2018 MERCEDES-BENZ S 450 Complaints and Recall Information
The 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ S 450 has 1 complaint and 117 recalls filed with NHTSA. Owners most frequently report an issue where the gear shifter independently shifts into neutral during driving, requiring a system reset. The check engine warning light has also been reported to illuminate in connection with this problem.
- Transmission valve body failure. The gear shifter may shift into neutral without driver input, forcing the driver to hold down the shifter for an extended period to reset the system. This issue is accompanied by the check engine warning light activating. A dealer diagnosis indicated the transmission valve body required replacement.
The vehicle is subject to 117 recalls affecting various systems including brakes, communication modules, roof structure, steering, electrical components, and door locks. These recalls address safety and operational defects with repairs provided free of charge to owners.
- Front brake components. (NHTSA Recall 19V915000, 75 vehicles affected) Front brake discs, calipers, and pads may have incorrect dimensions leading to possible brake system issues and increased crash risk. Dealers will replace the front brake system at no cost.
- Emergency call system. (NHTSA Recall 21V072000, 67 vehicles affected) The communication module may be disabled during service, preventing emergency call activation. Dealers will inspect and reactivate the system if needed without charge.
- Roof panel bonding. (NHTSA Recall 21V197000, 15,096 vehicles affected) Improper bonding of the front roof panel can cause detachment, creating a road hazard. The panel will be replaced with proper adhesive for free.
- Emergency call location error. (NHTSA Recall 21V058000, 1,292,258 vehicles affected) Software in the communication module may report incorrect vehicle location during a crash, delaying emergency response. Dealers will update software free of charge, including over-the-air updates.
- Active Steering Assist malfunction. (NHTSA Recall 18V910000, 6,200 vehicles affected) The system may remain engaged when the driver’s hands are off the wheel, increasing crash risk. Dealers will update steering control software at no cost.
- Active Steering Assist steering boot installation. (NHTSA Recall 18V908000, 5,754 vehicles affected) Incorrect installation may cause the Active Steering Assist to stay active without driver input, raising the risk of a crash. Dealers will correct the installation free of charge.
- Electrical pre-fuse box. (NHTSA Recall 18V407000, 1,701 vehicles affected) Improperly secured electrical power bars can cause resistance leading to fire risk or loss of vehicle functions. Dealers will inspect and replace the pre-fuse box as needed without cost.
- Door lock defect. (NHTSA Recall 17V816000, 8,700 vehicles affected) The rear passenger door may falsely indicate it is locked, increasing the risk of unintentional door opening. Dealers will inspect and replace the door lock at no cost.
Owners handling repeated repairs, safety defects, or unresolved recalls may have rights under their state’s lemon law. Consulting with an attorney specializing in consumer protection could be appropriate for these cases.
2018 MERCEDES-BENZ S 450 Summary
2018
Model Year
1
Total Complaints
8
Total Recalls
1329851
Vehicles Affected
Recalls
2018 MERCEDES-BENZ S 450
67 vehicles affected
COMMUNICATION
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2019 C300, E300, 2018-2020 CLA250, 2020 CLS450, AMG E53, AMG GT53, GLE450, 2018 AMG E63, AMG GTA, 2017-2020 GLA250, GLC300, 2019 GLC350, AMG GLC43, 2017-2018 GLE350, 2019 AMG GLC 43, GLC350, GLE400, 2017 GLS450, S550, C300 Cabrio, and 2018-2019 S560 vehicles. On June 18, 2021, an additional 9 vehicles were added, including certain 2021 GLA250, GLC300, 2018 S450, E400, and 2017 CLA250 vehicles. The communication module might have been inadvertently deactivated during a service visit, which could have disabled the Emergency Call (eCall) function.
Risk: A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting emergency services through the call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.
