2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Safety Report
2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class plagued by wheel/tire failures and ADAS malfunctions, with recall part availability issues.
AI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Reliability Score
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class receives a reliability score of 45 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 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheel And Tire Failures Multiple reports of cracked rims and repeated tire blowouts, especially with 21-inch AMG wheels and Pirelli P Zero tires, leading to significant repair costs and potential loss of control. |
High | Common | 14000-unknown miles |
| Advanced Driver-Assistance System (Adas) Malfunctions Issues with 'Camera System Unavailable' warnings, erratic Adaptive High Beam Assist, and unintended activation of Forward Collision Avoidance, leading to sudden braking and near-crash incidents. |
High | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Electrical System Glitches False warning messages for lights, navigation system inoperability, and 'BATTERY CHARGE Status Critical' notifications requiring frequent driving to prevent battery drain. |
Medium | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Engine And Engine Cooling Problems Reports of vehicle stalling at low speeds and abnormal engine ticking sounds. |
Medium | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Recall Part Unavailability Owners receiving recall notifications (e.g., 24V704000, 23V445000, 22V365000, 21V843000) but unable to get repairs due to parts being unavailable, exceeding reasonable repair times. |
Medium | Common | unknown miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class:
Frequent complaints about cracked rims and structural integrity issues, often leading to tire deflation.
Reports of engine stalling, abnormal noises, and issues related to recall part unavailability.
Multiple instances of tire blowouts and sidewall damage, particularly with specific tire brands and wheel sizes.
Various electrical glitches including battery drain warnings and navigation system failures.
Issues with camera systems and communication modules, sometimes linked to recall part unavailability.
Malfunctions in ADAS leading to unintended braking and camera system failures.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class safe?
Based on 32 NHTSA complaints, including 2 crashes, 3 injuries, and 1 death, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class exhibits concerning safety issues. While NHTSA crash test ratings are unavailable, real-world complaints highlight significant problems with wheel and tire durability, as well as malfunctions in advanced driver-assistance systems that have led to dangerous situations like sudden braking and camera failures.
What are common problems with the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
The most reported issues for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class are related to WHEELS (4 complaints) and ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (4 complaints). Specific problems include cracked rims and frequent tire blowouts, especially with 21-inch AMG wheels, as well as malfunctions in advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like 'Camera System Unavailable' warnings and unintended Forward Collision Avoidance activation. Electrical system glitches and delays in recall repairs due to unavailable parts are also notable.
Are there any recalls for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
While there are no open recalls specifically listed for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class in the provided data, several complaints mention owners receiving notifications for various NHTSA Campaign Numbers (e.g., 24V704000, 23V445000, 22V365000, 21V843000) but experiencing significant delays in getting repairs due to unavailable parts from the manufacturer.
How does the 2021 S-Class perform in crash tests?
NHTSA crash test ratings for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class are not available (N/A) for Overall, Frontal, Side, or Rollover categories. Therefore, its crash test performance cannot be assessed based on this data.
What should I know about the wheels and tires on the 2021 S-Class?
A significant number of complaints (4 for WHEELS, 2 for TIRES) indicate a prevalent issue with the 2021 S-Class's wheels and tires, particularly with 21-inch AMG rims and Pirelli P Zero tires. Owners report frequent cracked rims, tire blowouts, and sidewall damage from minor impacts, leading to high replacement costs and potential safety risks.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Given the recurring issues with wheel/tire durability, ADAS malfunctions, and recall part unavailability, potential buyers should exercise caution and thoroughly inspect the vehicle's service history, especially concerning wheel and tire replacements, and confirm all outstanding recalls have been addressed.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 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 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The data includes 32 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 0 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 2 reported crashes, 3 reported injuries, and 1 fatalities 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.