2011 Mercedes-Benz E550 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E550, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Airbags3250.8%
- Suspension2031.7%
- Engine23.2%
- Brakes23.2%
- Fuel system23.2%
- Driver assistance11.6%
- Visibility11.6%
- Powertrain (other)11.6%
- Body & structure11.6%
- Electrical11.6%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A BODY SHOP. FOR THE BODY WORK OF THE ACCIDENT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS) THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER BUT THE CONTACT CALLED MERCEDES-BENZ OF WESTMONT (200 E OGDEN AVE, WESTMONT, IL 605590 AND WAS INFORMED THEM OF THE FAILURE. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 68,972. PART DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. ## VIN PASSED ## MERCEDES-BENZ E550W4 2011 ##
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 VEHICLE REPAIRED? THE DEALER IS MERCEDES-BENZ OF STEVENS CREEK.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
The vehicle felt like it was all over the road at highway speeds. Took it to a mechanic and the rear subframe had become weakened with premature rust. The mounting point for one of the rear suspension arms had broken off of the subframe and was making contact with my gas tank. I called the dealer to see if there were any recalls. No recalls for this issue however there are a few reports on this website. I have also been on forums for my vehicle and it is a VERY common problem on these vehicles. From what i gather this is a widespread issue, and the fact that it could possibly puncture a gas tank and cause serious injury that something should be done to correct the concern.
When I parked my car there was a loud hissing sound near left front end but no smoke or anything from under the hood. When I drove it again I received a warning of (MALFUNCTION) when I was turning left the front left tire was grinding on the actual car and barely made it home. The car warning turned red and said pull over car too low. When I parked the car the front left side is now sitting on tire and touching the ground. Unable to drive. Not been investigated by a mechanic, insurance, etc. There was also an airbag warning before this issue. The contact has stated that she is disabled, and the vehicle is not currently drivable.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The issue with the vehicle's electrical causing power to the starter to stay on even after the vehicle is in the park and turned off, the starter's Solenoid and other electrical parts burn, its a serious fire hazard and needs to be addressed immediately.
BEGINNING SOMETIME IN MAY 2013, THE CAR BEGAN LEAKING FUMES INTO THE PASSENGER CABIN WHICH MADE ME VERY ILL. AFTER TAKING IT TO BOTH PARK PLACE MERCEDES HERE IN DALLAS, AND THEN MERCEDES BENZ OF PLANO, NEITHER SERVICE DEPARTMENT COULD DETERMINE WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. AFTER REPEATED ATTEMPTS TO GET TO THE BOTTOM OF THE MATTER WITH PARK PLACE, I TOOK IT TO MERCEDES BENZ OF PLANO IN NOVEMBER 2013. THEY EVALUATED THE CAR, CHANGED THE BATTERY, AND GAVE THE CAR BACK TO ME IN DECEMBER OF 2013 FOR A WEEKEND, CLAIMING IT WAS FIXED. THE CAR, HOWEVER, WAS CONTINUING TO LEAK FUMES INTO THE PASSENGER CABIN, SICKENING ME AGAIN. I RETURNED THE CAR TO THEM FOR FURTHER EVALUATION. THEY CLAIMED TO HAVE REPAIRED IT, BUT INSTEAD OF GETTING IN THE CAR, I SENT AN INDUSTRIAL HYGIENIST TO TEST THE INSIDE AIR OF THE CAR, AFTER STARTING IT UP AND LETTING IT RUN FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES. THAT TEST FOUND UNUSUALLY LARGE CONCENTRATIONS OF ETHANOL, PROPENE, ISOPROPANOL, ACETONE, TOLUENE, HEXANE, AND CYCLOHEXANE -- CHEMICALS WHICH ALL APPEAR TO BE COMPONENTS OF GASOLINE. I AM STILL, AS OF THIS WRITING, IN OCTOBER 2014, WRANGLING WITH MERCEDES BENZ AND MERCEDES BENZ OF PLANO OVER REPAIR TO MY CAR. I WOULD BE HAPPY TO PROVIDE YOU WITH A COPY OF THE REPORT OF THE AIR TEST FROM THE INTERIOR OF MY 2011 MERCEDES BENZ E550 COUPE. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
BRAKE LINE CORRODED LEAKING. FUEL LINE CCORRODED
