Mercedes-Benz S500 problems, recalls & best years
The deets on every S500 from 1993 to 2007: 173 owner complaints and 0 recalls across 13 model years.
The model years with the most owner complaints are 2000 (55), 2001 (34), 2002 (25). Best fuel economy: 17 mpg combined (2006).

Problem areas across all years
Year by year
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Best mpg | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | 0 | 2 | – | |
| 1994 | 0 | 2 | 14 | |
| 1995 | 0 | 4 | 15 | |
| 1996 | 0 | 1 | 16 | |
| 1999 | 0 | 2 | 16 | |
| 2000 | 0 | 55 | 17 | |
| 2001 | 0 | 34 | 17 | |
| 2002 | 0 | 25 | 17 | |
| 2003 | 0 | 10 | 16 | |
| 2004 | 0 | 12 | 17 | |
| 2005 | 0 | 11 | 17 | |
| 2006 | 0 | 13 | 17 | |
| 2007 | 0 | 2 | – |
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 Mercedes-Benz S500.
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.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
What is the worst year for the Mercedes-Benz S500?
The model years with the most owner complaints are 2000 (55), 2001 (34), 2002 (25).
How many recalls has the Mercedes-Benz S500 had?
Across 1993–2007, NHTSA lists 0 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).