Check a VIN

2011 Mercedes-Benz S400 problems

The most common problem on the 2011 Mercedes-Benz S400 is electrical system. Its complaint count is close to a typical S400 model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
5
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
67
Worst area
Electrical

The worst 2011 Mercedes-Benz S400 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Electrical
    2
  • Engine
    2
  • Fuel system
    2
  • Suspension
    1
  • Wheels
    1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Electrical
    2
  • Engine
    2
  • Fuel system
    2
  • Suspension
    1
  • Wheels
    1

Recalls 2

Fuel system, gasolineReported December 3, 2012 · 5,800 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Mercedes-Benz is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 S400, S550, S550 4Matic, S63 AMG, C300, C300 4Matic, E350, GLK350, GLK350 4Matic, CL550 4Matic, and CL63 AMG vehicles manufactured from April 18, 2011, through July 12, 2011. Due to an irregularity stemming from the molding process of the fuel filter flange, the fuel filter flange may crack when operated in high temperatures.
Risk
If the fuel filter flange cracks, it will leak fuel which may lead to a fire if an external ignition source is present.
Remedy
Mercedes-Benz will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel filter, free of charge. The recall campaign is expected to begin in February 2013. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1‑800‑367‑6372.

Recall number 12V557000 · Recall details

Tires: pressure monitoring and regulating systemsReported October 3, 2011 · 158 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (Mercedes Benz) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 S550, S550 CGI, S63, S600 Bi-Turbo, S65 AMG, S550 4-Matic, and S550 CGI 4-Matic and S400 Hybrid vehicles manufactured from March 3, 2011, through July 30, 2011, for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicles Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)." The tire pressure monitoring system indicators may only illuminate for a portion of the time required by the standard and under certain conditions may not re-illuminate immediately after the vehicle is restarted as required.
Risk
If all four wheel sensors in the subject vehicles are simultaneously malfunctioning or missing, the TPMS will provide an initial warning, but this warning will not automatically repeat on subsequent ignition cycles, failing to remind the driver that the system is offline. Driving unknowingly with incorrectly inflated tires may result in sudden tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Mercedes Benz will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the tire pressure monitoring unit, free of charge. The recall began on September 12, 2014. Owners may contact Mercedes Benz at 1‑800‑367‑6372.

Recall number 11V493000 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz S400

Technical service bulletins for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz S400 67

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 67 bulletins for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz S400

What 2011 Mercedes-Benz S400 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jun 1, 2023 · Fuel system · TX

I bought a 2011 MB S400 last year. Everything was good till 3 months ago. I smelled a very bad gas leak one day and it gets worse after I fuel my thank. Nobody wants to seat my car after I buy a gas. I realized there is a gas on my driveway under my passenger seat. When I googled it, there is a recall for MB W221 for 2011 models because of the Fuel Filter parts problem. It's not designed for the heat. Somehow, some 2011 s are not part of this recall, and MB doesn't stand on their car even have the same problem. I removed the back seat and everywhere was gasoline because of the crooked fuel filter part. Protective layer was in so many pieces because of the heat. When I wrote the MB, they refused the replace the part, they didn't accept their safety problem that happened for 2011 MB W221 S class. Currently, I wait their respond. It is so sad, they refuse to replace 100$ part in part of recall. Be careful if you buy a MB, it is not designed for the heat, and MB refuses to replace the problematic fuel filter. Currently, I wait the day to replace the part, or I will be in fire because I drive with a gasoline leak every day. Look at the picture, it is a Mercedes Benz S Class with leaking because of the bad fuel filter design !

Filed Mar 25, 2021 · Engine, Fuel system · 18,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 mercedes-benz s400. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start intermittently. The hybrid battery warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the interior lights were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to mercedes-benz of tampa (4400 n dale mabry hwy, tampa, fl 33614, (813)543-8419) to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the power electronic module for the hybrid system failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 18,000.

Filed Nov 28, 2018 · Electrical, Engine · 122,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 mercedes-benz s400. The contact noticed a flashing indicator on the instrument panel related to the vehicle overheating. A second unknown warning indicator also illuminated. The dealer (park place motorcars mercedes-benz arlington, 4201 beltway pl, arlington, tx 76018, 817‑807‑4800) diagnosed that oil leaked into a module and diagnostic testing was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 122,000.

Filed Sep 13, 2018 · Suspension, Wheels · 65,000 miles · NY

'takata recall' my air suspension wont maintain the proper air to keep the air suspension inits proper placewhen parked. Also the tire pressure monitors is very eratic and dont display tire pressure like its suppose too while drivng locally and especially on the highway. This car only have 65000 miles on it and I didnt expect these problems from a 2011 mercedes with low miles.

Filed Apr 20, 2018 · Electrical · 123,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 mercedes-benz s400. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to mercedes-benz of tampa (4400 n dale mabry hwy, tampa, fl 33614) where it was diagnosed that the power electronic control module failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced tsb number: 10050865 (electrical and air conditioning), but the vehicle had already been repaired per the service bulletin. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that he would be responsible for the repair cost. The failure mileage was 123,000. The VIN was not available.

Compare the 2011 Mercedes-Benz S400

Other model years

2010201120122013

Questions about the 2011 Mercedes-Benz S400

Is the 2011 Mercedes-Benz S400 reliable?

Owners have filed 5 complaints about the 2011 Mercedes-Benz S400, close to a typical S400 model year.

What is the most common problem with the 2011 Mercedes-Benz S400?

Electrical system, with 2 complaints. Next is engine (2).

How many recalls does the 2011 Mercedes-Benz S400 have?

2 recalls, covering fuel system, gasoline and tires.

Share your experience with the 2011 Mercedes-Benz S400

Tell other buyers what went wrong and what it cost. We review every report before it appears, and we never publish names, emails or VINs.

No names, contact details or links. Reports about a dealer or a person are not published.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 2011 Mercedes-Benz S400?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history
Is this car on a recall?Check VIN