2021 Mercedes-Benz S 500 recalls and problems

7 recalls and 1 owner complaint on file with NHTSA for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S 500.

7
recalls
1
owner complaints
0
complaints mentioning a crash
0
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2021 Mercedes-Benz S 500 recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components

NHTSA campaign 25V116000 · reported February 24, 2025 · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC · 20,339 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
A brake fluid leak can extend the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
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 notification · Electrical system: software

NHTSA campaign 24V807000 · reported October 25, 2024 · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC · 21 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The 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.
The fix
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.

Back over prevention: display function

NHTSA campaign 22V493000 · reported July 11, 2022 · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC · 8,530 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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."
The risk
An inoperative rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
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.

Electrical system: software · Communication: auto crash notification

NHTSA campaign 22V365000 · reported May 20, 2022 · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC · 242,722 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The 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.
The fix
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: column

NHTSA campaign 22V214000 · reported April 1, 2022 · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC · 4 vehicles potentially affected

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

Exterior lighting: back up lights · Exterior lighting: hazard flashing warning lights · Exterior lighting: turn signal

NHTSA campaign 22V167000 · reported March 18, 2022 · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC · 9,156 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2022 EQS 450, EQS 580, and 2021 S500 and S580 vehicles. A software error may disable the rear turn signals, hazard lights, and reverse lights.
The risk
Disabled rear turn signals, hazard lights, and reverse lights can reduce the vehicle's visibility to other driver's, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will update the rear signal software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022040013.

Air bags: sensor, occupant classification, front passenger · Air bags: air bag/restraint control module, software

NHTSA campaign 21V789000 · reported October 11, 2021 · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC · 1,311 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 S500, S580, and Maybach S580 vehicles. The air bag control unit software may deactivate the occupant recognition control unit, resulting in a deactivated front passenger air bag.
The risk
A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix
Dealers will update the air bag control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 1, 2021. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021100010. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Dec 4, 2024 · Engine and engine cooling · 20,700 miles

The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz. The contact stated while driving at 10 MPH, the vehicle stalls until the contact engages the vehicle in sport mode. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer for diagnosis or repairs. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure and a case was opened. The…

S 500 model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2021 7100
2023 3100

Across all years, the 2000 S 500 has the most complaints (55). All Mercedes-Benz S 500 years →

Questions

Does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S 500 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S 500, the most recent reported on February 24, 2025 (Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S 500?
Owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine and engine cooling (1 complaints).
How many 2021 Mercedes-Benz S 500 complaints mention a crash or fire?
0 of 1 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received December 4, 2024.