2014 Mercedes Benz S Class Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2014 Mercedes Benz S Class has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Brake pad corrosion and improper installation.” Mercedes-Benz alternates two service events: Service A (oil, filter, inspection) at roughly 10,000 miles or 1 year, then Service B (Service A plus brake fluid, cabin filter, and deeper checks) at roughly 20,000 miles or 2 years — the ASSYST Plus counter in the cluster tells you which is due. Oil must carry the MB-Approval number your engine specifies (commonly 229.5, or 229.71 for newer 0W-20 engines); 'meets or exceeds' marketing language is not an approval. Electric EQB and EQS models keep the A/B rhythm for inspections, brake fluid, and cabin filters — just without oil.

No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2014 Mercedes Benz S Class.

Reported to NHTSA

Brake pad corrosion and improper installation

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

2 NHTSA complaints · 2016-02 → 2024-08

The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz S550. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that the brake pads were corroded. There was no warning light illuminated
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11608023
REAR BRAKE PADS INCORRECTLY INSTALLED FROM THE FACTORY. BOTH INSIDE BRAKE PADS WERE INSTALLED ON THE REAR CALIPER FOUND THAT PADS ON THE RIGHT REAR WERE WORN DOWN TO 4-5MM ALSO FOUND THAT RIGHT REAR ROTOR HAS UNEVEN GROOVES FROM BRAKE PADS
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10838568

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Steering system malfunctions

STEERING

3 NHTSA complaints · 2016-02 → 2021-11

ACCORDING TO THE RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 16V899000 AND THE VEHICLE INSPECTION REPORT FROM THE LOCAL MERCEDES DEALERSHIP SHOW AS AN IDENTICAL ISSUE. HOWEVER, MY VEHICLE IS NOT IDENTIFIED AS APART OF THE RECALL
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11102977
WHEN MAKING TURNS BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT, THERE IS A MOANING NOISE HEARD. CAUSE: LOWER ENGINE COMPARTMENT CENTER AND REAR, STEEERING COUPLING, RUBBER BELLOWS ON STEERING
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10838560
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? -Steering :Electrical Power Assist , Drive Shaft
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11440259

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Panoramic sunroof shatters while driving

VISIBILITY

2 NHTSA complaints · 2017-10 → 2020-08

AT APPROXIMATELY 0030 FRIDAY AUGUST 07, I WAS TRAVELLING 65 MPH NORTH BOUND ON THE CA215/60 FREEWAY, THERE WAS LITTLE TRAFFIC. I HEARD WHAT SOUNDED LIKE A GUNSHOT, THEN A CRINCLING GLASS SOUND AND FINALLY A WHOOSHING OF AIR
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11348455
THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 MERCEDES-BENZ S550. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH MERGING ON THE INTERSTATE, THE SUN ROOF SHATTERED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11040466

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Wheel and tire structural failure at speed

WHEELS

2 NHTSA complaints · 2015-08 → 2018-12

THIS PAST THURSDAY EVENING (DECEMBER 13, 2018) AROUND 10:00 PM, I WAS DRIVING (WITH MY WIFE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT) DOWN A CURVY STRETCH OF ROAD ON SUNSET BOULEVARD IN BEVERLY HILLS, WHEN I SUDDENLY HEARD A LOUD THUMPING SOUND AND IMMEDIATELY FELT VIOLENT VIBRATIONS
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11163871
I HAVE HAD THREE RUN FLAT GOODYEAR TIRES BLOW OUTWARD SIDE WALLS RENDERING THE VEHICLE IN OPERABLE. ALL THREE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS WITHIN NORMAL SPEEDS OF 70 TO 75 MPH
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10748674

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Passenger mirror fails to return from reverse tilt

