Mercedes-Benz S-Class W222 (2013-2020) reliability
Mercedes-Benz S-Class W222 built around 2018: about average at the MOT
Mercedes-Benz S-Class W222 models built around 2018 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.
Looking at a Mercedes-Benz S-Class W222?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Key figure
9% of MOT tests on Mercedes-Benz S-Class W222 models built around 2018 ended in a fail (retests included), against 10% for similar cars the same age.
Most common issue
The most common MOT issue on Mercedes-Benz S-Class W222 models built around 2018 involves the tyres.
Based on 15,623 tests of S-Class models registered 2013-2020.
About 1 in 40 S-Class W222 MOTs (2.8%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2018 (7 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 2,348 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.
About 1 in 25 S-Class W222 MOTs (3.7%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).
Based on 2,348 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.
W222 fail rate by age
Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 12 years old.
How the S-Class W222 compares
At each age below, see how the S-Class W222 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 182,274 tests across 17 Mercedes-Benz models, built around 2018 (7 years old).
Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.
What to check before viewing
The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.
Brake pads
High priorityAsk when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.
Brake discs
High priorityAsk for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.
Tyres
Worth checkingCheck tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Suspension bushes and joints
Worth checkingListen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.
Vehicle-specific check
Worth checkingCheck the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.
Other saloons to compare
Other saloons, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the S-Class W222.
- 1
Lexus IS
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 9%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 1.4%
- Dangerous
- 3.8%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 79.4%
Fewer fails still not passed 3 days later: 1.4%, against 2.8% for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class W222.
1,615 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 2
Porsche Panamera
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 9.2%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 4%
- Dangerous
- 5.5%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 86.2%
More still registered at 10 years: 86%, against 75% for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class W222.
1,105 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 3
BMW M3
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 9.8%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 3.2%
- Dangerous
- 3.9%
No clear edge over the Mercedes-Benz S-Class W222 on these figures.
10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
1,139 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 4
BMW 7 Series
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 8.9%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 2.5%
- Dangerous
- 3.9%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 79.9%
More still registered at 10 years: 80%, against 75% for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class W222.
6 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
1,659 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- Fail rate
- = the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- = the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
- Dangerous
- = the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
- Still registered at 10 years
- = the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.
How many are still registered
UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · Fewer than typical
The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.
Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).
Recall context
99 recalls in all50 of the 99 S-Class W222 recalls cover cars built in these years.
- 4 Critical
- 46 more
Top concerns
- On activation of the curtain air bag the pillar cover may detach
- Some occupant safety systems may malfunction in the event of a collision
- Oil leak from turbocharger feed pipe.
For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.
What has gone wrong on S-Class W222 cars built around 2018
The share of diesel cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 114 cars.
How S-Class W222 cars have aged
How S-Class W222 cars have aged
How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.
How each part holds up as W222 cars age
How each part holds up as W222 cars age
The share of diesel cars built 2017-2020 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.
| Part of the car | 6 years | 7 years | 8 years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 2% | 5% | 19% |
| Brakes | 4% | 4% | 6% |
| Emissions | 6% | 4% | 3% |
| Tyres | 20% | 22% | 23% |
| Lighting | 5% | 1% | 5% |
Based on diesel cars in the 2017-2020 build-year band, from 114 to 172 cars at each age.
W222 variants compared
S-Class W222 variants built around 2018
The fail rate for each S-Class W222 variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.
Diesel
- S-Class10.0%1,777 tests
Petrol
- S-Class7.9%559 tests
Most common issues on Mercedes-Benz S-Class models of this age
This list covers every Mercedes-Benz S-Class built around 2018, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the W222 on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 115.0%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 27.2%Advisory
Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much
- 34.9%Advisory
Brake pads wearing thin
- 43.9%Advisory
Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
- 53.7%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
Based on 2,348 tests
Looking at a Mercedes-Benz S-Class W222?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built around 2018 (7 years old), the Mercedes-Benz S-Class W222 (2013-2020) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 2,348 7-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.