VehicleVerdict

1999 Mercedes-Benz S-Class problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 10 complaints on file for the 1999 Mercedes-Benz S-Class — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

10

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other S-Class years?

S-Class NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted101 complaints1992: 0 complaints1993: 1 complaints1994: 14 complaints1995: 32 complaints1996: 6 complaints1997: 4 complaints1998: 2 complaints1999: 10 complaints2000: 101 complaints2001: 46 complaints2002: 56 complaints2003: 43 complaints2004: 17 complaints2005: 3 complaints2009: 3 complaints2012: 1 complaints
S-Class NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all S-Class years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 Mercedes-Benz S-Class problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags330%
Seat Belts220%
Suspension220%
Tires & Wheels110%
Transmission110%
Visibility & Wipers110%

Does the 1999 Mercedes-Benz S-Class have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

Defect

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“AIRBAGS IN 1999 S500 MERCEDES FAILED TO DEPLOY IN FRONTAL COLLISION WITH A UTILITY POLE AT SPEED ESTIMATED BETWEEN 15-25 MPH. DRIVER WAS WEARING HIS SEAT BELT. *NM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · September 27, 2006 · crash

“WHEN I TRIED TO FASTEN THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT IT WOULDN'T RELEASE. AFTER TWO ATTEMPTS TO RELEASE THE SEAT BELT, IT FULLY RELEASED WITHOUT ANY TENSION ON THE SEAT BELT. THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT IS COMPLETELY USELESS AS A RESTRAINING DEVICE SINCE THERE IS NO TENSION. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · April 21, 2007

“I HAD 4 KUMHO SOLUS KH16 TIRES INSTALLED ON A 1999 MERCEDES S500 ON 1/17/07. THESE TIRES HAVE BEEN DRIVEN APPROXIMATELY 15,000 MILES. THE TIRE ON THE RIGHT REAR FAILED ON FEB. 10, 2008 AND WAS SUDDEN AND UNEXPECTED. MY WIFE HAD JUST STOPPED FOR A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND WAS ACCELERATING TO THE POSTED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · February 10, 2008

“WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED INSIDE GARAGE CONSUMER'S CHILD BUMPED PARK PAWL CAUSING VEHICLE TO ROLL BACKWARDS OUT OF GARGE AND DOWN DRIVEWAY. CONSUMER JUMPED HEAD FRIST THROUGH WINDOW AND DEPRESSED BRAKE PEDAL BY HAND TO STOP VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission

1999 Mercedes-Benz S-Class — common questions

Is the 1999 Mercedes-Benz S-Class reliable?

The record is thin — 10 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1999 S-Class problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (3 complaints), suspension (2 complaints), seat belts (2 complaints).

Does the 1999 Mercedes-Benz S-Class have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1999 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Mercedes-Benz S-Class years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the S-Class years to avoid are 2000, 2002, 2001, 2003, 1995. The cleanest record among S-Class years belongs to 1992.

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.