What 45 owners told NHTSA about the 2022 Mercedes-benz Mercedes-maybach S-class

Vehicle: 2022 Mercedes-Benz S580 The vehicle is experiencing a severe and violent drivetrain "jolt" or "push" during gear transitions, specifically when shifting from 5th to 6th gear at cruising speeds. On multiple occasions, the jolt was so forceful that passengers believed the vehicle had been rear-ended by another car. This behavior is unpredictable and creates a significant safety hazard, as it causes a sudden change in vehicle momentum while driving in traffic. The issue has been reported to the authorized dealer (Fields Mercedes Lakeland) multiple times. The dealer kept the vehicle for over 40 cumulative days and performed motor/transmission mount replacements and "software calibrations," yet the violent shifting persists. Additionally, the engine produces an excessive vibration and loud noise during extended operation in high temperatures, which ceases only when the ECO/Auto-stop mode engages. I am concerned that the transmission or torque converter may fail abruptly while at highway speeds, potentially leading to a loss of propulsion or a rear-end collision due to the unexpected deceleration/jolt behavior. The vehicle is suffering from chronic oil consumption issues. The 'Check Engine Oil Level (Add 1 Quart)' message has appeared twice: once on 10/31/2025 and again on 04/17/2026. This is despite the vehicle being exclusively serviced by Mercedes-Benz Lakeland. This recurring engine issue, combined with the violent drivetrain jolts and shifting failures, significantly compromises the vehicle's safety and reliability."

NHTSA ODI 11732269

While driving a 2022 Mercedes-Maybach S680 at approximately 40 to 65 mph, multiple advanced driver assistance and safety systems suddenly became inoperative at the same time. The vehicle displayed warnings including Active Steering Assist Inoperative, Active Brake Assist Functions Limited, Active Distance Assist Inoperative, Blind Spot Assist Inoperative, Lane Change Assist Unavailable, and Emergency Stop Assist Unavailable. These warnings appeared while the vehicle was in motion and reduced steering support, braking assistance, and collision avoidance functionality. The failures occurred without warning and created a safety concern because critical driver assistance systems were disabled during highway driving. The problem has occurred more than once and affects multiple electronic safety systems simultaneously.

NHTSA ODI 11717209

On multiple occasions, after the vehicle had been parked and not driven for approximately five days or more, the automatic parking brake locked in place and would not release. I attempted standard methods to disengage the brake, including manual release procedures and lightly rocking the vehicle, without success. The only way to release the brake was to apply significant pressure to the accelerator while in reverse, which caused the brake to suddenly unlock. The first incident occurred while the vehicle was parked in my home garage. At the time, my grandson was playing nearby. The sudden release of the brake after applying the accelerator created a dangerous situation and was extremely alarming. A second incident occurred several days later while I was on vacation. In this instance, I made sure no one was near the vehicle before attempting to release the brake. Anticipating the issue, I had my left foot ready to push on the breaks when I accelerated using my right foot which releases the parking. I brought the vehicle to a Mercedes-Benz dealership on January 5, 2026, where the car remained for nearly ten days. The dealership was able to replicate the issue exactly as described. The service advisor also had to apply significant accelerator pressure to release the locked parking brake. A certified Mercedes-Benz technician inspected the vehicle thoroughly, including scanning for fault codes and checking for rust or mechanical issues, but ultimately advised that this behavior was considered “normal operation.” I find this explanation concerning. Having to apply forceful acceleration to release a locked parking brake presents a clear safety risk, particularly in confined spaces such as garages or parking structures, and could easily result in property damage or personal injury

NHTSA ODI 11712692

Mercedes-Benz S580 equipped with 21-inch wheels has experienced numerous tire blowouts over the course of ownership — too many to count. The blowouts occurred during normal driving on typical roads. Several blowouts caused rim damage and created a dangerous situation, including moments where I nearly lost control of the vehicle. This appears to be a design defect involving the 21-inch wheel and low-profile tire configuration, which seems structurally inadequate for normal road conditions. The failures are recurring and not due to isolated hazards. Other S580 owners have reported identical issues with repeated blowouts on 21-inch wheels. This presents a serious safety hazard, and a permanent remedy is needed.

