FaultScore report
Owners have filed 58 complaints about the 2015 Mercedes Benz S550 with NHTSA between 2014 and 2026. The largest single group is the seat belts. Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 7 worst.
FaultScore 100/100
Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Mercedes Benz S550.
How this is worked out58
Complaints
10
Crashes reported
8
Fires reported
8
Injuries reported
22,300 mi
Median mileage at failure
Half of reported failures happened before this
74%
Failed under 36,000 miles
Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty
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.
Click any bar to open that year's report.
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 30,877 mi
2 crashes, 0 fires · median 43,000 mi
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 4,500 mi
Median failure at 21,150 miles
2 crashes, 2 fires · median 12,443 mi
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 325 mi
Median failure at 33,500 miles
3 crashes, 0 fires · median 10,500 mi
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 152,000 mi
1 crashes, 1 fires · median 88,193 mi
0 crashes, 1 fires
Median failure at 44,000 miles
1 crashes, 0 fires
Median failure at 100,000 miles
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 24,387 mi
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.
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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I'm reporting a problem that can cause the vehicle to catch on fire. During cold temperatures the heated windshield will turn on and the car will catch on fire.
NHTSA complaint #11513428 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VISIBILITY/WIPER
I'm reporting a problem that can cause the vehicle to catch on fire. During cold temperatures the heated windshield will turn on and the car will catch on fire.
NHTSA complaint #11513428 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I drove my 2015 MERCEDES BENZ S550 4MATIC APPROXIMATELY 20 MILES TO WORK, PARKED IN THE PARKING LOT AND ABOUT 30 MINUTES LATER, I WAS ALERTED BY PEMBROKE PINES POLICE (CASE# PPPD22OFF050792) THAT MY CAR WAS BURNING WHEN I GOT TO THE PARKING LOT PEMBROKE PINES FIRE DEPT WAS IN THE PROCESS OF EXTINGUISHING A CATASTROPHIC FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CAR DROVE PROBLEM FREE TO THAT POINT. NO WARNING LIGHTS, NO SMOKE, NO SMELL, NO LEAK.THE CAR WAS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION PRIOR TO THE FIRE WITH APPROX 93000 MILES. I HAD THE CAR SERVICED BY MB FORT LAUDERDALE 1 MONTH BEFORE THE INCIDENT AND NO UNRESOLVED MAINTENANCE ISSUES WERE FOUND. AFTER THE FIRE GEICO INSURANCE TOOK POSSESION OF THE CAR AND MERCEDES USA WAS GRANTED ACCESS. AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS HAVENT BEEN ABLE TO MAKE CONTACT WITH MBUSA SINCE THEN, NO CALLBACK
NHTSA complaint #11492024 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
I drove my 2015 MERCEDES BENZ S550 4MATIC APPROXIMATELY 20 MILES TO WORK, PARKED IN THE PARKING LOT AND ABOUT 30 MINUTES LATER, I WAS ALERTED BY PEMBROKE PINES POLICE (CASE# PPPD22OFF050792) THAT MY CAR WAS BURNING WHEN I GOT TO THE PARKING LOT PEMBROKE PINES FIRE DEPT WAS IN THE PROCESS OF EXTINGUISHING A CATASTROPHIC FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CAR DROVE PROBLEM FREE TO THAT POINT. NO WARNING LIGHTS, NO SMOKE, NO SMELL, NO LEAK.THE CAR WAS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION PRIOR TO THE FIRE WITH APPROX 93000 MILES. I HAD THE CAR SERVICED BY MB FORT LAUDERDALE 1 MONTH BEFORE THE INCIDENT AND NO UNRESOLVED MAINTENANCE ISSUES WERE FOUND. AFTER THE FIRE GEICO INSURANCE TOOK POSSESION OF THE CAR AND MERCEDES USA WAS GRANTED ACCESS. AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS HAVENT BEEN ABLE TO MAKE CONTACT WITH MBUSA SINCE THEN, NO CALLBACK
NHTSA complaint #11492024 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I drove my 2015 MERCEDES BENZ S550 4MATIC APPROXIMATELY 20 MILES TO WORK, PARKED IN THE PARKING LOT AND ABOUT 30 MINUTES LATER, I WAS ALERTED BY PEMBROKE PINES POLICE (CASE# PPPD22OFF050792) THAT MY CAR WAS BURNING WHEN I GOT TO THE PARKING LOT PEMBROKE PINES FIRE DEPT WAS IN THE PROCESS OF EXTINGUISHING A CATASTROPHIC FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CAR DROVE PROBLEM FREE TO THAT POINT. NO WARNING LIGHTS, NO SMOKE, NO SMELL, NO LEAK.THE CAR WAS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION PRIOR TO THE FIRE WITH APPROX 93000 MILES. I HAD THE CAR SERVICED BY MB FORT LAUDERDALE 1 MONTH BEFORE THE INCIDENT AND NO UNRESOLVED MAINTENANCE ISSUES WERE FOUND. AFTER THE FIRE GEICO INSURANCE TOOK POSSESION OF THE CAR AND MERCEDES USA WAS GRANTED ACCESS. AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS HAVENT BEEN ABLE TO MAKE CONTACT WITH MBUSA SINCE THEN, NO CALLBACK
