Mercedes-Benz S-Class: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 5,308 Mercedes-Benz S-Class cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 1977 and 2026.
In a sample of 389 cars, 42.2% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, less often than average (51.5% across all models).
The most common defect is tyre pressure incorrect (9.5% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 30+ recalls for this model; 8.2% of registered cars still have an open recall.
3.7% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Free: APK expiry, insurance, open recall and odometer verdict. The full report adds every APK inspection with its defects.
Most common APK defects
| Defect | Cars |
|---|---|
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 9.5% |
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 8.7% |
| Stub axle (kingpin) has too much play | 6.9% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 6.2% |
| Tyre damaged | 4.9% |
| Drive shaft boot damaged and not sealing | 2.6% |
| Reflector defective | 2.3% |
| Tyre pressure monitoring warning indicates a fault | 2.3% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 2.1% |
| Excessive leak of other fluids | 1.8% |
Share of 389 sampled cars (first registered 2012–2021) with this defect at an APK inspection since 2024. RDW Open Data: Geconstateerde Gebreken.
Common advisories
| Steering or kingpin ball joint wear up to 1.0 mm | 17.5% |
| Tyre(s) with tread depth of 1.6 to 2.5 mm | 13.6% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 7.2% |
| Shock absorber leaking | 0.3% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 5,308 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 8.2% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 3.7% |
| Used as a taxi | 3.3% |
| First registered | 1977 to 2026 |
All Mercedes-Benz S-Class passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-08-28 | steering | serious | 1 |
| 2026-06-26 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | serious | 1 |
| 2025-07-11 | electrical system | serious | 98 |
| 2025-04-11 | electrical system | serious | 188 |
| 2025-03-27 | axles, wheels and tyres | serious | 1 |
| 2025-03-20 | steering | serious | 1 |
| 2024-04-04 | electrical system | serious | 933 |
| 2024-02-01 | bodywork | serious | 6 |
| 2023-10-20 | electrical system | serious | 128 |
| 2023-10-11 | electrical system | serious | 194 |
| 2023-07-26 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | serious | 211 |
| 2023-04-24 | bodywork | – | 75 |
| 2022-12-27 | other | serious | 83 |
| 2022-10-18 | suspension | serious | 0 |
| 2022-10-11 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | – |
Recalls registered with the RDW for this model; not every recall applies to every car. Check a plate to see if one is open.
Questions
How often does the Mercedes-Benz S-Class fail the APK?
In a sample of 389 cars first registered 2012–2021, 42.2% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
The most common APK defects are: tyre pressure incorrect (9.5%), tyre tread depth insufficient (8.7%), stub axle (kingpin) has too much play (6.9%).
Does the Mercedes-Benz S-Class have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 30 recalls. 8.2% of registered cars still have an open recall. Check a specific car by licence plate on factline.dev/vehicle.
Other Mercedes-Benz models
C-Class · A-Class · B-Class · E-Class · CLA-Class · GLC-Class · GLA-Class · Sprinter · SLK-Class · EQA-Class · Vito · GLE-Class · EQB-Class · ML-Class · CLK-Class
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.