RoadVitals

2022 Mercedes-Benz S 500

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

NHTSA has issued a “do not drive” advisory affecting this model year.

Campaign 22V194000. Confirm whether your specific vehicle is covered using its VIN before acting on this.

Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov
Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
20
Latest Jul 1, 2026
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
8
Latest Feb 24, 2025
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0
2 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 20 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2022 Mercedes-Benz S 500, most frequently naming the driver assistance, electrical and body & structure categories. 8 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 295 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Electrical620.0%
  • Body & structure310.0%
  • Fuel system310.0%
  • Tires & wheels26.7%
  • Brakes26.7%
  • Exterior lighting13.3%
  • Engine13.3%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

8 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS

Feb 24, 2025
20,339 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: A brake fluid leak can extend the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLCManufacturer number 2025030007View on NHTSA.gov

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Dec 21, 2023
79,676 units potentially affected
The defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2024 GLE, GLS, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL, GLC, CLS, AMG GT, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The fuel pump may shutdown, causing a loss of drive power.
The risk: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 28, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on February 23, 2024, April 19, 2024, June 28, 2024, August 9, 2024, October 1, 2024, and December 2, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 23V-445.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Jun 26, 2023
143,551 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLCManufacturer number 2023070012View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Other / unspecified
Filed Jul 1, 2026

The factory upgrade 21 inch spoke wheels with Pirelli P-Zero low profile tires are averaging a blow out every 800 miles. 5 flats and 2 sidewall blisters in the last 10,000 miles. Pirelli P-Zero 255/35/R21 Front and 285/30/R21 Rear are all four available for inspection if you tell me to save them before I replace them. There have been thousands of complaints and law suits re this issue just in the last 5 years on mercedes cars with low profile tires; to Mercedes, Pirelli, through legal discovery, to enthusiasts forums, and to NHTSA My first blowout was at 30 mph hitting a 1 1/2" deep pothole full of rain water. That one blew out the front right and blistered the sideall of the right rear at once. Then one of the new replacements blew on hitting a storm drain set 1" into the pavement on the way home from the dealership. I've been driving 60 years, and never had a single pothole blowout before now. Sidewall tears release all or most of the air at once creating an extremely dangerous situation. Somebody will lose control and hurt or kill someone, or behurt while stopped in an unsafe spot. Since the car can't be towed and has no spare, it is exteremely costly and inconvenient to replace a tire. It has cost me thousands so far, and left my disabled wife and me stranded beside the highway. Car is on a flat and one and a blister on a second tire right now in driveway. Best fix is to go to a square wheel/tire fitment using 19" x 8.5" wheels with 35 offset 66.6 mm bore on all four, all season radials. To keep outside diamter the same for the computer, 255/45/R19 /AS/ XL W and with acoustic tuning or dampening to match the quiet factory tires on these cars. 20" wheels is no good, because to maintain diameter would require the same too short 35 sidewall profile on two of the tires. Staggered 19 inch wheels will work, but the square fitment allows for tire rotaion and for the carrying of a spare. Maybe make that optional for replacement recall.

NHTSA ID
11747686
Incident
Jun 25, 2026
Driver assistance
Filed Mar 31, 2025

The following pictures will again show the issues that I'm having while driving my 2022 S Class Mercedes, while using the cruise control on the Belt Parkway. It shows me stuck in traffic and, although I can only go 11 miles an hour while I’m stuck in traffic, the cruise control wants to push it to 80 mph, which is indeed VERY VERY DANGEROUS!! as you can well imagine. Also, as you can see in the second picture, I have the cruise control set to 39 MPH. I have been writing for the past two months with no resolve as yet. The repair records speak for themselves and still Mercedes Benz offers no remedy. It would appear that it's going to take a severe accident or fatality to bring some type of action on your part to replace this vehicle, which is definitely a LEMON!!

NHTSA ID
11651654
Incident
Mar 28, 2025
Driver assistance
Filed Mar 27, 2025

Here we go again, while driving on a side road with a 20 mph school speed limit, the cruise control wants to SPEED UP to 60 mph!! WHAT IS IT GOING TO TAKE TO REMEDY THIS BEFORE I’M INVOLVED IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT!!