NHTSA ODI 11703501

mechanical and safety-related failures observed in a Mercedes-Benz vehicle, specifically involving the suspension system, wheels, and braking components. Despite extensive repair efforts—including replacement of all four wheels and tires, complete AWD four-wheel alignment, and diagnostics performed at authorized Mercedes-Benz dealerships—the underlying issues persist. To date, the total cost incurred in attempting to remedy these defects exceeds $15,848. The vehicle and its components have been inspected by two independent Mercedes-Benz dealer service centers and a certified third-party auto inspection firm. All parties have confirmed, through drive testing and diagnostics, that the problems are reproducible and continue to impair vehicle safety and performance. The suspension and associated hardware have been identified as the root cause of instability and braking inconsistencies. These findings align with broader patterns observed in similar vehicles, suggesting a recurring defect that warrants intervention by the manufacturer. Despite clear evidence from multiple independent sources, the manufacturer has failed to initiate a recall or implement corrective measures. This failure poses an ongoing safety risk to operators and the general public. The vehicle remains available for further inspection upon request. Immediate attention to this matter is expected to prevent further liabilities and protect consumer welfare.

NHTSA ODI 11676456

Brakes seize when wet. That is, after a car wash or following exposure to rain, the accelerator must be pressed with abnormally greater pressure to get car moving from parked position. Loud, screeching sound emanates when brake releases. This malady continues severally. Resting lightly on brake pedal to dry out turning brake rotors, does not help. Eventually, problem disappears until the next wet episode. -Per Mercedes Authorized Dealer, there is no fix; problem is common to Mercedes 223 series. -Risk of collision exists in both modes, Drive as well as Reverse. This, due to sudden jump forward or rearward under brake-seize conditions. -Issue is ongoing, not a single incident. Remains unresolved. [At age [XXX] , I have over [XXX] driving experience. The above is an abnormal-with-risk, issue.] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11625649

While driving on highway car made a complete sudden full stop This has happened twice in last 60 days Thankful car behind was far enough away to avoid a rear ender Second problem is dealer still not addressing fuel pump recall

NHTSA ODI 11554973

The contact owns a 2022 Mercedes-Benz S580. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH and entering the highway, the vehicle experienced an inadvertent brake failure. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that a software update was needed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that on another occasion while driving approximately 15 MPH, the failure recurred. The contact was able to depress the brake pedal and then continued driving. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights became illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000.

NHTSA ODI 11510629

Was driver the car at 35 mph when the automated emergency breaks activated and made the car into a full stop. No cars or anyone was in front of the car. This happed again two days later doing about 30mph with no one around the car. Car had proximity 3000 miles My heads-up display stopped working on the car twice. First time it stopped the dealer had to order a new one and replace it. Same problem happed again after 2 month. Car lock does open when the car is running. I had a dad sitting the car and I came out with the keys with engine was running. The car locked itself and when pressed the unlock button on the key it doesn’t open. Have this problem multiple time.

NHTSA ODI 11506308

New S500 Benz, 1700 miles on the car, 2 months on the road only. Issues started right off the batt after purchasing this new S500. Car refuses to start daily, check engine light, 12v battery light, 48v battery needs service light, come on even tho the cars voltage is not low and is driven daily on highway. Took to the dealer, dealer says car needed to be driven more even tho its driven daily. Dealer stated voltage of the 12v battery was low, they charged the battery manually and stated that the cars ECU recorded a voltage problem. They cleared the ECU and released the car after 1 week in the shop under warranty. Next day the car was driven after it came out the shop, the car again gave a check engine light, 12v battery light, 48v battery needs service warning message. After driving the car for a bit the car completely went haywire. All interior electrical went out. Center counsel not working, dash console showed over 30 warning lights and messages ranging from electrical to low brake fluids including check engine light, SRS inoperable message, and many many more messages telling me to stop driving the car. Car is scheduled to be taken back to the dealer for another checkup. This time car must be towed in since it refuses to even turn on or to unlock the doors or windows. This car seems to be having major electrical issues as well as major computer problems. This car is unsafe to drive since it can stall out while driving. At this point i will be contacting mercades benz corporate to speak to someone about these major issues. As it stands the dealership is unaware of how or why the car is acting this way and do not know how to fix it. A true lemon indeed. Please view pics attached

NHTSA ODI 11498170