VehicleVerdict

2014 Mercedes-Benz S550 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 36 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.7 times the median S550 year — the 2014 model ranks #3 of 10 S550 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across other (5), visibility & wipers (4), and driver assistance (3), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

36

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

1

Investigations

7

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2014 compare to other S550 years?

S550 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2014 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, 2014 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all S550 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2014 Mercedes-Benz S550 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other514%
Visibility & Wipers411%
Driver Assistance38%
Brakes38%
Steering38%
Airbags26%
Fuel System26%
Seat Belts26%
Suspension26%
Tires & Wheels26%
Transmission26%
Engine13%
Body & Structure13%
Lighting13%
Latches & Locks13%
Electrical System13%
Speed Control13%

Does the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S550 have recalls?

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

23V854000Body & StructureDecember 15, 2023 · 2,976 units

Defect

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 repair, allowing the front panel to detach from the vehicle.

Consequence

A detached roof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

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. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 21V-197.

21V197000Body & StructureMarch 19, 2021 · 15,096 units

Defect

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 AMG, 2018 GLC63 AMG, 2014-2017 S550, 2018-2020 S450, 2016-2019 GLE63 Coupe AMG, 2016 GLE450 Coupe, 2014-2020 S63 AMG, 2018-2019 S560, and 2019 GLC350e vehicles equipped with a panoramic sunroof. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair.

Consequence

The adhesive bonding of the front panel might deteriorate, possibly causing the front panel to detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

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. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021 and October 26, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

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.

16V899000SteeringDecember 14, 2016 · 70 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 SL550, 2013-2014 SL63 AMG, 2014-2016 E350, 2014 E350 Cabriolet, E350 Coupe, 2014-2015 S550, 2015 E350 Bluetec, 2015-2016 E400, 2016 E550 Coupe, and Maybach S600 vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to August 14, 2015. The affected vehicles use an electric power steering system that may have improperly soldered contacts inside the control unit, potentially resulting in the power steering system deactivating while driving.

Consequence

If the control unit pins lose connection, there would be a loss of electric power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash. The increase in pin contact resistance can also increase the risk of a fire, even while the vehicle is parked and ignition is off.

Remedy

MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric power steering control unit, free of charge. The recall began October 13, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

13V576000Seat BeltsNovember 20, 2013 · 290 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (Mercedes-Benz) is recalling certain model year 2014 S550 vehicles manufactured April 11, 2013, through October 14, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the front seat belt anchor might not be installed correctly allowing it to come loose in a crash.

Consequence

If the seat belt anchor comes loose, in the event of a crash, the occupant may not be properly secured, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Mercedes-Benz will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and correct the front seat belt anchor fitting, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 20, 2013. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372. Mercedes-Benz's recall number is 2013110008.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“BACKUP LIGHTS ON THIS CAR ARE TOTALLY USELESS. DEALER SAYS NO BRIGHTER BULBS ARE AVAILABLE. DANGEROUS SITUATION. BACKED INTO A MAILBOX AND DID $700.00 IN DAMAGE. PLEASE ADVISE WHAT I SHOULD DO.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · February 15, 2015 · crash

“THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW IN 2014. THE VEHICLE HAS A REVERSE TILT FUNCTION FEATURE ON THE RIGHT PASSENGER MIRROR. WHEN FUNCTIONING PROPERLY, THE RIGHT PASSENGER MIRROR TILTS DOWNWARD AND TO THE RIGHT WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PLACED IN REVERSE SO THAT THE DRIVER CAN SEE ALL OBJECTS TO THE RIGHT REAR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · October 8, 2014 · crash

“REAR BRAKE PADS INCORRECTLY INSTALLED FROM THE FACTORY. BOTH INSIDE BRAKE PADS WERE INSTALLED ON THE REAR CALIPER FOUND THAT PADS ON THE RIGHT REAR WERE WORN DOWN TO 4-5MM ALSO FOUND THAT RIGHT REAR ROTOR HAS UNEVEN GROOVES FROM BRAKE PADS.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · February 22, 2016

“ACCORDING TO THE RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 16V899000 AND THE VEHICLE INSPECTION REPORT FROM THE LOCAL MERCEDES DEALERSHIP SHOW AS AN IDENTICAL ISSUE. HOWEVER, MY VEHICLE IS NOT IDENTIFIED AS APART OF THE RECALL. THE RECALL STATES THE ISSUE IS DUE TO THE STEERING CONTROL UNIT NOT BEING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · December 18, 2017

“Pre safe disabled then Blind spot disabled then cruise control disabled this occurs in heavy rain had the dealer check it told they could not duplicate the problem told them this is a dangerous problem in heavy weather as you do have blind spots in the s class and you do need the system to…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · September 1, 2021

2014 Mercedes-Benz S550 — common questions

Is the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S550 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 36 complaints put the 2014 model at #3 of 10 S550 years. It is one of the S550 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2014 S550 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (5 complaints), visibility & wipers (4 complaints), driver assistance (3 complaints).

Does the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S550 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S550. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S550 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

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.