Mercedes-Benz S-Class years to avoid
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class years to avoid are 2000, 2002, 2001, 2003, 1995 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 1992 is the cleanest year on record.
339
Total complaints
12
Recall campaigns
1992–2012
Years covered
5
Years to avoid
Complaints by model year
S-Class years to avoid
| Year | Why | Complaints | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | High complaint rate | 101 | |
| 2002 | High complaint rate | 56 | |
| 2001 | High complaint rate | 46 | |
| 2003 | High complaint rate | 43 | |
| 1995 | High complaint rate | 32 |
Every S-Class year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 1 | 1 | |
| 2009 | 3 | 1 | |
| 2005 | 3 | 1 | |
| 2004 | 17 | 4 | |
| 2003avoid | 43 | 2 | |
| 2002avoid | 56 | 2 | |
| 2001avoid | 46 | 5 | |
| 2000avoid | 101 | 5 | |
| 1999 | 10 | 1 | |
| 1998 | 2 | 1 | |
| 1997 | 4 | 1 | |
| 1996 | 6 | 2 | |
| 1995avoid | 32 | 1 | |
| 1994 | 14 | 1 | |
| 1993 | 1 | 1 | |
| 1992 | 0 | 1 |
Common questions
What are the worst Mercedes-Benz S-Class years?
Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the S-Class years to avoid are 2000, 2002, 2001, 2003, 1995. The cleanest year on record is 1992.
What is the best year for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
By complaint volume, 1992 has the cleanest NHTSA record among S-Class years with enough data to compare.
How many recalls does the Mercedes-Benz S-Class have?
Across all model years, the S-Class has 12 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 339 consumer complaints on file.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.