Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S 580, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Electrical system10
- Wheels6
- Forward collision avoidance5
- Engine and engine cooling4
- Unknown or other4
- Engine4
- Lane departure3
- Service brakes3
- Vehicle speed control3
- Tires2
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 3 injuries and 1 deaths reported
Recalls
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Mercedes-Benz told its dealers about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S 580: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 11010970 | Mercedes-Benz AG, the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain MY21-25 C-Class, CLA, EQB, EQE, EQS, G-Class, GLA, GLB, GLC, GLE, GLS, GT, S-Class, and SL (206, 118, 243, 294, 296, 465, 247, 254, 167, 192, 223, and 232 platform) vehicles, the MBUX multimedia system does not correspond with the latest series production configuration. The MBUX multimedia system control unit will receive an OTA software update. MBUSA will conduct an OTA service campaign. Remote software updates are automatically downloaded and installed in the customers vehicle free of charge and do n |
| 11010818 | Complaint Transmission control unit Y3/8n4 (fully integrated transmission control unit (VGS)) not listed in quick test and/or no communication possible with VGS. Cause Transmission control unit Y3/8n4 Remedy It is important that LI54.15-P-057373 is processed before replacing any component parts (transmission 722.9). After processing and complying with the above documents, perform a reset on the transmission control unit Y3/8n4 (VGS) (ignition reset), check that the transmission connector is seated correctly and inspect the PINs for concerns. If communication with the VGS cannot be established |
| 11010755 | Complaint After a control unit replacement of "N112/9 - control unit for telematics services (HERMES)" or the "N112/2 - control unit for telematics services (RAMSES)", the Digital Extras (previously Mercedes me) cannot be activated. The DTC B15CE00 is active or active+saved. In vehicles with "N112/9 - control unit for telematics services (HERMES)": The message "SOS - service not activated" permanently lights up in the instrument cluster AND the actual value "Error when replacing certificate (CEP.36)" is displayed in the actual values for the activation status under "Registration status" (see |
| 11010494 | Complaint Rear lamps fogged up/not leaktight. Cause Fogging of the rear lamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. This does not lead to any technical impairment of the rear lamps. Remedy Rear lamp: Remedy 1: Clearing fogged/condensed rear lamps: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 C/+64.4 F) Note: Do not wash the vehicle or subject it to high-pressure cleaning before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine and connect battery support via a charger. 3. Open the trunk. 4. Switch on the exterior lighting. 5. Leave the ve |
| 11010455 | Complaint Only vehicles with a variable transfer case are affected. Can be identified through control unit N45 or N15/7 in the quick test When accelerating with light load, vibrations or jolting sensation may come from the drivetrain Cause Modified oil quality of the transfer case over time Remedy Check initial quick test for faults in the following control units N45 - All-wheel drive (ARS) N127 - 'Drivetrain' (PTCU) control unit Y3/8 - Transmission control for 9-gear transmission (VGS) N3/10 - Engine electronics for combustion engine If faults are present, process them as per the guided test |
| 11010435 | Complaint -Check engine light(MIL) is ON. -Current and stored fault code in DCCU and PTCU : P2E9873 The position sensor of the exterior socket flap of the vehicle socket (direct current) has an electrical fault. The actuator does not open. -Starting the vehicle or Charging the vehicle is normal without any issues. Cause Software in the "N116/5 - Direct current charge connection unit (DCCU)" control unit. Remedy SW remedy for N116/5(DC-Charging control unit box) is in progress. Once the software is available, update the software for N116/5 and perform SCN coding of N116/5 For this issue, the ve |
| 11009204 | Complaint The flush-mounted door handle could jam when it is pulled out and may move in a jerky manner when doing so. In the area of the paneling section of the door, paint damage could be present (picture 1) and/or an abrasion point could be present at the door handle (picture 2). Cause The door handle could be installed too low in the y direction and/or the z direction (picture 3); as a result, the door handle could brush the door at the paneling section of the door. Remedy 1.) Loosen screws from bearing bracket (picture 4, step 1). 2.) Remove bearing bracket (see picture 4, step 2) from d |
