Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2008 Mercedes Benz E550
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Fuel & Propulsion
844.4%
Median failure at 67,174 miles
Wheels
211.1%
Median failure at 7,223 miles
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
211.1%
Median failure at 115,018 miles
Other & Unspecified
15.6%
Acceleration & Cruise Control
15.6%
Suspension
15.6%
Median failure at 112,018 miles
Brakes
15.6%
Transmission & Drivetrain
15.6%
Engine & Cooling
15.6%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
111.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
111.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
333.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
111.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
222.2%
150,000+ miles
111.1%
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.
Sep 2009peak 2Feb 2025
NHTSA investigations into the 2008 Mercedes Benz E550
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA13003Opened 15 Mar 2013Closed 19 Dec 2014FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Fuel Leakage From The Fuel Tank
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation on January 23, 2012 as PE12-001 based on 20 consumer reports in model year (MY) 2003-2006 E55 AMG vehicles.Based on new reports in other E-Class vehicles, ODI upgraded the investigation to Engineering Analysis (EA) 13-003 on March 15, 2013, and expanded the scope to all E-Class vehicles through MY 2008.The complainants alleged a strong odor of gasoline fuel both inside and outside of their vehicle, particularly after refilling the fuel tank.Many of the complainants noted that the odor subsided or went away after driving some d...
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 56,000 milesFleming Island, FL1 injured
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
MOST OF THE ENCLOSED QUESTIONS DO NOT APPLY. THE REASON IS THAT ABOUT A YEAR AGO WE STARTED SMELLING "GAS" FUMES IN OUR GARAGE FROM OUR CAR. MY DAUGHTER'S BEDROOM IS ABOVE THE GARAGE. WE ASKED THE DEALERSHIP TO LOOK INTO IT AND THEY SAID THEY DID NOT SEE A PROBLEM. WE STARTED PARKING OUR CAR IN THE GARAGE AGAIN AND MY DAUGHTER STARTED GETTING SICK SHE SAID FROM THE GAS FUMES. IT IS NOW VERY APPARENT THAT THIS MERCEDES E550 IS LEAKING FUMES FROM THE GAS TANK. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS BOTH FROM AN EXPLOSIVE COMPONENT AND FROM A DAY TO DAY HEALTH/SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE MANY BEDROOMS ARE ABOVE THE GARAGE LIKE WITH MY FAMILY. THIS NEEDS TO BE LOOKED AT ASAP FROM NHTSA BEFORE SOMEONE DIES.
NHTSA complaint #10548721 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Pittsburg, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The panaramic sunroof had gotten stuck open and gears or something are not engaging at times, sounds like motor grinds and the sunroof slips off track and closed unevenly. Will not open back up.
NHTSA complaint #11641332 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pittsburg, CA
VISIBILITY/WIPER
The panaramic sunroof had gotten stuck open and gears or something are not engaging at times, sounds like motor grinds and the sunroof slips off track and closed unevenly. Will not open back up.
NHTSA complaint #11641332 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arnold, MD
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The seal that connects the fuel level sensor to the fuel tank has failed, allowing fuel to leak onto the top of the tank when it’s filled. This creates a serious risk of fire or explosion. Unfortunately, Mercedes does not offer a remedy unless you pay a prohibitively high fee.
NHTSA complaint #11638060 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Long Beach, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I filled the vehicle up with gas and it started smelling very strong of gas for the next two weeks and I discovered gas underneath the driver's rear seat... I cleaned up the gas but continued to smell strong fuel Vapors and I'm just below three quarters of a tank the 15-year warranty is over. The Mercedes dealer says that they can't do anything for free and I feel this is a safety issue that needs to be rectified before someone dies in an explosion... no warning lights showed up but it is a common problem on the E-Class due to a cracked fuel filter housing module.
NHTSA complaint #11586911 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oxford, MI
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
In the fall of 2021 the car started to received errors related to the ABS control unit that failed preventing 1) antilock braking, control of ESP (limiting poor handling), and cruise control. At the time of the failure, the car only had 31,552 miles and was properly maintained. MB has extended a warranty for several models and years...but even though my 2008 E-Class is not included in the warranty extension, several models (thru 2012) had their warranty extended for 25 years. I have not been able to get a answer why the E-Class after 2006 was excluded. The symptoms and parts diagnosed match the warranty 100%.
