MotorDeets

2020 Mercedes-Benz S 450: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2020 Mercedes-Benz S 450: 4 recalls, 4 owner complaints and up to 22 mpg combined.

4vehicle recalls
4owner complaints
0mention a crash
22best combined mpg
2020 Mercedes-Benz S 450
Photo: Navigator84 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

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

Communication, Electrical Vehicle recall #21V058000 · 2021 · 1,292,258 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: Failure of the ecall system May result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.

The fix: 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.

Body & structure Vehicle recall #21V197000 · 2021 · 15,096 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: 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.

The fix: 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.

Airbags Vehicle recall #21V527000 · 2021 · 542 vehicles

What's wrong: The side crash sensor connectors May come loose, which could delay the activation of air bags and seatbelts during a side impact crash.

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

The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the side impact crash sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021.

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.

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.

Speed control / throttle1
Visibility/Wiper1
Fuel & propulsion1
Other / unknown1

What owners describe

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz S 450 has 4 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 3 S 450 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 5). Neighboring years: 2019 (3 complaints, 8 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
3.0 L 6-cyl turboAutomatic 9-spdRear-Wheel Drive192822Premium

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 2020 Mercedes-Benz S 450.

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.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

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FAQ

Does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz S 450 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz S 450. 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 2020 Mercedes-Benz S 450 problems?

Owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are speed control / throttle (1), visibility/wiper (1), fuel & propulsion (1).

What gas mileage does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz S 450 get?

EPA ratings run up to 22 mpg combined (3.0 L, Automatic 9-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2020 Mercedes-Benz S 450 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 450 years

201820192020