2010 Mercedes-Benz S400

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Electrical system10
2. Engine3
3. Fuel/propulsion system3
4. Unknown or other2
5. Equipment1
6. Electronic stability control (esc)1
7. Power train1
8. Steering1
9. Suspension1
10. Engine and engine cooling1

Latest complaints

• Aug 30, 2022TX
  Steering · Suspension · Vehicle speed control
  Airmatic Suspension sprung a leak and could not be driven safely due to the vehicle getting severely low where the tire and rim tucked into the wheel well. When the airmatic suspension fails the vehicle can get so low that it can scrape the roadway, hit bumps and damage parts under which can…

  Airmatic Suspension sprung a leak and could not be driven safely due to the vehicle getting severely low where the tire and rim tucked into the wheel well. When the airmatic suspension fails the vehicle can get so low that it can scrape the roadway, hit bumps and damage parts under which can dislodge and cause an severe accident or pile up. Requesting a Nationwide Recall on all Mercedes-Benz vehicles equipped with Airmatic Suspension.

• Jan 3, 2021IL115,000 mi
  Electrical system · Engine

  Power electronic control unit malfunction. Car will not crank/ no start. Car was stationary-parked.

• Nov 18, 2020TX100,009 mi
  Electrical system

  The computer control unit for the hybrid motor has failed on my and many s400s. This causes car to stall out at stoplights or while driving. this IS a safety issue.

• Oct 5, 2020CA87,000 mi
  Fuel/propulsion system
  Strong gas orders from interior after fill up. stationary, in motion, stopped. to the point of nausea and light headedness. 2011 IS on recall list for gas pump and sender replacement, plus warranty extension to 15 years for this problem. This needs to also include the 2010 S400 hybrids…

  Strong gas orders from interior after fill up. stationary, in motion, stopped. to the point of nausea and light headedness. 2011 IS on recall list for gas pump and sender replacement, plus warranty extension to 15 years for this problem. This needs to also include the 2010 S400 hybrids vehicle has only 87,000 miles on it, and cannot be driven due to possible fuel ingition and the possibility of a catastrophic fire. Please respond with the utmost of haste, lives are at stake. Death by fire IS horrific.

• Sep 2, 2020CA109,000 mi
  Electrical system
  The car first started to stop intermittently without any warning at all at the traffic intersection, then I was able to start it again after shutting every thing down. Then a month later, the same thing happened again but this time I was not able to start the car again. This could be a very…

  The car first started to stop intermittently without any warning at all at the traffic intersection, then I was able to start it again after shutting every thing down. Then a month later, the same thing happened again but this time I was not able to start the car again. This could be a very dangerous safety situation if the engine shuts down while I was driving on the freeway. Mercedes only provided temporary solution by replacing the car hybrid inverter power electronic control unit through a campaign bulletin 2012080004. This bulletin applies to mercedes S400, 2010-2012 year model. However, the main problem still remains and poses a very serious safety issue for all the driver and passengers. This IS not an isolate problem. Its a very known problem for lots of owners for those model years. my contact email address IS "[xxx]" should you need to contact me. Please see the attachment for the inverter. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *Cc *tr

• Feb 4, 2020DE
  Electrical system
  First there was no power to the car so we replaced the battery. Then the car was running and shut off one day and would not restart. The vehicle was stationary when it would not restart. We had it towed to mercedes dealer. They are stating it the power electronics module. There are two recalls…

  First there was no power to the car so we replaced the battery. Then the car was running and shut off one day and would not restart. The vehicle was stationary when it would not restart. We had it towed to mercedes dealer. They are stating it the power electronics module. There are two recalls related to this part but when checking the vin ours IS not part of them. That IS impossible. The mercedes dealer even stated there were issues with this part that's why mercedes only made these cars for two years. Please see campaign no. 2012080004. *tr

• Dec 6, 2019NC70,000 mi
  Power train
  When coming to a complete stop, the hybrid system shuts down the engine and fails to restart. this places the driver, passenger and others at risk of collision as vehicle will remain stopped in traffic. this issue has been known to mercedes-benz as if IS a failure of the power electronics…

