Owners have filed 22 complaints
about the 2013 Mercedes Benz E550 with NHTSA between 2015 and 2024.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 5 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 26
Against the median year of the Mercedes Benz E550. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 0
0% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 92
54% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2013 compares with every other Mercedes Benz E550
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2013 Mercedes Benz E550
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Airbags
836.4%
Median failure at 24,000 miles
Suspension
313.6%
Median failure at 35,030 miles
Body & Structure
313.6%
Median failure at 46,030 miles
Brakes
313.6%
Median failure at 70,000 miles
Engine & Cooling
313.6%
Median failure at 89,000 miles
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance
14.5%
Median failure at 20,800 miles
Wheels
14.5%
Median failure at 12,788 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
323.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
430.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
215.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
430.8%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
May 2015peak 4Mar 2024
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz E550. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH and depressing the vehicle brake pedal, the vehicle failed to immediately stop. During the failure, the "Forward Collision Avoidance" feature had malfunctioned. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on two separate occasions. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was not contacted regarding the failure. The failure mileage was 20,800.
NHTSA complaint #11576789 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tampa, FL
SUSPENSION
While under a hard stop the vehicle’s rear end started to swing back and forth suddenly causing loss of control of the vehicle. Mercedes Benz diagnosed the problem as a rusted through subframe which they’ve said is a “known issue” and extended the warranty on the part. The part is unavailable and there’s no ETA from Mercedes which means that the vehicle is unsafe to drive and cannot be repaired.
NHTSA complaint #11518503 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tampa, FL
STRUCTURE:BODY
While under a hard stop the vehicle’s rear end started to swing back and forth suddenly causing loss of control of the vehicle. Mercedes Benz diagnosed the problem as a rusted through subframe which they’ve said is a “known issue” and extended the warranty on the part. The part is unavailable and there’s no ETA from Mercedes which means that the vehicle is unsafe to drive and cannot be repaired.
NHTSA complaint #11518503 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,000 milesKaty, TX
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:CRANK/CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz E550. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to the dealer for servicing, the dealer diagnosed that oil had leaked from the cam adjusters to the wiring harness and had reached the ECU. The dealer replaced the camshaft position sensors, the camshaft solenoid and the ECU. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
NHTSA complaint #11517088 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,000 milesKaty, TX
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz E550. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to the dealer for servicing, the dealer diagnosed that oil had leaked from the cam adjusters to the wiring harness and had reached the ECU. The dealer replaced the camshaft position sensors, the camshaft solenoid and the ECU. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
NHTSA complaint #11517088 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,000 milesPhoenixville, PA
STRUCTURE:BODY
Rear frame and brake line damage due to rust and corrosion Problems identified by euro Motorcars Devon (car dealer) Car will not pass safety inspection Outside manufacturer warranty considerations Outside extended warranty considerations
NHTSA complaint #11483266 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,000 milesPhoenixville, PA
SERVICE BRAKES
Rear frame and brake line damage due to rust and corrosion Problems identified by euro Motorcars Devon (car dealer) Car will not pass safety inspection Outside manufacturer warranty considerations Outside extended warranty considerations
NHTSA complaint #11483266 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chesapeake, VA
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES-BENZ E550. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V010000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. ## VIN PASSED ## MERCEDES-BENZ 2013 E550 ##
NHTSA complaint #11377202 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pitman, NJ
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES- BENZ E550. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V043000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. A FAILURE WAS NOT EXPERIENCED. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11297996 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Osprey, FL
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES-BENZ E550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V043000 (AIR BAGS) WAS RECEIVED. AFTER CONTACTING THE DEALER (MERCEDES BENZ OF SARASOTA, 4754 CLARK RD, SARASOTA, FL) AND THE MANUFACTURER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE RECALL REMEDY WERE STILL NOT AVAILABLE AND NO ESTIMATED TIME FOR RECEIVING THE PARTS COULD BE PROVIDED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11218309 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oklahoma City, OK
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES-BENZ E550C. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V010000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. MERCEDES-BENZ OF OKLAHOMA CITY (14240 BROADWAY EXTENSION HWY, EDMOND, OK 73013, (405) 236-1224) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. *TT
NHTSA complaint #11179906 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Alamo, CA
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES-BENZ E550. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V043000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WITHIN A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME. MERCEDES-BENZ OF WALNUT CREEK (1301 PARKSIDE DR, WALNUT CREEK, CA 94596) CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11166518 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 24,000 milesPueblo West, CO
AIR BAGS
TAMARA RECALL. I LEARNED TODAY THAT MB SENT NOTICES SUPPOSEDLY IN FEBRUARY OF 2018 ABOUT CARS THAT WERE NOW OR EVER HAVE BEEN IN THE STATE OF GEORGIA. MINE WAS SOLD IN ATLANTA. I BOUGHT IT AS A CERTIFIED PREOWNED IN 2014. I HAVE RECEIVED NO NOTICES. I ALSO OWNED A 2011 ML 350 BLUETEC THAT I BOUGHT NEW IN DEC 2010. I HAVE PERIODICALLY RECEIVED NOTICES ON THAT CAR FOR SEVERAL YEARS NOW, BUT STILL NO ACTION EITHER. WHAT IS UP? THEY KNOW WE OWN IT. WE ALWAYS SERVICE IT AT A MB DEALER.
