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2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class engine problems

moderate 6 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →

Complaints
6
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100

When does it fail?

Of the 6 engine complaints filed for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.

0-25k
1 (50%)
25-50k
1 (50%)
50-75k
0 (0%)
75-100k
0 (0%)
100-125k
0 (0%)
125-150k
0 (0%)
150k+
0 (0%)

Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.

What stands out

Among the 5 model years of Mercedes-Benz S-Class in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.

Engine accounts for 18% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 3 categories tracked.

What owners are reporting 4 most recent

engine · filed 12/20/2024

The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz S580. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V704000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN…

engine · filed 12/13/2021

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…

engine · 20,700 mi · filed 12/04/2024

The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz. The contact stated while driving at 10 MPH, the vehicle stalls until the contact engages the vehicle in sport mode. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer for diagnosis or repairs. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure and a case was opened. The contact was relating the failure to  NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V704000 (ENGINE…

engine · 38,000 mi · filed 11/15/2024

The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz S 580. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V704000(Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the engine made an abnormal ticking sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not…

Had engine trouble with your 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.

Common questions

How serious is the engine problem on the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?

It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 6 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.

At what mileage does the engine typically fail?

Based on the 6 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 29,350 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.

What does it cost to fix?

Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.

Are there any recalls related to engine?

No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.

Related

Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2021/Mercedes-Benz/S-Class. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.
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