Is the Mercedes S-Class reliable?
68% of the 28 we inspected scored 60/100 or higher, with an average of 69/100 — it scores noticeably better than the typical used car we inspect.
28
Cars inspectedreal pre-purchase inspections69/100
Average conditionall cars we check: 61/10068%
In good shape (60+)all cars we check: 56%Across 28 used Mercedes S-Classs we inspected, this model scores noticeably better than the typical used car we inspect — average condition 69/100 vs 61 for all cars we check. Every number on this page comes from real pre-purchase inspections — cars people were about to buy and paid an independent inspector to go through point by point, engine to underbody, paint depth to error codes. Not owner surveys, not warranty statistics, not forum lore: what we actually found.
What we found
Most common faults
Active error codes · Electronic equipment
57%
Oil leaks · Engine
57%
Tires condition & wear · Brakes and tires
43%
Fuel trim out of range · Engine
43%
Low coolant / cooling system issues · Engine
25%
Share of inspected Mercedes S-Classs where each item was flagged.
How they score
Excellent 29%
Good 39%
Mediocre 29%
Poor 4%
Hidden history
What the seller might not mention — how often we find it on this model.
82%had a repainted or replaced panelall cars: 75%
0%showed structural repairall cars: 4%
14%had fault codes recently clearedall cars: 23%
More on Mercedes
Other Mercedes models we've inspected — or see the full Mercedes profile.
Straight from recent Mercedes S-Class reports
2022 Mercedes S-Class · 39k mi — flagged: oil leaks, fuel trim out of range, leaking or worn shock absorbers. Inspected Apr 4.
2018 Mercedes S-Class · 69k mi — flagged: excessive pads wear, tires condition & wear. Inspected Mar 6.
The bottom line
Panel work is extremely common on these S-Classes yet none show structural repairs, so focus elsewhere. Engine problems dominate—oil leaks and out-of-range fuel trim plus cooling issues—while active error codes hit the electronics on most examples and tires are often worn. Have the engine bay and a full diagnostic scan done first; if leaks, codes or cooling faults appear, negotiate hard or walk away because those repairs add up fast. Tires are an easy extra bargaining chip.
FAQ
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What are the most common problems on a used Mercedes S-Class?
The items we flag most often are active error codes (57%), oil leaks (57%), tires condition & wear (43%). Have these checked before buying.
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Should I worry about cleared fault codes?
On 14% of these cars the ECU codes had been erased shortly before sale, which can hide active faults. Ask for a diagnostic scan and start the engine from cold.
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Based on 28 inspections · updated Aug 22, 2026