NHTSA complaint #11145140 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Harrisburg, PA
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES-BENZ E550. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V043000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND STATED THAT PARTS MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL JUNE 30, 2018. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #11076609 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
MC Calla, AL
AIR BAGS
"TAKATA RECALL" THE REPAIR PARTS ARE NOT AVALIABLE TO CORRECT OR REPAIR THE PROBLEM. THIS IS THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG, WHAT AM I TO DO.
NHTSA complaint #11075047 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesAuburn, WA
SUSPENSION
1- NEW COMPLETE BRAKE JOBS DONE BY MERCEDES DEALER BUT THE SHUDDER ALWAYS THERE. TOOK THEM TO MERCEDES DEALER AGAIN FOR INSPECTION AND PAID $90.00 PLUS. NOTHING WRONG BUT THE SHUDDER IS STILL THERE. 2- REAR SUSPENSION KEEP DROPPING OVERNIGHT PARK IN A GARAGE.
NHTSA complaint #11071611 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesAuburn, WA
SERVICE BRAKES
1- NEW COMPLETE BRAKE JOBS DONE BY MERCEDES DEALER BUT THE SHUDDER ALWAYS THERE. TOOK THEM TO MERCEDES DEALER AGAIN FOR INSPECTION AND PAID $90.00 PLUS. NOTHING WRONG BUT THE SHUDDER IS STILL THERE. 2- REAR SUSPENSION KEEP DROPPING OVERNIGHT PARK IN A GARAGE.
NHTSA complaint #11071611 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60 milesRedondo Beach, CA
SUSPENSION
FROM THE FIRST DAY THE CAR WAS DELIVERED, THE ENGINE HAD SEVERAL SERIOUS ENGINE MISS-FIRES WHERE IT WOULD NOT RUN ON ALL OF ITS CYLINDERS. DISABLING THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WOULD RE-FLASH THE COMPUTER. FROM THE FIRST DAY THE CAR WAS DELIVERED, THE BODY FELL APART, REQUIRING A SPECIALIST FROM GERMANY TO RE-WELD AND REINFORCE THE BODY AROUND THE LEFT REAR SUSPENSION MOUNT. I HAVE THE WORK ORDERS, BUT THEY HAVE PERSONAL INFORMATION ON THEM, PREVENTING ME FROM UPLOADING THEM.
NHTSA complaint #10965984 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60 milesRedondo Beach, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY
FROM THE FIRST DAY THE CAR WAS DELIVERED, THE ENGINE HAD SEVERAL SERIOUS ENGINE MISS-FIRES WHERE IT WOULD NOT RUN ON ALL OF ITS CYLINDERS. DISABLING THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WOULD RE-FLASH THE COMPUTER. FROM THE FIRST DAY THE CAR WAS DELIVERED, THE BODY FELL APART, REQUIRING A SPECIALIST FROM GERMANY TO RE-WELD AND REINFORCE THE BODY AROUND THE LEFT REAR SUSPENSION MOUNT. I HAVE THE WORK ORDERS, BUT THEY HAVE PERSONAL INFORMATION ON THEM, PREVENTING ME FROM UPLOADING THEM.
