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Mercedes-Benz · Known Issues

2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Problems: 4 Known Issues

2013 model year · 7,700+ owner reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's analysis of 7,700+ owner reports, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class has 4 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are ABC Hydraulic Suspension System Leak ($1,000-$6,000 repair) and AIRMATIC Air Suspension Compressor Failure ($600-$2,500 repair). The most commonly reported issue is ABC Hydraulic Suspension System Leak with 3,000 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $300 to $6,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • S-Class Suspension2
  • S-Class Electrical2
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Suspension2
  • Electrical2
  • FAQ

All 4 Known Issues

Filter:
ALL YEARS20252024202320222021202020192018201720162015201420132012201120102009200820072006200520042003200220012000

When Issues Typically Appear

COMAND Head Unit Failure
50K-120K
Seat Control Module Failure
50K-120K
ABC Hydraulic Suspension System Leak
60K-130K
AIRMATIC Air Suspension Compressor Failure
70K-140K
038K75K113K150K mi
Community reported
3,000 owners

On the 2000-2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the Active Body Control (ABC) hydraulic suspension system develops leaks in the struts, lines, tandem pump, and accumulators. Repairs are extremely expensive as the system operates at 3,000+ PSI. Leaks cause the car to sag and ride harshly.

This issue also affects: Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

Common Symptoms

  • Vehicle sags on one corner
  • Warning message: "Stop vehicle, visit workshop"

How to Fix

Locate and repair the leak. ABC struts are $1,000-2,500 each, the tandem pump is $1,500-3,000, and accumulators are $200-500 each. Some owners convert to conventional air or coil spring suspension to escape ABC costs.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Genuine Mercedes central-hydraulic/ABC fluid Q1320001
    OEMMercedes-Benz Q1320001 / 001989240309

    VIN-confirmed ABC hydraulic refill and bleeding after the exact leak or component repair Fitment/availability: The inspected direct U.S.

    FCP Euro

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Owner tips & cautions

  • WarningBudget $2,000-5,000/year for ABC maintenance on a used S-Class. If the system is too expensive, a coil spring conversion runs $2,000-3,000 and eliminates all future ABC costs.
Typical repair cost:$1,000 - $6,000

Research This Issue

Based on 3,000 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High Confidence3,000 owner reportsLast reported by owners Nov 2025Reviewed Mar 2026
Community reported
2,400 owners

On the 2006-2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the AIRMATIC air suspension compressor burns out from overwork, typically caused by slow leaks in the air springs that force the compressor to run excessively. Compressor failure leaves the vehicle sitting low with a harsh ride.

This issue also affects: Mercedes-Benz GLC, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Mercedes-Benz GLS

Common Symptoms

  • Vehicle sits very low after being parked
  • Compressor noise stops and car does not rise

How to Fix

Replace the air suspension compressor and relay. Inspect all four air springs for leaks before replacing the compressor — a new compressor will fail quickly if the underlying leak is not fixed. Arnott makes a quality aftermarket replacement.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Arnott P-3246 W221 S-Class AIRMATIC compressor with relay
    OEMArnott P-3246 / Mercedes 2213201704

    Confirmed failed compressor on an applicable 2007-2013 W221 S350/S400/S550 AIRMATIC branch Fitment/availability: The inspected direct U.S.

    FCP Euro
  • Arnott P-3282 W222 S-Class AIRMATIC compressor
    OEMArnott P-3282

    Confirmed failed compressor on an applicable 2014-2020 W222 S-Class AIRMATIC branch Fitment/availability: The inspected direct U.S. Confirm VIN, exact AIRMATIC option and current O

    ECS Tuning

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Owner tips & cautions

  • TipAlways fix air spring leaks before replacing the compressor. A leaking strut will burn out a new compressor within months.
Typical repair cost:$600 - $2,500

Research This Issue

Based on 2,400 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High Confidence2,400 owner reportsLast reported by owners Oct 2025Reviewed Mar 2026
Community reported
1,400 owners

On the 2007-2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the COMAND NTG3/NTG4 head unit fails with symptoms including black screen, no audio, DVD drive failure, and loss of navigation. The internal hard drive and capacitors degrade over time.

