MotorDeets

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).

Mercedes-Benz S500
Photo: idalingi · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Electrical96
Suspension27
Interior lights24
Exterior lights21
Transmission & drivetrain15
Engine12
Speed control / throttle12
Body & structure7

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
199302–
19940214
19950415
19960116
19990216
200005517
200103417
200202517
200301016
200401217
200501117
200601317
200702–

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.

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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

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).