Model year record

2018 Mercedes-Benz S560 recalls & problems

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz S560 has 10 safety recalls and 13 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine (3 complaints).

Recalls10safety recalls

Complaints13filed by owners

Crashes · fires0 · 1reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths0 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

StructureMar 19, 2021

Body › Roof and pillars

Recall 21V19700015,096 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.

CommunicationFeb 12, 2021

Auto crash notification

Recall 21V07200067 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.

Components: Communication › Auto crash notification; Communication

CommunicationFeb 5, 2021

Auto crash notification

Recall 21V0580001,292,258 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.

Components: Communication › Auto crash notification; Electrical system › Software

Electrical systemJul 31, 2020

Software

Recall 20V44900056 vehicles

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 C300, C300 Coupe, CLS450, E450 Coupe and S450, 2017-2019 E300, 2018 E400 Coupe, E400 Stationwagon, and 2018-2019 S560 vehicles that have previously had the instrument cluster replaced. The software in the replaced instrument cluster may cause the seat belt warning system to not operate properly, only displaying a solid warning light if either the driver or passenger seat belt is unfastened, instead of a blinking light with an audible tone.
Risk: Without the audible tone and blinking warning light to remind the front seat occupants that their seat belts are not buckled, they may forget to buckle their seat belt, increasing their risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. The recall began September 8, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020080015.

Components: Electrical system › Software; Seat belts › Front › Warning light/devices

EngineMar 20, 2020

Engine

Recall 20V1730009,791 vehicles

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 S560 and Maybach S560 vehicles equipped with 4.0L 8-cylinder gasoline-engines. Two engine oil plugs may not withstand high engine loads while driving, possibly resulting in an engine oil leak.
Risk: An engine oil leak can spill on to the road and cause slippery road conditions. Additionally, if the engine runs out of oil it can cause an engine stall while driving. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will reinforce the engine oil plugs by adding a retaining plate, free of charge. The recall began August 11, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020060018.

Service brakes, hydraulicDec 20, 2019

Foundation components › Disc › Pads

Recall 19V91500075 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.

Components: Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Pads; Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Caliper; Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc

Engine and engine coolingNov 15, 2019

Engine › Gasoline

Recall 19V8210006 vehicles

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 S560, S560 Cabriolet, and S560 4MATIC vehicles equipped with 8-cylinder gasoline engines. The threaded connection between the camshaft idler gear and the crankcase may be improperly tightened, possibly causing the idler gear to detach from the crankcase.
Risk: A detached idler gear can damage the engine, resulting in a stall and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine, free of charge. The recall began February 21, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020020013.

Lane departureDec 19, 2018

Lane keep › Steering assist

Recall 18V9080005,754 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.

Components: Lane departure › Lane keep › Steering assist; Steering › Electric power assist system

Lane departureDec 19, 2018

Lane keep › Steering assist

Recall 18V9100006,200 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.

Components: Lane departure › Lane keep › Steering assist; Lane departure › Lane keep › Automatic steering; Steering › Electric power assist system

Electrical systemJun 15, 2018

Electrical system

Recall 18V4070001,701 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Fuel economy

S560

21mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 27 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

4 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 9-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,900/year to fuel

S560 Convertible

20mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 26 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

