MODEL
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
NHTSA safety across every Mercedes-Benz S-Class model year we cover.
Across the 6 model years of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class we cover (2019 to 2024), no year has an NHTSA crash-test score on record. No recalls are on record across those years.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the flagship full-size luxury sedan from Stuttgart, occupying the very top of the premium segment and targeting affluent buyers who expect the absolute best in technology, refinement, and safety features. Now in its sixth generation for the 2021 model year refresh, the S-Class has long set the benchmark against which all other large luxury sedans are measured. It competes directly with the BMW 7 Series and Audi A8.
At MotorCaliber, we focus on the hard safety data, and the S-Class presents an unusual profile for a vehicle of this stature. Across the 2019 to 2024 model years we cover, NHTSA has not formally crash-tested the S-Class, meaning there are no federal star ratings or Safety Index scores to anchor our assessment. That is a notable gap for a flagship sedan that markets itself heavily on safety technology. On the recall front, the picture is genuinely clean: zero recalls recorded across all six covered model years. That is a standout result in today's increasingly recall-heavy automotive landscape and reflects well on Mercedes-Benz's manufacturing and quality-control processes for this particular model. The complaint record is more nuanced. NHTSA has logged 119 owner complaints across these years, with owners alleging 4 crashes, 2 fire-related incidents, 6 injuries, and 1 death. It is critical to note these are unverified allegations, not confirmed findings. Still, the presence of fire-related complaints warrants attention from prospective buyers, and we encourage shoppers to monitor NHTSA's complaint database for updates. Bottom line: the S-Class earns credit for a spotless recall record, but the absence of independent federal crash-test data means buyers cannot rely on star ratings to validate Mercedes-Benz's own safety claims. Shop informed.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the S-Class as the gold standard of the large luxury sedan segment, praising its exceptionally refined interior materials, whisper-quiet cabin isolation, and sophisticated ride comfort. Its technology suite is consistently described as class-leading. Some reviewers note the complexity of its infotainment systems can feel overwhelming, and a few flag that the sheer size of the car can make urban driving less effortless.
- NHTSA has not crash-tested the S-Class in any of the 2019 to 2024 model years we cover, so there are no federal star ratings available. Buyers must rely on Mercedes-Benz's own internal testing and Euro NCAP results for crash-safety context.
- The S-Class carries a perfect recall record across all six covered model years, with zero recalls issued by NHTSA. This is a genuinely strong result and stands out favorably compared to many competitors in the segment.
- NHTSA's complaint database shows 119 owner-filed complaints across 2019 to 2024, including unverified allegations of 2 fire-related incidents. While these are not confirmed findings, shoppers should search NHTSA's live database by their specific model year before purchasing.
- With 4 alleged crashes and 6 alleged injuries in the complaint record, owners have flagged real-world concerns that go beyond minor inconveniences. These figures are unverified, but they are worth tracking, particularly as the newer sixth-generation body style accumulates more owner data over time.