-Combustion engine sporadically fails to start. -Combustion engine can no longer be started. -Start/Stop function is sporadically unavailable (READY displayed in yellow in instrument cluster). -Start/Stop function fails to function properly in dangerous road conditions - e.g., when pulling into an intersection, in stop & go traffic, when proceeding at a stop light, etc. -This is the second time this major incident has occurred; this was repaired in December 2020 under manufacturer warranty. The Power Electronics (Electric Motor) Control Unit was replaced. It is clear this is a recurring failure affecting this vehicle. ***Campaign No. 2012080004, November 2012 addresses this exact issue - for this exact car (i.e., Mercedes-Benz S 400 (221.195) V6-3.5L (272.974) Hybrid. However, that Recall Campaign is covers Model Years 2010-2012, but fails to cover MY 2013, which is exactly the same as the covered vehicles. This Campaign instructs to Check/Replace the Power Electronics Module, which is the part that my local Mercedes-Benz dealership has advised has failed and needs to be replaced.
The worst 2013 Mercedes-Benz S400 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Electrical1
- Transmission1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical1
- Transmission1
Recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Technical service bulletins for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz S400 71
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is...
- Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors
- Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end)
- After successful commissioning of the HERMES control unit (N112/9) with XENTRY Diagnosis DVD 03/2026, the...
- There are several types of complaint about noises or poor windshield wiper wiping performance: A: Wiper...
- Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged
- Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged
- Headlamps leaking or fogged
- Transmission control unit Y3/8n4 (fully integrated transmission control unit (VGS)) not listed in quick...
- Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end)
What 2013 Mercedes-Benz S400 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Compare the 2013 Mercedes-Benz S400
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Questions about the 2013 Mercedes-Benz S400
Is the 2013 Mercedes-Benz S400 reliable?
Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 2013 Mercedes-Benz S400, fewer than a typical S400 model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2013 Mercedes-Benz S400?
Electrical system, with 1 complaint. Next is transmission (1).
How many recalls does the 2013 Mercedes-Benz S400 have?
No recalls on record.
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