4 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 9-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $4,100/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Fires	Typical mileage*
Engine	3	1	—
Steering	2	0	—
Service brakes	2	0	—
Fuel/propulsion system	2	0	—
Visibility/wiper	1	0	—
Wheels	1	0	—
Unknown or other	1	0	—
Electrical system	1	0	—
Communication	1	0	—
Suspension	1	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Fuel/propulsion system
The Smell of fuel is present inside the vehicle around 50 percent of the time. When parked in the garage the vehicle emits an extremely strong fuel smell as if it has leaked fuel with no visible spills or leaks. While driving the smell of fuel is present almost always.
Jun 20, 2022
Engine
Walk Home Condition -I purchased a 2018 CPO Mercedes-Benz S560 on 8/20/21 from Knauz Continental Autos in Lake Bluff, IL. On 9/25/2, at approx noon, I was driving the vehicle and the engine light came on, the throttle/engine felt sluggish and not responsive. The engine felt very out of balance shaking the entire care when the gas pedal was pressed. 5 mins later in heavy traffic, I stopped at a light, the engine started violently shaking and stalled. I shut the car off and tried to start it over a 5 min period. I was able to limp the vehicle to a local Mercedes dealership (Bloomfield, MI). Could only operate the vehicle below 25 MPH without violently shaking. The dealership was only 1 mile…
Sep 25, 2021
Electrical system
The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz S560. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V058000 (Communication, Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. 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. Parts distribution disconnect.
Mar 1, 2021
Unknown or other
Recall # 21V058 The above Safety recall has not been cleared via dealer. (Two visits). I mentioned to dealer and they claim that it gets resolved "over the air". If so, then why hasn't it been resolved.
Jun 10, 2021
Service brakes
THE FRONT ROTORS SEEM TO RETAIN BRAKE DUST JUST ON THE INSIDES OF THE ROTORS. THE OUTSIDES ARE VERY CLEAN AND SHINY BUT ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROTOR (INTERIOR) BECOMES VERY COARSE CAUSING VIBRATIONS IN STEERING. KEEP IN MIND THAT THE INTERIOR IS PROTECTED BY THE BRAKE SHIELD WHICH MUST BE CAUSING HEAT NOT TO BE DISSIPATED THEREBY FOSTERING BRAKE DUST TO AMASS. SUCH VIBRATIONS WILL ALARM DRIVERS TO PANIC AND CAUSE ACCIDENTS.
Mar 26, 2021 · 20,000 miles
Fuel/propulsion system
WHEN THE CAR IS LIFTED IN THE FRONT (TO CHANGE BOTH TIRES) THERE IS A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE CAR WHEN WALKING AROUND THE BACK. THE TANK WAS 50%FULL AND THIS OCCURS WHENEVER THE CAR IS LIFTED IN THE FRONT.
Mar 27, 2021 · 20,000 miles
Wheels
ON THE MORNING OF MARCH 8TH, MY VEHICLE WAS SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY AND I STARTED IT. I RECEIVED A LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING FROM THE FRONT LEFT TIRE. I ADDED AIR FOR SEVERAL DAYS AND THEN ON MARCH 13TH TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL AMERICAS TIRES FOR REPAIR. THE SHOP TOLD ME THE TIRE WAS FINE, THE RIM HAD DEVELOPED A HAIRLINE CRACK. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO MERCEDES BENZ AND WITHOUT EVEN LOOKING AT THE RIM, THEY SAID THIS WAS NOT A DEFECT, BUT THAT I MUST HAVE DAMAGED THE RIM AND ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE IS UNDER WARRANTY, THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR IT. I CAN FIND MANY CASES OF THIS ON LINE, AND THE SHOP TOLD ME "THIS IS COMMON WITH MERCEDES".
Mar 8, 2021 · 38,560 miles
Service brakes
BRAKES FAILED WITH NO PRIOR WARNING WHILE DRIVING AT RATED SPEED LIMIT OF 55 MPH AND TRYING TO SLOW DOWN THE CAR TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN. NO BRAKE RESPONSE AND BARELY MISSED WRAPPING THE CAR TO THE POWER LINE LOCATED ON ROUTE 62 AND BATEMAN ROAD IN BARRINGTON IL 60010
Jul 9, 2020 · 7,600 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

Front Roof Panel DetachmentClosedLed to recall 21V197000
On January 8, 2021, after ongoing review with Mercedes Benz, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE21-001 to assess allegations of front roof panel detachments while driving at highway speeds in certain 2015 Mercedes-Benz (Mercedes) C-Class vehicles.The subject front roof panel is a stationary panel composed of polycarbonate and is attached to the vehicle via adhesive at the time of manufacture. The panel is found on subject vehicles equipped with panoramic sunroofs. Over time, the subject panels may exhibit cosmetic degradation leading to replacement of the panel, a procedure which entails: removal of the old panel and adhesive, site preparation, and installation of a replacement panel with new adhesive.The consumer complaints that prompted the opening of PE21-001 all described detachments of front roof panels that had…
PE21001 · opened Jan 8, 2021 · closed Oct 14, 2021