  When coming to a complete stop, the hybrid system shuts down the engine and fails to restart. this places the driver, passenger and others at risk of collision as vehicle will remain stopped in traffic. this issue has been known to mercedes-benz as if IS a failure of the power electronics module. It has been subject to two service campaigns: 2012880004 november 2012 2015030006 june 2015 however it appears that the defective part IS replaced with a similarly defective part. furthermore mercedes-benz no longer makes this part available for this model which was produced through 2013. this defective part this model at high risk for the safety of its owners, passengers and occupants of other vehicles as the vehicle IS stopped in the road. this IS a known issue with this vehicle and has been experienced by many. of note there were few of this vehicle made (S400 IS an early hybrid model made by mercedes-benz) such that a low number of reports represents a high percentage of this model. the frequency if events can be seen in a search of S400 power electronics module problems I have contacted mbusa who states this IS not a safety issue and they have no responsibility for the defective part. they have also stated that they have no legal responsibility to continue to produce parts for a model that ended 6 years ago.

• Dec 3, 2019WA47,426 mi
  Electrical system · Unknown or other
  2010 S400 hybrid wont start first instance was less than 24 hour of purchasing car from local dealer. Lights all on but no crank. Started after and two weeks later it had to be towed because it completely wont start. Mbusa forum chat and several social media groups all around the world has the same…

  2010 S400 hybrid wont start first instance was less than 24 hour of purchasing car from local dealer. Lights all on but no crank. Started after and two weeks later it had to be towed because it completely wont start. Mbusa forum chat and several social media groups all around the world has the same problem with this model and it comes down to an electronics power module that cost more than what the car IS worth to repair. Please advise!

• Jan 8, 2019NY37,000 mi
  Electrical system
  I have a 2010 mercedes S400 that was purchased new in nyc and I was promised a 10yr/150k mile warranty because of a carb adoption ny and 10 other states were involved in. My vehicle has only 37K miles and IS never been crashed or painted. I went to mercedes of manhattan located on 770 11TH ave nyc…

  I have a 2010 mercedes S400 that was purchased new in nyc and I was promised a 10yr/150k mile warranty because of a carb adoption ny and 10 other states were involved in. My vehicle has only 37K miles and IS never been crashed or painted. I went to mercedes of manhattan located on 770 11TH ave nyc, ny 10019. My vehicle was denied this warranty coverage the service manager stated because it's at his discretion to grant this or not. I then pleaded with him and he began to insult me saying my vehicle IS far from perfect and he can't grant an assistance. I made him aware of my warranty information I had and he said there IS no need because he sees everything I have on his computer and mercedes'benz doesn't make mistakes. I then asked for a specific reason why I'm being denied and he then told me my vehicle wasn't up to date on maintenance. I showed him the service records that showed the vehicle was up to date with maintenance and his dealer even reported it on carfax. He then said he will call me back and then reached the conclusion that the 3 scratches on my rear bumper was reason enough to deny me warranty coverage and sent me a statement showing if any part was damaged due to misuse or damage then warranty IS voided. I then explained to him my scratches on the bumper wouldn't have any affect or influence on my vehicles hybrid battery. He said he has the technical knowledge and he can deny me for that. I need help plz. I have been told by the mercedes parts department that the hybrid battery and install could range in price of $32,000.00. My question IS why did mercedes give customers a 10yr/150k mile warranty on a vehicle that they are going to not accept. My vehicle IS 8 years old but was originally purchased for $100,000.00. I feel this IS unfair and think I need the assistance of your department please.

• Jul 29, 2016TX61,000 mi
  Electrical system · Engine

  The S400 hybrid has a habit of stalling when in a stop position. this requires a complete re-start at a stop light or after having come to a complete stop. in addition the air conditioning shuts off and does not come back on until you stop for a few minutes and re-start the vehicle. the car stalling IS very un-safe. the car stalls at a stop position.

• Jun 3, 2016MD69,000 mi
  Fuel/propulsion system
  Car stalls constantly, loose fuel cap warning comes on, check engine light comes on. I have replaced the fuel cap, checked vehicle codes, but cannot get the issue identified. A vehicle stalling like this IS a tremendous safety hazard, and it may be possible that there IS an issue with the fuel…

  Car stalls constantly, loose fuel cap warning comes on, check engine light comes on. I have replaced the fuel cap, checked vehicle codes, but cannot get the issue identified. A vehicle stalling like this IS a tremendous safety hazard, and it may be possible that there IS an issue with the fuel delivery system in this year model, just as there was with the 2011-2012 models which resulted in a recall. this happens both when the vehicle IS stationary and in motion.

