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

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 24, 2025. Updated daily. Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0.
24 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 3 | 0 |
| Air bags | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 0 |
| Power train | 2 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 2 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 2 | 0 |
| Suspension | 2 | 0 |
| Visibility | 2 | 1 |
| Visibility/wiper | 2 | 1 |
| 12 other systems | 12 | 2 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
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.
Risk. A detached roof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.
Risk. If the control unit pins lose connection, there would be a loss of electric power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
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.
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
Federal investigations that included the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S550, and the recalls they led to.
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
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…
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.
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.