2021 Mercedes-Benz S 580

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 33 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. It has been recalled 16 times.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical System7
000
Wheels6
000
Engine and Engine Cooling4
000
Service Brakes2
101
Exterior Lighting2
000
Visibility › Windshield1
000
Visibility/Wiper1
000
Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control1
101
Vehicle Speed Control1
001
Unknown or Other1
000

16 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components25V116000
Filed Feb 24, 202520,339 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2022 S 500, Maybach S 580 4MATIC, 2021-2023 S 580 4MATIC, 2022 S 680 4MATIC, and 2023 S 580e 4MATIC vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.

Risk. A brake fluid leak can extend the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will replace the front brake hoses, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2025030007.

Communication › Auto Crash Notification24V807000
Filed Oct 25, 202421 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 Maybach S 580 4MATIC, S 500 4MATIC, and S 580 4MATIC vehicles. The emergency call system may fail to place an automatic or manual call and may not provide the vehicle location as intended.

Risk. A disabled emergency call system that prevents a vehicle occupant from contacting emergency services or fails to identify the vehicle location, can delay emergency responders and increase the risk of injury.

Remedy. Dealers will update the communication module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 6, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024110002.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Engine Control Module (ecu/Ecm) › Software24V704000
Filed Sep 20, 202427,190 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2023 S580, and Maybach S580 vehicles. In the event of a mechanical failure in the engine Camtronic system, the engine control unit (ECU) software may cause the engine to overheat or stall.

Risk. An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. In addition, an engine that overheats can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy. Dealers will update the ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 15, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on November 15, 2024, January 10, 2025, and February 21, 2025. Owners can contact Mercedes-Benz Customer Service at 1-877-496-3691. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024100007.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump23V445000
Filed Jun 26, 2023143,551 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2023 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS, SL, GT, GLC, GLE, GLS, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The fuel pump may shutdown, which can result in a loss of drive power.

Risk. A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 14, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2023070012.

Structure › Frame and Members23V200000
Filed Mar 24, 20236 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 Maybach S580 and S580 vehicles. The bulkhead that separates the engine compartment from the passenger compartment may not have been properly sealed, causing water to drain into the passenger compartment. Water intrusion into the foot wells may cause corrosion and/or short circuits to electrical components, disabling safety features, including seat belt tightening and seat adjustments (PreSafe system).

Risk. Disabled safety features, including seat belt tightening and seat adjustments, can increase the risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will repair the bulkhead front wall sealing, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 12, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2023040009.

Visibility › Fixed Panaramic Roof/Sky Light Assembly23V098000
Filed Feb 17, 20231 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling one 2021 S 580 4Matic vehicle. The fixed front glass panel between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not be properly secured and may detach.

Risk. A detached glass panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will replace the front fixed glass panel, free of charge. The owner notification letters were mailed March 17, 2023. The owner may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2023020008.

Back Over Prevention › Display Function22V493000
Filed Jul 11, 20228,530 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2022 AMG EQS53, EQS580, EQS450, 2021 S500, S580, and Maybach S580 vehicles. The rearview camera may not display the rearview image due to a software error in the MBUX multimedia system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk. An inoperative rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will update the MBUX multimedia system software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 19, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022080002.

Communication › Auto Crash Notification22V365000
Filed May 20, 2022242,722 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.

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

Remedy. The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on July 8, 2022, May 17, 2024, July 29, 2024, and September 27, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers are for this recall is 2022060005 and 2023110006.

Steering › Column22V214000
Filed Apr 1, 20224 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 S580 4Matic and S500 4Matic vehicles. The electrical connector to the steering column module may not be secured properly, which can disable gear shifts and/or safety features including the electronic stability program, the driver's air bag, and turn signal indicators.

Risk. Disabled safety features or the inability to shift gears can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy. Dealers will inspect and reinstall the cover for the electrical connector, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 13, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022040006.

Steering › Steering Wheel/Handle Bar22V189000
Filed Mar 25, 20228,396 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2022 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL, EClass Coupe/Convertible, CLS, AMG GT 4-doors Coupe, and EQS vehicles with a heated leather steering wheel. Due to a software error in the hand detection control unit, the hands-off detection might not detect when the driver's hands are away from the steering wheel when using the Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC system.

Risk. Deactivated hands-off detection will prevent DISTRONIC system features from functioning, including warnings to grab the steering wheel and calling first responders as part of the Active Emergency Stop Assist, which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy. Dealers will update the hand detection control unit software for the DISTRONIC system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 6, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022040010.

Showing 10 of 16 campaigns, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Suspension
Filed Aug 19, 2026MA

Shock air leaking front right side. The car has 31,000 miles and is 5 years old. Is this to be expected?