• Oct 23, 2015MD
  Electrical system
  Vehicle began to cut completely off when stopped at a red light or stop sign. it began to take longer and longer to restart when turned off and on. eventually the vehicle would not start at all. when taken to the dealer, I was informed that the power control module was bad and the cost to…

  Vehicle began to cut completely off when stopped at a red light or stop sign. it began to take longer and longer to restart when turned off and on. eventually the vehicle would not start at all. when taken to the dealer, I was informed that the power control module was bad and the cost to replace was upward of $11,000. after speaking to many managers and my car sitting at the dealership for nearly 30 days, I was called and informed that there was a manufacturer's defect found in the power control modules which was just extended to cover the 2010 model and that the manufacturer was covering the replacement costs.

• Aug 17, 2015NY101,000 mi
  Electrical system · Electronic stability control (esc) · Unknown or other
  I was driving, trying to get off the highway, I took exit which IS a 270 degree circle with sharp turns, I am not driving fast at all but the car just stalled while driving, steering wheel locked and I almost fall down the hill, I almost died, this product has serious quality issues. I was…

  I was driving, trying to get off the highway, I took exit which IS a 270 degree circle with sharp turns, I am not driving fast at all but the car just stalled while driving, steering wheel locked and I almost fall down the hill, I almost died, this product has serious quality issues. I was driving in down town manhattan with two of my most important clients, we were going to an art auction, the car just stalled when I stopped at red light and will not restart, me and my clients were wearing 3 piece suits and its more than 90 degrees out, we were sweating like crazy, I believe the car's poor quality made it to fail without any signs.

• Apr 29, 2014VA42,000 mi
  Electrical system · Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner

  S400 IS a hybrid from mercedes benz and when driven over 40 miles in distance then the ac will turn on no matter what. We tried to turn it off but can not. Mb dealer told us it IS normal operations but this IS a major issue as in the winter the ac also turns on. This has happened many times and mb dealer has not addressed it. *js

• Mar 4, 2014CA413 mi
  Engine and engine cooling
  First trouble: engine did not start on 11/13/2010. The trouble happened within the first month after delivery. Two repairmen on the road service showed and could not fix the problem. Third repairman who said as the number-one repairman on the road service finally fixed the problem, taking about 3…

  First trouble: engine did not start on 11/13/2010. The trouble happened within the first month after delivery. Two repairmen on the road service showed and could not fix the problem. Third repairman who said as the number-one repairman on the road service finally fixed the problem, taking about 3 hours. second trouble: engine did not start on 9/10/2011. A repairman on the road service could not fix. So the car was towed to the repair shop of the dealer. It took several days to fix there. third trouble: engine did not start on 5/29/2013. A repair person on the road service could not fix. So the car was towed to the repair shop of the dealer. It took 3 weeks to fix there. what the same trouble happened three time IS indicative for that the car has trouble with engine designs or something of engineering design. We believe that the car has safety problem.

• Nov 21, 2013TX33,597 mi
  Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
  Purchased a mercedes benz S400 hybrid last year with 20,000 miles driven. This car retails new for $119,000. The car has now been in the shop at ewing mercedes benz of plano since may 2013 over 6 times for the same engine light and code. They are unable to repair the vehicle after extensive testing…

  Purchased a mercedes benz S400 hybrid last year with 20,000 miles driven. This car retails new for $119,000. The car has now been in the shop at ewing mercedes benz of plano since may 2013 over 6 times for the same engine light and code. They are unable to repair the vehicle after extensive testing from the director of service oversight. Since these repairs mercedes benz corporate in germany took the car off the market and no longer make it available for purchase in the united states. Ewing gave me an appraisal this afternoon for the vehicle and it has dropped 50% of its value since I purchased it on 11/02/2012 because the above mentions. Mercedes benz offered to give $2,000.00 for their trade assist program yet I am upside down after just a year and they no longer offer this model? So much for going green to save the planet, myself gas or being efficient I have not even enjoyed the luxury this vehicle stated it allowed when purchased.. ID like justice and this to be reviewed on a higher level so that other consumers do no make the same decision I did. Further information I have been a customer of ewing for over 10 years owning every model they offer besides the CLS and e class. I have owned c class, r class, ML class, currently own GL class and s class.. This IS the type of customer appreciation I am gifted after so many loyal years as a customer???? *tr

Service bulletins

Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.

