repaired · 2026 Q3
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
2011 Mercedes-Benz E550Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 61 owner complaints about the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E550, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 16V-081 the manufacturer reports only 65% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through April 30, 2024. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E550 has problems
61 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
32Air bags1 crash/fire/injury
20Suspension1 crash/fire/injury
2Service brakes
2Engine
2Fuel/propulsion system
1Visibility/wiper
1Electrical system
1Lane departure
1Power train
11 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 32 | 1 |
| Suspension | 20 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 2 | 0 |
| Engine | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 1 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 1 | 1 |
| Lane departure | 1 | 0 |
| Power train | 1 | 0 |
| 1 other systems | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2011 Mercedes-Benz E550 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Driver side: inflator module
Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other…
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Mercedes-Benz.
Best & worst years
2011 vs. every other E550 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the E550 median. How we score
'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
2 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E550, and the recalls they led to.
- Rear brake line failureNo recall
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
In owners' words
What E550 owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS 2011 MERCEDES BENZ E550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER SON WAS DRIVING 5 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE HEAD BUT DID NOT SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION. A…
I HAVE BEEN RECEIVING RECALL NOTICES FOR OVER A YEAR AND THE DEALER MAKES AN APPOINTMENT AND THEN CANCELS THE APPOINTMENT. THEY HAVE NEVER RETURNED MY CALLS REGARDING THIS RECALL EXCEPT TO CANCEL THE APPOINTMENTS I HAVE HAD MY OTHER RECALLED VEHICLE REPAIRED ALMOST A YEAR AGO. WHEN CAN I GET MY…
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONSUMER OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ E550. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS) WAS RECEIVED. AFTER CONTACTING ASTORG AUTO OF CHARLESTON (5 DUDLEY FARMS LN, CHARLESTON, WEST VA), THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS…
Own a 2011 E550?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.