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KLUNK
KLUNK

2023 Mercedes-benz S-class

The Verdict

97 Smooth Ride

The 2023 Mercedes-benz S-class has 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are body (7 complaints) and electrical (2 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 97/100, it earns a "Smooth Ride" rating. If you're shopping for a Mercedes-benz S-class, consider the 2024 model year which has 50% fewer complaints.

Safe Bet

The 2024 has 50% fewer complaints

View the 2024 Mercedes-benz S-class dashboard →

97

Klunk Score: Smooth Ride

This vehicle year has significantly fewer complaints than average. A reliable choice.

How is this calculated?

The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.

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Under the Hood

Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
200243167156
20033432896
20041742045
2005321533
2006110695
2007191131913
200891383
200943240
20101109112
2011512100
2012100112
201330321
2014162331
2015352752
2016232220
2017110542
20181152101
201953242
202050020
20211426101
20221796122
202371220
202420112

By Category

Body
7
Electrical
2
Engine
2
Brakes
1

By Severity

1
4
2
6
3
1
4
1

Worst Problems

Complaints

Body 2

The sunroof shattered suddenly while driving. There was no external impact to the vehicle.

6mo ago
Electrical 2

While driving on highways using cruise control and adaptive cruise control the vehicle decelerates without driver input. The system also misreads or fails to update speed limit signs causing incorrect cruise speeds and sudden speed changes. This behavior has occurred repeatedly during normal driving conditions and creates a risk of rear end collision from following traffic. The problem has been documented across multiple service visits. A repair attempt was made and I was informed that no repair is currently available. The issue recurred immediately after the repair attempt and remains unresolved. No consistent warning lights are displayed before or during the events. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.

7mo ago
Body 4

The car was designed too low. When parked at a supermarket, Publix in surfside Miami Beach, when ready to leave the parking bumper pulled at the front bumper and disconnected it partially. A north miami Mercedes Benz service department said this is not unusual as this car is very low. A claim was filed with progressive auto insurance [XXX] and an escalation case opened with Mercedes Benz customer service case number [XXX] asking that at least they cover the $1,000 insurance deductible. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

14mo ago
Body 2

The tire (Pirelli 255/35R21) on my 2023 Mercedes Benz 580V4 developed a bubble on its sidewall. This tire was just replaced February 16, 2024, and has under 8,000 miles on it. This is the fourth tire I have replaced due to bubbles on the sidewalls.

15mo ago
Body 2

On [XXX] I had a blowout on the passenger front side of my vehicle. The vehicle was towed to Sugarland MB and a new Pirelli 255/35 R21 purchased. The blowout happened after I hit a bump (not pothole) in the road on [XXX] at [XXX] . My 2023 MB 580V had 9701 miles on it and had just had it's first "A" service with no defects noted in any of the tires. On [XXX] I noticed a bulge on the front driver's side tire. I took it into Sewell MB and they notice additional defects on another tire. I had to purchase one front driver side 255/35 R21 and a rear passenger side 285/30R 21. After leaving the dealership I filed a complaint with the NHTSA file #11622692 and called Pirelli to report the failures and make a formal complaint. I also called MB customer service and opened case #[XXX]. A representative from Pirelli contacted me on 10/31/2024 @ 11:00am and basically stated the issue with multiple failures of these 21" tires across the US is a MB problem and not Pirelli's. As of this followup complaint I have not been contacted by any one else . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

17mo ago
Body 1

I had 9985 miles on my 2023 Mercedes S580V when the front passenger tire experienced a blowout earlier this year. The tire failed right after I had my first A service which did not show an issue with tires. Today is 10/30/2024 and I have 13978 miles on my vehicle. The driver side front tire Pirelli 255/35-R21/98Y has a bubble on the side wall. I took it to my dealership and they discovered that the rear passenger side Pirelli 285/30-R21/100Y has a bubble as well. I am having both tires replaced today.

20mo ago
Brakes 1

Emergency stop assist

24mo ago
Body 1

The "distronic" cruise control is so abrupt in its acceleration and declaration that vehicles behind me tend to take evasive action. The car doesn't sense vehicles far enough ahead to take smooth action, resulting in a jarring, favorite, and fearful ride.

27mo ago
Engine 2

The contact owns a 2023 Mercedes-Benz S580. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the message "Do Not Drive Car" was displayed temporarily. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that no issues were found. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V880000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The check engine warning was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 4,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available. The contact is requesting an update on the case.

29mo ago
Engine 3

When in eco mode the vehicle will occasionally shut off at a stop light. The vehicle "jumps" and then all of the warning signals come on followed by the vehicle shutting down. It takes about 20-30 seconds for vehicle to be able to restart again. The dealership had the vehicle for nearly a month and the only solution they came up with was to turn eco mode off every time I start the vehicle. They said their will be a future recall to fix this issue. Also, the vehicle will occasionally move forward on its own and then quickly break. This phantom braking is quite painful and feels as if you were just hit from behind. A previous problem was the vehicle would move forward after being taken out of car wash mode even with the brake engaged. The dealership said this was solved by a software download. There is a current recall which includes the make and model of this vehicle but Mercedes insists this vehicle is not included in the recall. The vehicle was manufactured within the time frame listed in the documentation from NHTSA but nonetheless Mercedes does not include this vehicle amongst the cars qualifying for replacing the fuel pump. I believe this car is dangerous and will hurt somebody.

34mo ago
Body 1

2nd issue with objects in tire and losing air. There are known issues with this new model and the combination of the 21"rim, new model series, and Pirelli tire. Additional consumer issues can be found at: https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w223/845213-those-experienced-tire-blowouts-21n-pirellis.html

37mo ago
Electrical 2

I leased a 2023 Mercedes from Grapevine Mercedes. When I test drove the vehicle the car had a check engine light on. The sales man said he would get that fixed. The salesman had the service tech clear the code without addressing the issue. A week later the check engine light comes on. The dealership has advised me that the car has a software issue and its unsafe to drive. They must wait for technicians in Germany to fix the problem. It will take weeks. There is a chance the car will shut off while driving.

39mo ago
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