NHTSA complaint #11492024 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 MERCEDES-BENZ S550. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, HE STARTED TO SMELL BURNING BRAKE PAD ODOR INSIDE OF THE CAB OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE PARK BRAKE MALFUNCTION WARNING MESSAGE WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PARK AT A NEAR CAR WASH PARKING LOT AND WHEN EXITING THE VEHICLE, HE SAW SMOKE AND FIRE NEAR THE REAR DRIVER CALIPER. THE CONTACT STATED AN EMPLOYEE FROM THE CAR WASH WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE FIRE OR POLICE DEPARTMENT WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT STATED NO ONE WAS INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED MERCEDES-BENZ OF TAMPA (4400 N DALE MABRY HWY, TAMPA, FL 33614) AND MADE THEM AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR END DRIVER SIDE ACTUATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED YET. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED ON MARCH 16 2019, WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY AND ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WAS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THIS FAILURE. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED IN DECEMBER 2018, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATION STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT, AND HE ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS MAKING AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO TAKE A VIDEO OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE BUT UPON SEEING THE VIDEO THEY DECIDED TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE. THE DEALER WAS ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THAT WITH THE DRIVE SHAFT BRUSH WAS NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THIS FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,387.
NHTSA complaint #11320997 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
STEERING
I loss my electric steering assist!!! Takes 2 gorillas to turn the wheel i was able to stop without crashing into anything
NHTSA complaint #11714612 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz S550. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH and approaching a stop, the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. There was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine, and the brakes squeaked while turning. While refueling the vehicle, there was fuel leaking from the vehicle. The contact stated that while driving and attempting to stop, the brake pedal was depressed and felt loose, and the vehicle hesitated while coming to a stop. The vehicle was restarted and taken to a local dealer; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. Several local independent mechanics were contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000.
NHTSA complaint #11678585 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz S550. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH and approaching a stop, the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. There was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine, and the brakes squeaked while turning. While refueling the vehicle, there was fuel leaking from the vehicle. The contact stated that while driving and attempting to stop, the brake pedal was depressed and felt loose, and the vehicle hesitated while coming to a stop. The vehicle was restarted and taken to a local dealer; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. Several local independent mechanics were contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000.
NHTSA complaint #11678585 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz S550. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the air bag warning light remained illuminated, with the message "Front Drivers Air Bag Malfunction - Service Required" displayed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V177000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, AIR BAGS). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 10,000.
NHTSA complaint #11665098 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WHEELS
Brought my vehicle to my mechanic because of noise that recently appeared in my car. To my surprise the mechanic stated that my engine is completely failing and would require an entire new engine. I purchased this car less than two years ago with an estimated 79,000 miles. Vehicle currently has an estimated 112,000 miles. Never missed a service interval for the vehicle. Now several components of the engine are completely failing.
NHTSA complaint #11655140 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
Brought my vehicle to my mechanic because of noise that recently appeared in my car. To my surprise the mechanic stated that my engine is completely failing and would require an entire new engine. I purchased this car less than two years ago with an estimated 79,000 miles. Vehicle currently has an estimated 112,000 miles. Never missed a service interval for the vehicle. Now several components of the engine are completely failing.
