U.S. public vehicle records

Mercedes-Benz S400 problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

23 owner complaints analyzed

2 distinct recall campaigns

67,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2010 to 2013 model years. Data updated: 2026-10-01 (October 1, 2026). 18 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

This selection has limited data. It remains available for lookup but is excluded from search indexing.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 14 of 23 complaints (60.9%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Engine operation	6	26.1%
Electrical and battery issues	4	17.4%
Steering behavior	1	4.3%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Electrical System

Engine

Fuel/Propulsion System

Unknown Or Other

Electronic Stability Control (Esc)

Power Train

Suspension

Engine And Engine Cooling

Electrical System: 14; Engine: 6; Fuel/Propulsion System: 4; Unknown Or Other: 3; Electronic Stability Control (Esc): 2; Power Train: 2; Suspension: 2; Engine And Engine Cooling: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000

25,000 to 49,999

50,000 to 74,999

75,000 to 99,999

100,000 to 149,999

150,000 and above

Under 25,000: 2; 25,000 to 49,999: 4; 50,000 to 74,999: 5; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 6; 150,000 and above: 0

100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (6). 5 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2013

2014

2015

2016

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2025

2013: 1; 2014: 2; 2015: 2; 2016: 2; 2018: 3; 2019: 4; 2020: 4; 2021: 2; 2022: 1; 2023: 1; 2025: 1

Pattern summary

Electrical System leads the component reports. Engine operation appears in 6 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 4 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10749166 · 2015-08-17 (August 17, 2015)

I WAS DRIVING, TRYING TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY, I TOOK EXIT WHICH IS A 270 DEGREE CIRCLE WITH SHARP TURNS, I AM NOT DRIVING FAST AT ALL BUT THE CAR JUST STALLED WHILE DRIVING, STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND I ALMOST FALL DOWN THE HILL, I ALMOST DIED, THIS PRODUCT HAS SERIOUS QUALITY ISSUES. I WAS DRIVING IN DOWN TOWN MANHATTAN WITH TWO OF MY MOST IMPORTANT CLIENTS, WE WERE GOING TO AN ART AUCTION, THE CAR JUST STALLED WHEN I STOPPED AT RED LIGHT AND WILL NOT RESTART, ME AND MY CLIENTS WERE WEARING 3 PIECE SUITS AND ITS MORE THAN 90 DEGREES OUT, WE …

Owner-reported narrative. 101,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10749166 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10872438 · 2016-06-03 (June 3, 2016)

CAR STALLS CONSTANTLY, LOOSE FUEL CAP WARNING COMES ON, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. I HAVE REPLACED THE FUEL CAP, CHECKED VEHICLE CODES, BUT CANNOT GET THE ISSUE IDENTIFIED. A VEHICLE STALLING LIKE THIS IS A TREMENDOUS SAFETY HAZARD, AND IT MAY BE POSSIBLE THAT THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM IN THIS YEAR MODEL, JUST AS THERE WAS WITH THE 2011-2012 MODELS WHICH RESULTED IN A RECALL. THIS HAPPENS BOTH WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY AND IN MOTION.

Owner-reported narrative. 69,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10872438 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11165054 · 2019-01-08 (January 8, 2019)

I HAVE A 2010 MERCEDES S400 THAT WAS PURCHASED NEW IN NYC AND I WAS PROMISED A 10YR/150K MILE WARRANTY BECAUSE OF A CARB ADOPTION NY AND 10 OTHER STATES WERE INVOLVED IN. MY VEHICLE HAS ONLY 37K MILES AND IS NEVER BEEN CRASHED OR PAINTED. I WENT TO MERCEDES OF MANHATTAN LOCATED ON 770 11TH AVE NYC, NY 10019. MY VEHICLE WAS DENIED THIS WARRANTY COVERAGE THE SERVICE MANAGER STATED BECAUSE IT'S AT HIS DISCRETION TO GRANT THIS OR NOT. I THEN PLEADED WITH HIM AND HE BEGAN TO INSULT ME SAYING MY VEHICLE IS FAR FROM PERFECT AND HE CAN'T GRANT AN ASSIS…

Owner-reported narrative. 37,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11165054 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11307016 · 2020-02-04 (February 4, 2020)

FIRST THERE WAS NO POWER TO THE CAR SO WE REPLACED THE BATTERY. THEN THE CAR WAS RUNNING AND SHUT OFF ONE DAY AND WOULD NOT RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY WHEN IT WOULD NOT RESTART. WE HAD IT TOWED TO MERCEDES DEALER. THEY ARE STATING IT THE POWER ELECTRONICS MODULE. THERE ARE TWO RECALLS RELATED TO THIS PART BUT WHEN CHECKING THE VIN OURS IS NOT PART OF THEM. THAT IS IMPOSSIBLE. THE MERCEDES DEALER EVEN STATED THERE WERE ISSUES WITH THIS PART THAT'S WHY MERCEDES ONLY MADE THESE CARS FOR TWO YEARS. PLEASE SEE CAMPAIGN NO. 2012080004. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11307016 at NHTSA ↗

Compare model years

Recalls by model year

All campaigns in the snapshot affecting each model year, including recalls announced years later.

From yearThrough year

Recall campaigns

Shared campaigns appear once in each affected model year.

2010

2011

2012

2013

2010: 0; 2011: 2; 2012: 2; 2013: 0

First model yearSecond model year

Year-by-year records

Mercedes-Benz S400 model-year comparison
Model year	Complaints	Recalls	Change in recalls
2010	16	0	Not available
2011	5	2	+2
2012	1	2	0
2013	1	0	-2

