2020 Mercedes-Benz S 450 problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Visibility/Wiper (1) · Vehicle Speed Control (1) · Fuel/Propulsion System (1)
Safety recalls (4)
Communication: Auto Crash Notification 2022-05-20 · campaign 22V365000 · 242,722 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Air Bags:sensor:side Impact 2021-07-12 · campaign 21V527000 · 542 vehicles
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 CLS450, AMG E53, AMG CLS53, E350, E450, AMG GT43, AMG GT53, 2020 S450, S560, G550, AMG GLC63, 2020-2021 GLC300, and AMG G63 vehicles. The side crash sensor connectors may come loose, which could delay the activation of air bags and seatbelts during a side impact crash.
Risk: Air bags and seatbelts that don't function as intended can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the side impact crash sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021070032/33.
Structure:body:roof And Pillars 2021-03-19 · campaign 21V197000 · 15,096 vehicles
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2020 C300 Coupe, C43 Coupe AMG, C43 AMG, 2015-2020 C300, GLA250, 2016-2018 C350e, CLA45 Coupe AMG, 2015 C400, S65 AMG, 2015-2019 C63 AMG, 2016 C450, 2015-2016 GLA45 AMG, S600, 2016-2020 GLC300, 2017-2019 GLC43 AMG, GLE43 Coupe AMG, 2014-2019 CLA250 Coupe, 2014-2015 CLA45 AMG, 2018 GLC63 AMG, 2014-2017 S550, 2018-2020 S450, 2016-2019 GLE63 Coupe AMG, 2016 GLE450 Coupe, 2014-2020 S63 AMG, 2018-2019 S560, and 2019 GLC350e vehicles equipped wi
Risk: The adhesive bonding of the front panel might deteriorate, possibly causing the front panel to detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Mercedes-Benz dealer will remove the bonded panel and will install a new front panel by following the detailed repair instructions and using the approved primer, cleaner and adhesive, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021 and October 26, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Communication: Auto Crash Notification 2021-02-05 · campaign 21V058000 · 1,292,258 vehicles
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.
Risk: Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.
Service bulletins (138)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Power Train 2026-09-26 · LI27.00-P-073124 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint customer complaints relating to automatic transmission 725.0 (nag3 classic /9g‑tronic automatic transmission) and 725.1 (nag3 facelift/9g‑tronic automatic transmission facelift) for faster, more effective and more targeted diagnosis, intelligent predictive repair (ipr) has been developed a
Service Brakes 2026-09-22 · LI42.10-P-078779 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60mph. note: although the symptom is similar to a tire or wheel vibration, it is usually readily noticeable that it is distinctly different if it happens at all times or only while braking. cause although the cause of the vibra
Structure:body 2026-09-14 · LI82.62-P-078631 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. cause under analysis. remedy to narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • if the noise continues to occur even with the door trim removed, then continue the diagnosis working towards the speaker and if necessary,
Power Train 2026-09-14 · LI27.10-P-075869 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint only vehicles with a variable transfer case are affected. this can be identified through control unit n45 or n15/7 in the quick test. when accelerating with light load, vibrations or jolting sensation may come from the drivetrain. it may be mistaken for a harsh shift. cause modified oil qu
Power Train 2026-09-04 · LI27.00-P-073124 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint customer complaints relating to automatic transmission 725.0 (nag3 classic / 9g‑tronic automatic transmission) and 725.1 (nag3 facelift/9g‑tronic automatic transmission facelift) for faster, more effective and more targeted diagnosis, intelligent predictive repair (ipr) has been developed
Steering 2026-08-28 · LI46.35-P-067339 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint during part of the steering movement, it feels heavier or more difficult to steer in the same spot every time. or rattling, humming, dry sliding/gravel noise from the electric steering system when steering (see attachment). complaint does not impact the ability to safely steer or control
Showing the 6 most recent of 138 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2026-01-14 · Unknown Or Other“while driving down the road i heard a loud explosion that sounded like a gunshot hit my read window. this caused me to jerk the car and almost hit the driving car next to me. i pulled over and realized that my sunroof had suddenly exploded and shattered onto the shade located in the ceiling.…”
2025-10-17 · Fuel/Propulsion System“the fuel pump my car stopped on the highway [xxx] on [xxx] with my children in the car with no warning at all. i was so lucky nobody hit us and it took 20 minutes of trying to start it to get off of the highway to a gas station where it cut off again the dealer said it is a known problem however my vin number was included despite the fact that the…”
2024-02-11 · Visibility/Wiper“ had windshield breakage and replacement on 14 december 2023. on 29 january 2024, had an apparent windshield strike (pinhead size) and windshield cracked from middle to top. within 20 minutes crack had spread all across the top of windshield. while parked crack spread down and completely across the bottom of windshield in about 30 minutes. vehicl…”
2020-05-06 · Vehicle Speed Control · 1,700 mi“intermittent (at least a half dozen times since feb 2020 purchase) unintended increase in speed by as much as 35 mph; taken to selling dealer who could not detect a problem or duplicate malfunction. *tr…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.