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.
2015 MERCEDES-BENZ S550
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Limited comparison data
There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all S550 years →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.
What owners actually said
41 reportsI drove my 2015 MERCEDES BENZ S550 4MATIC APPROXIMATELY 20 MILES TO WORK, PARKED IN THE PARKING LOT AND ABOUT 30 MINUTES LATER, I WAS ALERTED BY PEMBROKE PINES POLICE (CASE# PPPD22OFF050792) THAT MY CAR WAS BURNING WHEN I GOT TO THE PARKING LOT PEMBROKE PINES FIRE DEPT WAS IN THE PROCESS OF EXTINGUISHING A CATASTROPHIC FIRE IN T…
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I drove my 2015 MERCEDES BENZ S550 4MATIC APPROXIMATELY 20 MILES TO WORK, PARKED IN THE PARKING LOT AND ABOUT 30 MINUTES LATER, I WAS ALERTED BY PEMBROKE PINES POLICE (CASE# PPPD22OFF050792) THAT MY CAR WAS BURNING WHEN I GOT TO THE PARKING LOT PEMBROKE PINES FIRE DEPT WAS IN THE PROCESS OF EXTINGUISHING A CATASTROPHIC FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CAR DROVE PROBLEM FREE TO THAT POINT. NO WARNING LIGHTS, NO SMOKE, NO SMELL, NO LEAK.THE CAR WAS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION PRIOR TO THE FIRE WITH APPROX 93000 MILES. I HAD THE CAR SERVICED BY MB FORT LAUDERDALE 1 MONTH BEFORE THE INCIDENT AND NO UNRESOLVED MAINTENANCE ISSUES WERE FOUND. AFTER THE FIRE GEICO INSURANCE TOOK POSSESION OF THE CAR AND MERCEDES USA WAS GRANTED ACCESS. AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS HAVENT BEEN ABLE TO MAKE CONTACT WITH MBUSA SINCE THEN, NO CALLBACK
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz S550. The contact stated while parking the vehicle he noticed that the "power steering malfunction" light was illuminated and the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that he waited and then restarted the vehicle and the vehicle regained power steering functionality.…
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The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz S550. The contact stated while parking the vehicle he noticed that the "power steering malfunction" light was illuminated and the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that he waited and then restarted the vehicle and the vehicle regained power steering functionality. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was later towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed however, the mechanic could not determine the cause of the failure. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V899000 (Steering). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz S550. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V197000 (STRUCTURE) and the dealer declined to service the recall because the sunroof panel was glass and not plastic. The manufacturer was made aware of the dealer's refusal and …
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The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz S550. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V197000 (STRUCTURE) and the dealer declined to service the recall because the sunroof panel was glass and not plastic. The manufacturer was made aware of the dealer's refusal and contacted the dealer. The manufacturer stated that the dealer would repair the recall. The contact stated she called the dealer again however, the dealer declined to remove the bonding adhesive and replace the front panel per the recall. The failure mileage was not available.
The gear selector on the steering wheel of the Mercedes Benz has a park button on it when you change the car from gear to park you press that button. That part button has stopped working. It is a safety risk as the car cannot be parked at the end of the driving and it stays in the drive mode. I have to open the door to activate …
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The gear selector on the steering wheel of the Mercedes Benz has a park button on it when you change the car from gear to park you press that button. That part button has stopped working. It is a safety risk as the car cannot be parked at the end of the driving and it stays in the drive mode. I have to open the door to activate the parking which is built in to the car
MY WIFE INSTALLED A BABY CAR SEAT IN REAR PASSENGER SEAT. WHEN I UNBUCKLE TO CLEAN UP THE SEAT, SEAT BELTS WERE JAMMED AND LOCKED. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY QUOTED OVER 1200$ JUST FOR SEAT BELT REPLACEMENT.
THE STEERING COLUMN WENT BAD. IT STARTED MAKING NOISE, BUT NOT WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. IF I HAD CONTINUED TO DRIVE IT, IT PROBABLY WOULD HAVE CRASHED. THE CAR ONLY HAD APPROXIMATELY 22,000 MILES ON IT. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 MERCEDES-BENZ S550. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, HE STARTED TO SMELL BURNING BRAKE PAD ODOR INSIDE OF THE CAB OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE PARK BRAKE MALFUNCTION WARNING MESSAGE WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PARK AT A NEAR CAR WASH PARKING LOT AND WHEN EXITING THE VEHI…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 MERCEDES-BENZ S550. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, HE STARTED TO SMELL BURNING BRAKE PAD ODOR INSIDE OF THE CAB OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE PARK BRAKE MALFUNCTION WARNING MESSAGE WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PARK AT A NEAR CAR WASH PARKING LOT AND WHEN EXITING THE VEHICLE, HE SAW SMOKE AND FIRE NEAR THE REAR DRIVER CALIPER. THE CONTACT STATED AN EMPLOYEE FROM THE CAR WASH WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE FIRE OR POLICE DEPARTMENT WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT STATED NO ONE WAS INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED MERCEDES-BENZ OF TAMPA (4400 N DALE MABRY HWY, TAMPA, FL 33614) AND MADE THEM AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR END DRIVER SIDE ACTUATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED YET. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED ON MARCH 16 2019, WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY AND ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WAS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THIS FAILURE. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED IN DECEMBER 2018, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATION STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT, AND HE ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS MAKING AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO TAKE A VIDEO OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE BUT UPON SEEING THE VIDEO THEY DECIDED TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE. THE DEALER WAS ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THAT WITH THE DRIVE SHAFT BRUSH WAS NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THIS FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,387.
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 HIT DEAD CENTER ON THE B PIL…
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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 HIT DEAD CENTER ON THE B PILLAR BETWEEN THE DOORS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE MERCEDES. ALL AIR CURTAINS AND A REAR SEAT AIR BAG DEPLOYED ON THE UNOCCUPIED PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR, NONE DEPLOYED TO PROTECT DRIVER'S HEAD ABEAM THE B PILLAR.. MY WIFE'S HEAD WHIPPED VIOLENTLY TO THE RIGHT TOWARDS THE CRASH, THEN WHIPPED BACK VIOLENTLY TO THE LEFT HITTING THE LARGE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR PROTRUSION BUILT INTO THE B-PILLAR. SHE WAS BRIEFLY UNCONSCIOUS AND SUFFERED A SEVERE CONCUSSION AND MAYBE MORE AS MEDICAL TESTS ARE STILL ON GOING. IN ADDITION, SHE SUFFERED 4 HERNIATED DISCS IN HER NECK, 2 SEVERE. SHE ALSO SUFFERED AN ACUTE HERNIATED DISC IN HER LOWER BACK AS WELL AS NOW HAS SOME TMJ ISSUES WITH HER JAW AND HAS TO WEAR A MOUTHPIECE TO SLEEP. NO AIR BAGS OR SIDE AIR CURTAINS DEPLOYED ON THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE CAR, THAT WOULD HAVE HELPED PROTECT HER HEAD AND LIKELY LESSENED THE SIDE TO SIDE WHIPLASH CAUSING THE HERNIATED DISC ISSUES. WHEN I CALLED MERCEDES BENZ TO INQUIRE WHY NO DRIVERS SIDE AIR CURTAINS OR AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, I RECEIVED A LETTER BACK SAYING THEY WERE NOT DESIGNED TO DEPLOY IN THIS CASE THE CAR, WAS A TOTAL LOSS WITH A $65,000 SETTLEMENT CHECK. MB IS SAYING ONLY THE SIDE CURTAINS ON THE SIDE THE CRASH OCCURRED DEPLOY IN THIS CASE PROTECTING NO ONE. AT THIS HIGH RATE OF SPEED, WITH MB STATING IN A LETTER THAT THE CAR'S AIR BAG PREFORMED AS PROGRAMMED, I THINK THERE IS A MAJOR SAFETY FLAW THAT LIKELY HAS CAUSED OTHER SERIOUS INJURIES OR DEATH.
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.
Official recalls
523V854000 · 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
1PE21001 · 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
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