STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
2018 Mercedes-Benz S 560
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 13 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S 560, most frequently naming the engine, steering and fuel system categories. 10 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 57 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.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 2019 | 1 | 1 |
| Jul 2019 | 1 | 2 |
| Sep 2019 | 1 | 3 |
| Nov 2019 | 1 | 4 |
| Aug 2020 | 2 | 6 |
| Mar 2021 | 3 | 9 |
| Jun 2021 | 1 | 10 |
| Jul 2021 | 1 | 11 |
| Oct 2021 | 1 | 12 |
| Oct 2022 | 1 | 13 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Engine323.1%
- Steering215.4%
- Fuel system215.4%
- Brakes215.4%
- Visibility17.7%
- Electrical17.7%
- Other / unspecified17.7%
- Suspension17.7%
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
10 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.govCOMMUNICATION; COMMUNICATION: AUTO CRASH NOTIFICATION
COMMUNICATION: AUTO CRASH NOTIFICATION; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Safety investigations
NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
Front Roof Panel Detachment
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 adhesive, site preparation, and installation of a replacement panel with new adhesive.The consumer complaints that prompted the opening of PE21-001 all described detachments of front roof panels that had been replaced after the vehicle was put into service.Mercedes' internal investigation identified a broader scope of affected vehicles (2014-2020 CLA, GLA, C, S, GLC, and GLE class) and found the following potential service procedure- related causes of front roof panel detachments:- Improper surface pretreatments such as the use of the wrong primer or cleaner or scoring of the surface; or - Use of the incorrect adhesive.These conditions lead to a front roof panel bond that, even if sound at the time of repair, cannot maintain its strength over time and environmental exposure.Mercedes updated its service and parts ordering systems to reinforce the proper use of specified kits and procedures via webinars, shop foreman meetings, and explicit reference to the risks incurred by diverging from the repair procedures. Mercedes is also furnishing parts ordering assistance, and will hold dealerships accountable for improper repairs.ODI's analysis of the ten complaints it has received from the public (VOQ's) and MBUSA's complaint data submitted in response to the information request letter for PE21-001 identified a total of 57 non-duplicative reports alleging incidents in which the front roof panel detached from the vehicle while in motion. Included within the 57 reports are incidents where consumers state the panel detached ...and flew off into traffic.On March 19, 2021, Mercedes notified NHTSA that it would recall subject vehicles with front roof panels known to have been replaced after the original sale of the vehicle. In total, the recall (designated as Recall 21V197) covers 15,099 vehicles that were ever registered in the United States. Based on Recall 21V197 and the remedy implemented by Mercedes, further investigation does not appear to be warranted at this time.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The ODI complaints cited above can be viewed at www.nhtsa.gov under the following ODI identification numbers: 11376425, 11352686, 11351629, 11349158, 11341541, 11337594, 11324100, 11311591, 11222127, 11404183
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
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 ID
- 11490899
- Incident
- Jun 20, 2022
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 ID
- 11435904
- Incident
- Sep 25, 2021
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 ID
- 11426613
- Incident
- Mar 1, 2021
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 ID
- 11420617
- Incident
- Jun 10, 2021
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 ID
- 11405399
- Incident
- Mar 26, 2021
- Mileage
- 20,000 mi
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 ID
- 11405395
- Incident
- Mar 27, 2021
- Mileage
- 20,000 mi
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 ID
- 11405073
- Incident
- Mar 8, 2021
- Mileage
- 38,560 mi
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 ID
- 11350886
- Incident
- Jul 9, 2020
- Mileage
- 7,600 mi
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Mercedes-Benz AG ("MBAG"), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain Model Year (âMYâ) 2028-2021 S-Class, S-Class Coupe/Cabriolet (217 and 222 platforms) vehicles, the low pressure fuel line does not correspond to the current series production configuration. 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. What Weâre Doing 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 new braided hose
SEATS
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. Clean fabric cover and seat side finisher in marked area (Pic. 1) 2. Apply lubricant A 000 989 35 60 in area of inner plastic cover (reinforcement for cover at inner side of front seat - do not apply directly onto outer cover).
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 battery test may not take into account a single discharge event because the SAM cannot record the data if the battery is discharged. Note: A discharged battery does not necessarily need to be replaced. A discharged battery may be recovered with no permanent damage. Remedy Follow guided tests as described.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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. The garage door drive uses a rolling code system. In contrast to the fixed code system, the LED in the mirror in this case flashes green after programming. 3. When the handheld remote control is initialized with the integrated GDO, the distance between the handheld remote control and the GDO is too long or too short. 4. The maximum programming time of the hand transmitter was exceeded. The hand transmitter switches itself off after 10s to 20s. However, the garage door opener needs up to 30s to learn the code. 5. The maximum programming time of the integrated GDO was exceeded. The integrated GDO has aborted programming unsuccessfully. 6. The GDO cannot be programmed after replacement (See #9). 7. The batteries of the hand transmitter are too weak. 8. A part of the signal was not registered correctly. 9. The GDO is not programmed to US standards. 10. Errors with Chamberlin MyQ, Liftmaster MyQ, or Craftsman AssureLink systems causing loss of synchronization. Remedy Note: The numbering of the remedies refers to the numbering of the causes. 1. Installation of a universal receiver. Order via the Homelink Hotline. 2. In the case of garage door drives with rolling code system, synchronization of the garage door drive must also be performed. 3. Keep the correct distance when initializing! This can vary between 5 and 20 cm depending on the system. If the initialization attempt is unsuccessful, repeat the initialization process, changing the distance between the hand transmitter and the mirror.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 integrated GTO and the garage door hand transmitter, the garage door hand transmitter is tested outside the vehicle. 3. The garage door hand transmitter is being aimed towards the garage door, but the vehicle is in a different position. 4. The garage door drive is old. Remedy 1. The lower level of transmission power is mainly perceived by customers who did not have any infrared windows (code 595) or all-round infrared windows (code 596) or heated windshield (code 597) in their previous model or who have another model without this special equipment in their fleet. The loss in transmission has technical reasons, i.e. a thin metal film is fitted in the windows. Please consider these codes and advise the customer accordingly! Replacing parts does not remedy the problem. 2. Perform the comparison test between the integrated GDO and the garage door hand transmitter under identical conditions. The garage door hand transmitter must be inside the vehicle and must be held at the height of the inside rearview mirror. 3. The customer instinctively aims the garage door hand transmitter towards the door. However, the transmission direction of the integrated GDO depends on the position of the inside rearview mirror, and thus depends directly on the position of the vehicle relative to the receiving antenna of the garage door drive.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
"MY15+ M278 and M157 Equipped Vehicles with Fault Code ""P023400 â Boost Pressure is Too High"" "
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
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.