AI Damage2011 Mercedes-Benz S400: common problems
Owners of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz S400 filed 5 complaints with NHTSA, most often about electrical system and engine. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 5
What fails most often
- 1 Electrical system 40% of all complaints
- 2 Engine 40% of all complaints
- 3 Fuel/propulsion system 20% of all complaints
- 4 Hybrid propulsion system 20% of all complaints
- 5 Suspension 20% of all complaints
- 6 Wheels 20% of all complaints
- Electrical system: 2 complaints (40% of all).
- Engine: 2 complaints (40% of all).
- Fuel/propulsion system: 1 complaints (20% of all).
- Hybrid propulsion system: 1 complaints (20% of all).
- Suspension: 1 complaints (20% of all).
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 5 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Hybrid propulsion system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
I smelled a very bad gas leak one day and it gets worse after I fuel my thank. Nobody wants to seat my car after I buy a gas. I realized there is a gas on my driveway under my passenger seat. When I googled it, there is a recall for MB W221 for 2011 models because of the Fuel Filter parts problem.
The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start intermittently. The hybrid battery warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the interior lights were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to mercedes-benz of tampa ([address], tampa, [ZIP], [phone]) to be diagnosed.
The contact noticed a flashing indicator on the instrument panel related to the vehicle overheating. A second unknown warning indicator also illuminated. The dealer (park place motorcars mercedes-benz arlington, 4201 beltway pl, arlington, [ZIP], [phone]) diagnosed that oil leaked into a module and diagnostic testing…
'takata recall' my air suspension wont maintain the proper air to keep the air suspension inits proper placewhen parked. Also the tire pressure monitors is very eratic and dont display tire pressure like its suppose too while drivng locally and especially on the highway.
While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to mercedes-benz of tampa ([address], tampa, [ZIP]) where it was diagnosed that the power electronic control module failed. The vehicle was not repaired.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 14,283 of 36,659 model years in the NHTSA data (top 39% most complained about).
On average one model year of the S400 has 6 complaints (4 years in the data). This year has 5, about average.
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Fuel/propulsion system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
- Hybrid propulsion system. HV battery state, hybrid codes, water ingress.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Mercedes-Benz S400?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: electrical system, engine, fuel/propulsion system. Total complaints: 5. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: A/C or heater (20%), fuel system, fuel smell (20%), won't start (20%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz S400?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2011 Mercedes-Benz S400 from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2011 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-06.