front brake components (brake discs, calipers, and pads) with different dimensions than specified for the vehicle.RiskThe incorrect size brake components may lead to the wrong replacement components fitted to the vehicle during brake repairs, possibly affecting braking performance and increasing the risk of a crash.FixMBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front brake system, free of charge. The recall began May 8, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020030020.
NHTSA campaign 19V915000reported Dec 20, 2019Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
▲high

Engine And Engine Cooling

2020020013
6 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 S560, S560 Cabriolet, and S560 4MATIC vehicles equipped with 8-cylinder gasoline engines. The threaded connection between the camshaft idler gear and the crankcase may be improperly tightened, possibly causing the idler gear to detach from the crankcase.RiskA detached idler gear can damage the engine, resulting in a stall and increasing the risk of a crash.FixMBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine, free of charge. The recall began February 21, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020020013.
NHTSA campaign 19V821000reported Nov 15, 2019Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
▲high

Steering

2019040025
5,754 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 AMG S63 4MATIC coupe, AMG S63 4MATIC sedan, AMG S63 4MATIC Cabriolet, S450 4MATIC sedan, S560 4MATIC coupe, S560 4MATIC sedan, and Maybach S560 4MATIC vehicles. Due to an incorrect steering boot installation, the Active Steering Assist system may remain engaged despite the driver's hands not being on the steering wheel for a prolonged period of time.RiskIf the system remains active despite the driver not having their hands on the wheel, the driver's inattention may increase the risk of crash.FixMBUSA has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and correct the steering boot installation, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 13, 2019. Owners may contact Mercedes Benz customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019040025.
NHTSA campaign 18V908000reported Dec 19, 2018Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
▲high

Steering

2019040024
6,200 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (Mercedes) is recalling certain 2018 S450 4MATIC, S560 4MATIC Coupe, S63 AMG 4MATIC Coupe, Maybach S560 4MATIC, S560 4MATIC, S63 AMG and S63 AMG 4MATIC Cabrio vehicles. The Hands-off-Detection system may malfunction, causing the Active Steering Assist system to remain engaged despite the driver's hands not being on the steering wheel for a prolonged period of time.RiskIf the system remains active despite the driver not having their hands on the wheel, the driver's inattention may increase the risk of crash.FixMercedes has notified owners, and dealers will update the software of the steering control unit, free of charge. The recall began May 13, 2019. Owners may contact Mercedes customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019040024.
NHTSA campaign 18V910000reported Dec 19, 2018Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
○minor

Lane Departure

2018090008
375 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 Mercedes Benz S63 AMG 4MATIC and S65 AMG vehicles. The software calibration for the Active Lane Keeping Assist may be incorrect, and as a result, the system may not intervene in the event of an unintended lane departure while traveling faster than 65 miles an hour.RiskIf the Active Lane Keeping Assist does not intervene as expected above 65 miles per hour, there would be an increased risk of a crash.FixMBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the multipurpose camera software, free of charge. The recall began October 5, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018090008.
NHTSA campaign 18V607000reported Sep 11, 2018Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
!critical

Electrical System

2018080001
1,701 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 Mercedes-Maybach S560 and S560 4Matic and Mercedes S450 4Matic, S450, S560, S560 4Matic, and S560 Coupe 4Matic vehicles. The electrical power bars inside the pre-fuse box in the trunk may not have been secured properly.RiskIf the power bars are not properly secured, it can cause higher electrical resistance increasing the risk of a fire. Additionally, an intermittent contact between the power bars could lead to a loss of vehicle functions. The engine operation, the seat belt functions and the instrument cluster could be impaired, increasing the risk of a crash and injuries.FixMBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the pre-fuse box, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began August 30, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018080001.
NHTSA campaign 18V407000reported Jun 15, 2018Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
●moderate