NHTSA ID
11650963
Incident
Mar 25, 2025
Driver assistanceElectrical
Filed Mar 23, 2025

I leased my 2022 S 500, Mercedes Benz. on September 28, 2022 and after about a year, I have had issues with the large screen/radio and cruise control in the vehicle. All events are documented at the Rockville Centre, Long Island service center. I have made numerous complaints beginning in January of this year through emails and was assigned a case number with Mercedes Benz corporate which is 12240831. On numerous occasions, while using the cruise control set to 50 MPH, the vehicle will accelerate to  80 MPH  on a highway with a  50 MPH speed limit. Then on other occasions,  while using the cruise control, the vehicle will accelerate to  80 MPH  on a highway with a  25 MPH speed limit. Then,  at other times, while using the cruise control set to 50 MPH, on a highway which has a 50 MPH speed limit, the car will reduce to 10 MPH .  All of these scenarios are  VERY  DANGEROUS  as you can well imagine. On many other occasions, the screen map will become blurry & distorted causing confusion as to my whereabouts. **The time has come for a replacement/repurchase of this vehicle and,  I believe, at this time, this vehicle should be considered for the  "LEMON LAW"  under all applicable State and Federal laws.   I can send a separate email with all of the pictures of the screen and cruise control issues.

NHTSA ID
11649962
Incident
Jun 7, 2023
Driver assistanceElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Mar 17, 2025

as a loyal Mercedes Benz customer for the past 15 years, here I am writing to you for the fourth time since January 28th. of this year. My case number is [XXX]. I leased my 2022 S 500, VIN # [XXX] on [XXX] and after about a year, I have had issues with the large screen/radio in the vehicle. All events are documented with your Rockville Centre, Long Island service facility where the staff has been very helpful. On numerous occasions, while using the cruise control set to 50 MPH, the vehicle will accelerate to 80 MPH on a highway with a 50 MPH speed limit. Then on other occasions, while using the cruise control, the vehicle will accelerate to 80 MPH on a highway with a 25 MPH speed limit. Then, at other times, while using the cruise control set to 50 MPH, on a highway which has a 50 MPH speed limit, the car will reduce to 10 MPH . All of these scenarios are VERY DANGEROUS as you can well imagine. On many other occasions, the screen map will become blurry & distorted causing confusion as to my whereabouts. On a side note, we had an usually warm day [XXX]. here in New York City of about 55° and while riding around NY City, the air conditioner was not cooling properly and was brought in for service shortly afterwards for that issue as well as all of the screen issues. The same problem with the air conditioning occurred last week as the temperatures in New York City were about 55° and, frustrated again, I brought the vehicle in for the air conditioner and screen issues and they kept the vehicle for ten (10) days!!. **The time has come for a replacement/repurchase of this vehicle and, I believe, at this time, this vehicle should be considered for the "LEMON LAW" under all applicable State and Federal laws. I will be sending a separate email with a few pictures of the screen issues. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11648771
Incident
May 5, 2023
Driver assistanceVisibility
Filed Nov 24, 2024

Headunit goes offline blank screen and limits controls back up camera defrost and temperature controls

NHTSA ID
11627102
Incident
Nov 24, 2024
Driver assistanceElectrical
Filed Sep 14, 2024

The car slams on the brakes for no reason. phantom braking. i have been tailgated because cars behind me - particularly on tye highway - think i’ve brake checked them (but it was the care slamming on the brakes). the door handles don’t open/deploy reliably. sometimes they work, sometimes they don’t. the touch screens are incredibly dangerous - especially when the system freezes or doesn’t work properly - which is often. there are almost no physical buttons. the system software & touchscreens are VERY glitchy and often doesn’t function properly. touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel get activated just from me driving. functions turn on and off just because my hands in on the steering wheel. it’s dangerous. the car had 7 flat tires in 1 year. it’s too heavy for the 21” low profile tires. MBUSA has been made aware of the multitude of problems. The car is constantly at the dealership for warranty repairs. It's a lemon, but MBUSA won’t do anything about it. not until someone gets killed. MBUSA blows me off with every interaction and complaint i make about the quality problems with this car. They don’t care.

NHTSA ID
11614618
Incident
Sep 5, 2024
Tires & wheels
Filed Jul 26, 2024
2 injuries reported

I have the 2022 S 500 with 21 inch mag spoke rims with Pirelli 255/35R21 tires on it which comes stock from Mercedes Benz. I have now been in almost 15 tires repair claims and 3 rim replacements because of how poorly Mercedes designed the rims then put a tire soon the car that cannot handle the weight of the car. I hit a pot hole and my whole tire blew out almost causing a severe crash. this is again the almost 15th time this has happened. I took the car to Mercedes Beverly Hills and the service advisors say that now there is $16,000 dollars in damages on the car fro the constant impact it has taken from the rims being poorly designed on the car. I have asked many times to replace the tire brand to a better and thicker tire. but Mercedes will not allow that and demands I pay over 16k in damages to fix suspensions and the drive unit issues.

