2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Safety Report

2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class shows low complaint volume but critical engine and brake failures reported, lacks NHTSA crash ratings.

29Complaints
0Recalls
65/100Reliability Score
2Crash Reports
2Fire Reports
1Injuries
Most reported components: Engine (6)Service Brakes (4)Unknown Or Other (3)Steering (3)Forward Collision Avoidance (2)Steering,Suspension,Service Brakes (1)Air Bags (1)Power Train (1)Steering,Engine (1)Suspension,Power Train,Fuel/Propulsion System (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class exhibits a relatively low number of NHTSA complaints for its class, with 29 total complaints, 2 reported crashes, 2 fires, and 1 injury, and no fatalities. This suggests a generally robust safety profile. However, the absence of NHTSA crash test ratings (Overall, Frontal, Side, Rollover are all N/A) means its performance in standardized crash scenarios is not publicly available from this source. A significant pattern in complaints points to engine-related issues, accounting for 6 reports, including 'excessive engine oil lead,' 'misfires upon acceleration,' and complete 'engine failure' at low mileage. Brake system failures are also a concern, with 4 complaints detailing instances where the 'vehicle failed to decelerate' or 'brakes failed with no prior warning.' Despite the low overall complaint volume, the nature of some reported issues, such as sudden engine failure or complete brake loss, are severe and pose significant safety risks. The vehicle also has a notable absence of recalls, with 0 reported, which is unusual for a vehicle of this complexity and age, especially given some of the recurring issues in complaints. This could indicate that reported problems have not reached a threshold for a manufacturer-issued recall or that remedies are being handled through other channels. The presence of 'FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE' system complaints (2 reports) where the system 'activated on its own' or 'goes off when there is no collision imminent' also highlights potential issues with advanced driver-assistance systems, which could paradoxically increase accident risk if unreliable. In summary, while the 2018 S-Class has a low complaint count, the severity of some reported issues, particularly concerning the engine and brakes, warrants attention. The lack of NHTSA crash test data makes a comprehensive safety assessment challenging from this dataset alone. The absence of recalls, despite recurring critical component failures, is a point of concern. Potential buyers should be aware of these specific patterns and consider thorough pre-purchase inspections.

Reliability Score

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Engine Misfire/Failure
Multiple reports of engine misfires, loss of power, shaking, and complete engine failure, sometimes at low mileage (e.g., 46k miles), with check engine light illumination.		 High Occasional 30000-50000 miles
Brake System Failure
Reports of brakes failing to decelerate the vehicle or complete brake failure with no prior warning while driving at speed.		 High Occasional unknown miles
Steering Malfunction
Steering wheel becoming extremely stiff to turn with 'steering malfunction' warning, requiring increased physical effort.		 High Occasional unknown miles
Forward Collision Avoidance System Malfunction
Pre-collision safety feature activating without imminent collision, or automatic braking engaging on its own, potentially causing an accident.		 Medium Rare unknown miles
Fuel Smell/Leak
Strong fuel smell inside the vehicle or when lifted, with no visible leaks, suggesting a potential fuel system issue.		 Medium Rare unknown miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class:

Engine 20% of complaints

Frequent reports of engine misfires, loss of power, shaking, and complete engine failure, sometimes at low mileage.

Service Brakes 13% of complaints

Issues with brake system failure, including inability to decelerate or complete loss of braking function.

Steering 10% of complaints

Problems with steering becoming stiff or receiving 'steering malfunction' warnings.

Forward Collision Avoidance 6% of complaints

Malfunctions of the pre-collision system, including false activations.

Air Bags 3% of complaints

Concerns about airbag sensor problems and potential non-deployment during incidents.

Power Train 3% of complaints

Reports of gear shifter independently shifting into neutral and vehicle losing power.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Is the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class has a low total of 29 complaints, with 2 crashes and 1 injury reported. However, critical issues like engine failure and brake system malfunctions have been reported, which are significant safety concerns. The vehicle lacks NHTSA crash test ratings, making a full safety assessment challenging from this data alone.

What are common problems with the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?

The most reported issues for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class are related to the ENGINE (6 complaints), including misfires and failures. SERVICE BRAKES (4 complaints) are also a concern, with reports of brake failure. Other issues include STEERING malfunctions (3 complaints) and problems with the FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE system (2 complaints).

Are there any recalls for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?

According to the provided NHTSA data, there are 0 recalls listed for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. However, some complaints mention specific recall numbers (e.g., 21V058000, 18V-910) that owners are having trouble getting remedied, suggesting there might be unaddressed or pending recall issues not reflected in the 'Recalls: 0' summary.

How does the 2018 S-Class perform in crash tests?

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class has 'N/A' for all NHTSA crash test ratings (Overall, Frontal, Side, Rollover), meaning there is no publicly available crash test performance data from NHTSA for this specific model year.

What are the most severe safety concerns for this vehicle?

The most severe safety concerns for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, based on complaints, include sudden engine failure leading to loss of power and shaking, complete brake system failure with no prior warning, and steering wheel becoming extremely stiff, all of which can significantly increase the risk of a crash.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the low complaint volume but critical reported failures in engine and brake systems, a pre-purchase inspection by a Mercedes-Benz specialist is highly recommended, focusing on these components and any outstanding recall remedies.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The data includes 29 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 0 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 2 reported crashes, 2 fire incidents, 1 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.