Latches/Locks/Linkages

2018010009
8,700 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017 GLE400 4Matic, GLE350 4Matic, GLE350, GLE550e 4Matic, GLE43 AMG 4Matic, GLE63 AMG 4Matic, GLS450, GLE63S 4Matic, GLS63 4Matic, S550e, S600, S63 AMG 4Matic, S65 AMG, S550, Mercedes-Maybach S600, Mercedes-Maybach S550 4Matic, GLE43 AMG 4Matic Coupe, GLE63S 4Matic Coupe, 2017-2018 GLS550 4Matic, S550 4Matic, 2018 S450, and S63 AMG 4Matic vehicles. The rear passenger door on the driver side may indicate that it is locked, when it may not be. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."RiskIf the door appears to be locked, the door may be unintentionally opened, increasing the risk of injury.FixMBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left rear door lock, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in January 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691.
NHTSA campaign 17V816000reported Dec 18, 2017Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

NHTSA defect investigations

Structure:Body:Roof And Pillars — Front Roof Panel Detachment closed

On January 8, 2021, after ongoing review with Mercedes Benz, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE21-001 to assess allegations of front roof panel detachments while driving at highway speeds in certain 2015 Mercedes-Benz (Mercedes) C-Class vehicles.The subject front roof panel is a stationary panel composed of polycarbonate and is attached to the vehicle via adhesive at the time of manufacture. The panel is found on subject vehicles equipped with panoramic sunroofs. Over time, the subject panels may exhibit cosmetic degradation leading to replacement of the panel, a procedure which entails: removal of the old panel and adhe

Opened Jan 8, 2021 · closed Oct 14, 2021 · action PE21001

Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
26complaints filed

2 involved a crash · 2 a fire · 1 injuries · 0 deaths reported

Filed per year: 2017: 1 · 2019: 5 · 2020: 2 · 2021: 6 · 2022: 1 · 2023: 4 · 2024: 1 · 2025: 2 · 2026: 4

Most-cited components

Service Brakes5
Steering4
Power Train4
Engine3
Fuel/Propulsion System3
Suspension3

What owners describe

“The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz S560 4MATIC. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced failures associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V216000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and the contact was informed that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact was inf…”Jun 30, 2026 · Power Train · NHTSA owner report
“Hello as of now there was no accidents just read Reading the Recalls it is very serious I take in the vehicle to the Mercedes Benz dealership 4-29- 26 They did nothing but said they would get in contact with me once they receive the remedy”Apr 29, 2026 · Suspension · NHTSA owner report
“The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz S560 4Matic. The contact stated that while performing a brake service, the contact became aware that there was fluid leaking underneath the vehicle, coming from the driveshaft. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was shaking while driving due to the failure. The conta…”Apr 14, 2026 · Power Train · NHTSA owner report

Complaint counts are raw owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects, and scale with how many were sold. Use them to spot patterns, not to rank.

Crash ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP

NHTSA has not published 5-Star crash ratings for this model year.

Other S-Class model years

A

2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

0 recalls · 0 complaints

A

2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

0 recalls · 0 complaints

A

2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

1 recalls · 2 complaints

C

2024 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

2 recalls · 3 complaints

F

2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

8 recalls · 10 complaints

F

2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

9 recalls · 44 complaints

F

2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

17 recalls · 34 complaints

F

2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

6 recalls · 8 complaints

F

2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

13 recalls · 17 complaints

F

2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

10 recalls · 20 complaints

F

2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

7 recalls · 29 complaints

Sources & method

Safety Signal starts every model-year at 100 and subtracts points per open NHTSA recall campaign by severity: critical 15 (fire risk, park-outside or do-not-drive advisories), high 8 (brakes, steering, airbags, loss of drive power, structure, battery), moderate 6, minor 3 (software, labels, lighting fixed by an update). Floor 35. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Complaint counts and NHTSA crash ratings are shown separately and are not blended into the grade.

EPA figures come from fueleconomy.gov vehicle records. Recalls, complaints, investigations and crash ratings come from NHTSA's public flat files, refreshed weekly.

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