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Mercedes-benz S-class: which year should you buy?

Across the 2011 to 2023 model years, the public record is strongest on the 2017 (97/100). Every year below is scored on its own NHTSA complaint and recall history. Pick the year, not just the nameplate.

Best years to target

2017 97 · 2012 96 · 2016 94 · 2011 94

Every model year, scored

Same math for every year (how we score). A neutral Unproven or Too New stamp means too few owner reports are on file to affirm the year, not that it’s clean.

202390/100
Buy

12 complaints · 0 recalls

202283/100
Buy

46 complaints · 0 recalls

202181/100
Buy

33 complaints · 0 recalls

202064/100
Unproven

7 complaints · 0 recalls

201992/100
Buy

16 complaints · 0 recalls

201889/100
Buy

29 complaints · 0 recalls

201797/100
Buybest year

22 complaints · 0 recalls

201694/100
Buy

29 complaints · 0 recalls

201584/100
Buy

51 complaints · 0 recalls

201491/100
Buy

25 complaints · 0 recalls

201364/100
Unproven

9 complaints · 0 recalls

201296/100
Buy

14 complaints · 0 recalls

201194/100
Buy

18 complaints · 0 recalls

Zeroing in on the 2017?

The full year-by-year verdict is free. When you’re ready to inspect and negotiate one specific car, the Full Report turns the 2017 Mercedes-benz S-class’s complaint breakdown and recall list into an inspection-ready, shareable PDF.

Recalls, complaint breakdown & inspection checklist, all in a shareable PDF

Cross-shopping a different nameplate? Compare the 2023 Mercedes-benz S-class head-to-head →

The fine print: each year’s verdict is computed from public NHTSA complaint and recall records for the Mercedes-benz S-class as a model, not for any individual car. A well-kept example of a weaker year can outlast a neglected strong one. Informational only, so always get a professional pre-purchase inspection.