VehicleVerdict

2016 Mercedes-Benz S550 4matic problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 15 complaints on file for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550 4matic — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

15

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2016 compare to other S550 4matic years?

S550 4matic NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted15 complaints2015: 7 complaints2016: 15 complaints2017: 2 complaints
S550 4matic NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all S550 4matic years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550 4matic problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other640%
Visibility & Wipers320%
Speed Control213%
Tires & Wheels213%
Airbags17%
Brakes17%

Does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550 4matic have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

19V787000OtherNovember 1, 2019 · 24,226 units

Defect

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. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V787-4620.pdf

Consequence

An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.

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. The recall began December 23, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019120008.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“ALL THE SAFETY COMPLAINTS IN THE PAST TWO FORMS HAPPEN IN ALL THE 2014,2015. AND 2016 MERCEDES S550. THE CARS ARE SUPPOSE TO PRACTICALLY DRIVE THEMSELVES. IT EVEN HAS STEERING ASSIST THAT KEEPS THE CAR CENTERED IN THE LANE AND WILL EVEN STEER AROUND CURVES. IT IS SUPPOSE TO KEEP PRE SET DISTANCES…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · December 24, 2015

“HEARD A LOUD BANG WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND DIDN'T KNOW WHAT IT WAS UNTIL RETURNING HOME AND LOOKED UP AND SAW THE RIGID CRACK FROM FRONT TO THE BACK ON THE PANORAMIC GLASS. THERE ARE NO INDICATIONS OF DEBRIS HITTING THE GLASS AS THERE ARE NO CHIPS.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · August 14, 2020

“FROM 2014 THROUGH 2016 THE INTELLIGENT DRIVE AND THE DRIVER ASSISTANCE PACKAGE DOES NOT WORK. I KEEP SAYING THE S550 THINKS 200 FEET IS 90 FEET AND 100 FEET IS 30 FEET. WHAT I MEAN TO SAY IS THE SYSTEMS THINK 90 FEET DISTANCE IS 200 FEET AWAY AND 30 FEET IS 100 FEET AWAY. IT DOES NOT MEASURE THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · December 20, 2015

“I HAVE NOW EXPERIENCED CRACKS ON THREE SEPARATE TIRE RIMS. THE CAR HAS LESS THAN 41,000 MILES.THE TIRES ARE LOW PROFILE, RUN FLAT TIRES AND THE RIMS APPEAR TO BE ALUMINUM AND FAULTY.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · November 23, 2020

“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MERCEDES BENZ S550 4MATIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V01000 (AIR BAGS) WAS RECEIVED. AFTER CONTACTING THE LOCAL DEALER (UNKNOWN), THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WERE NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · November 1, 2019

2016 Mercedes-Benz S550 4matic — common questions

Is the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550 4matic reliable?

The record is thin — 15 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2016 S550 4matic problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (6 complaints), visibility & wipers (3 complaints), speed control (2 complaints).

Does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550 4matic have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550 4matic. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.