Engine
Filed May 8, 2026KY

The vehicle lost acceleration and the check engine light came on. I took the vehicle to Mercedes dealership. They quoted that the Camtronic actuator has failed and needs to be replaced. Cost $9000. I have now seen online a recall for 2021 mercedes s580's for CAMTRONIC actuator failure issue. However- my VIN is not included in the recall. Please advise what I should do.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Feb 24, 2026AL

False warning message for right taillights/brake lights/signal light in rear lamp.

Wheels
Filed Jan 13, 2026TX

Three wheels had rim a total of eight cracks that lead to one tire unable to hold air. Loss of air in tire can lead to crash. Mercedes service inspected car after first crack was noticed by Discount Tire when they diagnosed deflation in tire. Mercedes service reported that two additional wheel rims were cracked. Discount Tire subsequently determined a total of eight cracks and took pictures. Mercedes service representative stated that initial OEM wheels on 2021 S Class were weak and frequently failed. Service manager said they have had cracks during test drives from simply riding over a metal plate on the road. Car was bought used with 22k miles and driven only 3k miles by me at time of failure. Car was supposedly 100% inspected and was “certified”. Low air pressure indicator alerted the issue.

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 31, 2025NY

Car was in for recall Dec 7,2025 to Mercedes Benz of Rockville Centre service 110 Graham Avenue Hempstead Ny they are having difficulties with the recall it is now Dec 30, 2025 still not repaired they told me it was a parts problem they ordered parts twice now they are saying it might be a software problem they are not sure they do not know when i will get my vehicle back they dont even know the reason why its not taking the recall

Exterior Lighting
Filed Sep 20, 2025MA

Adaptive High Beam Assist function on vehicle with Multibeam LED headlights with Digital Light System fail to detect ambient lighting properly. Consequently hi-beam lights operate erratically and unpredictably, switching between high and low beams too frequently. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Wheels
Filed Jun 25, 2025MA

Excessive Tire failure on "AMG" 21 inch wheel and tires. Pirelli tires have replaced 4 tires in four months. cracks in side wall bubbling.

Tires
Filed Mar 5, 2025NY

I purchased this car as a certified pre-owned vehicle from Mercedes Benz in December 2024 with 14,000 miles on the odometer. This vehicle has factory 21-inch AMG rims. Since that time, I have had to replace 5 tires on this vehicle, all from Mercedes Benz dealerships. I purchased an additional $2,000 tire insurance policy from Mercedes Benz due to this recurrent issue. Due to the size of this rim, these tires are extremely prone to blowing and flats. Furthermore, this vehicle does not come with a spare tire or even with a storage compartment which can accommodate a spare tire. I was under the impression that this is because Mercedes Benz equips these vehicles with run-flat tires, however I recently learned that Mercedes does not offer run-flat tires on the 21 inch rim, leaving customers with no choice to but have the vehicle towed each time a flat tire occurs. I have been stranded on the side of the road 3 times within the past 3 weeks alone. Other customers have experienced and reported similar issues with this vehicle.

Wheels
Filed Feb 20, 2025AL

I purchased this vehicle used at a dealer in Virginia. I drove it home to Chelsea Alabama, outside Birmingham. After a couple of days, my front right tire went flat. I took it to the dealer and they said the flat tire was caused by a cracked rim and required both to be replaced. Almost $3,000 for tire and rim. I continued to drive the car, maybe 4,000-5,000 miles and I had another tire go flat. This was the drivers side rear tire. This was a Pirelli 285/35 R20 run flat tire. Again when I took it to the dealer, this rim was cracked and also needed to be replaced along with the tire. $2,790. The car has 55,000 miles and is meticulously maintained. And I do not drive on rough roads. The dealer consistently states it was due to “hitting a pot hole” which a) is not the case in both these incidents, and b) a rim should not break from running into regular small imperfections in the road. I’ve been in the auto manufacturing business for 38 years and have never, ever had a rim fail, not once but twice in 4 months on the same vehicle. After investigating, this is happening all over. My feeling is the rim has not been sufficiently designed to support the weight of this vehicle. And now, every time I take the car out, I fear for my life and my families life. Frankly, the car is not safe because the rims can and will crack and split under regular driving conditions! This can cause a blowout and possible injury or death. This cost and the cost of my safety should be covered by Mercedes. Th

Wheels
Filed Feb 18, 2025NY

I’ve had to replace six tires due to blowouts from hitting small potholes, something I’ve never experienced in the past 40 years of driving other vehicles! This seems to be a manufacturing defect in the vehicle, as the tires can’t support the weight of the car, and any pressure on them causes them to blow out. I’m now hesitant to drive long distances, fearing that one or more tires could blow out at any time. Without a spare tire in the trunk, I’m left stranded. Below are answers to your question: 1. The tires failed, yes they are available for inspection. Also have photos of the damaged tires. 2. The safety of myself and my passengers is at risk, as a tire blowout while driving at 55 mph could potentially cause the vehicle to lose control and result in a serious accident.. 3. The problem has been confirmed by an independent service center. 4. The vehicles tires have been inspected by an insurance representative and independent service center 5. NO