UNKNOWN OR OTHER, VISIBILITY/WIPER

2 NHTSA complaints · 2015-06 → 2015-07

THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT THE TILT FUNCTION FEATURE ON THE RIGHT PASSENGER MIRROR FAILED. WHEN FUNCTIONING PROPERLY, THE RIGHT PASSENGER MIRROR TILTED DOWNWARD AND TO THE RIGHT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN REVERSE
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10732993
THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW IN 2014. THE VEHICLE HAS A REVERSE TILT FUNCTION FEATURE ON THE RIGHT PASSENGER MIRROR. WHEN FUNCTIONING PROPERLY, THE RIGHT PASSENGER MIRROR TILTS DOWNWARD AND TO THE RIGHT WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PLACED IN REVERSE SO THAT THE DRIVER CAN SEE
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10726601

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Rear seat belt fails to retract

SEAT BELTS

2 NHTSA complaints · 2023-10 → 2025-10

We almost got into crash the other day, our 8-year-old kid got our attention that rear seatbelt got very loose and did NOT retract back at all. he almost hit his head
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11695355
Rearvpassenger seat just stopped working. Won't retract
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11551449

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Frontal air bags fail to deploy in crash

AIR BAGS

2 NHTSA complaints · 2014-03 → 2019-09

THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 MERCEDES-BENZ S550. WHILE THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS IDLING AT A RED LIGHT, ANOTHER VEHICLE RAN A STOP SIGN AND T-BONED HIS VEHICLE. NONE OF THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE POLICE WAS PRESENT AND FILED REPORT NUMBER: 190911002273
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11257493
I PURCHASED A NEW 2014 MERCEDES S550 AND THE DAY AFTER PURCHASE, THE AIRBAG MALFUNCTION LIGHT CAME ON. I SET UP AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THIS CORRECTED, AND WAS TOLD IT WAS FIXED
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10575159

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Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 17, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 17, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Service A — Oil & Filter + Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Every 10,000 miles or 12 months: oil and filter with MB-Approved oil, fluid top-offs, tire check, and inspection. AMG models driven hard: many owners service at 5,000-7,500 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Service B — Major Inspection

Every 20,000 mi

Every 20,000 miles or 2 years, alternating with Service A: everything in A plus brake-fluid replacement, cabin filter, and a deeper multi-point inspection of brakes, suspension, and driveline.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free with any paid service. A flashlight and 10 minutes covers the basics yourself.

Tire Rotation

Every 10,000 mi

Rotate at every Service A where the tire sizes allow. Many AMG and 4MATIC+ models run staggered widths that can't rotate front-to-rear — check your spec before paying for a rotation.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Checked at every A/B service via electronic pad-wear sensors. Replace sensors with pads. Heavy EQS models wear pads slowly (regen braking) but rotors can corrode from disuse — an inspection catches that.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 20,000 mi

Replaced every 2 years as part of Service B — Mercedes schedules it on time, not miles, because DOT 4 fluid absorbs moisture regardless of driving.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission Fluid (7G / 9G-Tronic)

Every 70,000 mi

Mercedes specifies fluid and filter service around 70,000 miles on most 7G- and 9G-Tronic gearboxes — check your year's sheet. Use only the MB-spec fluid for your transmission code; independent specialists often service at 60,000 on hard-driven cars.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 60,000 mi

Most modern MB gas engines: plugs around 60,000 miles — AMG engines often sooner. Check your engine's sheet; twin-turbo V8 plug jobs are labor-heavy, so pair with other scheduled work.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Air Filter

Every 40,000 mi

Replace around every 40,000 miles (twin-filter setups on V6/V8 engines double the parts bill). Inspected at every Service B.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Combination / Dust Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replaced with every Service B. Models with the ENERGIZING air package use a higher-grade filter — priced accordingly.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Engine Coolant

On condition / lifetime

MB-spec coolant is long-life (typically ~10 years / 150,000 miles on the sheet). Refresh only with MB 325/326-spec coolant — the wrong chemistry attacks aluminum and head gaskets.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

12V & Auxiliary Battery

Every 25,000 mi

Test annually after year 3. Most modern Mercedes carry a second auxiliary battery; a weak one triggers cascading warning messages long before a no-start. EQ models also depend on the 12V system to boot.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

7 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

4

complaints mentioning a crash

0

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2014 Mercedes Benz S Class reflects Mercedes-Benz's published service intervals and the ASSYST Plus (Service A / Service B) system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.