MotorDeets

2021 Mercedes-Benz S 580: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S 580: 16 recalls, 33 owner complaints and up to 20 mpg combined.

16vehicle recalls
33owner complaints
2mention a crash
20best combined mpg
2021 Mercedes-Benz S 580
Photo: Chanokchon · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

16 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Fuel system, Fuel system Vehicle recall #21V704000 · 2021 · 7 vehicles

What's wrong: Mercedes-benz USA, LLC. (mbusa) is recalling certain 2021 s580 vehicles. The suction jet pump in the fuel tank May have a loose or missing nozzle, which can cause the pump to fail and result in an engine stall.

Why it matters: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the fuel tank including the suction jet pump, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed October 26, 2021.

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.

Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #21V843000 · 2021 · 8,669 vehicles

What's wrong: An engine control unit software error May cause a sudden engine stall, without the ability to restart the vehicle.

Why it matters: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

The fix: Dealers will update the engine control unit software, free of charge. Owners notification letters were mailed on January 28, 2022.

Electrical Vehicle recall #21V931000 · 2021 · 227 vehicles

What's wrong: The mbux infotainment system might allow activation of the television and internet display while driving, causing a distraction for the driver.

Why it matters: Driver distraction can increase the risk of a crash.

The fix: Mbusa has updated their computer server to correct the issue for most vehicles, free of charge. For vehicles that were not able to be updated remotely, dealers will provide the software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 25, 2022.

Airbags, Airbags Vehicle recall #22V124000 · 2022 · 14 vehicles

What's wrong: The air bag control unit May be improperly secured and May result in an unintentional air bag or seat belt deployment, or an improper deployment in the event of a crash.

Why it matters: Unintentional or improper deployment of air bags and/or seat belts can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

The fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten the air bag control unit fastening nuts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2022.

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 #22V189000 · 2022 · 8,396 vehicles

What's wrong: Due to a software error in the hand detection control unit, the hands-off detection might not detect when the driver's hands are away from the steering wheel when using the active distance assist distronic system.

Why it matters: Deactivated hands-off detection will prevent distronic system features from functioning, including warnings to grab the steering wheel and calling first responders as part of the active emergency stop assist, which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

The fix: Dealers will update the hand detection control unit software for the distronic system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 6, 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.

Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #23V098000 · 2023 · 1 vehicles

What's wrong: The fixed front glass panel between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof May not be properly secured and May detach.

Why it matters: A detached glass panel May become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: Dealers will replace the front fixed glass panel, free of charge. The owner notification letters were mailed March 17, 2023. The owner May contact mbusa customer service at 1-800-367-6372. Mbusa's number for this recall is 2023020008.

Body & structure, Electrical Vehicle recall #23V200000 · 2023 · 6 vehicles

What's wrong: The bulkhead that separates the engine compartment from the passenger compartment May not have been properly sealed, causing water to drain into the passenger compartment. Water intrusion into the foot wells May cause corrosion and/or short circuits to electrical components, disabling safety features, including seat belt tightening and seat adjustments (presafe system).

Why it matters: Disabled safety features, including seat belt tightening and seat adjustments, can increase the risk of injury in a crash.

The fix: Dealers will repair the bulkhead front wall sealing, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 12, 2023.

Fuel system Vehicle recall #23V445000 · 2023 · 143,551 vehicles

What's wrong: Please refer to mbusa's recall report for specific vehicle details. The fuel pump May shutdown, which can result in a loss of drive power.

Why it matters: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.

The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 14, 2024.

Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #24V704000 · 2024 · 27,190 vehicles

What's wrong: In the event of a mechanical failure in the engine camtronic system, the engine control unit (ECU) software May cause the engine to overheat or stall.

Why it matters: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. In addition, an engine that overheats can increase the risk of a fire.

The fix: Dealers will update the ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 15, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on November 15, 2024, January 10, 2025, and February 21, 2025. Owners can contact Mercedes-Benz customer service at 1-877-496-3691.…

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, 3 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.

Electrical10
Wheels6
Forward collision avoidance5
Other / unknown4
Engine & cooling4
Speed control / throttle3
Lane departure3
Brakes3

What owners describe

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S 580 has 33 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 2 S 580 model years for complaints (1.7× the average S 580 year). Complaints peaked in 2022 (7 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 2 years old, at a median of 2,097 miles.

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
4.0 L 8-cyl turbo hybridAutomatic 9-spd4-Wheel Drive172520Premium

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 580.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

Does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S 580 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 16 vehicle recalls for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S 580. 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 580 problems?

Owners have filed 33 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (10), wheels (6), forward collision avoidance (5).

What gas mileage does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S 580 get?

EPA ratings run up to 20 mpg combined (4.0 L, Automatic 9-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2021 Mercedes-Benz S 580 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.

Other S 580 years

20212023