NHTSA complaint #11655140 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Roof panel between windshield and panoramic sunroof has developed fine hairline fractures on the polycarbonate panel. Why wasn't my vehicle included in recall 21V-197? Thanks for your time.
NHTSA complaint #11653399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
The steering wheel became difficult to control.Also,steering wheel module waring light came on.
NHTSA complaint #11647210 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEAT BELTS
The rear seatbelts do not retract to restrain the passenger. They also don't retract after the passenger has exited the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11646218 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
Cylinder wall 2 and 3 scorn horribly. Coolant leaking into cylinder 2 & 3. Dealer recommendation of new motor due to bad block. German Auto Works and CarStoreUSA Wichita KS both recommend new motor and have advised of many of same motors being recalled by Mercedes Benz. I also spoke with Mercedes Benz North America. The heads were replaced in 2022 already and have under 10k miles on motor since repair.
NHTSA complaint #11642566 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TIRES
RIGHT FRONT TIRE 245/45R19B 102.H.M.S I HAD A MAJOR BLOWOUT. THE SIDEWALL OF THE TIRE HAD A WHOLE THE SIZE OF A RETANGULAR BRICK. i COULD HAVE LOST CONTROL AND HURT MYSELF AND OTHERS. I HAD MY BRAKES REPLACED AND THE TIRES ALIGNED AND BALANCED A COUPLE OF DAYS BEFORE. THE MECHANIC SAID IT WAS UNUSUAL FOR THE TIRES TO SHOW WEAR ON THE OUTSIDE AND INSIDE TREAD. AT 75 MPH IT WAS LIKE A LOAD EXPLOSION. BECAUSE THEY ARE RUN FLAT TIRES I DID NOT BRAKE AND COASTED TO THE EXIT WHICH WAS CLOSE BY. INSURANCE CLAIM WAS FILED AND ADJUSTER REVIEWED THE TIRE, THEY DID PAY FOR A NEW TIRE AND LABOR, I HAD TO PAY FOR REALIGNMENT THE CAR WAS FLAT BEDDED TO THE NEAREST MERCEDES REPAIR SHOP. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED AND THEY REALIGNED AGAIN. THEY SAID I WAS VERY LUCKY NOT TO HAVE HAD A MAJOR ACCIDENT OR EVEN DONE MORE DAMAGE TO THE CAR. THE MECHANIC SAID TO CHECK FOR RECALLS BECAUSE THE OF THE RECTANGULAR SIZE ON THE SIDEWALL OF THE TIRE. I DID NOT RUN OVER ANYTHING IN THE ROAD. THE CAR ROAD SMOOTHLY AFTER THE TIRE WAS REPLACED I HAVE THE SAME TIRE ON THE RIGHT FRONT. I AM VERY NERVOUS IT COULD HAPPEN AGAIN.
NHTSA complaint #11617077 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz S550. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed a squeaking sound coming from the undercarriage of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with suspension strut spring control arm joint. The contact was informed that the suspension strut spring control arm joint needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11615147 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz S550. The contact stated that the rear driver's side seat belt was inoperable. The contact stated that the seat belt failed to retract as designed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed seat belt retractor. The contact was informed that the seat belt retractor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
NHTSA complaint #11591722 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The driver side reader door can be opened when the door is locked. The door can be inspected on request. The risk is that the door can be opened when the door is indicated as locked. There are no lights to the contrary. The car is inspected by Mercedes dealer at McFarland in Georgia. See Mercedes recall Campaign 2018010009, March 2018.
NHTSA complaint #11588378 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
The driver side reader door can be opened when the door is locked. The door can be inspected on request. The risk is that the door can be opened when the door is indicated as locked. There are no lights to the contrary. The car is inspected by Mercedes dealer at McFarland in Georgia. See Mercedes recall Campaign 2018010009, March 2018.
NHTSA complaint #11588378 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
The driver side reader door can be opened when the door is locked. The door can be inspected on request. The risk is that the door can be opened when the door is indicated as locked. There are no lights to the contrary. The car is inspected by Mercedes dealer at McFarland in Georgia. See Mercedes recall Campaign 2018010009, March 2018.
