2018 Mercedes-Benz S560 problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
13 owner complaints analyzed
10 distinct recall campaigns
20,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2018 model year. Data updated: . 7 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.
Owner-reported patterns
Most common problems
Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 3 of 13 complaints (23.1%). A complaint can name multiple components.
Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic
Matching reports
Share of complaints
Braking behavior
2
15.4%
Engine operation
1
7.7%
Electrical and battery issues
1
7.7%
Steering behavior
1
7.7%
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.
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
Under 25,000
5
25,000 to 49,999
2
50,000 to 74,999
0
75,000 to 99,999
0
100,000 to 149,999
0
150,000 and above
0
Reported problems by failure mileage data
Category
Count
Under 25,000
5
25,000 to 49,999
2
50,000 to 74,999
0
75,000 to 99,999
0
100,000 to 149,999
0
150,000 and above
0
Under 25,000: 5; 25,000 to 49,999: 2; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (5). 6 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.
2019
4
2020
2
2021
6
2022
1
Complaints over time data
Category
Count
2019
4
2020
2
2021
6
2022
1
2019: 4; 2020: 2; 2021: 6; 2022: 1
Pattern summary
Engine leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 1 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues 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.
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
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.
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 vehicl…
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.
Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.
Data completeness
13 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.
53.8%Usable mileage7 / 13 records
100.0%Valid incident date13 / 13 records
100.0%Valid filing date13 / 13 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates13 / 13 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.
Component complaint heatmap
Component
2018
2019
Engine
323.1%ODI 11278598 · 39,000 mi
TL* THE CONSUMER OWNED A 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ S560. AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR APPROXIMATELY THREE MINUTES, THE CONTACT PARKED THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER WAS ALERTED BY SOMEONE THAT THERE WAS SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. WITHIN THIRTY SECONDS TO A MINUTE, THE VEHICLE BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND VEHICLE WERE DESTROYED. POLICE AND FIRE REPORTS WERE FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF CALDWELL (1220 BLOOMFIELD AVE, WES…
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz S560. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would jerk upon depression of the accelerator pedal as the battery auxiliary warning message would appear on instrument panel. The contact had initially taken the vehicle to a dealer where they stated that water in the fuel tank had caused the failure; the fuel was drained and replaced with the gasoline at the dealer. The failure persisted and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The contact was informed by the dealer that she h…
THERE ARE 2 ACTIVE RECALLS SINCE PAST 4 MONTHS AND THERE IS NO REMEDY YET. I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALER TO FIX THE ISSUE AND THEY ARE TELLING ME THAT THE REMEDY HAS NOT BEEN MADE YET.
FROM DAY ONE DELIVERY, CAR TECHNOLOGY DIDN'T WORK. A COUPLE OF MONTHS, MORE PROBLEMS BEGAN: ODD SECURITY WARNINGS - CAR WOULDN'T LET ME PUT INTO PARK, NOR NEUTRAL, NOR REVERSE. THIS OCCURRED 3 TIMES, SETTING STILL, IN 3 RURAL LOCATIONS. INSTEAD THE SHIFTER OPERATED THE CENTRAL NAVIGATION MAP DIRECTIONS! TWO DEALERS COULDN'T FIX. INVESTIGATION INTO HISTORY, THE CAR HAD UNDISCLOSED DAMAGE TO THE STEERING COLUMN SHIFTER. PARTS WERE REPLACED BEFORE BEING TITLED TO ME. MERCEDES REFUSED TO ASSIST. AT MY EXPENSE I HAD CAR TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO WORK…
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.
FROM DAY ONE DELIVERY, CAR TECHNOLOGY DIDN'T WORK. A COUPLE OF MONTHS, MORE PROBLEMS BEGAN: ODD SECURITY WARNINGS - CAR WOULDN'T LET ME PUT INTO PARK, NOR NEUTRAL, NOR REVERSE. THIS OCCURRED 3 TIMES, SETTING STILL, IN 3 RURAL LOCATIONS. INSTEAD THE SHIFTER OPERATED THE CENTRAL NAVIGATION MAP DIRECTIONS! TWO DEALERS COULDN'T FIX. INVESTIGATION INTO HISTORY, THE CAR HAD UNDISCLOSED DAMAGE TO THE STEERING COLUMN SHIFTER. PARTS WERE REPLACED BEFORE BEING TITLED TO ME. MERCEDES REFUSED TO ASSIST. AT MY EXPENSE I HAD CAR TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO WORK…
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.
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
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.
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.
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz S560. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would jerk upon depression of the accelerator pedal as the battery auxiliary warning message would appear on instrument panel. The contact had initially taken the vehicle to a dealer where they stated that water in the fuel tank had caused the failure; the fuel was drained and replaced with the gasoline at the dealer. The failure persisted and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The contact was informed by the dealer that she h…
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
Engine
Too few reports for a range
39,000 mi
1 (sparse)
ODI 11278598 · 39,000 mi
TL* THE CONSUMER OWNED A 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ S560. AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR APPROXIMATELY THREE MINUTES, THE CONTACT PARKED THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER WAS ALERTED BY SOMEONE THAT THERE WAS SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. WITHIN THIRTY SECONDS TO A MINUTE, THE VEHICLE BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND VEHICLE WERE DESTROYED. POLICE AND FIRE REPORTS WERE FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF CALDWELL (1220 BLOOMFIELD AVE, WES…
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.
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
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.
THERE ARE 2 ACTIVE RECALLS SINCE PAST 4 MONTHS AND THERE IS NO REMEDY YET. I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALER TO FIX THE ISSUE AND THEY ARE TELLING ME THAT THE REMEDY HAS NOT BEEN MADE YET.
Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.
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
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
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.
2018: 6 complaints · 2019: 4 complaints
Equal observation windows
Model year
Through age 0
Through age 1
Through age 2
2018
0
4
6
2019
1
2
4
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year
Incident dates used
Filing date fallbacks
Excluded dates
2018
13
0
0
2019
5
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
Engine
Fuel/Propulsion System
Service Brakes
Steering
Communication
Electrical System
Suspension
Unknown Or Other
Engine
—
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Fuel/Propulsion System
0
—
0
0
0
0
1ODI 11490899
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
3 patterns with matching reports.
Brake response concerns
1 mentions · 7.7% of complaints
Median mileage: 7,600 mi (1 usable records).
ODI 11350886 · 7,600 mi
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
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.
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 vehicl…