SuspensionHigh
Airmatic air suspension compressor and strut leaks
- Typically appears
- 70,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Check ride height overnight and listen for the compressor cycling frequently
- Typical repair
- Suspension refresh (per axle) · £250–£1,100
Is the 2013–2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class reliable?
Scored from 8 documented faults · reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team
Quick answer
3.4/ 10
Buy with cautionOn our documented-fault scoring the Mercedes-Benz S-Class rates 3.4 out of 10 · buy with caution. We hold 8 known faults for it and 4 are rated high severity, so the risk is real but contained. The weak points cluster around suspension, electrical and engine. A well-serviced example with evidence for the big-ticket items is usually a safe buy; the score describes the model, not the specific car in front of you.
Verdict · Walk unless the history is spotless
What the score is built from
- Critical
- 0
- High
- 4
- Medium
- 4
- Low
- 0
Weak points cluster around suspension, electrical, engine, cooling.
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ElectricalHigh
COMAND infotainment and control unit software faults
- Typically appears
- Age-related
- What to inspect
- Test every electronic feature including massage seats, cameras and screens
- Typical repair
- Infotainment repair or software fix · £120–£1,200
Exterior / LightingHigh
Water ingress in LED Intelligent Light System units causing control module failure.
- Typically appears
- 4-7 years
- What to inspect
- Check the lower inside edges of both headlight lenses for heavy condensation or pooling water, and cycle through all lighting modes.
- Typical repair
- Electrical diagnosis & module repair · £120–£900
TransmissionHigh
Rough or jerky downshifts in the 9G-Tronic gearbox due to electrohydraulic valve body wear.
- Typically appears
- 60,000-100,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Drive the vehicle up to 15 mph on the forecourt and brake gently to a halt, feeling for harsh clunks when shifting from 3rd to 2nd or 1st.
- Typical repair
- Brakes (discs, pads, caliper) · £200–£800
EngineMedium
Balance shaft and timing chain wear on V6 diesel units
- Typically appears
- 90,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Cold start and listen carefully for rattling from the front of the engine
- Typical repair
- Timing chain, tensioner & guides · £900–£2,400
Costs are indicative UK independent-garage bands for budgeting and negotiation · never a quote.
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