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

23 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

78.3%Usable mileage18 / 23 records

100.0%Valid incident date23 / 23 records

100.0%Valid filing date23 / 23 records

100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates23 / 23 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	2010	2011	2012	2013
Electrical System	1062.5% ODI 10585468 · 42,000 mi S400 IS A HYBRID FROM MERCEDES BENZ AND WHEN DRIVEN OVER 40 MILES IN DISTANCE THEN THE AC WILL TURN ON NO MATTER WHAT. WE TRIED TO TURN IT OFF BUT CAN NOT. MB DEALER TOLD US IT IS NORMAL OPERATIONS BUT THIS IS A MAJOR ISSUE AS IN THE WINTER THE AC ALSO TURNS ON. THIS HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES AND MB DEALER HAS NOT ADDRESSED IT. *JS Look up ODI 10585468 at NHTSA ↗	240.0% ODI 11089093 · 123,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ S400. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF TAMPA (4400 N DALE MABRY HWY, TAMPA, FL 33614) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED TSB NUMBER: 10050865 (ELECTRICAL AND AIR CONDITIONING), BUT THE VEHICLE HAD ALREADY BEEN REPAIRED PER THE SERVICE BULLETIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT HE WOULD BE RESP… Look up ODI 11089093 at NHTSA ↗	1100.0% ODI 11165146 · 65,000 mi VEHICLE STALLS INTERMITTENTLY IN TRAFFIC, INTERSECTIONS. VEHICLE STARTS INTERMITTENTLY, RUN, OPERATES HOWEVER, STALLS WHEN TRANSITIONING FROM STOPPED POSITION TO ACCELERATION. A KNOWN DEFECT PURSUANT TO MERCEDES BENZ SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2012080004. PRESENTED VEHICLE TO MERCEDES BENZ FOR REPAIR. THEY CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING THE PROBLEMS DESCRIBED IN THE CAMPAIGN AND REQUIRED THE REPLACEMENT POWER ELECTRONICS MODULE HOWEVER, THEY REFUSED TO COVER THE REPAIR OF THE VEHICLE AND PRESENTED ME AN $11K ESTIMATE FOR REPAIR. MERCEDE… Look up ODI 11165146 at NHTSA ↗	1100.0% ODI 11659547 -Combustion engine sporadically fails to start. -Combustion engine can no longer be started. -Start/Stop function is sporadically unavailable (READY displayed in yellow in instrument cluster). -Start/Stop function fails to function properly in dangerous road conditions - e.g., when pulling into an intersection, in stop & go traffic, when proceeding at a stop light, etc. -This is the second time this major incident has occurred; this was repaired in December 2020 under manufacturer warranty. The Power Electronics (Electric Motor) Control Unit w… Look up ODI 11659547 at NHTSA ↗
Engine	318.8% ODI 10553236 · 33,597 mi PURCHASED A MERCEDES BENZ S400 HYBRID LAST YEAR WITH 20,000 MILES DRIVEN. THIS CAR RETAILS NEW FOR $119,000. THE CAR HAS NOW BEEN IN THE SHOP AT EWING MERCEDES BENZ OF PLANO SINCE MAY 2013 OVER 6 TIMES FOR THE SAME ENGINE LIGHT AND CODE. THEY ARE UNABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE AFTER EXTENSIVE TESTING FROM THE DIRECTOR OF SERVICE OVERSIGHT. SINCE THESE REPAIRS MERCEDES BENZ CORPORATE IN GERMANY TOOK THE CAR OFF THE MARKET AND NO LONGER MAKE IT AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE IN THE UNITED STATES. EWING GAVE ME AN APPRAISAL THIS AFTERNOON FOR THE VEHICLE AN… Look up ODI 10553236 at NHTSA ↗	240.0% ODI 11154579 · 122,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ S400. THE CONTACT NOTICED A FLASHING INDICATOR ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL RELATED TO THE VEHICLE OVERHEATING. A SECOND UNKNOWN WARNING INDICATOR ALSO ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER (PARK PLACE MOTORCARS MERCEDES-BENZ ARLINGTON, 4201 BELTWAY PL, ARLINGTON, TX 76018, [phone removed]) DIAGNOSED THAT OIL LEAKED INTO A MODULE AND DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WAS NEEDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,000. Look up ODI 11154579 at NHTSA ↗	1100.0% ODI 11165146 · 65,000 mi VEHICLE STALLS INTERMITTENTLY IN TRAFFIC, INTERSECTIONS. VEHICLE STARTS INTERMITTENTLY, RUN, OPERATES HOWEVER, STALLS WHEN TRANSITIONING FROM STOPPED POSITION TO ACCELERATION. A KNOWN DEFECT PURSUANT TO MERCEDES BENZ SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2012080004. PRESENTED VEHICLE TO MERCEDES BENZ FOR REPAIR. THEY CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING THE PROBLEMS DESCRIBED IN THE CAMPAIGN AND REQUIRED THE REPLACEMENT POWER ELECTRONICS MODULE HOWEVER, THEY REFUSED TO COVER THE REPAIR OF THE VEHICLE AND PRESENTED ME AN $11K ESTIMATE FOR REPAIR. MERCEDE… Look up ODI 11165146 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Fuel/Propulsion System	318.8% ODI 10553236 · 33,597 mi PURCHASED A MERCEDES BENZ S400 HYBRID LAST YEAR WITH 20,000 MILES DRIVEN. THIS CAR RETAILS NEW FOR $119,000. THE CAR HAS NOW BEEN IN THE SHOP AT EWING MERCEDES BENZ OF PLANO SINCE MAY 2013 OVER 6 TIMES FOR THE SAME ENGINE LIGHT AND CODE. THEY ARE UNABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE AFTER EXTENSIVE TESTING FROM THE DIRECTOR OF SERVICE OVERSIGHT. SINCE THESE REPAIRS MERCEDES BENZ CORPORATE IN GERMANY TOOK THE CAR OFF THE MARKET AND NO LONGER MAKE IT AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE IN THE UNITED STATES. EWING GAVE ME AN APPRAISAL THIS AFTERNOON FOR THE VEHICLE AN… Look up ODI 10553236 at NHTSA ↗	120.0% ODI 11524808 I bought a 2011 MB S400 last year. Everything was good till 3 months ago. I smelled a very bad gas leak one day and it gets worse after I fuel my thank. Nobody wants to seat my car after I buy a gas. I realized there is a gas on my driveway under my passenger seat. When I googled it, there is a recall for MB W221 for 2011 models because of the Fuel Filter parts problem. It's not designed for the heat. Somehow, some 2011 s are not part of this recall, and MB doesn't stand on their car even have the same problem. I removed the back seat and every… Look up ODI 11524808 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Unknown Or Other	212.5% ODI 10749166 · 101,000 mi I WAS DRIVING, TRYING TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY, I TOOK EXIT WHICH IS A 270 DEGREE CIRCLE WITH SHARP TURNS, I AM NOT DRIVING FAST AT ALL BUT THE CAR JUST STALLED WHILE DRIVING, STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND I ALMOST FALL DOWN THE HILL, I ALMOST DIED, THIS PRODUCT HAS SERIOUS QUALITY ISSUES. I WAS DRIVING IN DOWN TOWN MANHATTAN WITH TWO OF MY MOST IMPORTANT CLIENTS, WE WERE GOING TO AN ART AUCTION, THE CAR JUST STALLED WHEN I STOPPED AT RED LIGHT AND WILL NOT RESTART, ME AND MY CLIENTS WERE WEARING 3 PIECE SUITS AND ITS MORE THAN 90 DEGREES OUT, WE … Look up ODI 10749166 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	1100.0% ODI 11659547 -Combustion engine sporadically fails to start. -Combustion engine can no longer be started. -Start/Stop function is sporadically unavailable (READY displayed in yellow in instrument cluster). -Start/Stop function fails to function properly in dangerous road conditions - e.g., when pulling into an intersection, in stop & go traffic, when proceeding at a stop light, etc. -This is the second time this major incident has occurred; this was repaired in December 2020 under manufacturer warranty. The Power Electronics (Electric Motor) Control Unit w… Look up ODI 11659547 at NHTSA ↗
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)	16.3% ODI 10749166 · 101,000 mi I WAS DRIVING, TRYING TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY, I TOOK EXIT WHICH IS A 270 DEGREE CIRCLE WITH SHARP TURNS, I AM NOT DRIVING FAST AT ALL BUT THE CAR JUST STALLED WHILE DRIVING, STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND I ALMOST FALL DOWN THE HILL, I ALMOST DIED, THIS PRODUCT HAS SERIOUS QUALITY ISSUES. I WAS DRIVING IN DOWN TOWN MANHATTAN WITH TWO OF MY MOST IMPORTANT CLIENTS, WE WERE GOING TO AN ART AUCTION, THE CAR JUST STALLED WHEN I STOPPED AT RED LIGHT AND WILL NOT RESTART, ME AND MY CLIENTS WERE WEARING 3 PIECE SUITS AND ITS MORE THAN 90 DEGREES OUT, WE … Look up ODI 10749166 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	1100.0% ODI 11165146 · 65,000 mi VEHICLE STALLS INTERMITTENTLY IN TRAFFIC, INTERSECTIONS. VEHICLE STARTS INTERMITTENTLY, RUN, OPERATES HOWEVER, STALLS WHEN TRANSITIONING FROM STOPPED POSITION TO ACCELERATION. A KNOWN DEFECT PURSUANT TO MERCEDES BENZ SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2012080004. PRESENTED VEHICLE TO MERCEDES BENZ FOR REPAIR. THEY CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING THE PROBLEMS DESCRIBED IN THE CAMPAIGN AND REQUIRED THE REPLACEMENT POWER ELECTRONICS MODULE HOWEVER, THEY REFUSED TO COVER THE REPAIR OF THE VEHICLE AND PRESENTED ME AN $11K ESTIMATE FOR REPAIR. MERCEDE… Look up ODI 11165146 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Power Train	16.3% ODI 11287409 · 70,000 mi WHEN COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP, THE HYBRID SYSTEM SHUTS DOWN THE ENGINE AND FAILS TO RESTART. THIS PLACES THE DRIVER, PASSENGER AND OTHERS AT RISK OF COLLISION AS VEHICLE WILL REMAIN STOPPED IN TRAFFIC. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN KNOWN TO MERCEDES-BENZ AS IF IS A FAILURE OF THE POWER ELECTRONICS MODULE. IT HAS BEEN SUBJECT TO TWO SERVICE CAMPAIGNS: 2012880004 NOVEMBER 2012 2015030006 JUNE 2015 HOWEVER IT APPEARS THAT THE DEFECTIVE PART IS REPLACED WITH A SIMILARLY DEFECTIVE PART. FURTHERMORE MERCEDES-BENZ NO LONGER MAKES THIS PART AVAILA… Look up ODI 11287409 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	1100.0% ODI 11659547 -Combustion engine sporadically fails to start. -Combustion engine can no longer be started. -Start/Stop function is sporadically unavailable (READY displayed in yellow in instrument cluster). -Start/Stop function fails to function properly in dangerous road conditions - e.g., when pulling into an intersection, in stop & go traffic, when proceeding at a stop light, etc. -This is the second time this major incident has occurred; this was repaired in December 2020 under manufacturer warranty. The Power Electronics (Electric Motor) Control Unit w… Look up ODI 11659547 at NHTSA ↗
Suspension	16.3% ODI 11482020 Airmatic Suspension sprung a leak and could not be driven safely due to the vehicle getting severely low where the tire and rim tucked into the wheel well. When the airmatic suspension fails the vehicle can get so low that it can scrape the roadway, hit bumps and damage parts under which can dislodge and cause an severe accident or pile up. Requesting a Nationwide Recall on all Mercedes-Benz vehicles equipped with Airmatic Suspension. Look up ODI 11482020 at NHTSA ↗	120.0% ODI 11129262 · 65,000 mi 'TAKATA RECALL' MY AIR SUSPENSION WONT MAINTAIN THE PROPER AIR TO KEEP THE AIR SUSPENSION INITS PROPER PLACEWHEN PARKED. ALSO THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORS IS VERY ERATIC AND DONT DISPLAY TIRE PRESSURE LIKE ITS SUPPOSE TOO WHILE DRIVNG LOCALLY AND ESPECIALLY ON THE HIGHWAY. THIS CAR ONLY HAVE 65000 MILES ON IT AND I DIDNT EXPECT THESE PROBLEMS FROM A 2011 MERCEDES