CSR

Mercedes-Benz · NHTSA safety record

2015 Mercedes-Benz S550

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

41

Complaints

4

Crashes

3

Fires

7

Injuries

0

Deaths

Owners of the 2015 Mercedes-Benz S550 have filed 41 safety complaints with NHTSA between August 2014 and January 2026. The most complained-about system is the seat belts, named in 7 of them (17%). The typical failure was reported at 22,300 miles, the median across the 17 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

NHTSA has issued 5 recalls covering this vehicle.

Recalls (5)

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

23V854000 · December 15, 2023

The 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.
The risk
A detached roof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC · up to 2,976 vehicles across all model years covered

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

21V197000 · March 19, 2021

The 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.
The risk
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.
The 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.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC · up to 15,096 vehicles across all model years covered

COMMUNICATION

19V787000 · November 1, 2019

The 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
The risk
An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.
The 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.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. · up to 24,226 vehicles across all model years covered · fixed by software update

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

17V177000 · March 14, 2017

The 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.
The risk
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.
The 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.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. · up to 51 vehicles across all model years covered

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

16V899000 · December 14, 2016

The 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.
The risk
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.
The 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.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. · up to 70 vehicles across all model years covered

Defect investigations (1)

An investigation means NHTSA has decided a pattern is worth examining. A preliminary evaluation is often closed with no action; an engineering analysis is the stage that usually precedes a recall.

Front Roof Panel Detachment

PE21001

Closed preliminary evaluation · opened January 8, 2021 · closed October 14, 2021 · led to recall 21V197000

the body structure

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

What owners report

Complaints naming each system. One complaint can name several, so these add up to more than 41.

SEAT BELTS 7 17%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 7 17%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 5 12%
STRUCTURE 5 12%
WHEELS 5 12%
AIR BAGS 4 10%
STEERING 4 10%
ENGINE 3 7%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 2 5%
SERVICE BRAKES 2 5%
TIRES 2 5%
VISIBILITY 2 5%

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2023 at 7.

2014 2023 2026
2014 to 2026, the last of them a part year

In owners' own words

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

AIR BAGS

3 injured · crash · towed

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

NHTSA complaint 11298177, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS

2 injured · crash · towed · 11,000 miles

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 TO THE LEFT HAND AND LEGS. THE CONTACT WAS RECOMMENDED TO HAVE SURGERY FOR THE NERVE DAMAGE. THE CONTACT'S MOTHER SUFFERED BRUISING AND A CONCUSSION. BOTH OCCUPANTS RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A BODY SHOP AND WAS DEEMED REPAIRABLE. IT WAS UNKNOWN IF A DEALER WAS CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS PERFORMED AS INTENDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE

NHTSA complaint 11075716, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

1 injured · 150 miles

DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND HEARD A LOUD SOUND. THE GLASS ON THE SUNROOF EXPLODED AND BROKE OFF IN CHUNKS HITTING DRIVER REPEATEDLY UNTIL APPROXIMATELY 80% OF THE GLASS COLLAPSED. GLASS SHARDS CUT DRIVER. MBWORLD SHOWS SIMILAR INCIDENTS TO OTHER MERCEDES-BENZ VEHICLES. MERCEDES-BENZ AUTOBAHN BELMONT, CA AND MERCEDES BENZ (CORPORATE NJ) WOULD NOT COVER UNDER WARRANTY OR ADMIT DEFECT. SEE SAMPLE OF POSTINGS: *TR

NHTSA complaint 10715024. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STRUCTURE:BODY

1 injured · 4,500 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 MERCEDES BENZ S550. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATED ON THE HIGHWAY, ANOTHER DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND ALMOST CAUSED A SIDE IMPACT ACCIDENT. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE INTO THE MEDIAN. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN BACK OVER TO THE HIGHWAY, THE FORCE CAUSED THE CONTACT'S WIFE TO HIT THE DOOR AND IT OPENED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO BRING TO THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND GET THE DOOR CLOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SMAIL MERCEDES WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT FAILURE WAS INHERENT TO GERMAN VEHICLES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE WHERE A CASE WAS OPENED AND THEY OFFERED $5,000 TOWARD THE PURCHASE OF A NEW

NHTSA complaint 11006490, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STEERING
I loss my electric steering assist!!! Takes 2 gorillas to turn the wheel i was able to stop without crashing into anything

NHTSA complaint 11714612. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

152,000 miles

The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz S550. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH and approaching a stop, the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. There was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine, and the brakes squeaked while turning. While refueling the vehicle, there was fuel leaking from the vehicle. The contact stated that while driving and attempting to stop, the brake pedal was depressed and felt loose, and the vehicle hesitated while coming to a stop. The vehicle was restarted and taken to a local dealer; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. Several local independent

NHTSA complaint 11678585, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS

10,000 miles

The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz S550. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the air bag warning light remained illuminated, with the message "Front Drivers Air Bag Malfunction - Service Required" displayed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V177000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, AIR BAGS). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 10,000.

NHTSA complaint 11665098. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
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 complaint 11655140. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STRUCTURE:BODY
Roof panel between windshield and panoramic sunroof has developed fine hairline fractures on the polycarbonate panel. Why wasn't my vehicle included in recall 21V-197? Thanks for your time.

NHTSA complaint 11653399. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STEERING
The steering wheel became difficult to control.Also,steering wheel module waring light came on.

NHTSA complaint 11647210. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Mercedes-Benz S550

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2017 16 10
2016 15 5
2014 24 5
2011 8 2

Other 2015 Mercedes-Benz models

Every Mercedes-Benz on this site — 216 vehicles, 576 recall campaigns and 1 open investigation .

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. What each state asks for , read from the statutes.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst