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2012 Mercedes-Benz S550Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 5 owner complaints about the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S550, most often about the engine. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 11V-493 the manufacturer reports only 30% of affected cars repaired.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls2Lowest repair rate 30%Owner complaints51 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage57kEngine, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 26, 2024. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S550 has problems

5 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine31
Fuel/propulsion system30
Electrical system10
Steering11

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

2 recalls

2012 Mercedes-Benz S550 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.

–no report yet

Fuel system, gasoline

Recall 12V-557 · Dec 3, 2012 · 5,800 vehicles

Risk. If the fuel filter flange cracks, it will leak fuel which may lead to a fire if an external ignition source is present.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

30%repaired · 2015 Q4

Tires: pressure monitoring and regulating systems

Recall 11V-493 · Oct 3, 2011 · 158 vehicles · 48 repaired

Risk. If all four wheel sensors in the subject vehicles are simultaneously malfunctioning or missing, the TPMS will provide an initial warning, but this warning will…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

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 S550 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 S550 median. How we score

'07'08'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What S550 owners report

Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

I purchased this vehicle in July 2020. I did a through check for recalls, warranty problems and could not identify any with this vehicle. From the get go the check engine light would come on. I checked the codes and they indicated an "electrical fault on bank 1, oxygen sensor 1. I replaced the…
Complaint 11610863 · Aug 26, 2024
VEHICLE CUT ON FIRE WHILE SITTING LUCKY OUTSIDE, THE CORNER OF ENGINE PASSENGER SIDE BELLOW THE HEADLIGHT STORES THE SUSPENSION AIR PUMP AND ELECTRIC HYDRAULIC STEERING PUMP.. BASE ON MY INSPECTION THE EHPS HEATED AND SET ON FIRE.SOMEONE SAW THE CAR ON FIRE AND CALLED FIRE DEPT.. CAR WAS LOCK AND…
Complaint 11413503 · Apr 23, 2021 · 22,300 miles
THERE IS AN PLASTIC PLUG IN THE OIL SYSTEM THAT LEAKS OIL FROM THE ENGINE ON TO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. THIS WAS REPORTED BECAUSE OF INCREASED OIL CONSUMPTION, VAPOR IN THE ENGINE SPACE AND A SMELL OF BURNED OIL. THE PLASTIC PLUG IS KNOWN TO LEAK AND MERCEDES DOES NOTHING ABOUT THIS DURING WARRANTY…
Complaint 11194863 · Apr 9, 2019 · 92,565 miles

Own a 2012 S550?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.