VehicleVerdict

2022 Mercedes-Benz S 500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 38 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 12.7 times the median S 500 year — the 2022 model ranks #1 of 3 S 500 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Driver Assistance leads the complaint categories with 12 reports (32% of the total).

38

NHTSA complaints

8

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2022 compare to other S 500 years?

S 500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2022 highlighted38 complaints2021: 1 complaints2022: 38 complaints2023: 3 complaints
S 500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2022 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all S 500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2022 Mercedes-Benz S 500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Driver Assistance1232%
Electrical System616%
Speed Control38%
Tires & Wheels38%
Fuel System38%
Body & Structure38%
Brakes25%
Other25%
Lighting13%
Engine13%
Transmission13%
Visibility & Wipers13%

Does the 2022 Mercedes-Benz S 500 have recalls?

8 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

25V116000BrakesFebruary 24, 2025 · 20,339 units

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.

Consequence

A brake fluid leak can extend the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

23V880000Fuel SystemDecember 21, 2023 · 79,676 units

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.

Consequence

A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.

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.

23V445000Fuel SystemJune 26, 2023 · 143,551 units

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.

Consequence

A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.

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.

22V935000Body & StructureDecember 16, 2022 · 1 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling one 2022 S 500 vehicle. The dashboard may be insufficiently attached, which can result in an improper front passenger air bag deployment in the event of a crash.

Consequence

Improper deployment of an air bag can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace a portion of the dashboard, free of charge. The owner notification letter was mailed January 20, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2023010001.

22V194000SuspensionMarch 28, 2022 · 12 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2022 S580Z, S500V, and S580V vehicles. The sub frame weld for the thrust arm on the rear axle carrier may have been improperly welded, causing the thrust arm to break and detach.

Consequence

A detached thrust arm can cause a sudden loss of vehicle control, or cause the vehicle to pull to one side during emergency braking, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy has been performed. Dealers will inspect the sub frame weld on the rear axle carrier and replace the rear axle carrier as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 8, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for the recall is 2022030028.

22V189000SteeringMarch 25, 2022 · 8,396 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2022 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL, EClass Coupe/Convertible, CLS, AMG GT 4-doors Coupe, and EQS vehicles with a heated leather steering wheel. Due to a software error in the hand detection control unit, the hands-off detection might not detect when the driver's hands are away from the steering wheel when using the Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC system.

Consequence

Deactivated hands-off detection will prevent DISTRONIC system features from functioning, including warnings to grab the steering wheel and calling first responders as part of the Active Emergency Stop Assist, which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy

Dealers will update the hand detection control unit software for the DISTRONIC system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 6, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022040010.

21V00J000OtherDecember 27, 2021 · 1,239 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2022 EQS450, S500, and S580 vehicles. The communication module software may restrict or disable the emergency call system (eCall).

Consequence

A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting emergency services through the call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

The communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 23, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022010006.

21V931000Electrical SystemNovember 29, 2021 · 227 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 S580, 2022 EQS450, EQS580, and S500 vehicles with an active and connected Mercedes me connect account. The MBUX infotainment system might allow activation of the television and internet display while driving, causing a distraction for the driver.

Consequence

Driver distraction can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

MBUSA has updated their computer server to correct the issue for most vehicles, free of charge. For vehicles that were not able to be updated remotely, dealers will provide the software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 25, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“Camera which provides data to key ADAS features repeatedly malfunctions. Car reports “camera view restricted” rendering many safety features inoperable. It does so repeatedly. Dealer service department says camera cover is malfunctioning and part is on back order. This renders the car unsafe…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · February 12, 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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 5, 2024

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · July 24, 2024

“The contact owns a 2022 Mercedes-Benz S500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V445000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 26, 2023

“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!!”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · March 25, 2025

2022 Mercedes-Benz S 500 — common questions

Is the 2022 Mercedes-Benz S 500 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 38 complaints put the 2022 model at #1 of 3 S 500 years. It is one of the S 500 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2022 S 500 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are driver assistance (12 complaints), electrical system (6 complaints), tires & wheels (3 complaints).

Does the 2022 Mercedes-Benz S 500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns affecting the 2022 Mercedes-Benz S 500. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Mercedes-Benz S 500 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the S 500 years to avoid are 2022. The cleanest record among S 500 years belongs to 2021.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.