VehicleVerdict

2011 Mercedes-Benz S550 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 9 complaints on file for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz S550 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

9

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2011 compare to other S550 years?

S550 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted83 complaints2007: 83 complaints2008: 25 complaints2010: 22 complaints2011: 9 complaints2012: 8 complaints2013: 10 complaints2014: 36 complaints2015: 58 complaints2016: 18 complaints2017: 20 complaints
S550 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all S550 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 Mercedes-Benz S550 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other222%
Fuel System222%
Suspension111%
Electrical System111%
Speed Control111%
Body & Structure111%
Engine111%

Does the 2011 Mercedes-Benz S550 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

12V557000Fuel SystemDecember 3, 2012 · 5,800 units

Defect

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. Due to an irregularity stemming from the molding process of the fuel filter flange, the fuel filter flange may crack when operated in high temperatures.

Consequence

If the fuel filter flange cracks, it will leak fuel which may lead to a fire if an external ignition source is present.

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.

11V493000Tires & WheelsOctober 3, 2011 · 158 units

Defect

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 (FMVSS) number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)." The tire pressure monitoring system indicators may only illuminate for a portion of the time required by the standard and under certain conditions may not re-illuminate immediately after the vehicle is restarted as required.

Consequence

If all four wheel sensors in the subject vehicles are simultaneously malfunctioning or missing, the TPMS will provide an initial warning, but this warning will not automatically repeat on subsequent ignition cycles, failing to remind the driver that the system is offline. Driving unknowingly with incorrectly inflated tires may result in sudden tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“SHIFTING LEVER IS UP FOR REVERSE, CENTER FOR PARK, DOWN FOR FORWARD. ALL OTHER TRANSMISSIONS YOU PUSH UP FOR PARK. AFTER DRIVING ALL OTHER CARS, EVEN PRIOR MERCEDES IF YOU EXIT THE CAR YOU PUSH THE TRANSMISSION LEVER TO UP FOR PARK EVEN WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING YOU PUSH THE LEVER UP FOR PARK. THIS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · June 14, 2017 · crash

“My driver side Rear seat underneath is leaking gasoline. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE If the fuel filter flange cracks, it will leak fuel which may lead to a fire if an external ignition source is present. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V557000”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · May 7, 2024

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ S550. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED UP TO 110 MPH ON ITS OWN. THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE RATTLED WITHOUT WARNING. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE AND THE GPS PROVIDED INCORRECT INFORMATION. THE VEHICLE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · October 8, 2010

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ S550. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED UP TO 110 MPH ON ITS OWN. THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE RATTLED WITHOUT WARNING. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE AND THE GPS PROVIDED INCORRECT INFORMATION. THE VEHICLE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 8, 2010

“IABOUT 2 MONTHS AGO, I WAS UNABLE TO START MY CAR. IT HAD A WARNING MESSAGE 'SERVICES REQUIRED. DO NOT SHIFT THE GEAR'. WE TOWED OUR CAR TO THE DEALER AND LEARNED THAT THE BACKSEAT FLOOD HAD STANDING WATER! THIS CAUSED THE ELECTRONIC SHORTAGE. WE PAID OVER $2000 TO MAKE THE CAR RUNNING AGAIN. IT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · July 7, 2020

2011 Mercedes-Benz S550 — common questions

Is the 2011 Mercedes-Benz S550 reliable?

The record is thin — 9 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2011 Mercedes-Benz S550 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2011 Mercedes-Benz S550. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Mercedes-Benz S550 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the S550 years to avoid are 2007, 2015, 2014. The cleanest record among S550 years belongs to 2012.

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.