NHTSA service bulletin

NHTSA Service Bulletin 11006545: 2021-2024 Mercedes-benz S 500

Official manufacturer communication context for 2021-2024 Mercedes-benz S 500, with affected products, buyer checks and links into Carchieve recall, problem and VIN research.

NHTSA service bulletin 11006545 summary graphic for 2021-2024 Mercedes-benz S 500
11006545NHTSA document ID
Manufacturer communicationcommunication type
5affected product rows
90/100quality score

Reviewed June 2026 from NHTSA manufacturer communication and service bulletin records. Carchieve is independent and not affiliated with any vehicle manufacturer or government agency.

Quick answer

Complaint Yellow information message in driver display (instrument cluster): "Switch on motor to charge the 12V battery" Cause The state of charge (SOC) of the 12V battery has dropped to 45% or less. Remedy This warning message appears as soon as the state of charge (SOC) of the 12V primary battery drops below 45%. This message is displayed to safeguard the vehicle's starting ability. At the same time as the display appears in the instrument cluster, customers with a linked Mercedes me connect account also receive a push notification via the app/by email (if this function is activated). The battery must be charged to a state of charge (SOC) of at least 50%. To do this, an external charger can be connected (please comply with AR54.10-P-1133S) or the vehicle can be driven (by the customer) for 30 to 60 minutes. Please make customers aware of how the vehicle behaves: If the vehicle is used for short journeys, the battery state of charge may slowly drop to less than 45% a negative charge balance A negative charge balance will also occur if the vehicle is used while stationary without running the engine, e.g. if the head unit is used, the ignition is switched on, or other comfort & convenience power consumers, e.g. seat heating/seat ventilation, are active. An unlocked vehicle may increase consumption, because certain vehicle functions are actively kept ready for the customer. In combination with Keyless-Go or flush-mounted door handles, the vehicle may be woken up if the vehicle key is detected in the vicinity of the vehicle. The cause of the discharge can be identified with the aid of the onboard electrical system data in the EZS using XENTRY Diagnosis. See attached examples for identifying typical customer situations (e.g. operation with ignition on, operation of head unit while stationary or vehicle unlocked while parked).

What this bulletin may mean before buying

Treat this as service research, not a verdict on one car. Before you buy, compare this communication with official recall campaigns, model-level owner complaint patterns, and the exact vehicle’s VIN-decoded specifications. A bulletin can help you ask a seller or dealer sharper questions about software updates, known repairs, warranty extensions and service history.

Affected products listed in this communication

MakeModelModel yearsBuyer note
Mercedes-benzS 5002021-2024Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
Mercedes-benzS 5802021-2024Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
Mercedes-benzS 580 E2023, 2024Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
Mercedes-maybachS 5802021-2024Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
Mercedes-maybachS 6802022-2024Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.

Buyer checklist

  1. Run the 17-character VIN and confirm the year, make, model, engine and equipment match the listing.
  2. Check recall campaign pages for safety actions that may require dealer repair.
  3. Compare this bulletin with common problem pages for the same model and component area.
  4. Ask the seller or dealer whether the bulletin procedure, update or inspection has already been completed.
  5. Use the used-car buying checklist and get an independent inspection.

Frequently asked questions

What is NHTSA service bulletin 11006545?

Complaint Yellow information message in driver display (instrument cluster): "Switch on motor to charge the 12V battery" Cause The state of charge (SOC) of the 12V battery has dropped to 45% or less. Remedy This warning message appears as soon as the state of charge (SOC) of the 12V primary battery drops below 45%. This message is displayed to safeguard the vehicle's starting ability. At the same time as the.

Is a service bulletin the same as a recall?

No. A recall is a safety campaign with a required remedy for affected VINs. A service bulletin or manufacturer communication usually describes diagnostic, repair, software, warranty or service information.

How should a used-car buyer use this bulletin?

Use it as a research signal. Compare it with recalls, owner complaints, service records, a VIN report and an independent inspection before buying.

Check the exact VIN before you buy

Model-level pages show public safety patterns. A full VIN report helps confirm the exact vehicle, decoded specs, recall applicability and buyer checks.

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