2021 Mercedes-Benz S580

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S580 represents a significant step forward in luxury sedans, boasting advanced technology and opulent features. It came with a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 496 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Some owners praise its comfortable ride, cutting-edge technology, and lavish interior. Common complaints revolve around the complexity of the infotainment system and occasional glitches with advanced driver-assistance features. The S500 model came with a 3.0L inline-6 turbo engine that produces 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque.

Engine

4.0L Twin-Turbo V8

• Oil Leak from Turbocharger Oil Lines
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks accumulating around the turbochargers, noticeable burning oil smell, and potential low oil level warnings.
  • Solution: Replacing the turbocharger oil lines and gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Faulty Oil Separator
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, blue smoke from the exhaust, and potential misfires.
  • Solution: Replacing the oil separator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,200+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.0L Inline-6 Turbo

• Faulty 48V Mild Hybrid System
  • Description/Symptoms: Complete electrical failure, car unable to start, error messages on the dash relating to the 48V system.
  • Solution: Replacement of the 48V battery, mild hybrid starter/generator unit, or associated control modules.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $7,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

9G-TRONIC 9-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Rough or Delayed Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh gear changes, hesitation during acceleration, and potential slipping between gears.
  • Solution: Software update, transmission fluid flush, or valve body replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $3,000+ depending on the severity and chosen solution
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• AIRMATIC Air Suspension Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle leaning to one side, sagging suspension, and error messages related to the air suspension system.
  • Solution: Replacing the air struts, air compressor, or valve block.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $6,000+ depending on the component that needs replacement
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• MBUX Infotainment System Freezing or Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: Unresponsive touchscreen, system reboots, and loss of functionality in the infotainment system.
  • Solution: Software update or replacement of the MBUX system components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) to $2,000+ for hardware replacement
  • Recalls: None Found
• Malfunctioning Driver Assistance Systems
  • Description/Symptoms: Adaptive cruise control failing to maintain speed, lane keeping assist not functioning, and false emergency braking alerts.
  • Solution: Recalibration of the sensors, software update, or component replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Parking Assist Inoperative
  • Description/Symptoms: Parking sensors not detecting obstacles, parking assist system displaying error messages, failure of the system to automatically park the vehicle.
  • Solution: Sensor replacement, wiring harness repair, or software update.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $250 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Faulty Automatic Door Closing System
  • Description/Symptoms: Doors failing to latch properly, doors reopening after being closed automatically, error messages related to the door closing system.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the door latch mechanism or the door control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ per door
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof failing to open or close properly, excessive noise during operation, water leaks from the sunroof.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the sunroof motor, track, or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Seat Adjustment Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Electric seat controls failing to respond, seats getting stuck in a particular position, unusual noises during seat adjustment.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the seat motor, control module, or associated wiring.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ per seat
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S580, while a luxurious and technologically advanced vehicle, experiences a range of issues. The most prevalent problems seem to be electrical glitches with the MBUX system and driver-assistance features. Engine issues, while less common, can be costly. Suspension problems related to the AIRMATIC system are also notable. Repair costs can range from a few hundred dollars for software updates to several thousand for major component replacements. While the issues are not universal, potential buyers should be aware of these possibilities and factor them into their ownership considerations.