Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 18 | 1.7× | 10 | Window & Wiper | Caution |
| 2016 | 26 | 2.2× | 5 | Window & Wiper | Caution |
| 2015 | 47 | 3.3× | 6 | Seat Belt | Avoid |
| 2014 | 24 | 1.8× | 5 | Window & Wiper | Caution |
| 2013 | 7 | −60% | — | Wheel & Tire | Good |
| 2012 | 5 | −75% | 2 | Engine | Good |
| 2011 | 9 | −70% | 2 | Fuel System | Good |
| 2010 | 16 | −40% | — | Suspension | Good |
| 2008 | 19 | −40% | — | Wheel & Tire | Good |
| 2007 | 54 | 2.7× | — | Transmission | Avoid |
* Complaints compared with the median S550 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Mercedes-Benz S550 problems
Latest Mercedes-Benz S550 recalls
Structure › Body › Roof and pillars
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2014-2020 C-Class, CLA, GLA, S-Class, GLC, and GLE vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 2, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on, March 22,2024, and August 2, 2024.
Structure › Body › Roof and pillars
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2020 C300 Coupe, C43 Coupe AMG, C43 AMG, 2015-2020 C300, GLA250, 2016-2018 C350e, CLA45 Coupe AMG, 2015 C400, S65 AMG, 2015-2019 C63 AMG, 2016 C450, 2015-2016 GLA45 AMG, S600, 2016-2020 GLC300, 2017-2019 GLC43 AMG, GLE43 Coupe AMG, 2014-2019 CLA250 Coupe, 2014-2015 CLA45…
Remedy: Mercedes-Benz dealer will remove the bonded panel and will install a new front panel by following the detailed repair instructions and using the approved primer, cleaner and adhesive, free of charge.
Communication › Auto crash notification
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2019 C300, E300, 2018-2020 CLA250, 2020 CLS450, AMG E53, AMG GT53, GLE450, 2018 AMG E63, AMG GTA, 2017-2020 GLA250, GLC300, 2019 GLC350, AMG GLC43, 2017-2018 GLE350, 2019 AMG GLC 43, GLC350, GLE400, 2017 GLS450, S550, C300 Cabrio, and 2018-2019 S560 vehicles.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the communication module and activate it, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 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.
Communication
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2017 vehicles due to a software fault that may cause the date and time for the emergency call system (eCall) to differ from the actual date and time, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location.
Remedy: MBUSA has initiated an Over the Air (OTA) remote update. MBUSA will also notify owners, and dealers will check software for a successful OTA or update the communication module software as needed, free of charge.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Mercedes-Benz S550 should you avoid?
2015, 2007, 2016, 2014 and 2017 — these years have the most complaints relative to other S550 years at the same age, led by seat belts problems in the 2015.
What is the best year for the Mercedes-Benz S550?
2012 has the fewest complaints compared with other S550 years at the same age, followed by 2011 and 2013. 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 S550 problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the electrical system (26), engine & cooling (25) and suspension (24). Electrical complaints peak in the 2007 model year.
How many recalls has the Mercedes-Benz S550 had?
16 recalls across 2007–2017. The model year with the most is 2017. See all Mercedes-Benz S550 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.