| 11009139 | Complaint When driving on rough ground, there may be noises from the 4-way head restraint of the front seats. The fault profile is not present at the limit stops (head restraint entirely retracted or entirely extended). Cause Head restraint has increased play between the worm and gearwheel in the head restraint mechanism. Remedy Check play/noise (see video attachment, headrest OK/headrest not OK). Please exchange the head restraint in the event of a not OK result. |
| 11009122 | Complaint Washer fluid system leaks Cause Various possible causes: 1. Washer fluid reservoir itself. 2. Seal on washer fluid pump/washer fluid reservoir. 3. Washer fluid pump. 3.1. Distributor housing leaks. 3.2. Pump fitting leaks. 3.3. Washer fluid hose cannot be snapped into place on pump fitting. 3.4. Washer fluid hose will not stay on pump fitting, although connector OK. 4. Washer fluid line. 4.1 Connector will not stay on pump fitting because it is broken. 4.2 Sealing ring in connector missing. 4.3 Sealing ring in connector fitted, but deformed and therefore leaks. 4.4 Damage to washer l |
| 11009036 | Complaint "Active Emergency Stop Assist Currently Unavailable" and "Active Steering Assist Inoperative" instrument cluster messages along with Tire Pressure Light on in Instrument Cluster. Cause Both systems are temporarily unavailable due to low tire pressures. An active tire pressure monitor light may result in some assistance features being temporarily unavailable until tire pressures are corrected. Remedy Check/adjust tire pressures and reset monitoring through the instrument cluster. |
| 11009025 | Mercedes-Benz AG ("MBAG"), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain Model Year (MY) 2018 - 2024 E-Class, S-Class & AMG GT (213, 217, 222, 223 and 290 platforms) vehicles, the low pressure fuel line does not meet current production specifications. Therefore, it is possible that accelerated aging in the area of connection could occur, resulting in a leak. A risk of fire can be ruled out. MBUSA will conduct an Emission Service Campaign. An authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will replace the braided hose of low-pressure fuel line and install a heat shield over the n |
| 11008977 | Complaint Combustion engine could no longer be started, only electric driving possible. Cause High-voltage belt-driven starter-alternator faulty. Remedy Requirement: Prior to the implementation of the test work, it must be ensured that the person carrying out this work has successfully completed the required HV qualification to work on HV system. |
| 11008880 | Complaint After a control unit replacement of "N112/9 - control unit for telematics services (HERMES)" or the "N112/2 - control unit for telematics services (RAMSES)", the Digital Extras (previously Mercedes me) cannot be activated. The DTC B15CE00 is active or active+saved. In vehicles with "N112/9 - control unit for telematics services (HERMES)": The message "SOS - service not activated" permanently lights up in the instrument cluster AND the actual value "Error when replacing certificate (CEP.36)" is displayed in the actual values for the activation status under "Registration status" (see |
| 11008873 | Complaint Tension-releasing impact of the propeller shaft with the force-free in D "KID" function, after vehicle has stopped. Cause The tension-releasing jolt in the drivetrain originates as a result of the "release" of energy stored when braking through the force-free switch after stopping. It is suspected that the longitudinal bearing is being placed under tension here as a result of the vehicle "dropping off". Remedy 1. Mark the installation position of the joint prior to the removal (picture a+b). This is important for vehicles with a weighted drivetrain ex factory to ensure correct instal |
| 11008091 | Complaint During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or interference/background noises are audible to the called party during a call. It becomes increasingly difficult to understand as the speed rises. Cause A. Seating of the microphones in the headliner. Side edges are covered by the textile cover (see picture "1") B. Assembly of microphones (B25/20 or B25/21) in the headliner. C. Dirt inside the microphone housing Remedy 1. Press finger on rear of microphone (on adhesive tape) 2. Remove microphone cap from the front 3. Eliminate protrudin |
| 11008080 | Issue Mercedes-Benz AG, the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain MY 2024 S-Class and EQS (223 and 297 platform) vehicles, the DRIVE PILOT Supplemental Booklet does not correspond to current production specifications. What Were Doing MBUSA will conduct a service campaign. An authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will replace the DRIVE PILOT supplemental booklet. |