WITH LOW MILES. Look up ODI 11129262 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Engine And Engine Cooling	16.3% ODI 10567353 · 413 mi FIRST TROUBLE: ENGINE DID NOT START ON 11/13/2010. THE TROUBLE HAPPENED WITHIN THE FIRST MONTH AFTER DELIVERY. TWO REPAIRMEN ON THE ROAD SERVICE SHOWED AND COULD NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. THIRD REPAIRMAN WHO SAID AS THE NUMBER-ONE REPAIRMAN ON THE ROAD SERVICE FINALLY FIXED THE PROBLEM, TAKING ABOUT 3 HOURS. SECOND TROUBLE: ENGINE DID NOT START ON 9/10/2011. A REPAIRMAN ON THE ROAD SERVICE COULD NOT FIX. SO THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE REPAIR SHOP OF THE DEALER. IT TOOK SEVERAL DAYS TO FIX THERE. THIRD TROUBLE: ENGINE DID NOT START ON 5/29/2013. A REP… Look up ODI 10567353 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
Electrical System	54,213–112,000 mi	100,009 mi	11	ODI 10585468 · 42,000 mi S400 IS A HYBRID FROM MERCEDES BENZ AND WHEN DRIVEN OVER 40 MILES IN DISTANCE THEN THE AC WILL TURN ON NO MATTER WHAT. WE TRIED TO TURN IT OFF BUT CAN NOT. MB DEALER TOLD US IT IS NORMAL OPERATIONS BUT THIS IS A MAJOR ISSUE AS IN THE WINTER THE AC ALSO TURNS ON. THIS HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES AND MB DEALER HAS NOT ADDRESSED IT. *JS Look up ODI 10585468 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10749166 · 101,000 mi I WAS DRIVING, TRYING TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY, I TOOK EXIT WHICH IS A 270 DEGREE CIRCLE WITH SHARP TURNS, I AM NOT DRIVING FAST AT ALL BUT THE CAR JUST STALLED WHILE DRIVING, STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND I ALMOST FALL DOWN THE HILL, I ALMOST DIED, THIS PRODUCT HAS SERIOUS QUALITY ISSUES. I WAS DRIVING IN DOWN TOWN MANHATTAN WITH TWO OF MY MOST IMPORTANT CLIENTS, WE WERE GOING TO AN ART AUCTION, THE CAR JUST STALLED WHEN I STOPPED AT RED LIGHT AND WILL NOT RESTART, ME AND MY CLIENTS WERE WEARING 3 PIECE SUITS AND ITS MORE THAN 90 DEGREES OUT, WE … Look up ODI 10749166 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10891643 · 61,000 mi THE S400 HYBRID HAS A HABIT OF STALLING WHEN IN A STOP POSITION. THIS REQUIRES A COMPLETE RE-START AT A STOP LIGHT OR AFTER HAVING COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. IN ADDITION THE AIR CONDITIONING SHUTS OFF AND DOES NOT COME BACK ON UNTIL YOU STOP FOR A FEW MINUTES AND RE-START THE VEHICLE. THE CAR STALLING IS VERY UN-SAFE. THE CAR STALLS AT A STOP POSITION. Look up ODI 10891643 at NHTSA ↗
Engine	40,448–102,500 mi	63,000 mi	6	ODI 10553236 · 33,597 mi PURCHASED A MERCEDES BENZ S400 HYBRID LAST YEAR WITH 20,000 MILES DRIVEN. THIS CAR RETAILS NEW FOR $119,000. THE CAR HAS NOW BEEN IN THE SHOP AT EWING MERCEDES BENZ OF PLANO SINCE MAY 2013 OVER 6 TIMES FOR THE SAME ENGINE LIGHT AND CODE. THEY ARE UNABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE AFTER EXTENSIVE TESTING FROM THE DIRECTOR OF SERVICE OVERSIGHT. SINCE THESE REPAIRS MERCEDES BENZ CORPORATE IN GERMANY TOOK THE CAR OFF THE MARKET AND NO LONGER MAKE IT AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE IN THE UNITED STATES. EWING GAVE ME AN APPRAISAL THIS AFTERNOON FOR THE VEHICLE AN… Look up ODI 10553236 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10891643 · 61,000 mi THE S400 HYBRID HAS A HABIT OF STALLING WHEN IN A STOP POSITION. THIS REQUIRES A COMPLETE RE-START AT A STOP LIGHT OR AFTER HAVING COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. IN ADDITION THE AIR CONDITIONING SHUTS OFF AND DOES NOT COME BACK ON UNTIL YOU STOP FOR A FEW MINUTES AND RE-START THE VEHICLE. THE CAR STALLING IS VERY UN-SAFE. THE CAR STALLS AT A STOP POSITION. Look up ODI 10891643 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11386271 · 115,000 mi POWER ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT MALFUNCTION. CAR WILL NOT CRANK/ NO START. CAR WAS STATIONARY-PARKED. Look up ODI 11386271 at NHTSA ↗
Fuel/Propulsion System	Too few reports for a range	69,000 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 10553236 · 33,597 mi PURCHASED A MERCEDES BENZ S400 HYBRID LAST YEAR WITH 20,000 MILES DRIVEN. THIS CAR RETAILS NEW FOR $119,000. THE CAR HAS NOW BEEN IN THE SHOP AT EWING MERCEDES BENZ OF PLANO SINCE MAY 2013 OVER 6 TIMES FOR THE SAME ENGINE LIGHT AND CODE. THEY ARE UNABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE AFTER EXTENSIVE TESTING FROM THE DIRECTOR OF SERVICE OVERSIGHT. SINCE THESE REPAIRS MERCEDES BENZ CORPORATE IN GERMANY TOOK THE CAR OFF THE MARKET AND NO LONGER MAKE IT AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE IN THE UNITED STATES. EWING GAVE ME AN APPRAISAL THIS AFTERNOON FOR THE VEHICLE AN… Look up ODI 10553236 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10872438 · 69,000 mi CAR STALLS CONSTANTLY, LOOSE FUEL CAP WARNING COMES ON, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. I HAVE REPLACED THE FUEL CAP, CHECKED VEHICLE CODES, BUT CANNOT GET THE ISSUE IDENTIFIED. A VEHICLE STALLING LIKE THIS IS A TREMENDOUS SAFETY HAZARD, AND IT MAY BE POSSIBLE THAT THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM IN THIS YEAR MODEL, JUST AS THERE WAS WITH THE 2011-2012 MODELS WHICH RESULTED IN A RECALL. THIS HAPPENS BOTH WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY AND IN MOTION. Look up ODI 10872438 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11362925 · 87,000 mi STRONG GAS ORDERS FROM INTERIOR AFTER FILL UP. STATIONARY, IN MOTION, STOPPED. TO THE POINT OF NAUSEA AND LIGHT HEADEDNESS. 2011 IS ON RECALL LIST FOR GAS PUMP AND SENDER REPLACEMENT, PLUS WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 15 YEARS FOR THIS PROBLEM. THIS NEEDS TO ALSO INCLUDE THE 2010 S400 HYBRIDS VEHICLE HAS ONLY 87,000 MILES ON IT, AND CANNOT BE DRIVEN DUE TO POSSIBLE FUEL INGITION AND THE POSSIBILITY OF A CATASTROPHIC FIRE. PLEASE RESPOND WITH THE UTMOST OF HASTE, LIVES ARE AT STAKE. DEATH BY FIRE IS HORRIFIC. Look up ODI 11362925 at NHTSA ↗
