Mercedes-Benz S-Class W223 (2021-present) reliability
Mercedes-Benz S-Class W223 built around 2022: not enough MOT data yet
We've only seen a handful of Mercedes-Benz S-Class W223 models built around 2022 so far. Too few to spot a pattern yet.
Looking at a Mercedes-Benz S-Class W223?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Key figure
Check a car’s number plate to see its own MOT record, or come back when there’s more MOT history.
Based on 242 tests of S-Class models registered 2021+.
About 1 in 7 hybrid electric S-Class cars registered in 2022 (14.3%) failed their first MOT.
Based on 126 first MOTs (DVSA MOT results, 2025).
W223 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 4 years old.
How the S-Class W223 compares
At each age below, see how the S-Class W223 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 63,174 tests across 19 Mercedes-Benz models, built around 2022 (3 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.
Independent inspection
High priorityHave an independent specialist inspect the car before you commit.
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.
Windscreen
If you have timeInspect for chips and cracks in the wiper sweep area (Zone A) — these will fail an MOT.
Other saloons to compare
Other saloons, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the S-Class W223.
- 1
Lexus ES
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 5.8%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 0.8%
- Dangerous
- 2.1%
Lower fail rate: 5.8%, against 11.6% for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class W223, both built around 2022.
1,310 MOT tests on cars built around 2022
- 2
MG 4
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 11.1%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 1.9%
- Dangerous
- 2.8%
Fewer dangerous faults: 2.8%, against 7.5% for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class W223.
2,188 MOT tests on cars built around 2022
- 3
BMW 7 Series
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 7.1%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 1.3%
- Dangerous
- 3%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 79.9%
Lower fail rate: 7.1%, against 11.6% for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class W223, both built around 2022.
6 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
1,025 MOT tests on cars built around 2022
- 4
Porsche Taycan
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 8.7%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 2.7%
- Dangerous
- 5.5%
Lower fail rate: 8.7%, against 11.6% for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class W223, both built around 2022.
2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
4,967 MOT tests on cars built around 2022
- 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.
Recall context
99 recalls in all25 of the 99 S-Class W223 recalls cover cars built in these years.
- 25 recalls
Top concerns
- SRPC2604 – windshield bonding
- SRPC2401 - system protection
- A 12V ground connection bolt in the boot might not meet specifications
For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.
Most common issues on Mercedes-Benz S-Class models of this age
This list covers every Mercedes-Benz S-Class built around 2022, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the W223 on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 18.7%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
- 27.5%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 35.2%Advisory
Tyre has a cut that does not reach the ply or cords
- 42.9%Minor
Windscreen damaged, but the driver can still see clearly
- 52.3%Advisory
Brake pads wearing thin
Based on 173 tests
Looking at a Mercedes-Benz S-Class W223?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built around 2022 (3 years old), the Mercedes-Benz S-Class W223 (2021-present) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 173 3-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.