NHTSA ID
11604807
Incident
Jul 24, 2024

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

EW - DMTL

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

This NCU replaces the prior NCU issued on May 15, 2025, and contains additional MY 2023 and MY 2024 vehicles which are highlighted below. In our continuing efforts to ensure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (“MBUSA”) is extending the warranty coverage on the Diagnostic Module for Tank Leakage detection (DMTL) in certain Model Year (“MY”) vehicles listed below from the original New Vehicle Limited Warranty of 4 years/50,000 miles to 10 years/120,000 miles (vehicles certified as LEV II) and 15 years/150,000 miles (vehicles certified as LEV III), whichever occurs first, for the following condition: •Under certain circumstances, the DMTL may trigger erroneous Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) entries that may result in the illumination of the Check Engine Malfunction Indicator Lamp (‘MIL’).

LI40.10-P-059248

STRUCTURE:BODY; WHEELS

Complaint Crackling and cracking noise from the outer wheel on the front axle when cornering Cause The noise is generated by a micromovement on the contact surface between the rim and the brake disk (wheel bolt group) and may be intensified by potential soiling. The more lightweight rim (AMG forged rim) transmits the noise louder; in the case of cast rims, the noise is generally not perceptible. This is not a technical defect, but rather a complaint concerning comfort. Safe operation of the vehicle is ensured at all times. Remedy Important note: The operations described below do not represent a permanent remedy in every case. The noise may reoccur again after an indefinite period of time; sanding the rims with abrasive media multiple times is not permissible. Only cleaning using the Hazet tool 4960-160 (recommendation) can be performed without any concerns each time the wheel is changed or if the complaint reoccurs. Replacing the parts (rim, wheel bolts, wheel bearings, wheel hub, brake disk) is not expedient in the event of this complaint. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Clean the components of the wheel bolt connection according to the WIS instructions Sand down the rim and brake disk bowl by performing the following steps: • Manually sand rim (old design only) in area of water drain bores (Figure 1; item A), approx. 1.5 cm left and right of water drain bore (Figure 2) Note: Use abrasive paper with grit size 80. The grooving in this area should no longer be visible (sand down approx. 0.1-0.2mm) • Also sand brake disk bowl using emery cloth or abrasive paper with a grain size of 120 • For vehicles equipped with the AMG ceramic brake system (B07), abrasive paper may not be used for cleaning on the brake disk side Note: Do not use any cleaning agent when cleaning on the rim side. Cleaning using abrasive paper with a grain size of 80 will suffice. Do not apply any grease, lubricant or paste after cleaning The brake disk bowl should be "bare metal" in the area of the imprints made by the hole (Figure 3)

LI35.30-P-058566

POWER TRAIN

Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. Note: Sound file in attachment Cause If the complaint is eliminated by experimentally loosening the outboard collar nut (by 1 turn), the problem is due to cracking of the microweld between the wheel bearing inner race and the joint housing of the side shaft. Note: The collar nut must always be replaced after being loosened. See also LI33.20-P-078406 Remedy Coat contact surface of side shaft with wheel bearing with Molykote paint. To do this, proceed as follows: 1. Remove side shafts 2. Clean contact surface A (see image file in attachment "Outer joint housing before") before coating with Molykote, using "spirit" (free of dust and grease) 3. Coat contact surface A (see image file in attachment "Outer joint housing after") with Molykote and leave to dry for "one hour" in removed condition 4. Reinstall side shafts Note: Before using the antifriction coating (Molykote), stir it or shake it thoroughly for (at least 1 minute).

LI54.71-P-079104

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Complaint Traffic sign symbol for "Traffic Sign Assist" is blinking in instrument cluster without obvious cause usually with one of the following scenarios: • Flashing without a speed limit ("- -"). • Flashing when current vehicle speed is under speed limit. • Flashing between US speed limit symbol and European speed limit symbol. NOTE: • Verify that the concern falls under one of the attachment videos. If not, then it is outside of the scope of this LI. • This also does not cover "Traffic Sign Inoperative" messages on the instrument cluster. Cause There are two identified reasons for this concern: 1. Country code information stored incorrectly at a particular geographic latitude range. 2. Incorrect reference data when the vehicle is started and a GPS signal is not immediately available. Remedy Do not replace parts. Please open a TIPS case to the Body/Chassis/Entertainment inbox but read the below carefully: • The vehicle must be exhibiting the concern as shown in the attachment videos. • The vehicle DOES NOT need to be at the dealer, nor does it need to be brought into the dealership. • If the geographic location is known, it is very important that it is provided. • Provide any pictures or videos, if available. A new software for the head unit is scheduled for tentative release in Q3 2026.

