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2017 Mercedes-Benz S550 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.
16
Latest Jul 12, 2025
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.
0

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2017 Mercedes-Benz S550, 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

  • Visibility423.5%
  • Steering317.6%
  • Airbags211.8%
  • Body & structure211.8%
  • Fuel system15.9%
  • Exterior lighting15.9%
  • Powertrain (other)15.9%
  • Seat belts15.9%
  • Engine15.9%
  • Electrical15.9%

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

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The dashboard is separating where the airbag is on the passenger side and also the driver side which could deploy the airbag

NHTSA ID 11595072 · filed Jun 18, 2024

The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz S550. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH and closing the sunroof, he heard a cracking sound and the sunroof failed to close properly. The contact stated he attempted to open and close the sunroof however, the sunroof only partially closed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was similar to the failure mentioned in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V197000 (Structure). The contact was then referred to the NHTSA to file a complaint. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 38,000.

NHTSA ID 11469322 · filed Jun 15, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Steering wheel will move in and out, but has stopped moving up and down. The steering wheel is stuck in the UP position. This has caused me to readjust all my seat settings and has made it more difficult to see the dash.

NHTSA ID 11673103 · filed Jul 12, 2025

Had my S550 into this dealership two (2) consecutive years for a power steering rack issue that ended up being related to rodent damage. The first time it happened the dealership replaced the wiring free of charge after discovering it, after initially telling me that the rack itself would have to be replaced. This year both the wiring and the rack itself needed to be replaced, and I was made to go through my auto insurance to have it fixed. My sons Cadillac, and my girlfriends Range Rover Sport share the same driveways with me, and have had no rodent damage. I did a bit of research and found that Mercedes now designs their cables with soy based materials, which attract rats, so the fact that my car has been eaten twice is more or less by MB design, as they apparently care more about the environment than they do about my ability to steer my car continuously for 1 year straight. My service Manager and his Manager acknowledged that they see this a lot, and were laughing when I asked for an inedible cable. I submitted a complaint to MBUSA, one which I had to continuously follow up on, as they weren’t proactive at all, and after contacting me this AM, they informed me that they don’t see a problem, and are not considering reimbursing me for my $750 deductible, or the 3 + weeks that I was without my car between both incidents. My issue isn’t necessarily with the dealership, although if they are quick to acknowledge that their cables are attractive to animals, they should have in my estimation been my advocate in the complaint. Mercedes can make their decisions, and for me it wasn’t really about the money anyway, rather the inherent safety issue that their design decisions have caused for me and for my family.

NHTSA ID 11517064 · filed Apr 14, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The dashboard is separating where the airbag is on the passenger side and also the driver side which could deploy the airbag

NHTSA ID 11595072 · filed Jun 18, 2024

The leather is coming out of the dashboard as a result of that the air bag on the passenger front window is coming out. you can literally see the white part of the air bag. its a matter of time before the leather comes out all the way and the air bag will pop out. the dealer refuses to fix it and the car is still under warranty.

NHTSA ID 11483911 · filed Sep 11, 2022

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz S550. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH and closing the sunroof, he heard a cracking sound and the sunroof failed to close properly. The contact stated he attempted to open and close the sunroof however, the sunroof only partially closed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was similar to the failure mentioned in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V197000 (Structure). The contact was then referred to the NHTSA to file a complaint. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 38,000.

NHTSA ID 11469322 · filed Jun 15, 2022

The vehicle panoramic sunroof came across a discrepancy that can damage the owner and other innocent vehicles on the road. Since it has been stuck on one side it can possibly break and fly off. The vehicle has been recalled, unfortunately my vehicles vin number was not chosen although it has the similar problems that the recall vehicles had. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair.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 of a crash.

NHTSA ID 11469252 · filed Jun 14, 2022

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I was sold a vehicle by a dealership with a busted gas tank. It appears to have been an attempt to repair it with patching material. I am unsure if the defect was a result of manufacturing versus acquired damage. My safety is at risk because of leaking gas that could potentially ignite and inhaling strong gas fumes that could impact my lungs and health. The fuel tank damage has been confirmed by a mechanic and documented. It has not been inspected by any other entity while in my possession other than reported inspection by the dealership. I secured the vehicle on [XXX] from the dealership with these safety concerns. A mechanic stated the damage could have resulted either with the dealership or during on and off the trailer during transport of the vehicle from Florida to Indiana. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11581358 · filed Apr 5, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

This car since new has had moisture in the headlight from rain or washing. MB has installed moisture packets in the headlights that they said would fix the problem. It never did. I called the dealership and complained, they said sorry but that was their fix (MB TSB LI82.10-P-062051). Now the lights have failed, and they want me to spend $10K to replace the headlights and continue with the same issue. The problem still exists with the new headlights. This is not only a poor way to fix an ongoing problem (Moisture packets) for something that is severely related to safety on the highways in America. I believe you will agree. Please respond? Thank you

NHTSA ID 11597343 · filed Jun 27, 2024

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

The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz S550. The contact stated while the vehicle was in for routine maintenance, the mechanic discovered that the front driver's side CV-boot had cracked and was leaking oil. The contact was advised that the CV-boot could cause the front axle to eventually fail. The contact was advised that the front axle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 76,000.

NHTSA ID 11631560 · filed Dec 19, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz S550. The contact stated the vehicle's front passenger seat belt failed to lock into the seat buckle. The failure occurred intermittently. The contact had taken the vehicle to a certified mechanic who stated the entire seat belt buckle needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V829000 (Seat Belts). The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000

NHTSA ID 11480834 · filed Aug 23, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

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

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

B Camshaft position timing over-advanced or system performance Bank1 A Camshaft position timing over-advanced or system performance Bank 2 and Mercedes Benz didn't want to fix this problem and just wanted to change out the engine for 50 thousand dollars. the car is a 2017 w222 Mercedes Benz s550 s Class with a m278 engine.

NHTSA ID 11525746 · filed Jun 6, 2023

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

STARTING OUT FROM AN INTERSECTION THE ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM DIED, NO ENGINE, NO LIGHTS, NO ABILITY TO OPEN TRUNK, NOTHING. I AM REPORTING THIS BECAUSE I FEAR SUCH AN EVENT COULD BE LIFE-THREATENING, EG. IF IT HAPPENED WHILE TRAVELING AT A HIGH SPEED. I BELIEVE THE AIRBAGS MAY HAVE BEEN DISABLED ALONG WITH ALL OTHER ELECTRICAL. DEALER REPORTS THERE WAS A SIMILAR EVENT WITH ANOTHER OF THE SAME CAR ONE WEEK EARLIER, AND THAT IT IS APPARENTLY CAUSED BY A CONTACT FOR THE BATTERY GROUND "BURNING OUT." I BELIEVE THERE SHOULD BE AN URGENT RECALL.

NHTSA ID 11075262 · filed Feb 27, 2018

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 .