NHTSA complaint #11447585 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oxford, MI
SERVICE BRAKES
In the fall of 2021 the car started to received errors related to the ABS control unit that failed preventing 1) antilock braking, control of ESP (limiting poor handling), and cruise control. At the time of the failure, the car only had 31,552 miles and was properly maintained. MB has extended a warranty for several models and years...but even though my 2008 E-Class is not included in the warranty extension, several models (thru 2012) had their warranty extended for 25 years. I have not been able to get a answer why the E-Class after 2006 was excluded. The symptoms and parts diagnosed match the warranty 100%.
NHTSA complaint #11447585 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,018 milesBethany, CT
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES-BENZ E550. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V918000 (VISIBILITY) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE SUN ROOF DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH HAVEN (620 WASHINGTON AVE, NORTH HAVEN, CT 06473, (203) 239-1313) WHERE THE SUN ROOF WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE RECALL REPAIR WAS COVERED UNDER THE VIN HOWEVER, SHE WAS CHARGED FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 115,018. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. ## VIN PASSED ## MERCEDES-BENZ 2008 ##
NHTSA complaint #11387190 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesBastrop, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES-BENZ E550. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE FUEL GAUGE DISPLAYED INACCURATE FUEL LEVELS AND A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL WAS PRESENT COMING FROM THE EXHAUST. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF AUSTIN (6757 AIRPORT BLVD, AUSTIN, TX) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL LEVELING SENSOR WAS FAULTY AND THE FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #11258982 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Perris, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I HAVE BEEN REPORTED TO HAVE A FUEL LEAK.
NHTSA complaint #10939483 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,213 milesDurham, NC
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
RELATED TO CASE# EA13003 I RECENTLY PURCHASED A PRE-OWNED 2008 E550 WITH 59K MILES IN DECEMBER 2014. AFTER FILL-UP, I NOTICED A FAINT FUEL SMELL ON THE DRIVERS REAR AREA NEAR THE REAR WHEEL. I HAVE ALSO OPENED UP THE ACCESS HATCH AND NOTICED FUEL SEEPING FROM THE SENDING UNIT. THIS SEEMS TO BE THE EXACT ISSUES I HAVE SEEN IN REGARDS TO CASE #EA13003. THIS SMELL GOES AWAY AFTER THE TANK LEVEL GOES BELOW 3/4.
NHTSA complaint #10670070 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,018 milesEL Paso, TX
SUSPENSION
JUST PURCHASED THIS 2008 E550 WITH 100K MILES ON IT. IT WAS INSPECTED AND SAID TO BE A GREAT MAINTAINED VEHICLE WITH NO ISSUES. I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET AND A RED INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON TELLING ME STOP CAR TOO LOW. CAR WAS IN SPORT MODE WITH THE VEHICLE RAISED BUTTON INDICATOR LIGHT ON. I DROVE BACK TO MY HOUSE AND PARKED THE VEHICLE, AS IT SAT FOR AN APPROXIMATE 1 HOUR I NOTICED IT DROP SIGNIFICANTLY. I TURNED THE VEHICLE ON TOO SEE IF IT WOULD RAISE AGAIN AND THE COMPRESSOR WAS STILL WORKING BUT NO MOVEMENT WAS HAPPENING. I LOOKED IT UP ONLINE AND THERE HAS BEEN NUMEROUS ACCOUNTS OF THESE VEHICLES HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. I JUST SPENT 20K ON A VEHICLE THAT LASTED ME 7 DAYS. THE DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THE FIX COULD COST ME A FEW THOUSAND DEPENDING ON WHAT THEY FIND. THIS IS RIDICULOUS AND SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE FOR ALL OWNERS OF THE AIRMATIC SYSTEMS. THEY ARE FAULTY AND ARE TOO EXPENSIVE TO BE GOING BACK AND FORTH TO THE DEALER TO BE SERVICED. GREAT VEHICLE WITH A HUGE FLAW.