2018 MERCEDES-BENZ S 450
15096 vehicles affected
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2020 C300 Coupe, C43 Coupe AMG, C43 AMG, 2015-2020 C300, GLA250, 2016-2018 C350e, CLA45 Coupe AMG, 2015 C400, S65 AMG, 2015-2019 C63 AMG, 2016 C450, 2015-2016 GLA45 AMG, S600, 2016-2020 GLC300, 2017-2019 GLC43 AMG, GLE43 Coupe AMG, 2014-2019 CLA250 Coupe, 2014-2015 CLA45 AMG, 2018 GLC63 AMG, 2014-2017 S550, 2018-2020 S450, 2016-2019 GLE63 Coupe AMG, 2016 GLE450 Coupe, 2014-2020 S63 AMG, 2018-2019 S560, and 2019 GLC350e vehicles equipped with a panoramic sunroof. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair.
Risk: The adhesive bonding of the front panel might deteriorate, possibly causing the front panel to detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
2018 MERCEDES-BENZ S 450
1292258 vehicles affected
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.
Risk: Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
2018 MERCEDES-BENZ S 450
75 vehicles affected
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 S560 and S450 vehicles. These vehicles may be equipped with front brake components (brake discs, calipers, and pads) with different dimensions than specified for the vehicle.
Risk: The incorrect size brake components may lead to the wrong replacement components fitted to the vehicle during brake repairs, possibly affecting braking performance and increasing the risk of a crash.
2018 MERCEDES-BENZ S 450
6200 vehicles affected
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (Mercedes) is recalling certain 2018 S450 4MATIC, S560 4MATIC Coupe, S63 AMG 4MATIC Coupe, Maybach S560 4MATIC, S560 4MATIC, S63 AMG and S63 AMG 4MATIC Cabrio vehicles. The Hands-off-Detection system may malfunction, causing the Active Steering Assist system to remain engaged despite the driver's hands not being on the steering wheel for a prolonged period of time.
Risk: If the system remains active despite the driver not having their hands on the wheel, the driver's inattention may increase the risk of crash.
2018 MERCEDES-BENZ S 450
5754 vehicles affected
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 AMG S63 4MATIC coupe, AMG S63 4MATIC sedan, AMG S63 4MATIC Cabriolet, S450 4MATIC sedan, S560 4MATIC coupe, S560 4MATIC sedan, and Maybach S560 4MATIC vehicles. Due to an incorrect steering boot installation, the Active Steering Assist system may remain engaged despite the driver's hands not being on the steering wheel for a prolonged period of time.
Risk: If the system remains active despite the driver not having their hands on the wheel, the driver's inattention may increase the risk of crash.
2018 MERCEDES-BENZ S 450
1701 vehicles affected
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 Mercedes-Maybach S560 and S560 4Matic and Mercedes S450 4Matic, S450, S560, S560 4Matic, and S560 Coupe 4Matic vehicles. The electrical power bars inside the pre-fuse box in the trunk may not have been secured properly.
Risk: If the power bars are not properly secured, it can cause higher electrical resistance increasing the risk of a fire. Additionally, an intermittent contact between the power bars could lead to a loss of vehicle functions. The engine operation, the seat belt functions and the instrument cluster could be impaired, increasing the risk of a crash and injuries.
2018 MERCEDES-BENZ S 450
8700 vehicles affected
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017 GLE400 4Matic, GLE350 4Matic, GLE350, GLE550e 4Matic, GLE43 AMG 4Matic, GLE63 AMG 4Matic, GLS450, GLE63S 4Matic, GLS63 4Matic, S550e, S600, S63 AMG 4Matic, S65 AMG, S550, Mercedes-Maybach S600, Mercedes-Maybach S550 4Matic, GLE43 AMG 4Matic Coupe, GLE63S 4Matic Coupe, 2017-2018 GLS550 4Matic, S550 4Matic, 2018 S450, and S63 AMG 4Matic vehicles. The rear passenger door on the driver side may indicate that it is locked, when it may not be. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."
Risk: If the door appears to be locked, the door may be unintentionally opened, increasing the risk of injury.
Complaints
2018 MERCEDES-BENZ S 450
ID: 2058002POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz S450. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the gear shifter independently shifted into neutral. The contact had to hold down the gear shifter for about 30 seconds before the system was reset. Additionally, the check engine warning light was later illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission valve body failure. The contact was informed that the transmission valve body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.