| 11007974 | Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging does not result in a technical impairment of the headlamp. A leak test must be performed to determine if physical fogging exists or if the headlamp is leaky. Remedy In advance, observe LI82.10-P-078301 "Headlamps or Front Fog Lamps Leaking or Fogged". 1. Prepare headlamp/check for external damage: For headlamps with a closed system 1. Check the headlamps for any external damage and check also for cor |
| 11007966 | Complaint Display dark (total or partial) of one or more ASCM (AMG) steering wheel button displays - see attachment. Note: There is no loss of vehicle functionality due to this complaint. Cause Software can cause a partial display on the ASCM. Remedy Please perform the following steps in the event of a total or partial display of the ASCM displays: 1. Perform a hard reset (disconnect power supply) of control unit A74/2 (ASCM) for 2 minutes. 2. Perform a software update of the A74/2 (ASCM), N145 (DRVU) and A26/17 (HU). 3. Reset the user profile via the head unit settings menu. (Full factory res |
| 11007960 | Complaint Vehicles with option code 200, DRIVE PILOT. "DRIVE PILOT cannot be activated system currently unavailable" on instrument cluster after pressing one of the DRIVE PILOT steering wheel activation button. Cause The instrument cluster message can be presented for multiple reasons. See "Remedy" section below. Remedy 1.Check for DTC's related to the system. If yes, process DTC. If no, proceed to 2. 2.If vehicle is low mileage or during a PDI, verify calibration of the short range radar sensors. Print control unit log of any Short Range Radar B29/11-14 (NBR-XX). Proceed to the bottom of |
| 11007796 | Complaint Individual functions such as sliding sunroof or roller sunblind can no longer be operated using the gesture recognition system. Cause Gesture recognition system control unit software N168 Remedy For vehicles before modification year 23/2: A remedy is currently being developed. Replacing parts will have no effect. For vehicles as of modification year 23/2: Considered to be a series production configuration. A change will not be possible in future. |
| 11007790 | Complaint Headlamps fogged or droplets forming. Cause Due to the housing cover with pressure compensation diaphragm, the headlamps are a "closed system". This means that the headlamps are protected against acid gases, dirt and exhaust gas. However, moisture can still enter from two sources. Through absorption and desorption (the commonest cause) or through permeation. Moisture is either absorbed by the plastic material and, when the light source is switched on, it is released from the plastic by desorption, or the moisture penetrates through the plastic materials of the headlamp from outside |
| 11007753 | Complaint Headlamp or front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. Headlamps comply with all applicable standards. If a pressure compensation diaphragm is fitted in the housing cover, then the lamp unit is a "closed system". Remedy Headlamp: Remedy 1 Clearing fogged/condensed LED headlamps and LED rear lamps: 1. Drive vehicle into workshop (temperature higher than +18 C/+64.4 F) and connect the exhaust extraction. Note: Do not perform an eng |
| 11007731 | 1. Connect XENTRY Diagnosis. 2. Update Fuel System Control Unit (FSCU10) software. To do this, select menu item "Quick test view . N118/3 Control unit Fuel pump (FSCU10) . Adaptations . Control unit update . Updating of control unit software". Then follow the user guidance in XENTRY Diagnosis. 3. Disconnect XENTRY Diagnosis. |
| 11007728 | Complaint To insure vehicle down time is kept at a minimum and all required information is available when case is escalated, as well as assist technicians with checks that may help lead in resolving issue without case creation. THIS LI IS NOT TO BE USED AS A REASON FOR CASE CREATION BUT AS A GUIDE IF A CASE IS NEEDED Cause There are, at times, additional steps workshops can do to help diagnose and rectify transmission complaints. Remedy When opening a case for transmissions a EEPROM, Quick Test, and VGS CUL are absolutely necessary Please also check for any relevant LIs before opening case. Al |
| 11007673 | Complaint Damage or discoloration to paint protection films on vehicle. Cause Chip protection films are a wear item that may need to be replaced over the life of the vehicle. They are typically not covered by vehicle warranty. Remedy To properly install a paint/chip protection film, please follow the below guidelines: #1 - Utilize a solution that is 0.2% soap solution (1,000ml of water + 2ml of liquid soap). #2 - Clean the paint surface and ensure it is dust-free. #2a - When cleaning, you can utilize isopropyl alcohol (Rubbing Alcohol) to assist with cleaning. #2b - We recommend a lint-free ra |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)