Unknown Or Other	Too few reports for a range	74,213 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10749166 · 101,000 mi I WAS DRIVING, TRYING TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY, I TOOK EXIT WHICH IS A 270 DEGREE CIRCLE WITH SHARP TURNS, I AM NOT DRIVING FAST AT ALL BUT THE CAR JUST STALLED WHILE DRIVING, STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND I ALMOST FALL DOWN THE HILL, I ALMOST DIED, THIS PRODUCT HAS SERIOUS QUALITY ISSUES. I WAS DRIVING IN DOWN TOWN MANHATTAN WITH TWO OF MY MOST IMPORTANT CLIENTS, WE WERE GOING TO AN ART AUCTION, THE CAR JUST STALLED WHEN I STOPPED AT RED LIGHT AND WILL NOT RESTART, ME AND MY CLIENTS WERE WEARING 3 PIECE SUITS AND ITS MORE THAN 90 DEGREES OUT, WE … Look up ODI 10749166 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11286606 · 47,426 mi 2010 S400 HYBRID WONT START FIRST INSTANCE WAS LESS THAN 24 HOUR OF PURCHASING CAR FROM LOCAL DEALER. LIGHTS ALL ON BUT NO CRANK. STARTED AFTER AND TWO WEEKS LATER IT HAD TO BE TOWED BECAUSE IT COMPLETELY WONT START. MBUSA FORUM CHAT AND SEVERAL SOCIAL MEDIA GROUPS ALL AROUND THE WORLD HAS THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL AND IT COMES DOWN TO AN ELECTRONICS POWER MODULE THAT COST MORE THAN WHAT THE CAR IS WORTH TO REPAIR. PLEASE ADVISE! Look up ODI 11286606 at NHTSA ↗
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)	Too few reports for a range	83,000 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10749166 · 101,000 mi I WAS DRIVING, TRYING TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY, I TOOK EXIT WHICH IS A 270 DEGREE CIRCLE WITH SHARP TURNS, I AM NOT DRIVING FAST AT ALL BUT THE CAR JUST STALLED WHILE DRIVING, STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND I ALMOST FALL DOWN THE HILL, I ALMOST DIED, THIS PRODUCT HAS SERIOUS QUALITY ISSUES. I WAS DRIVING IN DOWN TOWN MANHATTAN WITH TWO OF MY MOST IMPORTANT CLIENTS, WE WERE GOING TO AN ART AUCTION, THE CAR JUST STALLED WHEN I STOPPED AT RED LIGHT AND WILL NOT RESTART, ME AND MY CLIENTS WERE WEARING 3 PIECE SUITS AND ITS MORE THAN 90 DEGREES OUT, WE … Look up ODI 10749166 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11165146 · 65,000 mi VEHICLE STALLS INTERMITTENTLY IN TRAFFIC, INTERSECTIONS. VEHICLE STARTS INTERMITTENTLY, RUN, OPERATES HOWEVER, STALLS WHEN TRANSITIONING FROM STOPPED POSITION TO ACCELERATION. A KNOWN DEFECT PURSUANT TO MERCEDES BENZ SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2012080004. PRESENTED VEHICLE TO MERCEDES BENZ FOR REPAIR. THEY CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING THE PROBLEMS DESCRIBED IN THE CAMPAIGN AND REQUIRED THE REPLACEMENT POWER ELECTRONICS MODULE HOWEVER, THEY REFUSED TO COVER THE REPAIR OF THE VEHICLE AND PRESENTED ME AN $11K ESTIMATE FOR REPAIR. MERCEDE… Look up ODI 11165146 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train	Too few reports for a range	70,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 11287409 · 70,000 mi WHEN COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP, THE HYBRID SYSTEM SHUTS DOWN THE ENGINE AND FAILS TO RESTART. THIS PLACES THE DRIVER, PASSENGER AND OTHERS AT RISK OF COLLISION AS VEHICLE WILL REMAIN STOPPED IN TRAFFIC. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN KNOWN TO MERCEDES-BENZ AS IF IS A FAILURE OF THE POWER ELECTRONICS MODULE. IT HAS BEEN SUBJECT TO TWO SERVICE CAMPAIGNS: 2012880004 NOVEMBER 2012 2015030006 JUNE 2015 HOWEVER IT APPEARS THAT THE DEFECTIVE PART IS REPLACED WITH A SIMILARLY DEFECTIVE PART. FURTHERMORE MERCEDES-BENZ NO LONGER MAKES THIS PART AVAILA… Look up ODI 11287409 at NHTSA ↗
Suspension	Too few reports for a range	65,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 11129262 · 65,000 mi 'TAKATA RECALL' MY AIR SUSPENSION WONT MAINTAIN THE PROPER AIR TO KEEP THE AIR SUSPENSION INITS PROPER PLACEWHEN PARKED. ALSO THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORS IS VERY ERATIC AND DONT DISPLAY TIRE PRESSURE LIKE ITS SUPPOSE TOO WHILE DRIVNG LOCALLY AND ESPECIALLY ON THE HIGHWAY. THIS CAR ONLY HAVE 65000 MILES ON IT AND I DIDNT EXPECT THESE PROBLEMS FROM A 2011 MERCEDES WITH LOW MILES. Look up ODI 11129262 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling	Too few reports for a range	413 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10567353 · 413 mi FIRST TROUBLE: ENGINE DID NOT START ON 11/13/2010. THE TROUBLE HAPPENED WITHIN THE FIRST MONTH AFTER DELIVERY. TWO REPAIRMEN ON THE ROAD SERVICE SHOWED AND COULD NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. THIRD REPAIRMAN WHO SAID AS THE NUMBER-ONE REPAIRMAN ON THE ROAD SERVICE FINALLY FIXED THE PROBLEM, TAKING ABOUT 3 HOURS. SECOND TROUBLE: ENGINE DID NOT START ON 9/10/2011. A REPAIRMAN ON THE ROAD SERVICE COULD NOT FIX. SO THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE REPAIR SHOP OF THE DEALER. IT TOOK SEVERAL DAYS TO FIX THERE. THIRD TROUBLE: ENGINE DID NOT START ON 5/29/2013. A REP… Look up ODI 10567353 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

