2011 Mercedes-Benz S400

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid is a luxury sedan that offers a blend of comfort, technology, and fuel efficiency thanks to its hybrid powertrain. The S400 Hybrid is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined output of 295 horsepower and 284 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options for the 2011 S-Class included various V8 and V12 engines. The S400 Hybrid came standard with a 7-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the S400 for its smooth ride, luxurious interior, and advanced features. Some common criticisms include the higher cost of maintenance associated with the hybrid system and the complexity of the vehicle’s electronics.

Electric Motor

No Issues Found

Engine

3.5L V6 Hybrid

• Oil Leaks from Valve Cover Gaskets
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaking onto exhaust manifolds, burning oil smell, visible oil accumulation on the engine.
  • Solution: Replace the valve cover gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Low coolant level, overheating, visible coolant leaks near the water pump or radiator hoses.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking component (water pump, hoses, or radiator).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ depending on the component.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7-Speed Automatic (7G-Tronic)

• Torque Converter Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during gear changes, especially at low speeds; hesitation when accelerating; transmission slipping.
  • Solution: Replace or rebuild the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or erratic shifting, failure to shift, transmission stuck in gear.
  • Solution: Replace or rebuild the valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Airmatic Suspension Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging on one or more corners, failure to maintain ride height, “Airmatic Visit Workshop” warning light.
  • Solution: Diagnose and replace the faulty component (air struts, air compressor, valve block, or ride height sensors).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $3,000+ per strut, $500-$1500 for the compressor, other components vary.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Hybrid Battery Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced fuel economy, decreased power, error messages related to the hybrid system, failure to start.
  • Solution: Replace the hybrid battery pack.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $4,000 - $8,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Instrument Cluster Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Display flickering, information not displaying correctly, complete failure of the instrument cluster.
  • Solution: Replace or repair the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• COMAND System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, crashing, unresponsive buttons, navigation errors, Bluetooth connectivity problems.
  • Solution: Software update or replacement of the COMAND unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof getting stuck, making noise when opening or closing, water leaks.
  • Solution: Lubricate the sunroof tracks, repair or replace damaged components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Door Lock Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Doors not locking or unlocking, unusual noises coming from the door lock mechanism.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty door lock actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per door.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Heater Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat heaters not working, overheating, or only working intermittently.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty heating element or control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per seat
  • Recalls: None Found
• Navigation Screen Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Screen flickering, lines running through the screen, completely black screen.
  • Solution: Replace the Navigation Screen
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500-$1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid, while a luxurious vehicle, can suffer from a range of issues. The most concerning are related to the hybrid battery and Airmatic suspension, which can be very expensive to repair. Other common problems include transmission issues, electrical malfunctions, and oil leaks. Potential buyers should be aware of these potential issues and budget accordingly for maintenance and repairs. The severity and cost of these issues can range from minor inconveniences to major expenses.