Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 2 | −71% | 5 | Electrical | Good |
| 2016 | 1 | −79% | 3 | Airbag | Good |
| 2015 | 2 | −71% | 3 | Airbag | Good |
| 2014 | 16 | 1.3× | 4 | Airbag | Average |
| 2013 | 16 | typical | 5 | Airbag | Average |
| 2012 | 17 | typical | 4 | Airbag | Average |
| 2011 | 61 | 4.2× | 3 | Airbag | Avoid |
| 2010 | 68 | 4.2× | 3 | Airbag | Avoid |
| 2009 | 4 | −64% | 3 | Acceleration | Good |
| 2008 | 15 | −21% | 3 | Fuel System | Average |
| 2007 | 37 | 2.6× | 4 | Fuel System | Avoid |
* Complaints compared with the median E550 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Mercedes-Benz E550 problems
Latest Mercedes-Benz E550 recalls
Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and can detach.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and may detach.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 3, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2006-2007 C350, C230, C280, CLK350, E320CDI, E350 Wagon, E350, 2006 C55 AMG, CLK500, CLS500, CLS55 AMG, E500 Wagon, E500, E55 AMG, 2007 CLK550, CLS550, CLS63 AMG, E550, E63 AMG, and E63 Wagon AMG vehicles.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the glass panel bonding and replace the sliding roof, as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 7, 2021.
Communication › Auto crash notification
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021.
Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 vehicles. The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame may deteriorate, possibly resulting in the glass panel detaching from the vehicle. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V918-4126.pdf
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the glass panel bonding and replace the sliding roof, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 10, 2020.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Mercedes-Benz E550 should you avoid?
2010, 2011 and 2007 — these years have the most complaints relative to other E550 years at the same age, led by air bags problems in the 2010.
What is the best year for the Mercedes-Benz E550?
2016 has the fewest complaints compared with other E550 years at the same age, followed by 2015 and 2017. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Mercedes-Benz E550 problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the air bags (90), suspension (56) and fuel & propulsion system (45). Airbag complaints peak in the 2011 model year.
How many recalls has the Mercedes-Benz E550 had?
16 recalls across 2007–2017. The model year with the most is 2013. See all Mercedes-Benz E550 recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.