• 11010818Complaint Transmission control unit Y3/8n4 (fully integrated transmission control unit (VGS)) not listed in quick test and/or no communication possible with VGS. Cause Transmission control unit Y3/8n4 Remedy It is important that LI54.15-P-057373 is processed before replacing any component parts (transmission 722.9). After processing and complying with the above documents, perform a reset on the transmission control unit Y3/8n4 (VGS) (ignition reset), check that the transmission connector is seated correctly and inspect the PINs for concerns. If communication with the VGS cannot be established afterwards, the component part 'electrohydraulic controller unit (EHS)' must be replaced, as it is not possible to transfer the valve characteristics under the above-mentioned conditions. Installation of a VGS repair kit is not permitted in this case.
• 11010494Complaint Rear lamps fogged up/not leaktight. Cause Fogging of the rear lamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. This does not lead to any technical impairment of the rear lamps. Remedy Rear lamp: Remedy 1: Clearing fogged/condensed rear lamps: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 C/+64.4 F) Note: Do not wash the vehicle or subject it to high-pressure cleaning before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine and connect battery support via a charger. 3. Open the trunk. 4. Switch on the exterior lighting. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation -> a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (defogging progress). Note: -If no reduction in the degree of fogging is visible, the rear lamp is defective and must be replaced. -It is not physically possible to defog the headlamps completely some residual fogging may remain. Fogging does not impair the functionality or the service life of the rear lamps. -Simultaneous fogging of multiple component parts indicates extreme climatic conditions and also does not impair the functionality or the service life of the rear lamps. Remedy 2: You can recognize a defective rear lamp as follows: 1. Check the rear lamps to ensure that no external damage is present, and that the differential aeration cells and the diaphragm are present and correctly seated. -> If there are signs of external damage on the rear lamp, the component parts must be replaced as per WIS instructions. 2. Check the electrical connectors of the plugs and pins. -> If moisture/corrosion/etc. is present, the component part must be replaced as per WIS instructions. 3. Check for leak tightness -> Close all openings with Terostat IX or similar and establish and stabilize via an overpressure (4050 mbar) via the plug. -> In the event of a sudden pressure drop, the component part must be replaced as per WIS instructions. Note: External damage to the rear lamps does not constitute a warranty or goodwill case.
• 11009122Complaint Washer fluid system leaks Cause Various possible causes: 1. Washer fluid reservoir itself. 2. Seal on washer fluid pump/washer fluid reservoir. 3. Washer fluid pump. 3.1. Distributor housing leaks. 3.2. Pump fitting leaks. 3.3. Washer fluid hose cannot be snapped into place on pump fitting. 3.4. Washer fluid hose will not stay on pump fitting, although connector OK. 4. Washer fluid line. 4.1 Connector will not stay on pump fitting because it is broken. 4.2 Sealing ring in connector missing. 4.3 Sealing ring in connector fitted, but deformed and therefore leaks. 4.4 Damage to washer line by animal. 5. Seal on heating washer fluid reservoir/washer fluid reservoir. Remedy Replace defective component parts only. Do not replace any adjacent component parts that are intact. Note: Repair kits for washer line hoses do exist to allow patches for line damage.
• 11008873Complaint Tension-releasing impact of the propeller shaft with the force-free in D "KID" function, after vehicle has stopped. Cause The tension-releasing jolt in the drivetrain originates as a result of the "release" of energy stored when braking through the force-free switch after stopping. It is suspected that the longitudinal bearing is being placed under tension here as a result of the vehicle "dropping off". Remedy 1. Mark the installation position of the joint prior to the removal (picture a+b). This is important for vehicles with a weighted drivetrain ex factory to ensure correct installation after operations have been completed. 2. Clean and degrease propeller shaft toothing. The toothing must be free of grease, e.g. through the use of a brake cleaner. Do not use wire brushes, else the surface could be damaged (picture c). 3. Coat propeller shaft toothing with A 000 989 16 08 Antifriction coating. Coat the entirety, ensuring that the subsurface is no longer visible. When doing so, only coat the outer toothing. Ensure that the coat is not too thick, otherwise the coating could chip (picture d). 4. Observe the drying time of at least 1 hour. 5. Lightly grease the propeller shaft toothing at the outer and inner toothing with A 001 989 44 51 12 Grease (picture e).
