Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

2020 Mercedes-Benz S 450: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

4 owner complaints analyzed

4 distinct recall campaigns

1,700 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2020 model year. Data updated: . 1 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Fuel/Propulsion System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 1 of 4 complaints (25.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Fuel system concerns125.0%

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.

Fuel/Propulsion System
1
Unknown Or Other
1
Vehicle Speed Control
1
Visibility/Wiper
1
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Fuel/Propulsion System1
Unknown Or Other1
Vehicle Speed Control1
Visibility/Wiper1

Fuel/Propulsion System: 1; Unknown Or Other: 1; Vehicle Speed Control: 1; Visibility/Wiper: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

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

Under 25,000
1
25,000 to 49,999
0
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
CategoryCount
Under 25,0001
25,000 to 49,9990
50,000 to 74,9990
75,000 to 99,9990
100,000 to 149,9990
150,000 and above0

Under 25,000: 1; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 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 (1). 3 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.

2020
1
2024
1
2025
1
2026
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20201
20241
20251
20261

2020: 1; 2024: 1; 2025: 1; 2026: 1

Pattern summary

Fuel/Propulsion System leads the component reports. Fuel system concerns 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.

Examples from the source records

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

Owner report 11323574 · 2020-05-06 (May 6, 2020)

INTERMITTENT (AT LEAST A HALF DOZEN TIMES SINCE FEB 2020 PURCHASE) UNINTENDED INCREASE IN SPEED BY AS MUCH AS 35 MPH; TAKEN TO SELLING DEALER WHO COULD NOT DETECT A PROBLEM OR DUPLICATE MALFUNCTION. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 1,700 miles reported. Look up ODI 11323574 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11571272 · 2024-02-11 (February 11, 2024)

Had windshield breakage and replacement on 14 December 2023. On 29 January 2024, had an apparent windshield strike (pinhead size) and windshield cracked from middle to top. Within 20 minutes crack had spread all across the top of windshield. While parked crack spread down and completely across the bottom of windshield in about 30 minutes. Vehicle is now in Mercedes dealership for windshield service once again. I have been driving for 60+ years and never saw this massive of a windshield crack caused by a pinhead size strike. My belief is tha…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11571272 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11694134 · 2025-10-17 (October 17, 2025)

The fuel pump My car stopped on the highway [XXX] on [XXX] with my children in the car with no warning at all. I was so lucky nobody hit us and it took 20 minutes of trying to start it to get off of the highway to a gas station where it cut off again The dealer said it is a known problem however my vin number was included despite the fact that they know that the 2020 mercedes benz s450 has an issue that should be recalled due to the severity of the situation and safety of the public. Warning lights did not come on until the car totally stopped…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11694134 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11710851 · 2026-01-14 (January 14, 2026)

While driving down the road I heard a loud explosion that sounded like a gunshot hit my read window. This caused me to jerk the car and almost hit the driving car next to me. I pulled over and realized that my sunroof had suddenly exploded and shattered onto the shade located in the ceiling.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11710851 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

4 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

21V058000 · Communication: Auto Crash Notification | Electrical System:Software

Reported: 2021-02-05 (February 5, 2021)

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.

Consequence: Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
21V197000 · Structure:Body:Roof And Pillars

Reported: 2021-03-19 (March 19, 2021)

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
21V527000 · Air Bags:Sensor:Side Impact

Reported: 2021-07-12 (July 12, 2021)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 CLS450, AMG E53, AMG CLS53, E350, E450, AMG GT43, AMG GT53, 2020 S450, S560, G550, AMG GLC63, 2020-2021 GLC300, and AMG G63 vehicles. The side crash sensor connectors may come loose, which could delay the activation of air bags and seatbelts during a side impact crash.

Consequence: Air bags and seatbelts that don't function as intended can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the side impact crash sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021070032/33.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
22V365000 · Communication: Auto Crash Notification | Electrical System:Software

Reported: 2022-05-20 (May 20, 2022)

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.

