2021 Mercedes-Benz S 580: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
33 owner complaints analyzed
16 distinct recall campaigns
2,097 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2021 model year. Data snapshot: . 8 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 9 of 33 complaints (27.3%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical and battery issues | 6 | 18.2% |
| Braking behavior | 5 | 15.2% |
| Steering behavior | 2 | 6.1% |
| Transmission and shifting | 1 | 3.0% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 9 |
| Wheels | 6 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 4 |
| Unknown Or Other | 4 |
| Engine | 3 |
| Service Brakes | 3 |
| Communication | 2 |
| Exterior Lighting | 2 |
Electrical System: 9; Wheels: 6; Engine And Engine Cooling: 4; Unknown Or Other: 4; Engine: 3; Service Brakes: 3; Communication: 2; Exterior Lighting: 2
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 7 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 1 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 7; 25,000 to 49,999: 1; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (7). 25 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 6 |
| 2022 | 7 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2026 | 4 |
2021: 6; 2022: 7; 2023: 5; 2024: 4; 2025: 7; 2026: 4
Pattern summary
Electrical System leads the component reports. Electrical and battery issues appears in 6 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 5 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11426542 · 2021-07-26 (July 26, 2021)
UNKNOWN
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11426542 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11431500 · 2021-09-02 (September 2, 2021)
2021 MERCEDES BENZ S580. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO OBSTRUCTED VIEW THRU FRONT WINDSHIELD. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DASHBOARD REFLECTS ONTO THE WINDSHEILD. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11431500 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11440126 · 2021-11-11 (November 11, 2021)
Upon startup, the back up camera will not display when putting the car in reverse. I could not see if any pedestrians were behind me when backing out of a parking spot. This problem has happened 2 times in the last 2 weeks. So far, the camera resumes working after the car has been turned off and restarted. I called the Mercedes dealership service center and they suggested I make a service appointment to repair the camera system. The car is 3 months old. I will make an appointment to have the car serviced soon.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11440126 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11442018 · 2021-11-29 (November 29, 2021)
The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz S580. The contact stated while driving at 60 MPH, the contact pressed a button on the steering wheel to engage the cruise control function on the vehicle. The contact stated when driving past a mileage sign stating 40 MPH, the vehicle suddenly reduce in speed to 40 MPH, while the contact was on the highway in the fast lane. The contact was able to move the vehicle over to the side of the road waited a few minutes took off the cruise control function and reapplied it back on and continued to drive the vehicl…
Owner-reported narrative. 976 miles reported. Look up ODI 11442018 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11443625 · 2021-12-13 (December 13, 2021)
The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz S580. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V843000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer had been notified about the recall; however, the contact was informed that the parts were not yet available. The manufacturer had also been notified of the recall but offered no assistance. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failur…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11443625 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11444036 · 2021-12-16 (December 16, 2021)
The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz S580. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH, the brakes failed to function as needed while the brake pedal was being depressed. The failure resulted in a crash. There were no injuries sustained. The contact stated that the accident occurred due to the failure in the braking system as well as the intelligent driving feature. The contact stated that the vehicle inadvertently shutoff and restarted without driving input. The brake assist feature did not engage because the driver was already activ…
Owner-reported narrative. 1,194 miles reported. Look up ODI 11444036 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11446332 · 2022-01-05 (January 5, 2022)
The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz S580. The contact stated that while driving, the navigation system became inoperable. There were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V843000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer wa…
Owner-reported narrative. 600 miles reported. Look up ODI 11446332 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11449057 · 2022-01-27 (January 27, 2022)
Background: This is a V-8, gas vehicle.The 12-volt battery gives CRITICAL CHARGE notifications constantly. Incident: Dry pavement, 400-mile, January winter night, highway driving in Wisconsin Northwoods at posted 70 mph; some with cruise control, some without cruise control. Seat belt was in use. On four occasions, car independently, without any warning, dropped from 70 mph to 35 mph, projecting me forward. No reduction in speed signage No small town drive through. With car and semi-truck traffic behind me, luckily no rear end collisions, …
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11449057 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
16 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
21V704000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump | Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly
Reported: 2021-09-10 (September 10, 2021)
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.
Consequence: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
NHTSA campaign record ↗21V789000 · Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification:Front Passenger | Air Bags: Air Bag/Restraint Control Module:Software
Reported: 2021-10-11 (October 11, 2021)
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.
Consequence: A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: 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. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
NHTSA campaign record ↗21V843000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Engine Control Module (Ecu/Ecm):Software
Reported: 2021-10-29 (October 29, 2021)
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 S580 and Maybach S580 vehicles. An engine control unit software error may cause a sudden engine stall, without the ability to restart the vehicle.
