2018 Mercedes-Benz S 450

Routine

Owners filed 7 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the forward collision avoidance › automatic emergency braking. It has been recalled 8 times.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Service Brakes2
000
Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking2
000
Unknown or Other1
000
Steering1
000
Power Train1
000

8 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Structure › Body › Roof and Pillars21V197000
Filed Mar 19, 202115,096 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2020 C300 Coupe, C43 Coupe AMG, C43 AMG, 2015-2020 C300, GLA250, 2016-2018 C350e, CLA45 Coupe AMG, 2015 C400, S65 AMG, 2015-2019 C63 AMG, 2016 C450, 2015-2016 GLA45 AMG, S600, 2016-2020 GLC300, 2017-2019 GLC43 AMG, GLE43 Coupe AMG, 2014-2019 CLA250 Coupe, 2014-2015 CLA45 AMG, 2018 GLC63 AMG, 2014-2017 S550, 2018-2020 S450, 2016-2019 GLE63 Coupe AMG, 2016 GLE450 Coupe, 2014-2020 S63 AMG, 2018-2019 S560, and 2019 GLC350e vehicles equipped with a panoramic sunroof. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair.

Risk. The adhesive bonding of the front panel might deteriorate, possibly causing the front panel to detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Mercedes-Benz dealer will remove the bonded panel and will install a new front panel by following the detailed repair instructions and using the approved primer, cleaner and adhesive, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021 and October 26, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Communication › Auto Crash Notification21V072000
Filed Feb 12, 202167 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2019 C300, E300, 2018-2020 CLA250, 2020 CLS450, AMG E53, AMG GT53, GLE450, 2018 AMG E63, AMG GTA, 2017-2020 GLA250, GLC300, 2019 GLC350, AMG GLC43, 2017-2018 GLE350, 2019 AMG GLC 43, GLC350, GLE400, 2017 GLS450, S550, C300 Cabrio, and 2018-2019 S560 vehicles. On June 18, 2021, an additional 9 vehicles were added, including certain 2021 GLA250, GLC300, 2018 S450, E400, and 2017 CLA250 vehicles. The communication module might have been inadvertently deactivated during a service visit, which could have disabled the Emergency Call (eCall) function.

Risk. A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting emergency services through the call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the communication module and activate it, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Letters for the owners of the 9 additional vehicles were mailed July 9, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021030005.

Communication › Auto Crash Notification21V058000
Filed Feb 5, 20211,292,258 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.

Risk. Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.

Remedy. MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Pads19V915000
Filed Dec 20, 201975 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc.

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 S560 and S450 vehicles. These vehicles may be equipped with front brake components (brake discs, calipers, and pads) with different dimensions than specified for the vehicle.

Risk. The incorrect size brake components may lead to the wrong replacement components fitted to the vehicle during brake repairs, possibly affecting braking performance and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front brake system, free of charge. The recall began May 8, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020030020.

Lane Departure › Lane Keep › Steering Assist18V910000
Filed Dec 19, 20186,200 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc.

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (Mercedes) is recalling certain 2018 S450 4MATIC, S560 4MATIC Coupe, S63 AMG 4MATIC Coupe, Maybach S560 4MATIC, S560 4MATIC, S63 AMG and S63 AMG 4MATIC Cabrio vehicles. The Hands-off-Detection system may malfunction, causing the Active Steering Assist system to remain engaged despite the driver's hands not being on the steering wheel for a prolonged period of time.

Risk. If the system remains active despite the driver not having their hands on the wheel, the driver's inattention may increase the risk of crash.

Remedy. Mercedes has notified owners, and dealers will update the software of the steering control unit, free of charge. The recall began May 13, 2019. Owners may contact Mercedes customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019040024.

Lane Departure › Lane Keep › Steering Assist18V908000
Filed Dec 19, 20185,754 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc.

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 AMG S63 4MATIC coupe, AMG S63 4MATIC sedan, AMG S63 4MATIC Cabriolet, S450 4MATIC sedan, S560 4MATIC coupe, S560 4MATIC sedan, and Maybach S560 4MATIC vehicles. Due to an incorrect steering boot installation, the Active Steering Assist system may remain engaged despite the driver's hands not being on the steering wheel for a prolonged period of time.

Risk. If the system remains active despite the driver not having their hands on the wheel, the driver's inattention may increase the risk of crash.

Remedy. MBUSA has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and correct the steering boot installation, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 13, 2019. Owners may contact Mercedes Benz customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019040025.

Electrical System18V407000
Filed Jun 15, 20181,701 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc.

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 Mercedes-Maybach S560 and S560 4Matic and Mercedes S450 4Matic, S450, S560, S560 4Matic, and S560 Coupe 4Matic vehicles. The electrical power bars inside the pre-fuse box in the trunk may not have been secured properly.