ComponentPeriod

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples

Monthly complaint and recall timeline
Month	Complaints	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-11	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	1	None	ODI 11659547 -Combustion engine sporadically fails to start. -Combustion engine can no longer be started. -Start/Stop function is sporadically unavailable (READY displayed in yellow in instrument cluster). -Start/Stop function fails to function properly in dangerous road conditions - e.g., when pulling into an intersection, in stop & go traffic, when proceeding at a stop light, etc. -This is the second time this major incident has occurred; this was repaired in December 2020 under manufacturer warranty. The Power Electronics (Electric Motor) Control Unit w… Look up ODI 11659547 at NHTSA ↗
2025-06	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-10 (partial)	0	None	No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

2012: 0 complaints · 2013: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2012	0	0	0
2013	0	0	0

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2012	1	0	0
2013	1	0	0

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
Component	Electrical System	Engine	Fuel/Propulsion System	Unknown Or Other	Electronic Stability Control (Esc)	Power Train	Suspension	Engine And Engine Cooling
Electrical System	—	4 ODI 10891643 · 61,000 mi THE S400 HYBRID HAS A HABIT OF STALLING WHEN IN A STOP POSITION. THIS REQUIRES A COMPLETE RE-START AT A STOP LIGHT OR AFTER HAVING COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. IN ADDITION THE AIR CONDITIONING SHUTS OFF AND DOES NOT COME BACK ON UNTIL YOU STOP FOR A FEW MINUTES AND RE-START THE VEHICLE. THE CAR STALLING IS VERY UN-SAFE. THE CAR STALLS AT A STOP POSITION. Look up ODI 10891643 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11386271 · 115,000 mi POWER ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT MALFUNCTION. CAR WILL NOT CRANK/ NO START. CAR WAS STATIONARY-PARKED. Look up ODI 11386271 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11154579 · 122,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ S400. THE CONTACT NOTICED A FLASHING INDICATOR ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL RELATED TO THE VEHICLE OVERHEATING. A SECOND UNKNOWN WARNING INDICATOR ALSO ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER (PARK PLACE MOTORCARS MERCEDES-BENZ ARLINGTON, 4201 BELTWAY PL, ARLINGTON, TX 76018, [phone removed]) DIAGNOSED THAT OIL LEAKED INTO A MODULE AND DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WAS NEEDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,000. Look up ODI 11154579 at NHTSA ↗	0	3 ODI 10749166 · 101,000 mi I WAS DRIVING, TRYING TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY, I TOOK EXIT WHICH IS A 270 DEGREE CIRCLE WITH SHARP TURNS, I AM NOT DRIVING FAST AT ALL BUT THE CAR JUST STALLED WHILE DRIVING, STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND I ALMOST FALL DOWN THE HILL, I ALMOST DIED, THIS PRODUCT HAS SERIOUS QUALITY ISSUES. I WAS DRIVING IN DOWN TOWN MANHATTAN WITH TWO OF MY MOST IMPORTANT CLIENTS, WE WERE GOING TO AN ART AUCTION, THE CAR JUST STALLED WHEN I STOPPED AT RED LIGHT AND WILL NOT RESTART, ME AND MY CLIENTS WERE WEARING 3 PIECE SUITS AND ITS MORE THAN 90 DEGREES OUT, WE … Look up ODI 10749166 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11286606 · 47,426 mi 2010 S400 HYBRID WONT START FIRST INSTANCE WAS LESS THAN 24 HOUR OF PURCHASING CAR FROM LOCAL DEALER. LIGHTS ALL ON BUT NO CRANK. STARTED AFTER AND TWO WEEKS LATER IT HAD TO BE TOWED BECAUSE IT COMPLETELY WONT START. MBUSA FORUM CHAT AND SEVERAL SOCIAL MEDIA GROUPS ALL AROUND THE WORLD HAS THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL AND IT COMES DOWN TO AN ELECTRONICS POWER MODULE THAT COST MORE THAN WHAT THE CAR IS WORTH TO REPAIR. PLEASE ADVISE! Look up ODI 11286606 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11659547 -Combustion engine sporadically fails to start. -Combustion engine can no longer be started. -Start/Stop function is sporadically unavailable (READY displayed in yellow in instrument cluster). -Start/Stop function fails to function properly in dangerous road conditions - e.g., when pulling into an intersection, in stop & go traffic, when proceeding at a stop light, etc. -This is the second time this major incident has occurred; this was repaired in December 2020 under manufacturer warranty. The Power Electronics (Electric Motor) Control Unit w… Look up ODI 11659547 at NHTSA ↗	2 ODI 10749166 · 101,000 mi I WAS DRIVING, TRYING TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY, I TOOK EXIT WHICH IS A 270 DEGREE CIRCLE WITH SHARP TURNS, I AM NOT DRIVING FAST AT ALL BUT THE CAR JUST STALLED WHILE DRIVING, STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND I ALMOST FALL DOWN THE HILL, I ALMOST DIED, THIS PRODUCT HAS SERIOUS QUALITY ISSUES. I WAS DRIVING IN DOWN TOWN MANHATTAN WITH TWO OF MY MOST IMPORTANT CLIENTS, WE WERE GOING TO AN ART AUCTION, THE CAR JUST STALLED WHEN I STOPPED AT RED LIGHT AND WILL NOT RESTART, ME AND MY CLIENTS WERE WEARING 3 PIECE SUITS AND ITS MORE THAN 90 DEGREES OUT, WE … Look up ODI 10749166 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11165146 · 65,000 mi VEHICLE STALLS INTERMITTENTLY IN TRAFFIC, INTERSECTIONS. VEHICLE STARTS INTERMITTENTLY, RUN, OPERATES HOWEVER, STALLS WHEN TRANSITIONING FROM STOPPED POSITION TO ACCELERATION. A KNOWN DEFECT PURSUANT TO MERCEDES BENZ SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2012080004. PRESENTED VEHICLE TO MERCEDES BENZ FOR REPAIR. THEY CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING THE PROBLEMS DESCRIBED IN THE CAMPAIGN AND REQUIRED THE REPLACEMENT POWER ELECTRONICS MODULE HOWEVER, THEY REFUSED TO COVER THE REPAIR OF THE VEHICLE AND PRESENTED ME AN $11K ESTIMATE FOR REPAIR. MERCEDE… Look up ODI 11165146 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 11659547 -Combustion engine sporadically fails to start. -Combustion engine can no longer be started. -Start/Stop function is sporadically unavailable (READY displayed in yellow in instrument cluster). -Start/Stop function fails to function properly in dangerous road conditions - e.g., when pulling into an intersection, in stop & go traffic, when proceeding at a stop light, etc. -This is the second time this major incident has occurred; this was repaired in December 2020 under manufacturer warranty. The Power Electronics (Electric Motor) Control Unit w… Look up ODI 11659547 at NHTSA ↗	0	0
Engine	4 ODI 10891643 · 61,000 mi THE S400 HYBRID HAS A HABIT OF STALLING WHEN IN A STOP POSITION. THIS REQUIRES A COMPLETE RE-START AT A STOP LIGHT OR AFTER HAVING COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. IN ADDITION THE AIR CONDITIONING SHUTS OFF AND DOES NOT COME BACK ON UNTIL YOU STOP FOR A FEW MINUTES AND RE-START THE VEHICLE. THE CAR STALLING IS VERY UN-SAFE. THE CAR STALLS AT A STOP POSITION. Look up ODI 10891643 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11386271 · 115,000 mi POWER ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT MALFUNCTION. CAR WILL NOT CRANK/ NO START. CAR WAS STATIONARY-PARKED. Look up ODI 11386271 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11154579 · 122,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ S400. THE CONTACT NOTICED A FLASHING INDICATOR ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL RELATED TO THE VEHICLE OVERHEATING. A SECOND UNKNOWN WARNING INDICATOR ALSO ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER (PARK PLACE MOTORCARS MERCEDES-BENZ ARLINGTON, 4201 BELTWAY PL, ARLINGTON, TX 76018, [phone removed]) DIAGNOSED THAT OIL LEAKED INTO A MODULE AND DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WAS NEEDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,000. Look up ODI 11154579 at NHTSA ↗	—	1 ODI 10553236 · 33,597 mi PURCHASED A MERCEDES BENZ S400 HYBRID LAST YEAR WITH 20,000 MILES DRIVEN. THIS CAR RETAILS NEW FOR $119,000. THE CAR HAS NOW BEEN IN THE SHOP AT EWING MERCEDES BENZ OF PLANO SINCE MAY 2013 OVER 6 TIMES FOR THE SAME ENGINE LIGHT AND CODE. THEY ARE UNABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE AFTER EXTENSIVE TESTING FROM THE DIRECTOR OF SERVICE OVERSIGHT. SINCE THESE REPAIRS MERCEDES BENZ CORPORATE IN GERMANY TOOK THE CAR OFF THE MARKET AND NO LONGER MAKE IT AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE IN THE UNITED STATES. EWING GAVE ME AN APPRAISAL THIS AFTERNOON FOR THE VEHICLE AN… Look up ODI 10553236 at NHTSA ↗	0	1 ODI 11165146 · 65,000 mi VEHICLE STALLS INTERMITTENTLY IN TRAFFIC, INTERSECTIONS. VEHICLE STARTS INTERMITTENTLY, RUN, OPERATES HOWEVER, STALLS WHEN TRANSITIONING FROM STOPPED POSITION TO ACCELERATION. A KNOWN DEFECT PURSUANT TO MERCEDES BENZ SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2012080004. PRESENTED VEHICLE TO MERCEDES BENZ FOR REPAIR. THEY CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING THE PROBLEMS DESCRIBED IN THE CAMPAIGN AND REQUIRED THE REPLACEMENT POWER ELECTRONICS MODULE HOWEVER, THEY REFUSED TO COVER THE REPAIR OF THE VEHICLE AND PRESENTED ME AN $11K ESTIMATE FOR REPAIR. MERCEDE… Look up ODI 11165146 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0