NHTSA complaint #10667948 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesGaithersberg, MD
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES E550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER REFUELING, A STRONG GASOLINE ODOR WAS PRESENT OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INFORMED THE DEALER OF THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #10554961 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,174 milesChicago, IL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
GAS SMELL INSIDE OF THE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10554678 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 56,000 milesFleming Island, FL1 injured
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
MOST OF THE ENCLOSED QUESTIONS DO NOT APPLY. THE REASON IS THAT ABOUT A YEAR AGO WE STARTED SMELLING "GAS" FUMES IN OUR GARAGE FROM OUR CAR. MY DAUGHTER'S BEDROOM IS ABOVE THE GARAGE. WE ASKED THE DEALERSHIP TO LOOK INTO IT AND THEY SAID THEY DID NOT SEE A PROBLEM. WE STARTED PARKING OUR CAR IN THE GARAGE AGAIN AND MY DAUGHTER STARTED GETTING SICK SHE SAID FROM THE GAS FUMES. IT IS NOW VERY APPARENT THAT THIS MERCEDES E550 IS LEAKING FUMES FROM THE GAS TANK. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS BOTH FROM AN EXPLOSIVE COMPONENT AND FROM A DAY TO DAY HEALTH/SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE MANY BEDROOMS ARE ABOVE THE GARAGE LIKE WITH MY FAMILY. THIS NEEDS TO BE LOOKED AT ASAP FROM NHTSA BEFORE SOMEONE DIES.
NHTSA complaint #10548721 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marietta, GA
POWER TRAIN
THE CAR STARTED STALLING IN JERK MOTIONS AND STOPPED. IT HAPPENED COUPLE TIMES AND USUALLY HAPPENS AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS OR TRAFFIC JAM PLACES WHERE SPEED IS BELOW 20K. I WAS AFRAID THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED CARS BEHIND HIT ME. LATER AFTER COMPLETELY STOP OF THE ENGINE, I GOT A ENGINE CHECK LIGHT AND WHEN STARTING DRIVING , THE CAR SHOW LOT OF RPM BUT WOULD NOT DISPLACE/MOVE MUCH. THE CAR HAS 45K MILES AND CURRENTLY WITH THE DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THIS MIGHT BE A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM AND I FEEL THIS MB OF USA & NHTSA SHOULD INVESTIGATE TO GET A RECALL AND SEE IF CUSTOMER'S GET EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR THIS ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10439247 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marietta, GA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
THE CAR STARTED STALLING IN JERK MOTIONS AND STOPPED. IT HAPPENED COUPLE TIMES AND USUALLY HAPPENS AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS OR TRAFFIC JAM PLACES WHERE SPEED IS BELOW 20K. I WAS AFRAID THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED CARS BEHIND HIT ME. LATER AFTER COMPLETELY STOP OF THE ENGINE, I GOT A ENGINE CHECK LIGHT AND WHEN STARTING DRIVING , THE CAR SHOW LOT OF RPM BUT WOULD NOT DISPLACE/MOVE MUCH. THE CAR HAS 45K MILES AND CURRENTLY WITH THE DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THIS MIGHT BE A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM AND I FEEL THIS MB OF USA & NHTSA SHOULD INVESTIGATE TO GET A RECALL AND SEE IF CUSTOMER'S GET EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR THIS ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10439247 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 5 milesFreehold, NJ
WHEELS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES BENZ E550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAD EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS TIRE BLOWOUTS DUE TO DRIVING OVER ROAD IRREGULARITIES. THE FAILURES WERE EXPERIENCED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS OVER 35 MPH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE COULD ONLY BE EQUIPPED WITH LOW PROFILE RIMS. THE BLOWN OUT TIRES WERE REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT REMEDIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 115,000.
NHTSA complaint #10435537 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 14,441 milesVirginia Beach, VA
WHEELS
2008 MERCEDES E550 RIM PROBLEM. I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE FOR 8 MONTHS AND HAVE HAD TWO FRONT TIRE BLOWOUTS ON 2 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS FROM HITTING SMALL POT HOLE. THE RIM GETS BENT THEN THE TIRE BLOWS OUT. THE LATEST INCIDENT, A POLICE OFFICER AND I WATCHED MANY VEHICLES DRIVING OVER THE POT HOLE WITH NO PROBLEMS. THE RIMS ARE THE 12 SPOKE THAT COMES STOCK ON THE E550'S.
NHTSA complaint #10284653 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.