VehicleVerdict

2015 Mercedes-Benz S550 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 58 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.8 times the median S550 year — the 2015 model ranks #2 of 10 S550 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 16 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across seat belts (7), tires & wheels (7), and other (7), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

58

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

1

Investigations

10

Crash-involved

8

Fires reported

16

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2015 compare to other S550 years?

S550 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2015 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, 2015 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all S550 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2015 Mercedes-Benz S550 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other712%
Tires & Wheels712%
Seat Belts712%
Body & Structure610%
Electrical System59%
Visibility & Wipers47%
Steering47%
Airbags47%
Engine35%
Brakes35%
Fuel System35%
Driver Assistance12%
Suspension12%
Latches & Locks12%
Speed Control12%
Transmission12%

Does the 2015 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.

17V177000Electrical SystemMarch 14, 2017 · 51 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 AMG GT-S, GLC300, CLA250 and GLE300d 4Matic vehicles, 2013 C250, E350 BlueTec and G63 AMG vehicles, 2008-2014 C300 vehicles, 2013-2014 C300 4Matic and ML350 4Matic vehicles, 2009 C350 vehicles, 2014 CLS550, E350 4Matic, E350 Coupe 4Matic, E350 Wagon 4Matic, GLK350 and SL550 vehicles, 2012 CLS550 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2016 E350 vehicles, 2016-2017 GL450 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2014 ML350 4Matic BlueTec vehicles, 2015 S550, S550 4Matic and C300 4Matic Sedan vehicles, 2015-2016 C300 Sedan vehicles, and 2017 SL63 AMG vehicles. Various control units on these vehicles may have been updated with incorrect software, potentially affecting the correct deployment of the air bags in the event of a crash.

Consequence

If the air bags do not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, there would be an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy

MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update software in the affected control units, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I'm reporting a problem that can cause the vehicle to catch on fire. During cold temperatures the heated windshield will turn on and the car will catch on fire.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · February 18, 2023 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 MERCEDES BENZ S550. WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE CONTACT WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS PARTIALLY DEPLOYED AND THE SEAT BELT DID NOT TIGHTEN. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BULGING DISC AND SEVERE NERVE DAMAGE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · April 7, 2016 · crash

“THE RIMS ON THE CAR CRACKING. I REPLACED THE RIMS IN THE TWO FRONT WHEELS AND NOW THE RIGHT REAR RIM IS CRACKED, I HAVE REPORTED THIS PREVIOUSLY TO YOUR COMMISSION INCLUDING SENDING PICTURES. THE DEALER DOES NOT WANT TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY. IN THE FUTURE PROBABLY THE 4TH WHEEL RIM WILL HAVE THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · June 17, 2019

“MY WIFE WAS DRIVING MY 2015 MERCEDES BENZ S-550 ON THE 14TH OF AUGUST, 2019. SHE HAD STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT AND WHEN IT TURNED GREEN CROSSED A 6 LANE INTERSECTION. SHE WAS MOVING THROUGH THE INTERSECTION WHEN SHE WAS HIT BY A VW PASSET WHO RAN THE RED LIGHT AT AN ESTIMATED 40 TO 50 MPH. THE PASSET…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · August 14, 2019 · crash

“2015 MERCEDES BENZ S-550. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE SECURITY SYSTEMS MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL FAILURE ACCIDENT. *SMD *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 22, 2015 · crash

2015 Mercedes-Benz S550 — common questions

Is the 2015 Mercedes-Benz S550 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 58 complaints put the 2015 model at #2 of 10 S550 years. It is one of the S550 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2015 S550 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are seat belts (7 complaints), tires & wheels (7 complaints), other (7 complaints).

Does the 2015 Mercedes-Benz S550 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2015 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 2015 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.