RoadVitals

2011 Mercedes-Benz E550 Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
61
Latest Apr 30, 2024
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
10
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
4

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.

32
reports

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 ##

NHTSA ID 11351829 · filed Aug 28, 2020

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.

NHTSA ID 11269007 · filed Oct 16, 2019
All 32 reports naming airbags

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

20
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 11500100 · filed Jan 4, 2023

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.

NHTSA ID 11493609 · filed Nov 15, 2022
All 20 reports naming suspension

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

2
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 11493623 · filed Nov 15, 2022

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

NHTSA ID 10648992 · filed Oct 21, 2014

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

BRAKE LINE CORRODED LEAKING. FUEL LINE CCORRODED

NHTSA ID 10902081 · filed Aug 28, 2016

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.

NHTSA ID 10855669 · filed Apr 15, 2016

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

BRAKE LINE CORRODED LEAKING. FUEL LINE CCORRODED

NHTSA ID 10902081 · filed Aug 28, 2016

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

NHTSA ID 10648992 · filed Oct 21, 2014

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.

1
report

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.

NHTSA ID 11483014 · filed Sep 6, 2022

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.

1
report

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.

NHTSA ID 11012515 · filed Aug 3, 2017

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.

1
report

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

NHTSA ID 11443261 · filed Dec 9, 2021

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.

1
report

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

NHTSA ID 11352674 · filed Sep 1, 2020

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.

1
report

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.

NHTSA ID 11493623 · filed Nov 15, 2022

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

Data on this page last refreshed .