Research · Large Cars

2020 Mercedes-Benz S 560 4MaticRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 2 owner complaints for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz S 560 4Matic. Most complaints involve vehicle speed control (1). The EPA rates it 19–21 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
19–21mpg
EPA · 3 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Apr 2026
Owner complaints
2
Top: vehicle speed control
Fuel cost / yr
$3,600est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Power train: universal joint

Remedy pending

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 E 400 4MATIC Sedan, E 400 4MATIC Wagon, E 400 4MATIC Cabriolet, E 400 4MATIC Coupe, 2018-2020 Maybach S 560 4MATIC, S 560 4MATIC Coupe, S 450 4MATIC, 2019-2020 E 450 4MATIC Sedan, E 450 4MATIC Wagon, E 450 4MATIC Coupe, and E 450 4MATIC Cabriolet vehicles. The drive shaft universal joint may break, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power.

Power trainReported Apr 3, 2026NHTSA 26V216000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 14, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

2 complaints filed with NHTSA · May 2026 – Oct 2026
  1. Vehicle speed control1
  2. Other / unknown2

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each S 560 4Matic model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
20184
20192
20202
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 14, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Vehicle speed control

1 report
“My front drive shaft universal joint just suffered a catastrophic structural fracture while driving, which completely matches NHTSA Recall 26V216. Even though my VIN falls just outside the official database cut-off date, the identical supplier defect just destroyed my drive shaft. My car production date is just 5 weeks after the cut-off window. The car used the defective part.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 7, 2026Vehicle speed control, Unknown or otherODI 11769755
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 14, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

3 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Large Cars, Compact Cars
Engines
4.0L 8-cyl turbo
Transmissions
Automatic 9-spd
Drive
4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 14, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
S560 4matic
Auto 9-spd, 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive
172721$3,600426
S560 4matic Coupe
Auto 9-spd, 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive
172620$3,750439
S560 4matic Maybach
Auto 9-spd, 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive
162519$3,950455
  • S560 4matic
    Auto 9-spd, 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo
    17 city · 27 hwy · $3,600/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
  • S560 4matic Coupe
    Auto 9-spd, 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo
    17 city · 26 hwy · $3,750/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
  • S560 4matic Maybach
    Auto 9-spd, 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo
    16 city · 25 hwy · $3,950/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 14, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

New Car Assessment Program
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz S 560 4Matic as of Nov 14, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 14, 2026
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2020 S 560 4Matic questions

How many recalls does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz S 560 4Matic have?

1 safety recall as of Nov 14, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2020 Mercedes-Benz S 560 4Matic problems?

Owners filed 2 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are vehicle speed control (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz S 560 4Matic get?

The EPA rates the 2020 Mercedes-Benz S 560 4Matic at 19–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 14, 2026