VehicleVerdict

2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 2009 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.

3

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2009 compare to other S-Class years?

S-Class NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 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, 2009 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all S-Class years to avoid →

What are the most common 2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags133%
Brakes133%
Latches & Locks133%

Does the 2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class have recalls?

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

09V081000Latches & LocksMarch 13, 2009 · 54 units

Defect

MERCEDES BENZ IS RECALLING 54 MY 2009 S-CLASS, W221 VEHICLES. DURING PRODUCTION THE FRONT AND REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR LOCKS MAY HAVE BEEN MISTAKENLY INTERCHANGED DURING PRODUCTION. THE EXCHANGE OF A FRONT AND A REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR LOCK WOULD RESULT IN A PASSENGER SIDE DOOR THAT CANNOT BE OPENED BY MERELY PULLING ON THE INTERIOR HANDLE AND A REAR DOOR LOCK THAT CAN BE OPENED WITH A SIMPLE PULL OF THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE EVEN IF LOCKED.

Consequence

THIS SITUATION COULD AFFECT THE SAFE EXITING OF A VEHICLE IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH OR PROTECTION OF CHILDREN FROM INADVERTENT OPENING OF THE REAR DOOR.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL CHECK THE PART NUMBER ON ALL DOOR LOCKS AND REPLACE ANY INCORRECTLY INSTALLED DOOR LOCK FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCEDES BENZ S CLASS. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 55 MPH WHEN A VEHICLE AHEAD OF HIM ABRUPTLY STOPPED. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES AS THE PEDAL WAS APPLIED DOWN TO THE FLOORBOARD AND REMAINED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RELEASE THE BRAKE PEDAL AND CRASHED INTO THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 7, 2010 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCEDES BENZ S CLASS. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 55 MPH WHEN A VEHICLE AHEAD OF HIM ABRUPTLY STOPPED. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES AS THE PEDAL WAS APPLIED DOWN TO THE FLOORBOARD AND REMAINED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RELEASE THE BRAKE PEDAL AND CRASHED INTO THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · August 7, 2010 · crash

“THERE ARE NO CHILD SAFETY LOCKS ON THE REAR DOORS. THE MANUFACTURER SEEMS TO THINK THE FACT THAT THE DOOR LOCKS ONCE THE CAR IS MOVING OVER A SPECIFIC SPEED IS GOOD ENOUGH, THE PROBLEM IS A CHILD CAN STILL PULL THE HANDLE TWICE TO OPEN THE DOOR WHILE IT'S MOVING, OR SIMPLY LIFT THE REAR LOCK LATCH…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Latches & Locks · May 18, 2012

2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class — common questions

Is the 2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class reliable?

The record is thin — 3 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2009 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.