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ E550. UPON INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE FAILURE WITH THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL MAY HAVE BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKING SYSTEM. AS THE FAILURE PROGRESSED, THE FRONT BRAKES OVERHEATED AND WARPED PREMATURELY DUE TO THE FRONT DISCS AND ROTORS. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE ROTORS WERE WARPED AND REPLACED THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS. THE FAILURE RECURRED WITH THE BRAKES HAVING A STRONG SENSATION, OVERHEATING, AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO BE UNSTABLE WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
BRAKE LINE CORRODED LEAKING. FUEL LINE CCORRODED
BEGINNING SOMETIME IN MAY 2013, THE CAR BEGAN LEAKING FUMES INTO THE PASSENGER CABIN WHICH MADE ME VERY ILL. AFTER TAKING IT TO BOTH PARK PLACE MERCEDES HERE IN DALLAS, AND THEN MERCEDES BENZ OF PLANO, NEITHER SERVICE DEPARTMENT COULD DETERMINE WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. AFTER REPEATED ATTEMPTS TO GET TO THE BOTTOM OF THE MATTER WITH PARK PLACE, I TOOK IT TO MERCEDES BENZ OF PLANO IN NOVEMBER 2013. THEY EVALUATED THE CAR, CHANGED THE BATTERY, AND GAVE THE CAR BACK TO ME IN DECEMBER OF 2013 FOR A WEEKEND, CLAIMING IT WAS FIXED. THE CAR, HOWEVER, WAS CONTINUING TO LEAK FUMES INTO THE PASSENGER CABIN, SICKENING ME AGAIN. I RETURNED THE CAR TO THEM FOR FURTHER EVALUATION. THEY CLAIMED TO HAVE REPAIRED IT, BUT INSTEAD OF GETTING IN THE CAR, I SENT AN INDUSTRIAL HYGIENIST TO TEST THE INSIDE AIR OF THE CAR, AFTER STARTING IT UP AND LETTING IT RUN FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES. THAT TEST FOUND UNUSUALLY LARGE CONCENTRATIONS OF ETHANOL, PROPENE, ISOPROPANOL, ACETONE, TOLUENE, HEXANE, AND CYCLOHEXANE -- CHEMICALS WHICH ALL APPEAR TO BE COMPONENTS OF GASOLINE. I AM STILL, AS OF THIS WRITING, IN OCTOBER 2014, WRANGLING WITH MERCEDES BENZ AND MERCEDES BENZ OF PLANO OVER REPAIR TO MY CAR. I WOULD BE HAPPY TO PROVIDE YOU WITH A COPY OF THE REPORT OF THE AIR TEST FROM THE INTERIOR OF MY 2011 MERCEDES BENZ E550 COUPE. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
The passenger door will not open from the inside. The vehicle has not been inspected by any parties yet. No warning messages are currently displayed.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ E550. WHEN THE DRIVER RETURNED TO HER PARKED VEHICLE, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WAS CRASHED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A COLLISION CENTER AND THE COSMETIC REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. AFTERWARDS, THE CONTACT BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE A LEAK ABOVE THE REARVIEW MIRROR. THE FAILURE WAS PERSISTENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER (TAFEL MOTOR COMPANY 4156 SHELBYVILLE ROAD, LOUISVILLE, KY 40207), BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A SUN ROOF TECHNICIAN WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WAS DETACHED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE LOCAL DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER ALSO STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR A DIFFERENT MODEL VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 83,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
Transmission cooler which i manufactured inside the radiator failed causing transmission fluid to mix with anti-freeze/coolant, now the transmission slips and per recommendation from a mercedes dealership the vehicle needs a new transmission, torque converter, radiator, radiator cap, new upper and lower radiator hoses, new upper and lower radiator overflow hoses, new thermostat and the entire cooling system to be flushed and the transmission lines to be flushed, estimated at $11,200 for the repair
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE SUN ROOF MAKES A LOUD CRACKING NOISE WHEN YOU HIT CERTAIN BUMPS OR DIPS IN THE ROAD. IT DOES IT MORE WHEN THE WEATHER IS HOT. I HAVE NOTICED THAT CERTAIN MODELS YEARS HAVE BEEN RECALLED. THIS CAR DEFINITELY HAS A SUNROOF ISSUE AND ITS HAD THIS PROBLEM SINCE I PURCHASED IT ABOUT A YEAR AGO
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The issue with the vehicle's electrical causing power to the starter to stay on even after the vehicle is in the park and turned off, the starter's Solenoid and other electrical parts burn, its a serious fire hazard and needs to be addressed immediately.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .