GradeMercedes-Benz S-Class Reliability Grade
Above-average reliability
Grade a specific Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Reliability changes from year to year. Pick a model year to see its grade, then add mileage and price to get a deal score and estimated miles remaining.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class earns a B+ overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a B+ for its engine and an A- for its transmission. It ranks 11th of 35 luxury vehicles we grade. Its engine (B+) and transmission (A-) grade about the same, so neither stands out as a weak point. Grades are based on 276 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2023 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class reliability by year
Overall grade for each model year, from owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Tap a year to see its full grade.
Best years: 2009, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016
Years to avoid: 2022 (stalling / loss of power)
How long does the Mercedes-Benz S-Class last?
A rough estimate for the model across all years, not measured for each model year.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs. other luxury vehicles
| Model | Engine | Trans. | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lexus RX | A | A | A |
| Lexus ES | A | A | A |
| Lexus GS | B+ | A | A |
| Lexus NX | A | A | A |
| Lexus IS | A | A | A |
| Lexus GX | A | A | A |
| Infiniti G37 | A | A- | A |
| BMW 5 Series | B | B+ | A- |
| Audi A4 | B+ | A | A- |
| Volvo XC60 | B+ | A | A- |
| BMW 3 Series | B- | B+ | B+ |
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class | B- | A- | B+ |
| Mercedes-Benz E-Class | B+ | A- | B+ |
| Audi Q5 | B- | B+ | B+ |
| Mercedes-Benz S-Class | B+ | A- | B+ |
| Cadillac XT5 | B+ | B | B+ |
| Infiniti G35 | B- | B+ | B+ |
| Acura TL | A | C+ | B+ |
| BMW X3 | B- | B+ | B |
| Mercedes-Benz GLC | C+ | B+ | B |
| Mercedes-Benz GLE | B- | B | B |
| Acura RDX | B+ | B | B |
| Volvo XC90 | B- | A- | B |
| BMW X1 | B- | B- | B- |
| Porsche Cayenne | B | C+ | B- |
| Cadillac SRX | A | C+ | B- |
| Cadillac CTS | A- | D | B- |
| Audi A3 | C+ | C | C+ |
| Audi A6 | C- | B- | C+ |
| Audi Q7 | C- | B | C+ |
| BMW X5 | C | C | C |
| Mercedes-Benz CLA | C | B- | C |
| Land Rover Range Rover | C+ | C+ | C |
| Acura MDX | C+ | D | C- |
| Acura TLX | C- | D | D |
Own a Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
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Rate your S-ClassMercedes-Benz S-Class reliability FAQ
Is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class reliable?
Above-average reliability. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class earns a B+ overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a B+ for its engine and an A- for its transmission. It ranks 11th of 35 luxury vehicles we grade. Its engine (B+) and transmission (A-) grade about the same, so neither stands out as a weak point. Grades are based on 276 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2023 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.
How many miles will a Mercedes-Benz S-Class last?
We estimate a well-maintained Mercedes-Benz S-Class lasts around 160,000 miles. That's a rough figure for the model across all years, not measured for each model year, so check the grade for the year you're looking at.
What are the best years for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most reliable Mercedes-Benz S-Class model years are 2009, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016.
What Mercedes-Benz S-Class years should I avoid?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class years to be most careful with are 2022. The 2022 grades a D overall (engine C-, transmission C), and its most common complaint is stalling / loss of power.
Is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class transmission reliable?
GradeMyCar grades the Mercedes-Benz S-Class transmission an A- (excellent reliability). Reliability varies by model year, so grade the specific year you're looking at.
Is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class engine reliable?
GradeMyCar grades the Mercedes-Benz S-Class engine a B+ (above-average reliability).