2006 Mercedes Benz S500

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Electrical system4
2. Power train4
3. Engine4
4. Suspension2
5. Tires2
6. Vehicle speed control1
7. Fuel/propulsion system1
8. Steering1

Latest complaints

• Sep 26, 2026IL
  Electrical system · Fuel/propulsion system · Power train
  2006 Mercedes-Benz S500 4MATIC, VIN [XXX]. On XXX, the vehicle suddenly shut off while driving. It was not overheating. It then would not restart or crank and could not be shifted out of Park. AAA connected a jump pack, but there was no starter engagement. It required a flatbed because it is…

  2006 Mercedes-Benz S500 4MATIC, VIN [XXX]. On XXX, the vehicle suddenly shut off while driving. It was not overheating. It then would not restart or crank and could not be shifted out of Park. AAA connected a jump pack, but there was no starter engagement. It required a flatbed because it is 4MATIC. After the shutdown, the instrument cluster had intermittent power loss. The dashboard would illuminate when the key was turned but lose power after about 20 seconds. At times only the odometer displayed and the gear-selector indication was absent. Disconnecting/reconnecting the battery temporarily restored dashboard illumination but did not restore starting. A Mercedes technician at Smart Luxury Motors of the Quad Cities attempted diagnosis, but the vehicle could not be reliably scanned because electrical power would not remain available. The 7.5A EIS fuse was not blown. While investigating, I exposed the X4/10 electrical power-distribution area in the passenger footwell and found rust/corrosion and moisture around the connection, but I am concerned about a possible electrical defect causing loss of vehicle operation. On XXX, a Mercedes technician found a rodent nest and chewed knock-sensor wiring under the intake manifold; the wiring was repaired. Earlier, the vehicle had a crank/no-start condition during extreme cold, and I replaced the crankshaft position sensor. My safety concern is unexpected loss of propulsion or critical electrical functions while moving. I request that NHTSA compare this complaint with complaints, investigations, recalls, and manufacturer information involving the 2006 S500/W220/4MATIC and electrical system, including unexpected shutdown, power loss, no-crank, inability to shift from Park, and connector corrosion. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

• Sep 1, 2025CA
  Electrical system · Engine

  Vehicle stall - engine cut off - on highway at speed (50-55miles/hr) posing driver and passenger safety. No OBD error code or ECU error Similar incidents reported by Mercedes owners S500 model across USA As posted on Mercedes forums.

• Sep 11, 2024CA
  Engine · Steering

  Safety issues 1. Engine shuts off while driving. No error codes. Starts again with key and drives fine. 2. Steering locks while driving - maneuvering a turn. Stopped the car. Turn ignition off. Turn ignition on Everything works fine.

• Jun 1, 2016FL68,085 mi
  Engine

  TL* the contact owns a 2006 mercedes benz S500. The contact stated that while driving at 50 mph, the engine stalled. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the position sensor failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,085. Updated 01/11/2017*ct

• Jan 19, 2016CA60,000 mi
  Power train

  TL* the contact owns a 2006 mercedes-benz S500. While driving 20 mph with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle jerked before coming to a halt. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000.

• May 14, 2015OH114,343 mi
  Suspension

  While driving the car the front end dropped making it very difficult to steer. Had to slowly move to the right lane while traffic IS going 70. This could have killed me.

• Nov 6, 2014NC106,000 mi
  Engine
  This problem happen three times in about 6 minutes in one night. While driving at 70 miles per hour. The engine cut off, almost before I knew what happen the engine started back running. In less than a minute it happen again. The engine cut out then started before I could do anything. The third…

  This problem happen three times in about 6 minutes in one night. While driving at 70 miles per hour. The engine cut off, almost before I knew what happen the engine started back running. In less than a minute it happen again. The engine cut out then started before I could do anything. The third time it cut out complete and stayed off. I was able to move the side of the road and stop and restart the car. It was very scary, all the lights were off and I was on a busy highway at night. It's happen before about a year ago. I mention it to the dealer, they acted as if it was nothing they were aware of. *tr

• Jan 30, 2014NY125,000 mi
  Suspension
  Went out to the car to go to the pharmacy to get my asthma meds and the car was down on the ground,totally deflated shocks. Start car and rises to height but sinks when car IS off, this IS a danger if driving on the highway at 55 mph, I have a wife and a young son. I feel that the dealers should…

  Went out to the car to go to the pharmacy to get my asthma meds and the car was down on the ground,totally deflated shocks. Start car and rises to height but sinks when car IS off, this IS a danger if driving on the highway at 55 mph, I have a wife and a young son. I feel that the dealers should recall and fix this problem correctly, and not have peoples lives in danger on the roads of america, any help would greatly be appreciated. Thank you , a cautious driver. *tr

• Dec 25, 2013CA118,000 mi
  Electrical system · Power train · Vehicle speed control

  My transmission would not shift out of second gear. I turned it off and back on and it did not clear. I got a "pre-safe unavailable" message. I did some research and learned this IS a "transmission control module" failure. It IS very unsafe in that the car cannot keep up with traffic and IS a danger to myself and others. *tr

• Mar 30, 2011CA50,000 mi
  Tires
  TL* the contact owns a 2006 mercedes benz S500 with yokohama advance S4 tires, tire size p265/40r18. The contact stated that the rear passenger tire exploded while driving approximately 65 mph. Three months prior to the failure, the contact replaced the rear driver side tire for the same failure.…

  TL* the contact owns a 2006 mercedes benz S500 with yokohama advance S4 tires, tire size p265/40r18. The contact stated that the rear passenger tire exploded while driving approximately 65 mph. Three months prior to the failure, the contact replaced the rear driver side tire for the same failure. The contacts roadside assistance installed the spare tire and the vehicle was then taken to a private mechanic who replaced the tire with another brand because the original brand was unavailable. The manufacturer advised the contact that it would take six weeks for the tire to arrive. There were no recalls or warranties. The failure mileage was 50,000. The vin was unavailable.

