AI Damage2011 Mercedes-Benz S63: common problems
Owners of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz S63 filed 5 complaints with NHTSA, most often about fuel system and electrical system. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 5
What fails most often
- 1 Fuel system 40% of all complaints
- 2 Electrical system 20% of all complaints
- 3 Engine 20% of all complaints
- 4 Fuel/propulsion system 20% of all complaints
- 5 Service brakes 20% of all complaints
- Fuel system: 2 complaints (40% of all).
- Electrical system: 1 complaints (20% of all).
- Engine: 1 complaints (20% of all).
- Fuel/propulsion system: 1 complaints (20% of all).
- Service brakes: 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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel system | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 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.
The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuel filter flange was cracked and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V557000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) as the VIN was not included.
Abc malfunction light came on then within a few minutes car stop. Smoke and fumes causing difficulty breathing and eye irritation. Cost over $1600.00 on car having only 60,000 miles. 60,000 maintenance done less than 1 month prior. Additional damaged to tires as suspension dropped. Had to have it towed to dealer.
While the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware of a fuel leak under the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated that there was an abnormal fuel odor in the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed.
While the vehicle was parked, the contact was informed that the vehicle was on fire. The contact stated that the fire originated from the front of the vehicle. The fire department extinguished the fire and a fire report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an authorized mercedes benz dealer.
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 14,282 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 39% most complained about).
On average one model year of the S63 has 2 complaints (9 years in the data). This year has 5, above average.
What to check before buying
- Fuel system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
- 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.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Mercedes-Benz S63?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: fuel system, electrical system, engine. Total complaints: 5. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: smoke, burning smell, fire (40%), fuel system, fuel smell (20%), warning lights, check engine (20%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz S63?
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 S63 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 2026-11-05.