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.
2012 Mercedes-Benz E550Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 17 owner complaints about the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E550, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 17V-017 the manufacturer reports only 71% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 12, 2025. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E550 has problems
17 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
8Air bags
4Electrical system
4Steering
2Seat belts
1Wheels
1Fuel system, gasoline
1Service brakes, hydraulic
1Suspension
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 8 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 4 | 0 |
| Steering | 4 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 2 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 1 | 0 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 1 | 1 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2012 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 · 2019 Q4
Air bags: frontal
Risk. If the driver air bag inadvertently deploys, it can increase the risk of injury and a crash.
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.
no report yet
Air bags: side/window
Risk. In the event of an accident necessitating the deployment of the right window curtain air bag, the improper stitching may cause it to deflate more quickly than…
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
2012 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
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E550, and the recalls they led to.
- Rear brake line failureNo recall
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 A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ E550. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V010000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL…
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ E550. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V010000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL…
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ E550. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V017000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. MERCEDES-BENZ OF FT. PIERCE (4500 S US-1, FORT…
Own a 2012 E550?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.