Risk. If the power bars are not properly secured, it can cause higher electrical resistance increasing the risk of a fire. Additionally, an intermittent contact between the power bars could lead to a loss of vehicle functions. The engine operation, the seat belt functions and the instrument cluster could be impaired, increasing the risk of a crash and injuries.

Remedy. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the pre-fuse box, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began August 30, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018080001.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch17V816000
Filed Dec 18, 20178,700 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc.

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017 GLE400 4Matic, GLE350 4Matic, GLE350, GLE550e 4Matic, GLE43 AMG 4Matic, GLE63 AMG 4Matic, GLS450, GLE63S 4Matic, GLS63 4Matic, S550e, S600, S63 AMG 4Matic, S65 AMG, S550, Mercedes-Maybach S600, Mercedes-Maybach S550 4Matic, GLE43 AMG 4Matic Coupe, GLE63S 4Matic Coupe, 2017-2018 GLS550 4Matic, S550 4Matic, 2018 S450, and S63 AMG 4Matic vehicles. The rear passenger door on the driver side may indicate that it is locked, when it may not be. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."

Risk. If the door appears to be locked, the door may be unintentionally opened, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left rear door lock, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in January 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Power Train
Filed Jan 22, 202589,000 milesTN

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz S450. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the gear shifter independently shifted into neutral. The contact had to hold down the gear shifter for about 30 seconds before the system was reset. Additionally, the check engine warning light was later illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission valve body failure. The contact was informed that the transmission valve body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 27, 2024NJ

I was driving on highway on 7/26 Friday in exit lane when my panoramic sunroof exploded and shattered on me while driving. It sounded like a shogun. Some of the glass came in on me and other part flew out vehicle causing paint damage. I inspected car there was no impact from anything (ie rock, branch etc). It was a clear sunny dry day no vehicles in front that would have kicked up an object no impact whatsoever. I made to my house 3 miles away and there is no impact after inspection i have insurance adjuster coming Monday 7/29. I checked internet and have heard of others stating same experience. I looked at NHTSA site and my car doesn’t look like it was part of a national recall notice. Very frightening situation a more inexperienced driver may have not handled the situation.

Steering
Filed May 29, 2023UT

Steering wheel became extremely stiff to turn and a message that read “steering malfunction increase physical effort” appeared while driving at around 30 mph while in a vacation trip, not only was this extremely unsettling since it happened suddenly but I had to act fast to avoid a collision with other vehicles, once I made it to a safe location I shut the vehicle off and restarted after 15 minutes and it seem drivable again but left me extremely concerned as I am 500 miles away from with no dealerships open to have it looked since is Memorial Day.

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 2, 202340,000 milesNJ

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz S450. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact attempted to depress the brake; however, the vehicle failed to decelerate and slow as needed. The contact stated that the brakes failed to work as needed. The contact stated that the “Service Required” message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and was diagnosed with electronic parking brake failure. The manufacture was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 26, 2023TX

I’m reporting this safety concern and seeking advisement from those more knowledgeable than myself on this issue. Recently, as I attempted to actuate the brake of my vehicle. My right foot was entangled with the brake pedal as I moved it from the acceleration pedal to the brake pedal in observance of a “Stop Sign.” I barely avoided what surely would have been a catastrophic collision with another vehicle. The incident occurred in a split second. The shoe of my right foot was entangled with the lower right corner of the underside of the brake pedal, which has a protruding sharp thin metal edge. The sharp thin metal edge impeded the performance my right leg as it dug into my shoe’s sole edge and the leather upper. In my opinion the sharp thin metal edge of the underside of the brake pedal as described herein is a dangerous and extremely problematic issue. After the recent incident, I am consumed with concern, trepidation and fear when operating the vehicle. During the excitement of the near collision, my wife made an audible gasp, and in the split second I struggled to free my shoe and foot to avoid a potentially fatal crash. I barely freed my foot and shoe in time enough to successfully bring my vehicle to a halt. My wife and I narrowly averted a life changing, potentially deadly accident.

Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking
Filed Jun 4, 201949,826 milesVA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ S450. WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED, THE AUTOMATIC BRAKING ACTIVATED ON ITS OWN IN TRAFFIC. THE CONTACT HAD TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL IN ORDER TO DRIVE SAFELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF ALEXANDRIA (200 S PICKETT ST, ALEXANDRIA, VA 22304, (703) 341-2100) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,826.

Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking
Filed Dec 8, 2017850 milesFL

THE PRE-COLLISION SAFETY FEATURE GOES OFF WHEN THERE IS NO COLLISION IMMINENT. IT IS FRIGHTENING AND COULD ACTUALLY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.

7 of 7 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2018
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20204400Routine
20193800Routine
2018 — this page7800Routine

Compare every S 450 year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Mar 19, 2021. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.