• Mar 21, 2011RI68,000 mi
  Electrical system

  The telematics device in my 2006 mb S500 spontaneously malfunctioned. No known events lead up to the failure, total loss of information and safety uplink, total loss of new $300 mbrace subscription value, as of 21 mar 2011, nothing done to correct other than call to dealer. Was a prior recall done that would have impacted the vehicle telematics unit or the associated vehicle electrical system? *tr

• Oct 10, 2007FL7,300 mi
  Tires

  Tl*the contact owns a 2006 mercedes benz CLS 500. The tires on the vehicle are manufactured by continental, size 245-40r1893y dot cuuyp3hk and 375-35r1895y dot cublt3hk. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for routine maintenance and found a blister on the front and rear passenger tires. The tires were replaced. The current and failure mileage was 7300. *updated 12/12/07 *bf updated 12/12/07

• Aug 11, 2005CO100 mi
  Power train › Automatic transmission

  Dt: the caller said vehicle seemed to shift into a lower gear when driving between 30 and 40 mph. When this happened vehicle bucked forward. The caller pulled over as soon as she could because she did not know what was causing this problem. it happened 5 times, two time in june, once in july and twice in august. the dealer said not to worry about it. Manufacturer has not been contacted yet. *Ak *nm

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.

• 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.
• 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).
• 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!
• 10205293Tire Pressure Sensors.
• 10205233Mobile phone cotacts are not transferred completely.
• 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
• 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
• 10167545During disengagement from D to N and/or from R to N some slight jolting could be experienced.
• 10166982During disengagement from D to N and/or from R to N some slight jolting could be experienced.
• 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.
• 10165844Possible minor leakage at described components or oil transfer from assembly plant.
• 10165839Shift quality complaints on TRANSMISSION 722.9 (7G-TRONIC and 7G-TRONIC PLUS)
• 10136035Complaints about poor wiping effect of winshield wiper
• 10136029SENTEX gate operator with Clik Card Remote not compatible with Homelink
• 10135628iPhone mobile phone: Various complaints after software update to iOS8
• 10135604Vehicle cannot be opened via Keyless-Go and radio remote control
• 10037986Mercedes benz- when doing a software update the update fails and the tuner goes to boot mode.
• 10037917Mercedes-benze: there IS a leakage at the press-fit sleeve of a pulsation damper. This IS caused by high heat entering the system or tension in the line.
• 10037408Mercedes-benz: shock absorber procedure.
• 10034605Mercedes: seat belts, emergency tensioning retractors. Model series 204 (with codes 299 and 800), 207, 212. Seat belt can only be pulled out with great effort. At the same time a noise can be heard from the reversible reel tensioner gearing. Customer continuously pulled on seat belt strap while adjusting the fit of the belt after buckling up (to reduce the slack). This caused the drive of the reversible reel tensioner to remain engaged. Updated 4/26/12. Updated 5/22/2012.
• 10030929Mercedes: corrosion protection coatings for brake components and hardware may be damaged and or stripped away if highly concentrated acid based cleaners are used. Once the corrosion protection IS damaged or removed the brake components and or hardware can begin to corrode. Include all models and model years.
• 10029504Mercedes: replace transfer case on affected vehicles optimized transfer cases will reduce vibrations when cornering or when parking. Models 203, 211, 220.
• 10028685Mercedes: vehicle does not lower and/or airmatic visit workshop display in instrument cluster. Model 220. Model years unknown. Updated 7/13/11.
• 10028684Mercedes: esp service required displayed in instrument cluster. Also includes 4matics, bi turbos and kompressors. Models 215 and 220. Model years unknown.
• 10028665Mercedes: warning message right low beam- check bulb; or left low beam-check bulb in instrument cluster. Due to the fact that the xenon burner may not be ignited on first attempt due to tolerances in ignition voltage. Model years unknown.
• 10028627Mercedes: display in instrument cluster "air suspension" or "abc service required" IS displayed in the instrument cluster, the engine wiring harness may have been damaged by the wiper linkage. Models 215.3 and 220. Model years unknown.
• 10028626Mercedes: the vehicle's suspension level randomly lowering while driving and/or rapid sporadic level changes shortly after stopping the vehicle, replace the body acceleration sensors. Models 215.3, 220, and 230. Model years unknown.
• 10028587Mercedes: leaks at steering gear control head connection to high or low pressure lines or leaks at internal steering lines of control head connection to steering gear housing. Models 171, 203, 204, 209, 211, 215, 216, 219, 220, 221, and 230. Model years unknown.
• 10025845Mercedes benz: water in tail lamp housing on either right side or left side.
• 10023776Models E320, E500, E55, E350, E550, E63 and S430 4matic, S500 4matic. My 2005-2006 -- replace transfer case. Updated 5/13/09. Models C280, C350, C320 and C240. My 2005-2007.
• 10021246Install software for navigation system. Updated 3/5/09.
• 10018931Learning in selection range sensor not possible after ehs replacement.

Every Mercedes Benz S500 model year

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