• 11008323Complaint Headlamps fogged or droplets forming. Cause Due to its outlet openings, the headlamp is an "open system". This means that acidic gases, moisture, dirt and exhaust gases can penetrate into the headlamp. This can lead to the formation of condensation on the lens of the headlamp. The headlamps comply with all applicable US standards and regulations. Remedy Check housing cover of lamp unit for natural fogging or condensation as per LI82.10-P-078301. If a reduction in the degree of fogging is visible, the desiccant packs can be used once the condensation has completely evaporated. Note: Order service covers and desiccant packs based on the validity description. 1. Remove headlamps. 2. Remove all grommets from outlet openings. 3. Seal vent openings with sealing profile. Important: All openings must be sealed carefully for the pressure compensation diaphragm to work properly! 4. Remove existing service cover. 5. Place desiccant packs into the new service covers and bolt down (Picture_01). 6. Glue the new diaphragm onto the intended surface at the service cover (Picture_02). Note: The bonding surface must be clean and dry. 7. Attach service cover with desiccant pack at headlamp. 8. Install headlamp. To ensure that the desiccant pack (absorption) acts effectively, the headlamp has to be air-sealed. Observe or check the following points for this: 1. Seals at the central connector must all be present and correctly fitted (Picture_03). 2. The new transparent diaphragm must be correctly bonded (Picture_04). 3. Check headlamp housing for any external damage.
• 11008091Complaint During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or interference/background noises are audible to the called party during a call. It becomes increasingly difficult to understand as the speed rises. Cause A. Seating of the microphones in the headliner. Side edges are covered by the textile cover (see picture "1") B. Assembly of microphones (B25/20 or B25/21) in the headliner. C. Dirt inside the microphone housing Remedy 1. Press finger on rear of microphone (on adhesive tape) 2. Remove microphone cap from the front 3. Eliminate protruding material residues of the microphone cutout at the headliner, e.g. with a soldering iron. The microphone must be seated in the headliner as shown in picture "2". 4. Push microphone from behind until it is firmly pressed into the headliner 5. Maintain pressure and press/clip cap into microphone from the front. Note: The cover cap must be clearly heard and felt to engage. 6. This procedure must be carried out on both microphones (B25/20 and B25/21) Note: It is recommended to replace the cover caps. The non-woven cloth in the cover cap protects the microphone from soiling and must not be removed. NOTE: The information contained in this document is intended for use by trained, professional technicians with the knowledge to properly and safely perform diagnosis and repairs on Mercedes-Benz vehicles, using Mercedes-Benz approved tools and equipment. It informs service technicians about conditions that could occur in certain vehicles and provides information that could assist in proper vehicle diagnosis, service, or repair. It does not indicate that a defect is present in any vehicle referenced in this document nor does it imply warranty coverage. DO NOT assume that a symptom or condition, or a described cause of a symptom or condition, affects any particular vehicle or groups of vehicles, or that a described repair applies to any particular vehicle or groups of vehicles. There can be multiple causes resulting in the same or similar symptoms or conditions described in this document, and trained professional service technicians must use their diagnostic skills to make evaluations on a case-by-case basis. The information contained in this document does not guarantee warranty coverage nor does it extend the vehicles warranty in any way.
• 11007974Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging does not result in a technical impairment of the headlamp. A leak test must be performed to determine if physical fogging exists or if the headlamp is leaky. Remedy In advance, observe LI82.10-P-078301 "Headlamps or Front Fog Lamps Leaking or Fogged". 1. Prepare headlamp/check for external damage: For headlamps with a closed system 1. Check the headlamps for any external damage and check also for correct seating of the Gore-diaphragm/correct latching of the cover caps. 2. If the headlamp exhibits any external damage, replace the headlamp. For headlamps with an open system 1. Check the headlamps for any external damage and seal off the vent then make sure the cover caps are latched correctly into place. 