2008 Mercedes Benz S550
Only 19 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 19 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2007 | 54 |
| 2008 | 19 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 19 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
4 of 19 total reports mention: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
We were traveling home and our TPMS indicated a tire failure. The PSI starting dropping rapidly. We took the tire off and found that only 4 " of rubber holding the back sidewall together on the tire.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230928
4 of 19 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz S550. The contact stated while driving 40-50 MPH, the vehicle was shuddering intermittently. The contact stated that the failure recurred while at a complete stop. The check engine warning light was illuminated.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240314
I WAS IN UNFAMILIAR AREA. REMOTE KEY WOULD NOT OPERATE. WHEN USING SMALL KEY TO ENTER VEHICLE CAR SIREN WOULD NOT QUIT BLARING AND .NEW BATTERIES DID NOT HELP. MERCEDES RESPONDER TOLD ME I HAD INOPERATIVE "DEAD" KEY. CAR OF COURSE WAS INOPERATIVE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130823
2 of 19 total reports mention: suspension.
Show complaint excerpts
I HAD TO REPLACE BOTH FRONT AIR SHOCKS AROUND 90,000 MILES. NO OFF ROAD DRIVING. BOTH AIR STRUTS LEAKED WITHIN 4 MONTHS . SUSPENSION WARNING LIGHT CANE ON FIRST. THEN A MESSAGE TO STOP THE CAR AND NOT OPERATE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180904
2 of 19 total reports mention: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
MERCEDES BENZ, S550, 4MATIC, 2008. I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN AND I WAS MOVING FORWARD AT ABOUT 15-20 MILES PER HOUR, THE CAR CAME TO A SUDDEN STOP.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130311
2 of 19 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
CAR STALLED WHILE DRIVING ON 10 FWY GOING FROM AZ TO CALIF. WOULD NOT RESTART & WAS TOWED TO PALM SPRINGS MBZ. NOT OPEN TIL MON 27TH. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20110626
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2008 Mercedes Benz S550 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for tires issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (2 reports on file for this year).
FAQ
Is the 2008 Mercedes Benz S550 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Mercedes Benz S550?
The most-reported component is tires, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Mercedes Benz S550 have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.