This issue also affects: Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Mercedes-Benz G-Class, Mercedes-Benz GLE

Common Symptoms

  • Screen goes black or displays garbled graphics
  • No audio output from any source

How to Fix

Replace or refurbish the COMAND head unit. Specialist companies can repair the internal components for $400-800 vs $3,000+ for a new OEM unit. Update to the latest map and firmware version after replacement.

Owner tips & cautions

  • TipSend your COMAND unit to a specialist for repair rather than buying new. Companies like BeckerAutoSound and CarRadioRepair fix them for a fraction of dealer cost.
Typical repair cost:$400 - $3,000

Research This Issue

Based on 1,400 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Medium Confidence1,400 owner reportsLast reported by owners May 2025Reviewed Mar 2026
Community reported
900 owners

On the 2007-2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the multi-contour seat control modules fail, disabling power seat adjustment, lumbar support, massage, and ventilation functions. The module is built into the seat frame and exposed to heat and vibration.

Common Symptoms

  • Power seat adjustment stops working
  • Seat massage or ventilation disabled

How to Fix

Replace the seat control module. Requires partial seat disassembly. The module must be coded to the vehicle with dealer-level diagnostic tools. Used modules from salvage are often available.

Owner tips & cautions

  • TipSalvage yard seat modules work well and cost $100-200 vs $600+ new. They do need to be coded to your VIN by a dealer or independent shop with XENTRY.
Typical repair cost:$300 - $1,200

Research This Issue

Based on 900 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Medium Confidence900 owner reportsLast reported by owners Jul 2025Reviewed Mar 2026
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Other Mercedes-Benz Models

Mercedes-Benz GLE24Mercedes-Benz E-Class23Mercedes-Benz GLS23Mercedes-Benz Sprinter22Mercedes-Benz A-Class22Mercedes-Benz GLC22

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Mercedes-Benz S-Class problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 7,700+ owner reports, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: ABC Hydraulic Suspension System Leak, AIRMATIC Air Suspension Compressor Failure, COMAND Head Unit Failure. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class reliable?

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class has 4 known issues documented across 7,700+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: ABC Hydraulic Suspension System Leak and AIRMATIC Air Suspension Compressor Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Mercedes-Benz S-Class problems?

Repair costs for known Mercedes-Benz S-Class issues range from $300 to $6,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, ABC Hydraulic Suspension System Leak, typically costs $1,000-$6,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2000-2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class ABC Hydraulic Suspension System Leak?

The Active Body Control (ABC) hydraulic suspension system develops leaks in the struts, lines, tandem pump, and accumulators. Repairs are extremely expensive as the system operates at 3,000+ PSI. Leaks cause the car to sag and ride harshly. Repairs typically run $1,000-$6,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2006-2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class AIRMATIC Air Suspension Compressor Failure?

The AIRMATIC air suspension compressor burns out from overwork, typically caused by slow leaks in the air springs that force the compressor to run excessively. Compressor failure leaves the vehicle sitting low with a harsh ride. Repairs typically run $600-$2,500. Severity: high.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data sourced from 7,700+ owner reports, NHTSA recalls, TSBs, and automotive forums.

What is the 2007-2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class COMAND Head Unit Failure?

The COMAND NTG3/NTG4 head unit fails with symptoms including black screen, no audio, DVD drive failure, and loss of navigation. The internal hard drive and capacitors degrade over time. Repairs typically run $400-$3,000. Severity: medium.

What is the 2007-2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Seat Control Module Failure?

The multi-contour seat control modules fail, disabling power seat adjustment, lumbar support, massage, and ventilation functions. The module is built into the seat frame and exposed to heat and vibration. Repairs typically run $300-$1,200. Severity: low.