Electrical system, phantom braking & structural issues are among the top complaints received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is supposed to be the epitome of luxury. In fact, the German automaker claims it is “the measure of what matters.” Yet, the company appears to have overlooked everything that truly matters, such as a functional electrical system and well-made structure. Phantom braking adds an element of risk to driving these luxury sedans.
Click on other model year to view more problems: 2021
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class comes in four trim levels, the S500, S580 and the Maybach S580 and Maybach S680. Complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA) by 2022 S-class owners refer to the S500 and S580. These span seven components and systems:
The most common problem reported in complaints is filed under Forward Collision Avoidance. This involves abrupt phantom braking.
Although there is only one complaint that relates to the electrical system, there are two recalls related to faulty electrics, making this another common problem area. Both recalls were issued in March 2022.
Additionally, there is an urgent recall on the S580 and S500 that was initiated in March 2022 and 12 owners have been told not to drive their cars. The problem is that the rear axle carrier might fail because it may not have been welded properly. If this happens, a detached thrust arm can cause the driver to suddenly lose control of the car. Alternatively, it can cause the car to pull to one side during emergency braking. This will increase the risk of a crash.
Two S-Class owners have complained to the NHTSA about phantom braking.
An New York owner of an S580 was driving 35 mph when “the vehicle experienced phantom braking with the Active Brake Assist warning light illuminated.” The failure mileage was 6,003 and the vehicle operated normally after the failure. “The dealer was contacted and the vehicle was picked up by a representative. The manufacturer was not contacted about the failure. The outcome has not been reported on the NHTSA website.”
An owner from Florida was traveling at 70 mph without another car in front when the brake assistant activated abruptly. It happened again the next day. “I am scared because instead of preventing an accident, it will be causing one.”
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Drivers want a luxury vehicle that can provide every electrical feature possible. For the money spent on the S-Class, it’s amazing that this vehicle got as far as it did, especially with all of the electrical defects.
Here’s an example on the NHTSA website. “The contact owns a 2022 Mercedes-Benz S500. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V00J000 (Electrical System, Communication) however, the parts for the repair were unavailable. The dealer had been notified about the recall and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer had been notified of the recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repair. The contact also mentioned that he experienced a blowout failure with the passenger’s side front Pirelli PZero Tire, Tire Size: 255/35/R21, DOT Number: 1UN13874K. The contact stated that he replaced the tire with the spare; however, the vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that approximately a week later, the driver’s side tire experienced the same blowout failure and was taken to an independent mechanic. The contact stated that the driver’s tire had the same tire information as the front passenger’s side tire. The mechanic informed him that there were bubbles formed on the rear passenger’s side tire; Tire Size: 255/30/R21, DOT Number: IXTY8464L. The mechanic suggested that all the tires be replaced. The tire and vehicle manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The tire failure mileage was approximately 2,000. (The) VIN tool confirms parts not available.”
The recall referred to is a communication/electrical system issue relating to a fault that restricts or disables the eCall system in the S500 and S580. This prevents occupants from contacting emergency services if there is an accident and increases the risk of injury. The issue is related to bad software, so there aren’t many parts needed to fix the problem. Potentially, 1,239 vehicles are affected.
Additionally, another recall, NHTSA Campaign Number 21V931000, which also affects the S500 and S580, states that several applications and functions, including the TV, aren’t disabled while driving as intended. It stands to reason that if the infotainment system is on it may cause driver distraction, increasing the risk of a crash. So, not only could the S-Class cause an accident, but it could also prevent occupants from getting any help afterward. It’s the perfect storm of disaster waiting to happen and not worth paying more for.
Everything should be perfect when purchasing a flagship luxury model, but that’s not true with the S-Class.
Here’s a simple complaint left on the MB World Forum. “Wind noise coming from (the) front windows.”
A structural issue reported to the NHTSA reports that the front and driver’s and passenger doors of an S500 “were heavy” and the side door stop features were “inoperable.” The local dealer did not diagnose or repair the problem.
Additionally, S-Class vehicles have been the focus of other issues throughout the years. Previous models have been studied as part of a class-action lawsuit showing that the glass sunroof can burst for no reason. The issue is solely because of a poor design, which is exactly what is shown with newer models. Engineers didn’t take time to ensure a solid build, which can also be seen with Service Bulletin #LI7210P073487. This communication shows that the front door window can clutter when being put down. The newer Mercedes is more like a jalopy going down the road.
However minor you might think your problems are, if your Mercedes Benz S Class has problems that make you think it’s a lemon, do something about it.
Lemberg Law has many years of experience helping car owners who buy lemons. You don’t have to keep a lemon. You have a bunch of legal rights to return, get a buyback, or demand cash for a car that doesn’t operate the way it should.
Call our Helpline today and we’ll evaluate your case. It’s not going to cost you anything because the law says that the manufacturer must pay.
Brian Jones spent more than 30 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
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