What 46 owners told NHTSA about the 2022 Mercedes-benz S-class Phev

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

Over ~3 years of ownership, the vehicle has experienced recurrent electrical and engine-management issues, resulting in 15+ service visits and ~100 cumulative days out of service at an authorized dealer. Patterns include: (1) electrical—keyless entry intermittently unresponsive, instrument cluster flickering/rebooting, multiple warning messages including a battery/electrical icon, HVAC/A/C becoming inoperative without cooling; and (2) powertrain/engine—check-engine light (MIL) illuminated, hesitation/limited power on initial acceleration, and rough operation after start. Safety risk: intermittent failure to unlock/start can leave occupants stranded; loss of power/hesitation creates risk when merging or crossing intersections; multiple warning messages/flicker are distracting; and loss of A/C in hot conditions has required operation with windows down to avoid heat stress. Reproduction/confirmation: The concerns have been observed by the dealer on multiple visits with fault codes recorded (codes UNKNOWN to me). Repairs/updates have been attempted, but symptoms recur after service. The vehicle has been inspected repeatedly by the authorized dealer and remains available for inspection upon request. Warnings/symptoms prior to failure: intermittent MIL, battery/electrical warning, cluster glitches/flicker, and A/C blowing warm air; some events followed periods where the vehicle would not unlock or start on the first attempt. Root cause: UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ODI 11686347

Check engine light came on few occasions. Took to the dealer and told it’s just a false alarm no problems. On the night of sept 12th 2024, I’m my way home I lost the ac cooling all of a sudden. I was only 5 mts from home. Once inside my garage I saw to my horror some smoke coming from under yhe hood. Upon opening saw some charred wires and some wire smoldering and smoke was coming out of it. Scared for my family I parked my car outside overnite and called the dealer. They had the car towed away the next day. Got my car back on 6 th of November 2024, with a laundry list of problems and issues, that they had supposedly fixed. Three or four various engine wiring harnesses were replaced, due to charring or melting, probably due to the heat. The engine and transmission were lifted off to fix all the wires and what not. I have all the invoices. And video and pictures of some wires and smoke. They don’t have an explanation for this. The recent recall about ecu maybe suggests the overheating of engine and causing the wires to burn out and some wires started burning almost causing fire if not caught in time. Called Mbusa and they didn’t show any concern. But one week after this incident they issued that ecu engine heating warning. Off course there is no repair for that. This is a fire hazard waiting to happen.

NHTSA ODI 11631897

The contact owns a 2022 Mercedes-Benz S580. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred several times while driving. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the cam adjuster was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V445000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened; however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.

NHTSA ODI 11559979

The contact owns a 2022 Mercedes-Benz S580. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V445000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and inadvertently lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 4,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11533509

While driving on the freeway at approximately 40 mph on May 10, the yellow check engine light came on. I was approximately 200 miles into the current tank of gas, I stopped and checked to make sure the gas cap was properly secured. There were no obvious drivability issues. I immediately dropped the car off at Mercedes of Ontario, California, and they were able to confirm the problem, but could not clear the code, or determine the root cause of failure. Ontario Mercedes has now had my car for 6, days and that they are waiting for a M/B factory technician to tell them what to do.

NHTSA ODI 11522006

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