NHTSA complaint #11588378 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEAT BELTS
Rear passenger seat belt will not retract. Has done twice before and took weeks before retracting by itself.
NHTSA complaint #11583619 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
There is an active recall on the 2015 Mercedes S550 for the Front Stationary Sunroof panel however my vehicle is not part of the recall due to the Vin#. Regardless the Front Stationary Sunroof Panel on my vehicle has failed and risks coming off while driving which could come into impact with another vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11579792 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The windshield cracks and spreads rapidly without any evidential cause for a crack and yes it would be available for inspection upon request. This is the 5th replacement in 5 years - 2 in one year alone: 1st - At the time of purchase with only 16555 miles (MPI) RBM replaced the windshield. 2nd - 1/21/20 - 40410 miles (Just got home from a drive through car wash and noticed the crack). 3rd - 7/24/20 - 42150 miles. 4th - 8/26/22 - 62274 miles. 5th - 6/18/23 - 77172 miles. Safety was at risk due to nervousness as to what could ultimately happen affecting driving ability. The problem has reproduced itself 5 times. RBM has refused to take responsibility and consistently escalates replacement cost. No warnings or causes leading to cracks/breakage
NHTSA complaint #11561861 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My 2015 S550 front stationary sunroof glass panel coating is fading.
NHTSA complaint #11559447 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I bought my S-class car at a Manhattan dealership with 4900 miles on it, I treated it like my baby I’m the only driver and all services and maintenance had been done at the dealership, and I started getting bad readings on the fuel, check engine is ON, fuel gauge reads Full then goes down to Empty The mechanics at the Manhattan dealership said it was short on the fuel tank and I need to have the whole new tank replaced, my understanding is this model, the S Class has been having this issue on many models and there was a soft recall on that matter and it can be fixed at the dealership, we do have a case number with the Dealership. case number 03656172
NHTSA complaint #11556933 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am writing to report an incident that occurred on Oct 17 2023 involving my 2015 Mercedes Benz S550, where the front portion of the two-part sunroof spontaneously exploded while I was driving down the highway. On the aforementioned date, at approximately 5 pm, I was traveling down Beltway 8 In Houston in my Mercedes Benz S550 along with a pack of cars. Suddenly, without any warning signs or external impact, my vehicle experienced a violent shaking accompanied by an extremely loud popping sound, reminiscent of a gunshot. The intensity of the event startled me, and I quickly maneuvered my car to safety while other drivers also reacted to the sudden disturbance on the road. Once I pulled over and inspected the damage, I was horrified to discover that the front portion of the two-part sunroof had completely shattered, leaving a significant hole and glass fragments both inside and outside the vehicle. The explosion occurred on the Beltway, before the Kirby exit. Fortunately, I escaped any injury as the glass fragments were ejected upwards due to the force of the explosion. It is important to highlight the potential devastation that could have occurred had I kept the screen under the sunroof rolled in, as is my usual practice. Considering the size and force of the explosion, it is reasonable to imagine that if the glass had come pouring down onto my head and body, it could have caused severe injuries, including lacerations, contusions, and possibly even more serious harm. In light of this incident, I am deeply concerned about the safety implications for myself and other vehicle owners who may encounter similar issues with the sunroof in their Mercedes Benz S550 or other models. It is crucial that this matter be thoroughly investigated to determine the underlying cause and prevent any potential risks or harm to future drivers.
NHTSA complaint #11550522 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEAT BELTS
Driver rear seatbelt is fully extended and won’t retract. A quick google search shows that this is a common problem with this model.
NHTSA complaint #11549103 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TIRES
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz S550 equipped with Pirelli Tires, Tire Line: P Zero Nero, Tire Size: 275/35/R20, DOT Number: XNX0M2622716. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, there was an abnormal vibration coming from the tires. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing, and it was confirmed that there was tread separated on the rear tires. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The tire failure mileage was 10,000. The approximate vehicle failure mileage was 44,000.
NHTSA complaint #11547747 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I'm reporting a problem that can cause the vehicle to catch on fire. During cold temperatures the heated windshield will turn on and the car will catch on fire.
NHTSA complaint #11513428 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.