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

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

NHTSA campaign record ↗
Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

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

25.0%Usable mileage1 / 4 records
100.0%Valid incident date4 / 4 records
100.0%Valid filing date4 / 4 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates4 / 4 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
Component201820192020
Unknown Or Other
114.3%
ODI 11604856

I was driving on highway on 7/26 Friday in exit lane when my panoramic sunroof exploded and shattered on me while driving. It sounded like a shogun. Some of the glass came in on me and other part flew out vehicle causing paint damage. I inspected car there was no impact from anything (ie rock, branch etc). It was a clear sunny dry day no vehicles in front that would have kicked up an object no impact whatsoever. I made to my house 3 miles away and there is no impact after inspection i have insurance adjuster coming Monday 7/29. I checked intern…

Look up ODI 11604856 at NHTSA ↗

266.7%
ODI 11280685 · 3,700 mi

A PORTION OF THE GLASS ROOF SHATTERED WHILE I WAS DRIVING DOWN A MULTI LANE HIGHWAY GOING SLOWER THAN THE SPEED LIMIT SINCE IT WAS EVENING COMMUTER TIME. THE ROOF HAS THREE GLASS SECTIONS. THE FORWARD MOST SECTION OF THE GLASS ROOF IS WHAT SHATTERED.

Look up ODI 11280685 at NHTSA ↗

125.0%
ODI 11710851

While driving down the road I heard a loud explosion that sounded like a gunshot hit my read window. This caused me to jerk the car and almost hit the driving car next to me. I pulled over and realized that my sunroof had suddenly exploded and shattered onto the shade located in the ceiling.

Look up ODI 11710851 at NHTSA ↗

Service Brakes
228.6%
ODI 11509192

I’m reporting this safety concern and seeking advisement from those more knowledgeable than myself on this issue. Recently, as I attempted to actuate the brake of my vehicle. My right foot was entangled with the brake pedal as I moved it from the acceleration pedal to the brake pedal in observance of a “Stop Sign.” I barely avoided what surely would have been a catastrophic collision with another vehicle. The incident occurred in a split second. The shoe of my right foot was entangled with the lower right corner of the underside of the brake…

Look up ODI 11509192 at NHTSA ↗

133.3%
ODI 11688276

The car is out of control! It first began a couple of weeks ago when (1) the side view mirrors no longer closed automatically 2) Next, while I was driving, the car yesterday, the seat belt suddenly tightened as the car prepared for a sudden impact (which there was none).3) Today, the car refused to stop when I backed it out of the garage. It hit a tree behind us and the car has a rear dint! I am now fearful of driving this car. It needs major servicing or something!!! I have had it towed in to my local Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Look up ODI 11688276 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
228.6%
ODI 11053437 · 850 mi

THE PRE-COLLISION SAFETY FEATURE GOES OFF WHEN THERE IS NO COLLISION IMMINENT. IT IS FRIGHTENING AND COULD ACTUALLY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.

Look up ODI 11053437 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Power Train
114.3%
ODI 11637720 · 89,000 mi

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz S450. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the gear shifter independently shifted into neutral. The contact had to hold down the gear shifter for about 30 seconds before the system was reset. Additionally, the check engine warning light was later illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission valve body failure. The contact was informed that the transmission valve body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was ma…

Look up ODI 11637720 at NHTSA ↗

133.3%
ODI 11744748

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz S450. The contact received notification of NTHSA Campaign Number: 26V216000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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 experience a failure.

Look up ODI 11744748 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Fuel/Propulsion System
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

125.0%
ODI 11694134

The fuel pump My car stopped on the highway [XXX] on [XXX] with my children in the car with no warning at all. I was so lucky nobody hit us and it took 20 minutes of trying to start it to get off of the highway to a gas station where it cut off again The dealer said it is a known problem however my vin number was included despite the fact that they know that the 2020 mercedes benz s450 has an issue that should be recalled due to the severity of the situation and safety of the public. Warning lights did not come on until the car totally stopped…

Look up ODI 11694134 at NHTSA ↗

Seat Belts
114.3%
ODI 11053437 · 850 mi

THE PRE-COLLISION SAFETY FEATURE GOES OFF WHEN THERE IS NO COLLISION IMMINENT. IT IS FRIGHTENING AND COULD ACTUALLY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.

