Owners have filed 20 complaints
about the 2014 Mercedes Benz E550 with NHTSA between 2014 and 2024.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 5 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 — 24
Against the median year of the Mercedes Benz E550. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 26
5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 43
25% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2014 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 2014 Mercedes Benz E550
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Airbags
945.0%
Median failure at 84,000 miles
Brakes
315.0%
Median failure at 84,000 miles
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
210.0%
Median failure at 61,950 miles
Electrical System
210.0%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 3,260 mi
Stability & Traction Control
15.0%
Median failure at 84,000 miles
Body & Structure
15.0%
Median failure at 61,950 miles
Steering
15.0%
Median failure at 3,260 miles
Engine & Cooling
15.0%
Median failure at 60,240 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
225.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
337.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
337.5%
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.
Aug 2014peak 3Nov 2024
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Plano, TXFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I was driving in the Dallas area at highway speed (approx 70mph) during rush-hour traffic when a crackling sound presented in the dashboard area from what appeared to be the sound system (Harmon Kardon surround system). This was immediately followed by the unmistakable smell of burning plastic or something similar. Smoke coming from the center speaker in the dashboard followed subjecting car occupants to potentially hazardous smoke and chemicals resulting from the fire.All signs suggested an electrical fire which was alarming considering this occurred at highway speed. Turning off the sound system did not stop the issue. My safety and that of others on the highway were put at risk because a fire of unknown origin occurred while driving at highway speeds. No accident occurred. Further exploration of the issue from a safe area off of the highway confirmed the following: 1) possible electrical fire emanating from the center speaker of the dashboard 2) center speaker was damaged and appeared melted 3) the only way to stop the fire was to remove the fuse powering the sound amplifier which allowed the car to be driven to the local Mercedes Benz dealer/repair center The car was inspected by the local Mercedes Benz dealer who confirmed: 1) the center speaker was damaged and not repairable 2) the cause of the problem was a "shorted" and otherwise faulty amplifier. 3) the cost to replace the speaker estimated over $400 4) the cost to replace the amplifier estimated over $2700 There are no safety recalls on this particular issue. However, an investigation of the matter on NHTSA and Mercedes Benz user groups has identified numerous occurrences of a similar nature in the 2014 "e" class vehicles. The amplifier, which was confirmed to be the cause of the fire, would appear to have a documentable and reproduceable fault which: 1) presents a safety hazard to owners/drivers of the vehicle, 2) puts other drivers as risk drivers, 3) subjects vehicle occupants to hazardous fumes
NHTSA complaint #11458582 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Newport News, VA
SERVICE BRAKES
Dealer reports that, in addition to the dangerous corrosion on rear subframe covered by the extended warranty program, the rear brake lines are dangerously corroded and may fail at any time. I inquired about how this is even possible as I am accustomed to vehicles with cupronickel brake lines that do not corrode. I was told they are merely enameled steel on this model and prone to premature corrosion where they are mounted to the chassis with plastic clips that wear off the enamel and allow premature corrosion and eventually catastrophic failure. I was also told the replacement parts are now cupronickel, indicating Mercedes understands the original design was defective. I believe this should have been covered under the same program as the rear subframe, not be used as an upsell tool to customers affected by that issue. I also believe steel brake lines should just be banned outright for all vehicles, the risk of rupture due to corrosion leading to brake failure is far too high.
NHTSA complaint #11627957 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Livingston, NJ
AIR BAGS
Both driver and front passenger headrest airbags have deployed for no cause. This is is the second time this has occurred on both sides. No collision occurred in both incidents. First time it occurred under warranty and Mercedes fixed the issue. This time it occurred again and the car is not in warranty. Without functional headrest airbags the safety is greatly compromised for the occupants of the car and can lead to fatal incidents. It seems like a recurring problem with this model as it has occurred twice over 9+ years and both times there was no collision etc.
NHTSA complaint #11586036 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stafford, VA
SERVICE BRAKES
Parking brake pedal assembly failed. Yes it's available for inspection. My home is on a hill, a functioning parking brake is required to prevent the vehicle from rolling. Personal mechanic identified issue and replaced part. There were no warning lights or lamps indicating an issue.
