2021 Mercedes-Benz S 580 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
No verdictComplaint Index
100/100
#1 most-complained of 3 S 580 years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
Among the 3 model years with data, 2021 ranks worst with a Complaint Index of 100 and 33 complaints, led by Electrical System issues (33%). NHTSA lists 16 recalls for this year, more than 2022 (7) or 2023 (5).
- Complaints
- 33
- Recalls
- 16
- Crashes / fires
- 2 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 3 / 1
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 19.5
- 16.5 city / 24.5 hwy
Top 2021 Mercedes-Benz S 580 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System11 (33%)
- Engine9 (27%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires9 (27%)
- Other6 (18%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras5 (15%)
- Brakes3 (9%)
- Lane Departure3 (9%)
- Fuel System2 (6%)
- Transmission & Powertrain2 (6%)
- Visibility & Wipers2 (6%)
What owners report
- Rearview camera fails to display when shifting into reverse, sometimes clearing itself after the car is restarted
- Cruise control unexpectedly reduces speed on the highway after the driver presses a steering-wheel button
- Brake pedal fails to slow the car at low speed, in one case resulting in a crash
- Dashboard reflects onto the windshield and obstructs the driver's forward view
- 12-volt battery displays repeated 'critical charge' warnings and the car drops speed on the highway without warning
- Low-profile tires suffer blowouts after hitting potholes, with owners citing the factory Pirelli tires as the weak point
2021 Mercedes-Benz S 580 recalls
16 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 25V116000Feb 24, 2025Brakes20,339 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components
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.
Risk: 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 24V807000Oct 25, 2024Other21 vehicles
Communication: auto crash notification
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.
Risk: 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 24V704000Sep 20, 2024Engine27,190 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine:engine control module (ecu/ECM):software
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.
Risk: 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.
2021 Mercedes-Benz S 580 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 16.5 MPG
- Highway
- 24.5 MPG
- Combined
- 19.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,100
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2021 compared with other S 580 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S 580 the worst year for this model?
- Among the 3 model years with data, 2021 has the highest Complaint Index (100) and the most complaints (33), ranking worst of the three.
- What is the top problem area for the 2021 S 580?
- Electrical System complaints lead, making up 33% of all complaints, followed by Engine and Suspension, Wheels & Tires at 27% each.
- How many recalls does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S 580 have?
- NHTSA lists 16 recalls for the 2021 S 580, covering brakes, engine, fuel system, electrical system, and other components.
- At what mileage do 2021 S 580 problems typically show up?
- Median mileage at failure is 1,000 miles for Electrical System complaints, 976 miles for Engine complaints, and 3,000 miles for Suspension, Wheels & Tires complaints.
- Were there any crashes or injuries reported for the 2021 S 580?
- NHTSA data shows 2 crashes, 3 injuries, and 1 death reported among the 2021 S 580 complaints.