VehicleVerdict

2021 Mercedes-Benz S 580 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 54 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.0 times the median S 580 year — the 2021 model ranks #1 of 4 S 580 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 3 deaths and 8 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (10), driver assistance (9), and tires & wheels (8), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

54

NHTSA complaints

16

Recalls

0

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

8

Injuries

3

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2021 compare to other S 580 years?

S 580 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted54 complaints2021: 54 complaints2022: 45 complaints2023: 9 complaints2024: 7 complaints
S 580 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all S 580 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Mercedes-Benz S 580 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1019%
Driver Assistance917%
Tires & Wheels815%
Engine713%
Other611%
Brakes36%
Speed Control36%
Visibility & Wipers24%
Fuel System24%
Lighting24%
Transmission24%

Does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S 580 have recalls?

16 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.

24V807000OtherOctober 25, 2024 · 21 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 Maybach S 580 4MATIC, S 500 4MATIC, and S 580 4MATIC vehicles. The emergency call system may fail to place an automatic or manual call and may not provide the vehicle location as intended.

Consequence

A disabled emergency call system that prevents a vehicle occupant from contacting emergency services or fails to identify the vehicle location, can delay emergency responders and increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will update the communication module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 6, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024110002.

24V704000EngineSeptember 20, 2024 · 27,190 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2023 S580, and Maybach S580 vehicles. In the event of a mechanical failure in the engine Camtronic system, the engine control unit (ECU) software may cause the engine to overheat or stall.

Consequence

An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. In addition, an engine that overheats can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Dealers will update the ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 15, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on November 15, 2024, January 10, 2025, and February 21, 2025. Owners can contact Mercedes-Benz Customer Service at 1-877-496-3691. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024100007.

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.

23V200000Body & StructureMarch 24, 2023 · 6 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 Maybach S580 and S580 vehicles. The bulkhead that separates the engine compartment from the passenger compartment may not have been properly sealed, causing water to drain into the passenger compartment. Water intrusion into the foot wells may cause corrosion and/or short circuits to electrical components, disabling safety features, including seat belt tightening and seat adjustments (PreSafe system).

Consequence

Disabled safety features, including seat belt tightening and seat adjustments, can increase the risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will repair the bulkhead front wall sealing, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 12, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2023040009.

23V098000Visibility & WipersFebruary 17, 2023 · 1 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling one 2021 S 580 4Matic vehicle. The fixed front glass panel between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not be properly secured and may detach.

Consequence

A detached glass panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the front fixed glass panel, free of charge. The owner notification letters were mailed March 17, 2023. The owner may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2023020008.

22V493000Driver AssistanceJuly 11, 2022 · 8,530 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2022 AMG EQS53, EQS580, EQS450, 2021 S500, S580, and Maybach S580 vehicles. The rearview camera may not display the rearview image due to a software error in the MBUX multimedia system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence

An inoperative rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the MBUX multimedia system software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 19, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022080002.

22V365000OtherMay 20, 2022 · 242,722 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.

Consequence

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

Remedy

The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on July 8, 2022, May 17, 2024, July 29, 2024, and September 27, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers are for this recall is 2022060005 and 2023110006.

22V214000SteeringApril 1, 2022 · 4 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 S580 4Matic and S500 4Matic vehicles. The electrical connector to the steering column module may not be secured properly, which can disable gear shifts and/or safety features including the electronic stability program, the driver's air bag, and turn signal indicators.

Consequence

Disabled safety features or the inability to shift gears can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and reinstall the cover for the electrical connector, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 13, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022040006.

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.

22V167000LightingMarch 18, 2022 · 9,156 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2022 EQS 450, EQS 580, and 2021 S500 and S580 vehicles. A software error may disable the rear turn signals, hazard lights, and reverse lights.

Consequence

Disabled rear turn signals, hazard lights, and reverse lights can reduce the vehicle's visibility to other driver's, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the rear signal software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022040013.

22V124000AirbagsMarch 4, 2022 · 14 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 S580 4Matic vehicles. The air bag control unit may be improperly secured and may result in an unintentional air bag or seat belt deployment, or an improper deployment in the event of a crash.

Consequence

Unintentional or improper deployment of air bags and/or seat belts can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and tighten the air bag control unit fastening nuts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-637-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022030024.

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.

21V843000EngineOctober 29, 2021 · 8,669 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 S580 and Maybach S580 vehicles. An engine control unit software error may cause a sudden engine stall, without the ability to restart the vehicle.

Consequence

An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the engine control unit software, free of charge. Owners notification letters were mailed on January 28, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

21V789000AirbagsOctober 11, 2021 · 1,311 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 S500, S580, and Maybach S580 vehicles. The air bag control unit software may deactivate the occupant recognition control unit, resulting in a deactivated front passenger air bag.

Consequence

A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the air bag control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 1, 2021. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021100010. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

21V704000Fuel SystemSeptember 10, 2021 · 7 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 S580 vehicles. The suction jet pump in the fuel tank may have a loose or missing nozzle, which can cause the pump to fail and result in an engine stall.

Consequence

An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the fuel tank including the suction jet pump, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed October 26, 2021. 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.

Driving on highway at about 50 mph when the brakes suddenly slammed on and brought car to a sudden, near stop. The stop was so sudden our seatbelts engaged and we thought we were struck in the rear by another car. Electrical module issues that cause battery to drain while vehicle is turned off have…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 15, 2022

The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz S580. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH, the brakes failed to function as needed while the brake pedal was being depressed. The failure resulted in a crash. There were no injuries sustained. The contact stated that the accident occurred due…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · October 17, 2021 · crash

I have had one tire blow out after traveling over a moderate pot hole, and 3 other tires that have been damaged with "bubbles" due to excessive stress from normal driving. In addition to the damaged tires, I have had 3 bent wheels all due to normal driving because the 21 inch wheels/tires on this…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · June 9, 2023

The vehicle lost acceleration and the check engine light came on. I took the vehicle to Mercedes dealership. They quoted that the Camtronic actuator has failed and needs to be replaced. Cost $9000. I have now seen online a recall for 2021 mercedes s580's for CAMTRONIC actuator failure issue.…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 1, 2026

Car was in for recall Dec 7,2025 to Mercedes Benz of Rockville Centre service 110 Graham Avenue Hempstead Ny they are having difficulties with the recall it is now Dec 30, 2025 still not repaired they told me it was a parts problem they ordered parts twice now they are saying it might be a software…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · December 7, 2025

2021 Mercedes-Benz S 580 — common questions

Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S 580 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 54 complaints put the 2021 model at #1 of 4 S 580 years. It is one of the S 580 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2021 S 580 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (10 complaints), driver assistance (9 complaints), tires & wheels (8 complaints).

Does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S 580 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 16 recall campaigns affecting the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S 580. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Mercedes-Benz S 580 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the S 580 years to avoid are 2021, 2022. The cleanest record among S 580 years belongs to 2024.

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.