Fuel/Propulsion System	0	1 ODI 10553236 · 33,597 mi PURCHASED A MERCEDES BENZ S400 HYBRID LAST YEAR WITH 20,000 MILES DRIVEN. THIS CAR RETAILS NEW FOR $119,000. THE CAR HAS NOW BEEN IN THE SHOP AT EWING MERCEDES BENZ OF PLANO SINCE MAY 2013 OVER 6 TIMES FOR THE SAME ENGINE LIGHT AND CODE. THEY ARE UNABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE AFTER EXTENSIVE TESTING FROM THE DIRECTOR OF SERVICE OVERSIGHT. SINCE THESE REPAIRS MERCEDES BENZ CORPORATE IN GERMANY TOOK THE CAR OFF THE MARKET AND NO LONGER MAKE IT AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE IN THE UNITED STATES. EWING GAVE ME AN APPRAISAL THIS AFTERNOON FOR THE VEHICLE AN… Look up ODI 10553236 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	0	0	0	0
Unknown Or Other	3 ODI 10749166 · 101,000 mi I WAS DRIVING, TRYING TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY, I TOOK EXIT WHICH IS A 270 DEGREE CIRCLE WITH SHARP TURNS, I AM NOT DRIVING FAST AT ALL BUT THE CAR JUST STALLED WHILE DRIVING, STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND I ALMOST FALL DOWN THE HILL, I ALMOST DIED, THIS PRODUCT HAS SERIOUS QUALITY ISSUES. I WAS DRIVING IN DOWN TOWN MANHATTAN WITH TWO OF MY MOST IMPORTANT CLIENTS, WE WERE GOING TO AN ART AUCTION, THE CAR JUST STALLED WHEN I STOPPED AT RED LIGHT AND WILL NOT RESTART, ME AND MY CLIENTS WERE WEARING 3 PIECE SUITS AND ITS MORE THAN 90 DEGREES OUT, WE … Look up ODI 10749166 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11286606 · 47,426 mi 2010 S400 HYBRID WONT START FIRST INSTANCE WAS LESS THAN 24 HOUR OF PURCHASING CAR FROM LOCAL DEALER. LIGHTS ALL ON BUT NO CRANK. STARTED AFTER AND TWO WEEKS LATER IT HAD TO BE TOWED BECAUSE IT COMPLETELY WONT START. MBUSA FORUM CHAT AND SEVERAL SOCIAL MEDIA GROUPS ALL AROUND THE WORLD HAS THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL AND IT COMES DOWN TO AN ELECTRONICS POWER MODULE THAT COST MORE THAN WHAT THE CAR IS WORTH TO REPAIR. PLEASE ADVISE! Look up ODI 11286606 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11659547 -Combustion engine sporadically fails to start. -Combustion engine can no longer be started. -Start/Stop function is sporadically unavailable (READY displayed in yellow in instrument cluster). -Start/Stop function fails to function properly in dangerous road conditions - e.g., when pulling into an intersection, in stop & go traffic, when proceeding at a stop light, etc. -This is the second time this major incident has occurred; this was repaired in December 2020 under manufacturer warranty. The Power Electronics (Electric Motor) Control Unit w… Look up ODI 11659547 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	—	1 ODI 10749166 · 101,000 mi I WAS DRIVING, TRYING TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY, I TOOK EXIT WHICH IS A 270 DEGREE CIRCLE WITH SHARP TURNS, I AM NOT DRIVING FAST AT ALL BUT THE CAR JUST STALLED WHILE DRIVING, STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND I ALMOST FALL DOWN THE HILL, I ALMOST DIED, THIS PRODUCT HAS SERIOUS QUALITY ISSUES. I WAS DRIVING IN DOWN TOWN MANHATTAN WITH TWO OF MY MOST IMPORTANT CLIENTS, WE WERE GOING TO AN ART AUCTION, THE CAR JUST STALLED WHEN I STOPPED AT RED LIGHT AND WILL NOT RESTART, ME AND MY CLIENTS WERE WEARING 3 PIECE SUITS AND ITS MORE THAN 90 DEGREES OUT, WE … Look up ODI 10749166 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 11659547 -Combustion engine sporadically fails to start. -Combustion engine can no longer be started. -Start/Stop function is sporadically unavailable (READY displayed in yellow in instrument cluster). -Start/Stop function fails to function properly in dangerous road conditions - e.g., when pulling into an intersection, in stop & go traffic, when proceeding at a stop light, etc. -This is the second time this major incident has occurred; this was repaired in December 2020 under manufacturer warranty. The Power Electronics (Electric Motor) Control Unit w… Look up ODI 11659547 at NHTSA ↗	0	0
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)	2 ODI 10749166 · 101,000 mi I WAS DRIVING, TRYING TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY, I TOOK EXIT WHICH IS A 270 DEGREE CIRCLE WITH SHARP TURNS, I AM NOT DRIVING FAST AT ALL BUT THE CAR JUST STALLED WHILE DRIVING, STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND I ALMOST FALL DOWN THE HILL, I ALMOST DIED, THIS PRODUCT HAS SERIOUS QUALITY ISSUES. I WAS DRIVING IN DOWN TOWN MANHATTAN WITH TWO OF MY MOST IMPORTANT CLIENTS, WE WERE GOING TO AN ART AUCTION, THE CAR JUST STALLED WHEN I STOPPED AT RED LIGHT AND WILL NOT RESTART, ME AND MY CLIENTS WERE WEARING 3 PIECE SUITS AND ITS MORE THAN 90 DEGREES OUT, WE … Look up ODI 10749166 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11165146 · 65,000 mi VEHICLE STALLS INTERMITTENTLY IN TRAFFIC, INTERSECTIONS. VEHICLE STARTS INTERMITTENTLY, RUN, OPERATES HOWEVER, STALLS WHEN TRANSITIONING FROM STOPPED POSITION TO ACCELERATION. A KNOWN DEFECT PURSUANT TO MERCEDES BENZ SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2012080004. PRESENTED VEHICLE TO MERCEDES BENZ FOR REPAIR. THEY CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING THE PROBLEMS DESCRIBED IN THE CAMPAIGN AND REQUIRED THE REPLACEMENT POWER ELECTRONICS MODULE HOWEVER, THEY REFUSED TO COVER THE REPAIR OF THE VEHICLE AND PRESENTED ME AN $11K ESTIMATE FOR REPAIR. MERCEDE… Look up ODI 11165146 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 11165146 · 65,000 mi VEHICLE STALLS INTERMITTENTLY IN TRAFFIC, INTERSECTIONS. VEHICLE STARTS INTERMITTENTLY, RUN, OPERATES HOWEVER, STALLS WHEN TRANSITIONING FROM STOPPED POSITION TO ACCELERATION. A KNOWN DEFECT PURSUANT TO MERCEDES BENZ SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2012080004. PRESENTED VEHICLE TO MERCEDES BENZ FOR REPAIR. THEY CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING THE PROBLEMS DESCRIBED IN THE CAMPAIGN AND REQUIRED THE REPLACEMENT POWER ELECTRONICS MODULE HOWEVER, THEY REFUSED TO COVER THE REPAIR OF THE VEHICLE AND PRESENTED ME AN $11K ESTIMATE FOR REPAIR. MERCEDE… Look up ODI 11165146 at NHTSA ↗	0	1 ODI 10749166 · 101,000 mi I WAS DRIVING, TRYING TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY, I TOOK EXIT WHICH IS A 270 DEGREE CIRCLE WITH SHARP TURNS, I AM NOT DRIVING FAST AT ALL BUT THE CAR JUST STALLED WHILE DRIVING, STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND I ALMOST FALL DOWN THE HILL, I ALMOST DIED, THIS PRODUCT HAS SERIOUS QUALITY ISSUES. I WAS DRIVING IN DOWN TOWN MANHATTAN WITH TWO OF MY MOST IMPORTANT CLIENTS, WE WERE GOING TO AN ART AUCTION, THE CAR JUST STALLED WHEN I STOPPED AT RED LIGHT AND WILL NOT RESTART, ME AND MY CLIENTS WERE WEARING 3 PIECE SUITS AND ITS MORE THAN 90 DEGREES OUT, WE … Look up ODI 10749166 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	0	0
Power Train	1 ODI 11659547 -Combustion engine sporadically fails to start. -Combustion engine can no longer be started. -Start/Stop function is sporadically unavailable (READY displayed in yellow in instrument cluster). -Start/Stop function fails to function properly in dangerous road conditions - e.g., when pulling into an intersection, in stop & go traffic, when proceeding at a stop light, etc. -This is the second time this major incident has occurred; this was repaired in December 2020 under manufacturer warranty. The Power Electronics (Electric Motor) Control Unit w… Look up ODI 11659547 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	1 ODI 11659547 -Combustion engine sporadically fails to start. -Combustion engine can no longer be started. -Start/Stop function is sporadically unavailable (READY displayed in yellow in instrument cluster). -Start/Stop function fails to function properly in dangerous road conditions - e.g., when pulling into an intersection, in stop & go traffic, when proceeding at a stop light, etc. -This is the second time this major incident has occurred; this was repaired in December 2020 under manufacturer warranty. The Power Electronics (Electric Motor) Control Unit w… Look up ODI 11659547 at NHTSA ↗	0	—	0	0
Suspension	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	0
Engine And Engine Cooling	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

