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2015 MERCEDES-BENZ S550

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 17 of 41 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Seat Belts. Review the 7 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 5 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Structure. Review the 5 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

4 crash reports3 fire reports4 injury reports

Wheels complaints

5 reports
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Mileage unknown · Apr 17, 2025
EngineWheels

Brought my vehicle to my mechanic because of noise that recently appeared in my car. To my surprise the mechanic stated that my engine is completely failing and would require an entire new engine. I purchased this car less than two years ago with an estimated 79,000 miles. Vehicle currently has an estimated 112,000 miles. Never …

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Brought my vehicle to my mechanic because of noise that recently appeared in my car. To my surprise the mechanic stated that my engine is completely failing and would require an entire new engine. I purchased this car less than two years ago with an estimated 79,000 miles. Vehicle currently has an estimated 112,000 miles. Never missed a service interval for the vehicle. Now several components of the engine are completely failing.

NHTSA ODI #11655140

24,753 miles · Jun 18, 2019
Wheels

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 SAME FATE.

NHTSA ODI #11220943

22,300 miles · Feb 16, 2019
Wheels

ON 10,2018 I NOTICED LOSS OF AIR PRESSURE ON THE LEFT FRONT TIRE. AFTER INFLATING THE TIRE TWICE, I BROUGHT THE CAR TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO TOLD ME THAT THERE IS A CRACK ON THE RIM. AFTER 5 DAY'S THE RIM WAS REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE. THE EXPLANATION GIVEN TO ME WAS THAT I HIT A POT HOLE. THIS PAST WEEK THE SAME HAPPENED O…

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ON 10,2018 I NOTICED LOSS OF AIR PRESSURE ON THE LEFT FRONT TIRE. AFTER INFLATING THE TIRE TWICE, I BROUGHT THE CAR TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO TOLD ME THAT THERE IS A CRACK ON THE RIM. AFTER 5 DAY'S THE RIM WAS REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE. THE EXPLANATION GIVEN TO ME WAS THAT I HIT A POT HOLE. THIS PAST WEEK THE SAME HAPPENED ON THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL, GIVING ME THE SAME EXPLANATION. THIS TIME I TOOK PICTURE OF THE RIM AND NOTICED THAT THERE 3 CRACKS IN THE INNER ASPECT OF THE RIM IN A RADIAL FASHION. PERSONALLY I DON'T RECALL BITING A POTHOLE OR ANYTHING ELSE. THE OUTSIDE ASPECT OF THE RIM IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. I BELIEVE THIS IS A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM THAT HAS THE POTENTIAL TO CAUSE A MAJOR ACCIDENT WHEN YOU DRIVE ON A HIGHWAY. THE PHOTOS I TOOK WAS WITH MY CELL PHONE BUT UNFORTUNATELY I AM NOT SAVVY ENOUGH TO TRANSFER. HOWEVER, I FIND AN EXPERT TO DOWNLOAD AND MAKE HARD COPIES. *TR *JS

NHTSA ODI #11180561

20,000 miles · Apr 28, 2017
Wheels

AFTER THE CAR HAD BEEN OPERATED FOR ~20K MILES, IT WAS TIME TO TAKE IT IN FOR TIRE REPLACEMENT. THIS WAS EXPECTED SEEING AS THE STOCK TIRES ARE A SOFT COMPOUND TIRE. WHILE AT THE TIRE SHOP, IT WAS DETERMINED THE FRONT PASSENGER RIM, AND REAR DRIVER SIDE RIM, WE BOTH CRACKED. THE FRONT HAD FOUR CRACKS ON THE INSIDE EDGE OF THE…