NHTSA complaint #10965984 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60 milesRedondo Beach, CA
ENGINE
FROM THE FIRST DAY THE CAR WAS DELIVERED, THE ENGINE HAD SEVERAL SERIOUS ENGINE MISS-FIRES WHERE IT WOULD NOT RUN ON ALL OF ITS CYLINDERS. DISABLING THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WOULD RE-FLASH THE COMPUTER. FROM THE FIRST DAY THE CAR WAS DELIVERED, THE BODY FELL APART, REQUIRING A SPECIALIST FROM GERMANY TO RE-WELD AND REINFORCE THE BODY AROUND THE LEFT REAR SUSPENSION MOUNT. I HAVE THE WORK ORDERS, BUT THEY HAVE PERSONAL INFORMATION ON THEM, PREVENTING ME FROM UPLOADING THEM.
NHTSA complaint #10965984 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 12,788 milesUpland, CA
WHEELS
AS I DROVE ONTO A FREEWAY ONRAMP, MY RIGHT FRONT TIRE HIT A POTHOLE, CAUSING THE TIRE TO BLOW OUT AND LOSE ALL AIR RESULTING IN THE CAR BEING UNCONTROLLABLE AND NOT DRIVEABLE. THIS IS THE SECOND INCIDENT WHEREBY THIS CAR HAS HIT A POTHOLE AND TIRE DAMAGE RESULTED. THE FIRST INCIDENT IN FEBRUARY 2014 WITH ONLY ABOUT 5,500 MILES ON IT, RESULTED IN 2 TIRES BEING BLOWN OUT ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, AGAIN RESULTING IN THE CAR BEING UNCONTROLLABLE AND NOT DRIVEABLE. IN BOTH INSTANCES, THE CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN AT APPROXIMATELY 20 TO 30 MPH. THERE IS EITHER A DEFECT IN THE TIRES AND/OR THEY ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THE CAR. I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED A TIRE BLOW OUT IN ANY OTHER VEHICLE IN OVER 45 YEARS OF DRIVING EXPERIENCE WITH MANY DIFFERENT VEHICLES.
NHTSA complaint #10731112 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 20,924 milesEdmond, OK
SERVICE BRAKES
I HAVE HAD A 2013 MERCEDES-BENZ E550 FOR NEARLY THREE YEARS NOW AND LIKE IT IN MANY RESPECTS EXCEPT ONE. IT BOTHERS ME EVERY TIME I DRIVE SO MUCH SO THAT I FEEL COMPELLED TO GET IT OFF MY CHEST. WHEN I SLOW THE VEHICLE TO AN IMPERCEPTIBLE CRAWL, THE AUTOMATIC ADAPTIVE BRAKE ASSIST KICKS IN, BRINGING THE VEHICLE TO A SUDDEN, ABRUPT AND JERKY STOP UNLESS THE GEAR IS IN NEUTRAL. IT IS ANNOYING, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU HAVE GUEST PASSENGERS. IT REFLECTS POORLY ON THE DRIVER AND THE EMBARRASSMENT IS REGRETFUL. I HAVE OWNED AND OPERATED LUXURY CARS INCLUDING MERCEDES-BENZ FOR YEARS BUT HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED THIS NUISANCE LIKE THIS. I COULD NOT UNDERSTAND THE JUSTIFICATION ON ACCOUNT OF SAFETY, CONVENIENCE OR COMFORT FOR MERCEDES-BENZ ENGINEER TO IMPLEMENT SUCH A MEASURE. I CAN UNDERSTAND THE BENEFIT OF BRAKE ASSIST IN A PANIC SITUATION, BUT THIS IS IN NO WAY CLOSE TO ANY SIMULATION OF A PANIC STOP. I COMPLAINED TO THE LOCAL MERCEDES-BENZ DEALER AS WELL AS MERCEDES-BENZ USA HEADQUARTERS ABOUT THIS ANOMALY AND THOUGHT THAT THEY MIGHT HAVE A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN AND COULD TWEAK THE COMPUTER FIRMWARE TO BYPASS ADAPTIVE BRAKE ASSIST AT NEAR ZERO SPEED. THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY COULD DO NOTHING WHEN THE DESIGNER INTENDED THE VEHICLE TO ACT THAT WAY. IS THIS AN EXAMPLE OF OVER-ENGINEERING OR OVERSIGHT?
NHTSA complaint #10722091 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.