Search patterns

5 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

6 mentions · 26.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 84,505 mi (6 usable records).

ODI 10749166 · 101,000 mi

Look up ODI 10749166 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10872438 · 69,000 mi

Look up ODI 10872438 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10891643 · 61,000 mi

THE S400 HYBRID HAS A HABIT OF STALLING WHEN IN A STOP POSITION. THIS REQUIRES A COMPLETE RE-START AT A STOP LIGHT OR AFTER HAVING COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. IN ADDITION THE AIR CONDITIONING SHUTS OFF AND DOES NOT COME BACK ON UNTIL YOU STOP FOR A FEW MINUTES AND RE-START THE VEHICLE. THE CAR STALLING IS VERY UN-SAFE. THE CAR STALLS AT A STOP POSITION.

Look up ODI 10891643 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Battery drain and no-start mentions

2 mentions · 8.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 115,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10785492

VEHICLE BEGAN TO CUT COMPLETELY OFF WHEN STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT OR STOP SIGN. IT BEGAN TO TAKE LONGER AND LONGER TO RESTART WHEN TURNED OFF AND ON. EVENTUALLY THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AT ALL. WHEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER, I WAS INFORMED THAT THE POWER CONTROL MODULE WAS BAD AND THE COST TO REPLACE WAS UPWARD OF $11,000. AFTER SPEAKING TO MANY MANAGERS AND MY CAR SITTING AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR NEARLY 30 DAYS, I WAS CALLED AND INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT FOUND IN THE POWER CONTROL MODULES WHICH WAS JUST EXTENDED TO COVER TH…

Look up ODI 10785492 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11386271 · 115,000 mi

POWER ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT MALFUNCTION. CAR WILL NOT CRANK/ NO START. CAR WAS STATIONARY-PARKED.

Look up ODI 11386271 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

2 mentions · 8.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 43,500 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10872438 · 69,000 mi

Look up ODI 10872438 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11404876 · 18,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ S400. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START INTERMITTENTLY. THE HYBRID BATTERY WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INTERIOR LIGHTS WERE INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF TAMPA (4400 N DALE MABRY HWY, TAMPA, FL 33614, (813)543-8419) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE POWER ELECTRONIC MODULE FOR THE HYBRID SYSTEM FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROX…

Look up ODI 11404876 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Fuel smell or leak mentions

1 mentions · 4.3% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 11524808

I bought a 2011 MB S400 last year. Everything was good till 3 months ago. I smelled a very bad gas leak one day and it gets worse after I fuel my thank. Nobody wants to seat my car after I buy a gas. I realized there is a gas on my driveway under my passenger seat. When I googled it, there is a recall for MB W221 for 2011 models because of the Fuel Filter parts problem. It's not designed for the heat. Somehow, some 2011 s are not part of this recall, and MB doesn't stand on their car even have the same problem. I removed the back seat and every…

Look up ODI 11524808 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b

Steering assistance concerns

1 mentions · 4.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 101,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10749166 · 101,000 mi

Look up ODI 10749166 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b