2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Safety Report

2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class shows early patterns of tire failures and problematic adaptive cruise control, with no NHTSA crash test ratings available.

12Complaints
0Recalls
65/100Reliability Score
1Crash Reports
1Injuries
Most reported components: Tires (3)Structure,Unknown Or Other (1)Electrical System,Vehicle Speed Control,Forward Collision Avoidance (1)Structure (1)Electrical System,Service Brakes,Forward Collision Avoidance (1)Vehicle Speed Control,Forward Collision Avoidance (1)Fuel System, Gasoline (1)Fuel/Propulsion System,Forward Collision Avoidance (1)Wheels (1)Electrical System,Back Over Prevention,Forward Collision Avoidance (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, despite its luxury segment, presents a mixed safety picture based on the limited available NHTSA data. With only 12 total complaints, 1 crash, and 1 injury reported, the raw numbers are low, which is typical for newer, lower-volume luxury vehicles. However, a significant pattern emerges regarding tire issues, with 3 complaints directly related to tire sidewall bubbles and blowouts, specifically mentioning Pirelli 255/35R21 tires. This suggests a potential design or component incompatibility, especially given reports of multiple tire replacements within 8,000-10,000 miles. Another area of concern is the vehicle's advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), particularly the adaptive cruise control ('Distronic') and forward collision avoidance. Multiple complaints describe abrupt deceleration, misreading speed limits, and jarring behavior, leading to potential safety risks and discomfort for both the driver and surrounding traffic. One complaint explicitly mentions the 'distronic' system causing vehicles behind to take evasive action. Additionally, there are isolated but serious complaints such as a sunroof shattering without external impact and an engine shutting off at stop lights in eco mode, which could lead to dangerous situations. The vehicle currently has no recalls, which is not unusual for a very new model year. NHTSA crash test ratings are not yet available (N/A) for the 2023 S-Class, making it impossible to assess its structural crashworthiness or occupant protection performance through official government tests. The low ground clearance leading to bumper damage is also noted, though less of a direct safety hazard. Overall, while direct crash and injury data are minimal, the recurring tire and ADAS performance issues warrant attention for potential buyers.

Reliability Score

The 2023 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 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Tire Sidewall Bubbles/Blowouts (Pirelli 255/35r21)
Multiple reports of Pirelli 255/35R21 tires developing sidewall bubbles or experiencing blowouts, often requiring replacement within 8,000-14,000 miles, even after hitting minor road imperfections.		 High Common 8000-14000 miles
Abrupt/Erratic Adaptive Cruise Control (Distronic)
The 'Distronic' adaptive cruise control system is reported to decelerate abruptly, misread speed limits, and cause jarring movements, potentially leading to unsafe situations with following vehicles.		 Medium Occasional all miles
Engine Shutting Off In Eco Mode
Vehicle occasionally shuts off at stop lights when in Eco mode, followed by warning lights and a delay in restarting, posing a safety risk in traffic.		 High Rare unknown miles
Sunroof Shattering
One report of the sunroof shattering suddenly while driving without external impact.		 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 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class:

Tires 25% of complaints

Frequent issues with tire sidewall bubbles and blowouts, specifically with Pirelli 255/35R21 tires, leading to multiple replacements.

Vehicle Speed Control, Forward Collision Avoidance 25% of complaints

Problems with adaptive cruise control (Distronic) exhibiting abrupt deceleration, misreading speed limits, and erratic behavior.

Electrical System 17% of complaints

Reports of check engine lights, vehicle shutting off in eco mode, and general electrical system warnings.

Structure 8% of complaints

Complaint about the vehicle's low design causing front bumper damage on parking bumpers.

Fuel System, Gasoline 8% of complaints

One complaint related to the fuel system, possibly linked to engine issues.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Is the 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class has a low number of overall complaints (12), with 1 crash and 1 injury reported. However, specific patterns of concern include recurring tire failures (3 complaints) and issues with the adaptive cruise control system (3 complaints). Official NHTSA crash test ratings are not yet available, so its structural safety performance is unrated.

What are common problems with the 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?

The most reported issues for the 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class are related to TIRES (25% of complaints), specifically sidewall bubbles and blowouts on Pirelli 255/35R21 tires, and problems with the VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL/FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE systems (25%), which include abrupt and erratic adaptive cruise control behavior. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues also account for 17% of complaints.

Are there any recalls for the 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?

As of the current data, there are no recalls issued by NHTSA for the 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

How does the adaptive cruise control perform in the 2023 S-Class?

Several complaints indicate that the 'Distronic' adaptive cruise control system in the 2023 S-Class can be problematic, with reports of abrupt deceleration, misreading speed limits, and jarring movements that can be unsettling for the driver and potentially unsafe for following vehicles.

What should I know about the tires on the 2023 S-Class?

There are multiple complaints regarding the Pirelli 255/35R21 tires on the 2023 S-Class, with owners reporting sidewall bubbles and blowouts, often requiring replacement at relatively low mileages (e.g., under 14,000 miles). This suggests a potential vulnerability with this specific tire and wheel combination.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the recurring tire issues and problematic adaptive cruise control, potential buyers should inquire about tire options and thoroughly test the ADAS systems during a test drive. Be aware of the lack of NHTSA crash test ratings for this model year.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2023 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 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The data includes 12 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 0 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 reported crashes, 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.