2021 Mercedes-Benz S 500: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S 500: 7 recalls, 1 owner complaint and up to 24 mpg combined.
Recalls
7 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags, Airbags Vehicle recall #21V789000 · 2021 · 1,311 vehicles
What's wrong: Mercedes-benz USA, LLC. (mbusa) is recalling certain 2021 s500, s580, and maybach s580 vehicles. The air bag control unit software May deactivate the occupant recognition control unit, resulting in a deactivated front passenger air bag.
Why it matters: A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the air bag control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 1, 2021. Mbusa's number for this recall is 2021100010.
Exterior lights, Exterior lights Vehicle recall #22V167000 · 2022 · 9,156 vehicles
What's wrong: A software error May disable the rear turn signals, hazard lights, and reverse lights.
Why it matters: Disabled rear turn signals, hazard lights, and reverse lights can reduce the vehicle's visibility to other driver's, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the rear signal software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 2022.
Steering Vehicle recall #22V214000 · 2022 · 4 vehicles
What's wrong: The electrical connector to the steering column module May not be secured properly, which can disable gear shifts and/or safety features including the electronic stability program, the driver's air bag, and turn signal indicators.
Why it matters: Disabled safety features or the inability to shift gears can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and reinstall the cover for the electrical connector, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 13, 2022.
Communication, Electrical Vehicle recall #22V365000 · 2022 · 242,722 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: A disabled ecall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: The communication module software will be updated through an over-the-air (ota) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on July 8, 2022, May 17, 2024, July 29, 2024, and September 27, 2024.
Backup camera Vehicle recall #22V493000 · 2022 · 8,530 vehicles
What's wrong: The rearview camera May not display the rearview image due to a software error in the mbux multimedia system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "rear visibility."
Why it matters: An inoperative rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the mbux multimedia system software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 19, 2022.
Communication, Electrical Vehicle recall #24V807000 · 2024 · 21 vehicles
What's wrong: The emergency call system May fail to place an automatic or manual call and May not provide the vehicle location as intended.
Why it matters: A disabled emergency call system that prevents a vehicle occupant from contacting emergency services or fails to identify the vehicle location, can delay emergency responders and increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the communication module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 6, 2024.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #25V116000 · 2025 · 20,339 vehicles
What's wrong: The front brake hoses May rupture and leak brake fluid.
Why it matters: A brake fluid leak can extend the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the front brake hoses, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2025.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S 500 has 1 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 2 S 500 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 1).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 L 6-cyl hybrid | Automatic 9-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 20 | 29 | 24 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S 500.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S 500 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 7 vehicle recalls for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S 500. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2021 Mercedes-Benz S 500 problems?
Owners have filed 1 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (1).
What gas mileage does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S 500 get?
EPA ratings run up to 24 mpg combined (3.0 L, Automatic 9-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2021 Mercedes-Benz S 500 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.