Mercedes-Benz S600 Problems by Year
Mercedes-Benz S600 years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical S600 year: 2001, 2002. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 2001 S600: 38 complaints, 1 recall
- 2002 S600: 11 complaints, 1 recall
- 2003 S600: 6 complaints, 1 recall
Model years with the fewest complaints
- 1997 S600: 1 complaint, 0 recalls
- 2006 S600: 1 complaint, 0 recalls
- 2005 S600: 2 complaints, 0 recalls
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common Mercedes-Benz S600 problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 26 | 5 | 0 |
| Suspension | 19 | 5 | 1 |
| Electrical System | 15 | 6 | 0 |
| Engine | 10 | 4 | 0 |
| Interior Lighting | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| Power Train | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Seats | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All Mercedes-Benz S600 model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 S600 | 0 | 3 | — | — | |
| 2016 S600 | 0 | 4 | — | — | |
| 2015 S600 | 0 | 3 | — | — | |
| 2012 S600 | 0 | 1 | — | — | |
| 2011 S600 | 0 | 1 | — | — | |
| 2007 S600 | 5 | 0 | — | Power Train | |
| 2006 S600 | 1 | 0 | — | Tires | |
| 2005 S600 | 2 | 0 | — | Engine | |
| 2004 S600 | 4 | 1 | — | Electrical System | |
| 2003 S600 | 6 | 1 | — | Suspension | |
| 2002 S600 | 11 | 1 | — | Engine and Engine Cooling | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2001 S600 | 38 | 1 | — | Engine and Engine Cooling | Far more complaints than other years |
| 1997 S600 | 1 | 0 | — | Electrical System | |
| 1995 S600 | 4 | 0 | — | Electrical System |
More from Mercedes-Benz: all Mercedes-Benz models · Mercedes-Benz VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Mercedes-Benz S600 years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 2001 (38), 2002 (11) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical S600 year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the Mercedes-Benz S600?
Engine and Engine Cooling, with 26 complaints across 5 model years.
How many recalls does the Mercedes-Benz S600 have?
9 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.