NHTSA complaint #11495654 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Plano, TXFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I was driving in the Dallas area at highway speed (approx 70mph) during rush-hour traffic when a crackling sound presented in the dashboard area from what appeared to be the sound system (Harmon Kardon surround system). This was immediately followed by the unmistakable smell of burning plastic or something similar. Smoke coming from the center speaker in the dashboard followed subjecting car occupants to potentially hazardous smoke and chemicals resulting from the fire.All signs suggested an electrical fire which was alarming considering this occurred at highway speed. Turning off the sound system did not stop the issue. My safety and that of others on the highway were put at risk because a fire of unknown origin occurred while driving at highway speeds. No accident occurred. Further exploration of the issue from a safe area off of the highway confirmed the following: 1) possible electrical fire emanating from the center speaker of the dashboard 2) center speaker was damaged and appeared melted 3) the only way to stop the fire was to remove the fuse powering the sound amplifier which allowed the car to be driven to the local Mercedes Benz dealer/repair center The car was inspected by the local Mercedes Benz dealer who confirmed: 1) the center speaker was damaged and not repairable 2) the cause of the problem was a "shorted" and otherwise faulty amplifier. 3) the cost to replace the speaker estimated over $400 4) the cost to replace the amplifier estimated over $2700 There are no safety recalls on this particular issue. However, an investigation of the matter on NHTSA and Mercedes Benz user groups has identified numerous occurrences of a similar nature in the 2014 "e" class vehicles. The amplifier, which was confirmed to be the cause of the fire, would appear to have a documentable and reproduceable fault which: 1) presents a safety hazard to owners/drivers of the vehicle, 2) puts other drivers as risk drivers, 3) subjects vehicle occupants to hazardous fumes
NHTSA complaint #11458582 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Allentown, PA
AIR BAGS
MERCEDES HAS REFUSED TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE TAKATA AIRBAG SINCE FEBRUARY OF 2019 MAKING DIFFERENT EXCUSES WHY THEY CAN'T REPLACE THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG WITH KNOWLEDGE THAT IF ACCIDENT CAN BE LIFE THREATENING.
NHTSA complaint #11383027 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hunterville, NC
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL- THE CONTACT OWNS A2014 MERCEDES BENZ E550. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 19V01000 (AIR BAGS). AFTER CONTACTING THE DEALER MERCEDES BENZ OF NORTHLAKE (10725 NORTHLAKE AUTO PLAZA BLVD, CHARLOTTE NC) AND THE MANUFACTURER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE RECALL REMEDY WERE STILL NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11298335 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 61,950 milesDenver, CO
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 MERCEDES-BENZ E550. WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SPEAKER AND WINDOW BEGAN TO SMOKE. THERE WAS ALSO AN ABNORMAL RUBBER AND BURNING ODOR AND A CRACKING NOISE EMERGING FROM THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED MERCEDES-BENZ OF DENVER (940 S COLORADO BLVD, DENVER, CO 80246, (303) 953-4581), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,950.
NHTSA complaint #11256099 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 61,950 milesDenver, CO
VISIBILITY/WIPER
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 MERCEDES-BENZ E550. WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SPEAKER AND WINDOW BEGAN TO SMOKE. THERE WAS ALSO AN ABNORMAL RUBBER AND BURNING ODOR AND A CRACKING NOISE EMERGING FROM THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED MERCEDES-BENZ OF DENVER (940 S COLORADO BLVD, DENVER, CO 80246, (303) 953-4581), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,950.
NHTSA complaint #11256099 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Seattle, WA
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 MERCEDES-BENZ E550C. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V010000 (AIR BAGS). MERCEDES-BENZ OF SEATTLE (2025 AIRPORT WAY S, SEATTLE, WA 98134, (206) 467-9999) WAS INFORMED OF THE RECALL AND STATED THAT THE CONTACT WOULD BE NOTIFIED WHEN THE PART BECAME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #11240716 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Parkville, MD
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 MERCEDES-BENZ E550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER FAILED TO PROVIDE THE REMEDY AND PART WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME CONCERNING NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V010000 (AIR BAGS). MERCEDES-BENZ OF HUNT VALLEY (9800 YORK RD #2, COCKEYSVILLE, MD 21030, 1-(410) 306-7080) WAS WAITING ON THE MANUFACTURER TO PROVIDE THE REMEDY AND PART. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED TO ADDRESS PART AVAILABILITY. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11190067 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Laguna Beach, CA
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 MERCEDES-BENZ E550. 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. THE CONTACT CALLED FLETCHER JONES MOTORCARS (3300 JAMBOREE RD, NEWPORT BEACH, CA 92660, (949) 718-3000) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #11184336 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Diego, CA
AIR BAGS
PURSUANT TO LAW 49 U.S.C. CHAPTER 301, I AM SUBMITTING A COMPLAINT THAT NHTSA RECALL #17V627 IS NOT BEING REMEDIED WITHIN A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME BY MY MERCEDES-BENZ DEALER. I HAVE CALLED SEVERAL TIMES SINCE THE NOVEMBER 2017 RECALL WAS ISSUED AND AS OF TODAY (02.13.2019) THEY STILL DO NOT HAVE THE PART NOR DO THEY HAVE ANY ESTIMATED TIMELINE OF WHEN THEY WILL HAVE THE PART. I AM JUST TOLD TO CALL BACK.
