2006 Mercedes Benz S500
Only 13 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 13 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 13
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2006: 13 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1993 | 2 |
| 1994 | 2 |
| 1995 | 4 |
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1999 | 2 |
| 2000 | 55 |
| 2001 | 34 |
| 2002 | 25 |
| 2003 | 10 |
| 2004 | 12 |
| 2005 | 11 |
| 2006 | 13 |
| 2007 | 2 |
Known problem areas
Only 13 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Engine
4 of 13 total reports mention: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
Safety issues 1. Engine shuts off while driving. No error codes. Starts again with key and drives fine. 2. Steering locks while driving - maneuvering a turn. Stopped the car. Turn ignition off. Turn ignition on Everything works fine.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-09-11
Also filed under Steering
Electrical system
4 of 13 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
2006 Mercedes-Benz S500 4MATIC, VIN [XXX]. On XXX, the vehicle suddenly shut off while driving. It was not overheating. It then would not restart or crank and could not be shifted out of Park.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-26
Also filed under Power train and fuel/propulsion system
Vehicle stall - engine cut off - on highway at speed (50-55miles/hr) posing driver and passenger safety. No OBD error code or ECU error Similar incidents reported by Mercedes owners S500 model across USA As posted on Mercedes forums.
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-09-01
My transmission would not shift out of second gear. I turned it off and back on and it did not clear. I got a "Pre-safe unavailable" Message. I did some research and learned this is a "Transmission control module" Failure.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-12-25
Also filed under Power train and vehicle speed control
Power train
4 of 13 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
Dt: the caller said vehicle seemed to shift into a lower gear when driving between 30 and 40 MPH. When this happened vehicle bucked forward. The caller pulled over as soon as she could because she did not know what was causing this problem.
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-08-11
Tires
2 of 13 total reports mention: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl*the contact owns a 2006 Mercedes Benz cls 500. The tires on the vehicle are manufactured by continental, size 245-40R1893Y DOT CUUYP3HK and 375-35R1895Y DOT CUBLT3HK.
NHTSA ODI report, 2007-10-10
Suspension
2 of 13 total reports mention: suspension.
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
2006 Mercedes Benz S500 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 4 reports on file for this year.
FAQ
- Is the 2006 Mercedes Benz S500 reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2006 Mercedes Benz S500?
- The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2006 Mercedes Benz S500 have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.