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AFTER THE CAR HAD BEEN OPERATED FOR ~20K MILES, IT WAS TIME TO TAKE IT IN FOR TIRE REPLACEMENT. THIS WAS EXPECTED SEEING AS THE STOCK TIRES ARE A SOFT COMPOUND TIRE. WHILE AT THE TIRE SHOP, IT WAS DETERMINED THE FRONT PASSENGER RIM, AND REAR DRIVER SIDE RIM, WE BOTH CRACKED. THE FRONT HAD FOUR CRACKS ON THE INSIDE EDGE OF THE RIM, AND TWO CRACKS ON THE REAR RIM. AFTER DISCUSSING THIS ISSUE WITH MY LOCAL DEALER, HE INFORMED ME THAT MANY CUSTOMERS HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT SOFT ALUMINUM RIMS INSTALLED ON THE MERCEDES S CLASS. APPARENTLY THESE RIMS ARE EASILY DENTED, CRACKED, OR PUNCTURED, EVEN DURING NORMAL OPERATION ON ROADS WITHOUT POTHOLES. I BELIEVE THESE RIMS ARE A SAFETY HAZARD TO NOT ONLY THE OCCUPANTS OF MY CAR, BUT ALSO TO OTHER DRIVERS ON THE ROAD. APPARENTLY THIS ISSUE HAS COME TO LIGHT IN YEARS PAST; JUST GOOGLE LUPPINO ET AL V. MERCEDES-BENZ USA. MERCEDES NEEDS TO PLACE A RECALL ON THESE RIMS TO ENSURE THE PROPERTY SAFETY OF THEIR VEHICLES ON OUR ROADWAYS.

NHTSA ODI #10981187

20,000 miles · Oct 31, 2016
Wheels

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 MERCEDES-BENZ S550. WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO WOBBLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE RIMS WERE FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THREE OF THE FOUR RIMS COULD BE REPAIRED, BUT THE REMAI…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 MERCEDES-BENZ S550. WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO WOBBLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE RIMS WERE FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THREE OF THE FOUR RIMS COULD BE REPAIRED, BUT THE REMAINING RIM HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE RIMS WERE THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 20,000. UPDATED 01/05/2017*CT

NHTSA ODI #10920279

Official recalls

5

23V854000 · Structure:body:roof And Pillars

Dec 15, 2023

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 & remedy

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.

21V197000 · Structure:body:roof And Pillars

Mar 19, 2021

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 & remedy

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.

19V787000 · Communication

Nov 1, 2019

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 & remedy

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.

17V177000 · Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE ; Electrical System:software

Mar 14, 2017

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 & remedy

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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electrical System:software

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.

Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE

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.

16V899000 · Steering:electric Power Assist System

Dec 14, 2016

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 & remedy

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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

PE21001 · Front Roof Panel Detachment

Opened Jan 8, 2021 · Closed Oct 14, 2021

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure:body:roof And Pillars

On January 8, 2021, after ongoing review with Mercedes Benz, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE21-001 to assess allegations of front roof panel detachments while driving at highway speeds in certain 2015 Mercedes-Benz (Mercedes) C-Class vehicles.The subject front roof panel is a stationary panel composed of polycarbonate and is attached to the vehicle via adhesive at the time of manufacture. The panel is found on subject vehicles equipped with panoramic sunroofs. Over time, the subject panels may exhibit cosmetic degradation leading to replacement of the panel, a procedure which entails: removal of the old panel and adhesive, site preparation, and installation of a replacement panel with new adhesive.The consumer complaints that prompted the opening of PE21-001 all described detachments of front roof panels that had been replaced after the vehicle was put into service.Mercedes' internal investigation identified a broader scope of affected vehicles (2014-2020 CLA, GLA, C, S, GLC, and GLE class) and found the following potential service procedure- related causes of front roof panel detachments:- Improper surface pretreatments such as the use of the wrong primer or cleaner or scoring of the surface; or - Use of the incorrect adhesive.These conditions lead to a front roof panel bond that, even if sound at the time of repair, cannot maintain its strength over time and environmental exposure.Mercedes updated its service and parts ordering systems to reinforce the proper use of specified kits and procedures via webinars, shop foreman meetings, and explicit reference to the risks incurred by diverging from the repair procedures. Mercedes is also furnishing parts ordering assistance, and will hold dealerships accountable for improper repairs.ODI's analysis of the ten complaints it has received from the public (VOQ's) and MBUSA's complaint data submitted in response to the information request letter for PE21-001 identified a total of 57 non-duplicative reports alleging incidents in which the front roof panel detached from the vehicle while in motion. Included within the 57 reports are incidents where consumers state the panel detached ...and flew off into traffic.On March 19, 2021, Mercedes notified NHTSA that it would recall subject vehicles with front roof panels known to have been replaced after the original sale of the vehicle. In total, the recall (designated as Recall 21V197) covers 15,099 vehicles that were ever registered in the United States. Based on Recall 21V197 and the remedy implemented by Mercedes, further investigation does not appear to be warranted at this time.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The ODI complaints cited above can be viewed at www.nhtsa.gov under the following ODI identification numbers: 11376425, 11352686, 11351629, 11349158, 11341541, 11337594, 11324100, 11311591, 11222127, 11404183