NHTSA complaint #11179833 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Jose, CA
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 MERCEDES-BENZ E550A. THE CONTACT RECEIVED AN UNKNOWN RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR THE (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. MERCEDES-BENZ OF SAN JOSE (3000 E CAPITOL EXPY, SAN JOSE, CA 95148, (408) 214-3009) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11179905 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,240 milesNashville, TN
ENGINE
CUSTOMER RAN CAR OUT OF OIL DESTROYING ENGINE AND TURBO'S TOTAL COST OF REPAIR IS 25,000
NHTSA complaint #11164710 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 84,000 milesGriffin, GA
AIR BAGS
IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION ON A WET ROAD, THE CAN BUS FAILED, DISABLING ALL OR NEARLY ALL SAFETY SYSTEMS. AT THE TIME, NUMEROUS WARNING MESSAGES AND LIGHTS APPEARED ON THE DASH FOR SRS, ABS, SEATBELT PRETENSIONER, ETC. THE ENGINE WOULD NOT TURN OFF USING THE START-STOP BUTTON, AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF DRIVE. ACCORDING THE DEALER SERVICE CENTER, A REAR BLIND SPOT RADAR SENSOR IS CORRODED, AND CAUSED A SHORT IN THE CAN BUS. THIS EXACT FAILURE HAS OCCURRED WITH AT LEAST ONE OTHER VEHICLE, DOCUMENTED HERE: HTTPS://WWW.BENZWORLD.ORG/FORUMS/W212-E-CLASS/2911098-LANE-ASSIST-RADAR-SENSOR-FAILURE-CAUSES.HTML IT APPEARS THAT WHILE CORRODED RADAR SENSORS ARE FAIRLY COMMON, WATER FROM THE ROAD CAN SOMETIMES CAUSE THE SENSOR TO SHORT THE ENTIRE CAN BUS. I CAN PROVIDE THE EXTENDED PRINTOUT OF STORED CAN FAILURE MESSAGES IF NECESSARY.
NHTSA complaint #11140621 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 84,000 milesGriffin, GA
SERVICE BRAKES
IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION ON A WET ROAD, THE CAN BUS FAILED, DISABLING ALL OR NEARLY ALL SAFETY SYSTEMS. AT THE TIME, NUMEROUS WARNING MESSAGES AND LIGHTS APPEARED ON THE DASH FOR SRS, ABS, SEATBELT PRETENSIONER, ETC. THE ENGINE WOULD NOT TURN OFF USING THE START-STOP BUTTON, AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF DRIVE. ACCORDING THE DEALER SERVICE CENTER, A REAR BLIND SPOT RADAR SENSOR IS CORRODED, AND CAUSED A SHORT IN THE CAN BUS. THIS EXACT FAILURE HAS OCCURRED WITH AT LEAST ONE OTHER VEHICLE, DOCUMENTED HERE: HTTPS://WWW.BENZWORLD.ORG/FORUMS/W212-E-CLASS/2911098-LANE-ASSIST-RADAR-SENSOR-FAILURE-CAUSES.HTML IT APPEARS THAT WHILE CORRODED RADAR SENSORS ARE FAIRLY COMMON, WATER FROM THE ROAD CAN SOMETIMES CAUSE THE SENSOR TO SHORT THE ENTIRE CAN BUS. I CAN PROVIDE THE EXTENDED PRINTOUT OF STORED CAN FAILURE MESSAGES IF NECESSARY.