Consequence: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the engine control unit software, free of charge. Owners notification letters were mailed on January 28, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
NHTSA campaign record ↗21V931000 · Electrical System:Software
Reported: 2021-11-29 (November 29, 2021)
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 S580, 2022 EQS450, EQS580, and S500 vehicles with an active and connected Mercedes me connect account. The MBUX infotainment system might allow activation of the television and internet display while driving, causing a distraction for the driver.
Consequence: Driver distraction can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
NHTSA campaign record ↗22V124000 · Air Bags:Critical Fasteners | Air Bags: Air Bag/Restraint Control Module
Reported: 2022-03-04 (March 4, 2022)
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 S580 4Matic vehicles. 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.
Consequence: Unintentional or improper deployment of air bags and/or seat belts can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: 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. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-637-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022030024.
NHTSA campaign record ↗22V167000 · Exterior Lighting:Hazard Flashing Warning Lights | Exterior Lighting:Turn Signal | Exterior Lighting:Back Up Lights
Reported: 2022-03-18 (March 18, 2022)
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2022 EQS 450, EQS 580, and 2021 S500 and S580 vehicles. A software error may disable the rear turn signals, hazard lights, and reverse lights.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: Dealers will update the rear signal software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022040013.
NHTSA campaign record ↗22V189000 · Steering: Steering Wheel/Handle Bar
Reported: 2022-03-25 (March 25, 2022)
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2022 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL, EClass Coupe/Convertible, CLS, AMG GT 4-doors Coupe, and EQS vehicles with a heated leather steering wheel. 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: Dealers will update the hand detection control unit software for the DISTRONIC system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 6, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022040010.
NHTSA campaign record ↗22V214000 · Steering:Column
Reported: 2022-04-01 (April 1, 2022)
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 S580 4Matic and S500 4Matic vehicles. 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.
Consequence: Disabled safety features or the inability to shift gears can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and reinstall the cover for the electrical connector, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 13, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022040006.
NHTSA campaign record ↗22V365000 · Communication: Auto Crash Notification | Electrical System:Software
Reported: 2022-05-20 (May 20, 2022)
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers are for this recall is 2022060005 and 2023110006.
NHTSA campaign record ↗22V493000 · Back Over Prevention:Display Function
Reported: 2022-07-11 (July 11, 2022)
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2022 AMG EQS53, EQS580, EQS450, 2021 S500, S580, and Maybach S580 vehicles. 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."
Consequence: An inoperative rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the MBUX multimedia system software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 19, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022080002.
NHTSA campaign record ↗23V098000 · Visibility:Fixed Panaramic Roof/Sky Light Assembly
Reported: 2023-02-17 (February 17, 2023)
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling one 2021 S 580 4Matic vehicle. The fixed front glass panel between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not be properly secured and may detach.
Consequence: A detached glass panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗23V200000 · Structure:Frame And Members | Electrical System
Reported: 2023-03-24 (March 24, 2023)
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 Maybach S580 and S580 vehicles. 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).
Consequence: Disabled safety features, including seat belt tightening and seat adjustments, can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will repair the bulkhead front wall sealing, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 12, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2023040009.
NHTSA campaign record ↗23V445000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump
Reported: 2023-06-26 (June 26, 2023)
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2023 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS, SL, GT, GLC, GLE, GLS, and G-Class vehicles. 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.
Consequence: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 14, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2023070012.
NHTSA campaign record ↗24V704000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Engine Control Module (Ecu/Ecm):Software
Reported: 2024-09-20 (September 20, 2024)
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2023 S580, and Maybach S580 vehicles. 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.
Consequence: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. In addition, an engine that overheats can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024100007.
NHTSA campaign record ↗24V807000 · Communication: Auto Crash Notification | Electrical System:Software
Reported: 2024-10-25 (October 25, 2024)
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 Maybach S 580 4MATIC, S 500 4MATIC, and S 580 4MATIC vehicles. The emergency call system may fail to place an automatic or manual call and may not provide the vehicle location as intended.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: Dealers will update the communication module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 6, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024110002.
NHTSA campaign record ↗25V116000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components
Reported: 2025-02-24 (February 24, 2025)
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2022 S 500, Maybach S 580 4MATIC, 2021-2023 S 580 4MATIC, 2022 S 680 4MATIC, and 2023 S 580e 4MATIC vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.
Consequence: A brake fluid leak can extend the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front brake hoses, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2025030007.
NHTSA campaign record ↗