Mercedes-Benz S500 years to avoid
The Mercedes-Benz S500 years to avoid are 2000, 2001, 2002 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 1996 is the cleanest year on record.
274
Total complaints
0
Recall campaigns
1993–2007
Years covered
3
Years to avoid
Complaints by model year
S500 years to avoid
| Year | Why | Complaints | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | High complaint rate | 85 | |
| 2001 | High complaint rate | 55 | |
| 2002 | High complaint rate | 36 |
Every S500 year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 2 | 0 | |
| 2006 | 16 | 0 | |
| 2005 | 19 | 0 | |
| 2004 | 24 | 0 | |
| 2003 | 12 | 0 | |
| 2002avoid | 36 | 0 | |
| 2001avoid | 55 | 0 | |
| 2000avoid | 85 | 0 | |
| 1999 | 12 | 0 | |
| 1996 | 1 | 0 | |
| 1995 | 6 | 0 | |
| 1994 | 4 | 0 | |
| 1993 | 2 | 0 |
Common questions
What are the worst Mercedes-Benz S500 years?
Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the S500 years to avoid are 2000, 2001, 2002. The cleanest year on record is 1996.
What is the best year for the Mercedes-Benz S500?
By complaint volume, 1996 has the cleanest NHTSA record among S500 years with enough data to compare.
How many recalls does the Mercedes-Benz S500 have?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the S500.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.