LI33.20-P-078406

SUSPENSION

Complaint Creaking noise, in irregular sequence when driving slowly in combination with slight steering movements and/or Creaking/crackling noises from the area of the wheel bearing on the front axle when cornering/ maneuvering. Sound file attached for comparison. MUST match noise for proper diagnosis. NOTE: Steering functionality is not affected. Cause Contact area between wheel bearing and steering knuckle. See also: LI35.30-P-058566 (Throttle Lift-Off Noise - Rear) LI33.30-P-056665 (Throttle Lift-Off Noise - Front) LI40.10-P-059248 (Wheel cracking noise when cornering) Remedy 1. Perform Operation A and evaluate by testing vehicle. 2. If noise is still present after re-testing: • If 192/232 chassis, verify FIN is in the listed range below in "Operation B" and perform. • If not 192/232 chassis or vehicle is a 192/232 not in the listed FIN range, additional verifications of where the noise is coming from are needed. Use multiple channel NVH method to narrow down location. Verify the LI's listed above were completed or if there are other similar noises associated with the chassis (Example: 192/232 also has under panel noises and an associated LI). Operation A: 1. Clean contact surfaces of wheel bearing and steering knuckle with brake cleaner as seen in the attached pictures. NOTE: The front area of the wheel bearing and the seals must not come into contact with the cleaner, otherwise, the sealing rings will be damaged. 2. Clean threads of wheel bearing mounting. 3. Thinly coat contact surfaces of wheel bearing, steering knuckle, and axle mating face with Molykote (annular joint grease). See the attached steering knuckle and wheel hub pictures for reference. NOTE: Axle mating face greasing is also covered in LI35.30-P-058566 and LI33.30-P-056665. Operation B (Only applies to 192 and 232 in listed FIN range): Only affects vehicles up to FIN end number: • Model series 192: xxx xxx xx 002 876 • Model series 232: xxx xxx xx 022 312 1. Replace steering knuckle. 2. Wheel bearings do not need to be replaced.

LI33.20-P-078406

SUSPENSION

Complaint Creaking noise, in irregular sequence when driving slowly in combination with slight steering movements and/or Creaking/crackling noises from the area of the wheel bearing on the front axle when cornering/ maneuvering. Sound file attached for comparison. MUST match noise for proper diagnosis. NOTE: Steering functionality is not affected. Cause Contact area between wheel bearing and steering knuckle. See also: LI35.30-P-058566 (Throttle Lift-Off Noise - Rear) LI33.30-P-056665 (Throttle Lift-Off Noise - Front) LI40.10-P-059248 (Wheel cracking noise when cornering) Remedy 1. Perform Operation A and evaluate by testing vehicle. 2. If noise is still present after re-testing: • If 192/232 chassis, verify FIN is in the listed range below in "Operation B" and perform. • If not 192/232 chassis or vehicle is a 192/232 not in the listed FIN range, additional verifications of where the noise is coming from are needed. Use multiple channel NVH method to narrow down location. Verify the LI's listed above were completed or if there are other similar noises associated with the chassis (Example: 192/232 also has under panel noises and an associated LI). Operation A: 1. Clean contact surfaces of wheel bearing and steering knuckle with brake cleaner (see areas marked blue in pictures "2.jpg" and "3.jpg"). NOTE: The front area of the wheel bearing and the seals must not come into contact with the cleaner, otherwise, the sealing rings will be damaged. 2. Clean threads of wheel bearing mounting. 3. Thinly coat contact surfaces of wheel bearing, steering knuckle, and axle mating face with Molykote (annular joint grease) (see areas marked blue in pictures "2.jpg" and "3.jpg"). NOTE: Axle mating face greasing is also covered in LI35.30-P-058566 and LI33.30-P-056665. Operation B (Only applies to 192 and 232 in listed FIN range): Only affects vehicles up to FIN end number: • Model series 192: xxx xxx xx 002 876 • Model series 232: xxx xxx xx 022 312 1. Replace steering knuckle. 2. Wheel bearings do not need to be replaced.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Mercedes-Benz S 500 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2024000
2023130
2022Viewing208048.4
2021170
2007200
2006120036.8
2005110027.1
2004120040.8
2003100026.0
2002250139.5
2001340140.6
2000550142.9
1999200
1996100
1995400
1994200
1993200

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.