Look up ODI 11053437 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Steering
114.3%
ODI 11524278

Steering wheel became extremely stiff to turn and a message that read “steering malfunction increase physical effort” appeared while driving at around 30 mph while in a vacation trip, not only was this extremely unsettling since it happened suddenly but I had to act fast to avoid a collision with other vehicles, once I made it to a safe location I shut the vehicle off and restarted after 15 minutes and it seem drivable again but left me extremely concerned as I am 500 miles away from with no dealerships open to have it looked since is Memorial …

Look up ODI 11524278 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Vehicle Speed Control
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

125.0%
ODI 11323574 · 1,700 mi

INTERMITTENT (AT LEAST A HALF DOZEN TIMES SINCE FEB 2020 PURCHASE) UNINTENDED INCREASE IN SPEED BY AS MUCH AS 35 MPH; TAKEN TO SELLING DEALER WHO COULD NOT DETECT A PROBLEM OR DUPLICATE MALFUNCTION. *TR

Look up ODI 11323574 at NHTSA ↗

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
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Vehicle Speed ControlToo few reports for a range1,700 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 11323574 · 1,700 mi

INTERMITTENT (AT LEAST A HALF DOZEN TIMES SINCE FEB 2020 PURCHASE) UNINTENDED INCREASE IN SPEED BY AS MUCH AS 35 MPH; TAKEN TO SELLING DEALER WHO COULD NOT DETECT A PROBLEM OR DUPLICATE MALFUNCTION. *TR

Look up ODI 11323574 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

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

1 reports2024-112026-10

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
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-101None
ODI 11694134

The fuel pump My car stopped on the highway [XXX] on [XXX] with my children in the car with no warning at all. I was so lucky nobody hit us and it took 20 minutes of trying to start it to get off of the highway to a gas station where it cut off again The dealer said it is a known problem however my vin number was included despite the fact that they know that the 2020 mercedes benz s450 has an issue that should be recalled due to the severity of the situation and safety of the public. Warning lights did not come on until the car totally stopped…

Look up ODI 11694134 at NHTSA ↗

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-011None
ODI 11710851

While driving down the road I heard a loud explosion that sounded like a gunshot hit my read window. This caused me to jerk the car and almost hit the driving car next to me. I pulled over and realized that my sunroof had suddenly exploded and shattered onto the shade located in the ceiling.

Look up ODI 11710851 at NHTSA ↗

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-10 (partial)0None

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.

Age 0Age 1Age 21 reports

2019: 1 complaints · 2020: 1 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2019111
2020111
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
2019300
2020400

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
ComponentFuel/Propulsion SystemUnknown Or OtherVehicle Speed ControlVisibility/Wiper
Fuel/Propulsion System—000
Unknown Or Other0—00
Vehicle Speed Control00—0
Visibility/Wiper000—

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.

2 patterns with matching reports.

Hard or delayed shifting

1 mentions · 25.0% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 11710851

While driving down the road I heard a loud explosion that sounded like a gunshot hit my read window. This caused me to jerk the car and almost hit the driving car next to me. I pulled over and realized that my sunroof had suddenly exploded and shattered onto the shade located in the ceiling.

Look up ODI 11710851 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(hard shift\w*|rough shift\w*|delay\w* shift\w*|shift\w* hard|jerk\w*|lurch\w*)\b

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

1 mentions · 25.0% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 11694134

The fuel pump My car stopped on the highway [XXX] on [XXX] with my children in the car with no warning at all. I was so lucky nobody hit us and it took 20 minutes of trying to start it to get off of the highway to a gas station where it cut off again The dealer said it is a known problem however my vin number was included despite the fact that they know that the 2020 mercedes benz s450 has an issue that should be recalled due to the severity of the situation and safety of the public. Warning lights did not come on until the car totally stopped…

Look up ODI 11694134 at NHTSA ↗

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