2. If the headlamp exhibits any external damage, replace the headlamp. Note: A headlamp with external damage is not a warranty or goodwill case. 2. Leak test of headlamp with overpressure: Connect test adapter to pressure tester. (Figure 1) Check test adapter for leak tightness. To do so, connect plug and coupling (picture 2) and apply a maximum overpressure of 30 mbar. The pressure must remain constant. If the pressure does not remain constant, use a new adapter. Seal all the outlet openings using sealing compound and the given diaphragm with the plunger (picture 3). (Picture 4) Make allowance for the different headlamp variants here (there are different outlet openings). Check if the headlamp needs to be removed to gain access to the diagnostic socket on the headlamp housing. Plug the adapter onto the diagnostic socket on the headlamp housing. (Picture 5). Apply a maximum of 30 mbar overpressure to the headlamp housing. Note: If the maximum overpressure of 50 mbar is exceeded the headlamp seal will be damaged. If a pressure drop of less than 10 mbar is measured within 30 seconds, the headlamp is not leaky and the problem is down to natural physical fogging. If a pressure drop of more than 10 mbar is measured within 30 seconds, the headlamp is leaky. Note: The leaky position can be localized with the aid of soap suds. Replace any leaky headlamps. Note: Desiccant packs can be installed for headlamps that are not leaky. See: LI82.10-P-064766 Fogged headlamp, desiccant pack installed - open ventilation system LI82.10-P-078304 Fogged headlamp, desiccant pack installed - closed ventilation system
• 11007753Complaint Headlamp or front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. Headlamps comply with all applicable standards. If a pressure compensation diaphragm is fitted in the housing cover, then the lamp unit is a "closed system". Remedy Headlamp: Remedy 1 Clearing fogged/condensed LED headlamps and LED rear lamps: 1. Drive vehicle into workshop (temperature higher than +18 C/+64.4 F) and connect the exhaust extraction. Note: Do not perform an engine wash before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine and connect battery support via a charger. 3. Open the hood or trunk. 4. Switch on the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Clearing fogged/condensed halogen/xenon headlamps: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 C/+64.4F). Note: Do not perform an engine wash before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine. 3. Open the hood. 4. Switch off the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Note: If there is no visible reduction in the formation of condensation, check the headlamp for a defect. (See Remedy 2) It is not physically possible to defog the headlamps completely. Fogging does not impair the operation or the service life of the headlamp. Remedy 2 A Damaged headlamp can be identified as follows: 1. Check the headlamp for external damage and that the cover caps and the diaphragm are correctly seated. 2. Check the electrical connectors of the plugs and pins. 3. Check for leak tightness in accordance with LI82.10-P-078307. The test can only be conducted on headlamps. 4. If the headlamp or the rear lamp has any external damage, replace the component part in accordance with the WIS instructions. Note: External damage to the headlamp/rear lamp or faulty seating of the cover caps does not present a warranty or goodwill case. With headlamps, it is possible to install desiccant packs if the problem occurs repeatedly. Open ventilation system: LI82.10-P-064766. Closed ventilation system LI82.10-P-078304
• 11005294Complaint Rear lamps fogged up/not leaktight. Cause Fogging of the rear lamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. This does not lead to any technical impairment of the rear lamps. Remedy Rear lamp: Remedy 1: Clearing fogged/condensed rear lamps: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 C/+64.4 F) Note: Do not wash the vehicle or subject it to high-pressure cleaning before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine and connect battery support via a charger. 3. Open the trunk. 4. Switch on the exterior lighting. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation -> a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (defogging progress).
• 10248173Mercedes-Benz AG ("MBAG"), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain Model Year (MY) 2009-2012 GL-Class, ML-Class, R-Class, and S-Class (164/166, 251, 221 platforms) vehicles, the coding for the engine control unit does not correspond to the specifications as part of the BlueTEC update diesel field measure (aka Emission Modification). This could result in the VIN number not being read out from the vehicle. This could affect the vehicle smog check. MBUSA will conduct an Emission Service Campaign in which an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will update the SCN coding for the engine control unit on the affected vehicles.
• 10248162Crease formation on genuine leather seat covers in vehicles with low mileage Objects left on the seats for extended periods of time (pressure marks). Objects wedged between the seat backrest and seat cushion (e.g. seat belt buckle). Light initial creases due to vehicle handling. Light creases in the outer covers originating from the production process (missing finish). Heat treatment of the seat covers using heat gun and plastic wedge. Be very careful to not overheat the seat material!
• 10205233Mobile phone cotacts are not transferred completely.
• 10205225Headlamps fogged.
• 10202531Touch pad: Search lighting does not dim or does not turn on.
• 10186141NTG5.5: Incorrect time shown on instrument cluster, COMAND display, and analog clock
