2011 Mercedes-Benz S550
Only 9 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 9 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 9
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2011
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2011: 9 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 16 |
| 2011 | 9 |
| 2012 | 5 |
| 2013 | 7 |
| 2014 | 24 |
| 2015 | 41 |
| 2016 | 15 |
| 2017 | 16 |
Known problem areas
Only 9 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Fuel/propulsion system
2 of 9 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.
Show complaint excerpts
My driver side Rear seat underneath is leaking gasoline. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE If the fuel filter flange cracks, it will leak fuel which may lead to a fire if an external ignition source is present. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number…
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-05-08
I am filing a complaint with your agency regarding a fuel pump malfunction with my 2011 Mercedes S550 (VIN# [XXX]), because I feel that the incident below is a major safety concern and is similarly situated to the following NHTSA Campaign...
NHTSA ODI report, 2022-03-18
Forward collision avoidance
2 of 9 total reports mention: forward collision avoidance, most commonly citing warnings and automatic emergency braking.
Show complaint excerpts
The instrument cluster on my 2011 Mercedes-Benz S550 (W221) is locked by a persistent red âBattery Not Chargedâ warning message.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-18
Also filed under Exterior lighting
Vehicle speed control
1 of 9 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
Suspension
1 of 9 total reports mentions: suspension, most commonly citing springs/bags.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact's daughter owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz S550. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the garage, the contact noticed that the air suspension had collapsed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-04-29
Structure
1 of 9 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing body.
Show complaint excerpts
Iabout 2 months ago, I was unable to start my car. It had a warning message 'services required. Do not shift the gear'. We towed our car to the dealer and learned that the backseat flood had standing water! This caused the electronic shortage.
NHTSA ODI report, 2020-09-23
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2013-02-15Fuel system, gasoline12V557000 Mercedes-Benz is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 S400, S550, S550 4Matic, S63 AMG, C300, C300 4Matic, E350, GLK350, GLK350 4Matic, CL550 4Matic, and CL63 AMG vehicles manufactured from April…
Remedy: Mercedes-Benz will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel filter, free of charge. The recall campaign is expected to begin in February 2013. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at…
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2014-09-12Tires11V493000 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (Mercedes Benz) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 S550, S550 CGI, S63, S600 Bi-Turbo, S65 AMG, S550 4-Matic, and S550 CGI 4-Matic and S400 Hybrid vehicles manufactured…
Remedy: Mercedes Benz will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the tire pressure monitoring unit, free of charge. The recall began on September 12, 2014. Owners may contact Mercedes Benz at…
Buy-smart checklist
2011 Mercedes-Benz S550 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Fuel/propulsion system: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Forward collision avoidance: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 12V557000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 11V493000 · Tires
FAQ
- Is the 2011 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 2011 Mercedes-Benz S550?
- The most-reported component is fuel/propulsion system, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2011 Mercedes-Benz S550 have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.