2014 Mercedes-Benz S550Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 24 owner complaints about the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S550, most often about the steering. It is covered by 5 safety recalls, and for recall 23V-854 the manufacturer reports only 41% of affected cars repaired.

2014 Mercedes-Benz S550

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 24, 2025. Updated daily. Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0.

Complaints by system

Where the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S550 has problems

24 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
Steering30
Air bags22
Fuel/propulsion system20
Power train20
Seat belts20
Service brakes20
Suspension20
Visibility21
Visibility/wiper21
12 other systems122

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

5 recalls

2014 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.

41%repaired · 2025 Q4

Body: roof and pillars

Recall 23V-854 · Dec 15, 2023 · 2,976 vehicles · 1,209 repaired

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

55%repaired · 2023 Q3

Body: roof and pillars

Recall 21V-197 · Mar 19, 2021 · 15,096 vehicles · 8,323 repaired

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…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

78%repaired · 2021 Q1

Communication

Recall 19V-787 · Nov 1, 2019 · 24,226 vehicles · 18,993 repaired

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

83%repaired · 2019 Q1

Steering: electric power assist system

Recall 16V-899 · Dec 14, 2016 · 70 vehicles · 58 repaired

Risk. If the control unit pins lose connection, there would be a loss of electric power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 1 more recall
89%repaired · 2015 Q2

Front: anchorage

Recall 13V-576 · Nov 20, 2013 · 290 vehicles · 259 repaired

Risk. If the seat belt anchor comes loose, in the event of a crash, the occupant may not be properly secured, increasing the risk of injury.

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

2014 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
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S550, and the recalls they led to.

  1. Front Roof Panel DetachmentPE21001 · closed Oct 14, 2021
    Led to recall 21V-197
In owners' words

What S550 owners report

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

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? -Steering :Electrical Power Assist, Drive Shaft
Complaint 11440259 · Nov 12, 2021
ACCORDING TO THE RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 16V899000 AND THE VEHICLE INSPECTION REPORT FROM THE LOCAL MERCEDES DEALERSHIP SHOW AS AN IDENTICAL ISSUE. HOWEVER, MY VEHICLE IS NOT IDENTIFIED AS APART OF THE RECALL. THE RECALL STATES THE ISSUE IS DUE TO THE STEERING CONTROL UNIT NOT BEING…
Complaint 11102977 · Jun 21, 2018
WHEN MAKING TURNS BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT, THERE IS A MOANING NOISE HEARD. CAUSE: LOWER ENGINE COMPARTMENT CENTER AND REAR, STEEERING COUPLING, RUBBER BELLOWS ON STEERING.
Complaint 10838560 · Feb 26, 2016

Own a 2014 S550?

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