NHTSA complaint #11140621 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 84,000 milesGriffin, GA
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION ON A WET ROAD, THE CAN BUS FAILED, DISABLING ALL OR NEARLY ALL SAFETY SYSTEMS. AT THE TIME, NUMEROUS WARNING MESSAGES AND LIGHTS APPEARED ON THE DASH FOR SRS, ABS, SEATBELT PRETENSIONER, ETC. THE ENGINE WOULD NOT TURN OFF USING THE START-STOP BUTTON, AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF DRIVE. ACCORDING THE DEALER SERVICE CENTER, A REAR BLIND SPOT RADAR SENSOR IS CORRODED, AND CAUSED A SHORT IN THE CAN BUS. THIS EXACT FAILURE HAS OCCURRED WITH AT LEAST ONE OTHER VEHICLE, DOCUMENTED HERE: HTTPS://WWW.BENZWORLD.ORG/FORUMS/W212-E-CLASS/2911098-LANE-ASSIST-RADAR-SENSOR-FAILURE-CAUSES.HTML IT APPEARS THAT WHILE CORRODED RADAR SENSORS ARE FAIRLY COMMON, WATER FROM THE ROAD CAN SOMETIMES CAUSE THE SENSOR TO SHORT THE ENTIRE CAN BUS. I CAN PROVIDE THE EXTENDED PRINTOUT OF STORED CAN FAILURE MESSAGES IF NECESSARY.
NHTSA complaint #11140621 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ontario, CA
VISIBILITY/WIPER
MY VEHICLE HAS THE DISTRONIC WITH LANE SENSING. THE OTHER DAY, THE AREA OF THE FRONT WINDSHIELD AROUND THE CAMERAS SPONTANEOUSLY BEGAN TO CRACK IN A CIRCULAR MANNER. NO OTHER CHIPS OR DINGS WERE PRESENT. WHEN I RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE ONLINE, I AM FINDING IT TO BE A VERY COMMON ISSUE. IT APPEARS IT CAN HAPPEN AT ANY TIME AND WITH REPLACEMENT GLASS AS WELL. MINE CRACKED ON A 95 DEGREE F DAY IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA.
NHTSA complaint #11003928 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3,260 milesBronx, NY
STEERING
STARTED IGNITION, IDLE FOR ABOUT 3 MINS WARMING UP THE ENGINE. PREPED TO LEAVE TO CURRENT DESIGNATION. REVERSE, PULLING OUT TO THE RIGHT I TURN MY STEERING WHEEL ALL THE WAY TO THE RIGHT, CAR SHUTS OFF, ALL LIGHTS APPEAR ON THE DASH. TURN OFF AND RESTARTED. AND CONTINUE TO DRIVE IN REVERSE REPEATING THE STEERING TO THE RIGHT... CAR STALLS AGAIN.... I FINALLY MAKE IT HOME BECAUSE I WAS NOT SURE IF THE CAR WAS SAFE TO DRIVE. I PARKED, TURNED ALL THE WAY TO THE RIGHT MADE A WEIRD IDLE NOISE MAYBE 4X LOUDER THEN STANDARD BUT DEEPER. AND BOOM STALLS. I DON'T WANT TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER SHIP AS THEY WILL PLAY GAMES WITH MY PREVIOUS CAR THEY MADE ME PAY FOR THE RECALL I NEVER KNEW ABOUT! IF ANY ONE ELSE HAS THIS PROBLEM DON'T MAKE FULL RIGHT TURNS ON THE STEERING.
NHTSA complaint #10620788 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3,260 milesBronx, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
STARTED IGNITION, IDLE FOR ABOUT 3 MINS WARMING UP THE ENGINE. PREPED TO LEAVE TO CURRENT DESIGNATION. REVERSE, PULLING OUT TO THE RIGHT I TURN MY STEERING WHEEL ALL THE WAY TO THE RIGHT, CAR SHUTS OFF, ALL LIGHTS APPEAR ON THE DASH. TURN OFF AND RESTARTED. AND CONTINUE TO DRIVE IN REVERSE REPEATING THE STEERING TO THE RIGHT... CAR STALLS AGAIN.... I FINALLY MAKE IT HOME BECAUSE I WAS NOT SURE IF THE CAR WAS SAFE TO DRIVE. I PARKED, TURNED ALL THE WAY TO THE RIGHT MADE A WEIRD IDLE NOISE MAYBE 4X LOUDER THEN STANDARD BUT DEEPER. AND BOOM STALLS. I DON'T WANT TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER SHIP AS THEY WILL PLAY GAMES WITH MY PREVIOUS CAR THEY MADE ME PAY FOR THE RECALL I NEVER KNEW ABOUT! IF ANY ONE ELSE HAS THIS PROBLEM DON'T MAKE FULL RIGHT TURNS ON THE STEERING.
NHTSA complaint #10620788 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.