2011 Mercedes-Benz S550 Problems & Complaints

Better than average70% fewer complaints than a typical year of the S550 at the same age

Owners have filed 9 complaints about the 2011 Mercedes-Benz S550 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is 70% fewer than a typical S550 model year at the same age, making the 2011 one of the better S550 years. The most reported problem area is the fuel & propulsion system (2 complaints). 2 recalls cover this model year.

9complaints
2recalls
1crashes
1fires
0injuries
0deaths

Most common 2011 Mercedes-Benz S550 problems

  • Other / not specified~67,000 miles
    222%
  • Fuel & propulsion system
    222%
  • Electrical system
    111%
  • Speed control & acceleration
    111%
  • Engine & cooling~118,000 miles
    111%
  • Body & structure
    111%
  • Suspension~68,000 miles
    111%
  • Driver assistance
    111%
  • Lights
    111%

Share of the 9 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Mercedes-Benz S550 complaints by model year

200720082010201120122013201420152016201754191695724472618
Owner complaints per model year, Mercedes-Benz S550. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best S550 years: 2012, 2011, 2013. Years to avoid: 2015, 2007, 2016, 2014, 2017. Compare all years →

2011 Mercedes-Benz S550 recalls (2)

Fuel system, gasoline

NHTSA recall 12V-557 · Dec 3, 2012 · 5,800 vehicles

Mercedes-Benz is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 S400, S550, S550 4Matic, S63 AMG, C300, C300 4Matic, E350, GLK350, GLK350 4Matic, CL550 4Matic, and CL63 AMG vehicles manufactured from April 18, 2011, through July 12, 2011.

Remedy: Mercedes-Benz will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel filter, free of charge. The recall campaign is expected to begin in February 2013. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

Tires › Pressure monitoring and regulating systems

NHTSA recall 11V-493 · Oct 3, 2011 · 158 vehicles

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (Mercedes Benz) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 S550, S550 CGI, S63, S600 Bi-Turbo, S65 AMG, S550 4-Matic, and S550 CGI 4-Matic and S400 Hybrid vehicles manufactured from March 3, 2011, through July 30, 2011, for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicles Safety Standard…

Remedy: Mercedes Benz will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the tire pressure monitoring unit, free of charge. The recall began on September 12, 2014. Owners may contact Mercedes Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

2011 Mercedes-Benz S550 engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
5.5L 8-cyl7-speed automaticRWD15 / 23 / 18

EPA ratings. Class: Large car.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2011 Mercedes-Benz S550 a good car?

Based on 9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 S550 rates better than average: 70% fewer complaints than a typical year of the S550 at the same age. It is one of the best S550 years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.

What is the most common problem with the 2011 Mercedes-Benz S550?

The fuel & propulsion system — 2 complaints, 22% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the electrical system (1) and speed control & acceleration (1).

How many recalls does the 2011 Mercedes-Benz S550 have?

There are 2 recalls for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz S550, the most recent from December 3, 2012 (fuel system, gasoline). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.

What are the best and worst years of the Mercedes-Benz S550?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2012, 2011 and 2013. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2015, 2007, 2016, 2014 and 2017. See the full Mercedes-Benz S550 years comparison.

At what mileage do 2011 Mercedes-Benz S550 problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 68,000 miles; 25% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.

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.