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Jan 18, 2025CA

While on the freeway, going approximately 70 mph, the vehicles onboard cameras all failed and I got a warning that said “camera dirty/unavailable/traffic sign assist currently unavailable”. Because of this failure, I almost crashed the car in Front of me. I cleaned all the cameras. The message continues to appear. The dealer said “it’s a known malfunction with this particular model, based on the chip shortage, during Covid”. My car has 57000 miles and apparently several owners of this model, are experiencing the same issue. Dealer wants to charge $1,800.00 to fix a vehicle safety feature, that shouldn’t fail this soon.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Dec 20, 2024NC

The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz S580. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V704000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Nov 15, 202438,000 milesFL

The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz S 580. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V704000(Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the engine made an abnormal ticking sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control
Filed Jun 1, 2024NY

Every Mercedes Benz manufactured in 2021 has a defective hood lens which prevents the adaptive driver assistance system from working properly. You can have it on and it will work intermittently which can easily cause a major crash. Mercedes Benz says the part is not available in USA or Germany. Every Mercedes is affected. I’ve been waiting over 2 months for the part. My brother, who owns the same car, has been waiting over one month. It’s a major problem because the car is suppose to self drive on the highway and it’s not staying in lane because of this defective hood lens. Hey [XXX] , I apologize for the inconvenience. There have been a few S classes with a similar message to yours. We have to order the camera lens hoods for your vehicle, but they are in back order. We don't have one in stock in the USA or Germany. I could have you stop by the dealership and clean the camera lens hood to temporarily remove the message on the dashboard. I can also order the part while the vehicle is here, and we would have to wait a few months for the part to arrive. When do you have time to stop by the dealership for a few hours? --Karen Hubschmitt - Mercedes-Benz of Brooklyn Sent from my iPhone INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Electrical System
Filed Apr 30, 20241,000 milesNY

The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz S580. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the "Camera System Unavailable" and "Camera Dirty" messages were displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was initially taken to a dealer where the contact was informed that the failure was caused by a bumper guard placed on the front license plate, rendering the driving assist sensor inoperable. Despite the removal of the bumper guard, the failure persisted. Recently, the contact received text from the dealer that stated that several other owners of the model year vehicle had experienced the same failure. The letter stated that a defective camera lens hood had caused the failure; however, the parts for the repair were on backorder. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Sep 8, 2023GA

The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz S580. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V445000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Forward Collision Avoidance
Filed Aug 22, 202323,500 milesFL

The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz S580. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle inadvertently activated the Forward Collision Avoidance feature and briefly applied the brakes hard enough for the ABS to be activated. The contact stated that there were no objects near or around the vehicle. The vehicle returned to normal functionality but had since become a regular failure. The Forward Collision Avoidance warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 23,500.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 19, 2023CA

Similar to recall campagn #2017020018 or 17V-078. My car may have a damaged steering column-mounted shift lever module. If the internal circuit board is damaged, moving the shift lever will not select a transmission gear. Both the auto-P function and automatic parking brake will continue to operate as intended and prevent the vehicle from moving forward or rearward. The problem could also be the Mercedes Benz Intelligent Servo Module(ISM) module installed on the transmission side. Brought my car to dealer to fix, the 1st time on 4/14/2023 they simply replaced 48V battery. Today 6/19/2023, the same issue happens again.

Wheels
Filed Jun 12, 2023CA

I have had one tire blow out after traveling over a moderate pot hole, and 3 other tires that have been damaged with "bubbles" due to excessive stress from normal driving. In addition to the damaged tires, I have had 3 bent wheels all due to normal driving because the 21 inch wheels/tires on this vehicle cannot tolerate the loads during normal driving. This is a well-known defect by Mercedes and I believe it is a design defect and that it is dangerous.

Service Brakes1 injured
Filed Jan 12, 2023PA

Driving on highway at about 50 mph when the brakes suddenly slammed on and brought car to a sudden, near stop. The stop was so sudden our seatbelts engaged and we thought we were struck in the rear by another car. Electrical module issues that cause battery to drain while vehicle is turned off have been ongoing since I purchased the car in October, 2021. Car has been in for service related to this problem 6 times and for over 60 days.

20 of 33 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2021
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20236500Routine
202225710Do not drive
2021 — this page331601Fatalities reported

Compare every S 580 year →

Reading this record

1 death reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

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: Feb 24, 2025. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.