Most common 2012 Mercedes-Benz S550 problems
Share of the 5 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mercedes-Benz S550 complaints by model year
Best S550 years: 2012, 2011, 2013. Years to avoid: 2015, 2007, 2016, 2014, 2017. Compare all years →
2012 Mercedes-Benz S550 recalls (2)
Fuel system, gasoline
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
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.
What 2012 Mercedes-Benz S550 owners say
Engine & cooling
I purchased this vehicle in July 2020. I did a through check for recalls, warranty problems and could not identify any with this vehicle. From the get go the check engine light would come on. I checked the codes and they indicated an "electrical fault on bank 1, oxygen sensor 1. I replaced the wiring harness on that sensor as well as the sensor. From then until now the car would code weekly about the same issue. Eventually I started using a catalytic converter cleaner (it cleans off sulfur deposits) in an attempt to solve the issue. It would work for a couple of tanks of gas and then continuing coding. I asked MB on numerous occasions about what the issue was. They all said they had no idea. It looks to me like they knew what the issue was, but kept it to themselves. Several weeks ago I received a letter in the mail(not dated by postmark) but the letter was dated August, 2023. …
Vehicle cut on fire while sitting lucky outside, the corner of engine passenger side bellow the headlight stores the suspension air pump and electric hydraulic steering pump.. Base on my inspection the ehps heated and set on fire.someone saw the car on fire and called fire dept.. Car was lock and store after hours
Fuel & propulsion system
There is a strong smell of fuel in the cabin. When I lifted up the rear seats, where the odor is coming from, I see a film of fuel around the fuel sending unit on the driver's side. I lift up the sound insulation and I see fuel that has leaked on total the top of the sending unit.
I purchased this vehicle in July 2020. I did a through check for recalls, warranty problems and could not identify any with this vehicle. From the get go the check engine light would come on. I checked the codes and they indicated an "electrical fault on bank 1, oxygen sensor 1. I replaced the wiring harness on that sensor as well as the sensor. From then until now the car would code weekly about the same issue. Eventually I started using a catalytic converter cleaner (it cleans off sulfur deposits) in an attempt to solve the issue. It would work for a couple of tanks of gas and then continuing coding. I asked MB on numerous occasions about what the issue was. They all said they had no idea. It looks to me like they knew what the issue was, but kept it to themselves. Several weeks ago I received a letter in the mail(not dated by postmark) but the letter was dated August, 2023. …
2012 Mercedes-Benz S550 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.7L 8-cyl turbo | 7-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 25 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Large car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S550 a good car?
Based on 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 S550 rates better than average: 75% 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz S550?
The engine & cooling — 3 complaints, 60% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the fuel & propulsion system (3) and steering (1).
How many recalls does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S550 have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2012 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz S550 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 86,000 miles; 33% 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.