• 10181124Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D or R
• 10181123Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D
• 10177571Lamp unit fogged or droplets forming. Due to the vent openings, the lamp unit is an "open system". This means that acidic gases, moisture, dirt and exhaust gases can penetrate it. This can result in deposits on the diffuser and lens. Check housing cover of lamp unit for natural fogging or dew as per GI82.10-P-009047. . 1. If a reduction in the degree of fogging is visible, the desiccant packs can be used once the condensation has completely evaporated. 1.1. Order the required service covers by referring to the variant overview. 1.2. Remove lamp unit 1.3. Remove all grommets from vent openings. 1.4. Seal vent openings with sealing profile. Important: All openings must be sealed carefully for the pressure compensation membrane to work properly! 1.5. Remove existing service cover 1.6. Place desiccant packs in new service covers and bolt down 1.7. Stick new diaphragm onto specified surface on service cover [picture of service cover] Note: The bonding surface must be clean and dry. 06
• 10176670To enhance the satisfaction of our customers, avoid further costs of litigation and return focus to its core businesses, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) has entered into a settlement regarding claims relating to alleged mold and mildew type odors originating from the HVAC system in certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles. As part of the settlement, MBUSA has agreed to offer sliding-scale warranty coverage for certain vehicles diagnosed as having mold or mildew type odors originating from the HVAC system?although that coverage will not take effect until the settlement is judicially approved and other events occur; likely not until December 7, 2020 at the earliest (see below). If the settlement becomes effective, coverage will include cleaning of the evaporator and replacement of the HVAC filters
• 101766615 to 4 coasting downshift - shift quality concern with cold trans- mission oil on MODEL 217 or 222 in combination with ENGI- NE 278 and TRANSMISSION 722.9 without code 835/498
• 10167572If it is necessary to replace an HV battery, the return will only be accepted with the filled-out ?Analysis Sheet for Transportability of High-Voltage Batteries Form? accompanied by: , the removed part, the quick test printout, the BMS control unit log printout, the repair documentation and with all required documentation listed in Section E of the Form.
• 10167554Engine diagnosis warning lamp activated. Fault code P045600 "Very fine leak" or P044200 "Fine leak" stored in engine control unit.
• 10167006Engine diagnosis warning lamp active. Fault code 20BE1B and/or 20BD1B (The heating element of the AdBlue tank has a malfunction) is logged in the Blue-Tec control unit.
• 10166978Engine diagnosis warning lamp lights up - Fault code entry (FC) 14A600 or 14A700
• 10166976Message in instrument cluster "DISTRONIC PLUSCurrently Unavailable - See Owner's Manual"
• 10166975This Customer 1 Action has been initiated because certain mbrace subscribers were recently contacted by mbrace informing them that they need to have an i-button call performed to ensure their mbrace device has registered with the Verizon Telematics systems. If the i-button call failed or if the customer was unable to perform the i-button call, the mbrace agent instructed the customer to make an appointment with their dealer to have the issue corrected and/or i-button call performed. The vehicles impacted range from model year 2002 to 2014.
• 10166107Seat belt height adjustment nonfunctional
• 10166106Grinding noises can occur in the backrest on active multicontour seats with the backrest under load and the seat ventilation switched on
• 10166102No inflation of one or more air cushions on the massage/multicontour/dynamic seat modules (driver, front passenger and rear) Bubble formation in one or more seats with massage/multicontour/dynamic seat modules (driver, front passenger and rear)
• 10166100Dynamic seat (DS) pneumatic pump / multicontour seat pneumatic pump makes noises.
• 10166099Pneumatic comfort systems with insufficient performance, entirely inoperative or leaky.
• 10166098Multicontour system fails during air release procedure. The system becomes operational again after an ignition change. Fault code 9E8900 is stored.
• 10166094Noises from lock of valuables/stowage compartment or from gap cover between seat and center tunnel.
• 10166086Squeaking/creaking noises from area of seat adjuster
• 10166079Creaking noises can occur when the side bolster bladders are inflated and deflated
• 10136029SENTEX gate operator with Clik Card Remote not compatible with Homelink
• 10135901Replace Power Electronics
• 10135871Check engine light with DTC 256809: PremAir sensor has a malfunction
• 10135639Vehicle cannot be unlocked (CL), engine does not start - 12V starter battery discharged
• 10135628iPhone mobile phone: Various complaints after software update to iOS8

Every Mercedes-Benz S400 model year

Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.