2012 Mercedes-Benz S550 recalls and problems

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz S550 has 2 recalls and 5 owner complaints on file with NHTSA; the most reported problem area is engine.

Pictured: a 2013 model; the 2012 may differ in details. Photo: 2013 Mercedes-Benz S550 by Sarah Larson from Ann Arbor, MI, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

How the 2012 compares

Lowest

Fewest complaintsMost complaints

Lowest complaint count among 10 S550 model years — 10th most.

2recalls

5complaints

0crashes

1fires

0injuries

86,000median miles

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not verified and not adjusted for sales. Ranking compares this model's own years only.

Does your car have an open recall?
Recalls apply to specific vehicles. Only a VIN lookup on NHTSA's official site shows whether yours is affected and still unrepaired.

Check your VIN →

2 recalls

Fuel System

Dec 3, 2012 · NHTSA campaign 12V557000 · 5,800 vehicles

Problem: Mercedes-Benz is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 S400, S550, S550 4Matic, S63 AMG, C300, C300 4Matic, E350, GLK350, GLK350 4Matic, CL550 4Matic, and CL63 AMG vehicles manufactured from April 18, 2011, through July 12, 2011. Due to an irregularity stemming from the molding process of the fuel filter flange, the fuel filter flange may crack when operated in high temperatures.

Risk: If the fuel filter flange cracks, it will leak fuel which may lead to a fire if an external ignition source is present.

Remedy & notes

Mercedes-Benz will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel filter, free of charge. The recall campaign is expected to begin in February 2013. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Tires

Oct 3, 2011 · NHTSA campaign 11V493000 · 158 vehicles

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (Mercedes Benz) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 S550, S550 CGI, S63, S600 Bi-Turbo, S65 AMG, S550 4-Matic, and S550 CGI 4-Matic and S400 Hybrid vehicles manufactured from March 3, 2011, through July 30, 2011, for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicles Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)." The tire pressure monitoring system indicators may only illuminate for a portion of the time required by the standard and under certain conditions may not re-illuminate immediately after the vehicle is restarted as required.

Risk: If all four wheel sensors in the subject vehicles are simultaneously malfunctioning or missing, the TPMS will provide an initial warning, but this warning will not automatically repeat on subsequent ignition cycles, failing to remind the driver that the system is offline. Driving unknowingly with incorrectly inflated tires may result in sudden tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy & notes

Mercedes Benz will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the tire pressure monitoring unit, free of charge. The recall began on September 12, 2014. Owners may contact Mercedes Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Recall text as published by NHTSA and the manufacturer.

What owners complain about

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA; one complaint can name several areas. Not verified by NHTSA.

Complaints by year filed

2012 vs. other Mercedes-Benz S550 years

Owner complaints by model year; the darker bar is the 2012. Click a bar to switch year.

Questions

Does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S550 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns covering the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S550, the latest from Dec 3, 2012 (fuel system). A recall applies to specific vehicles: enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours is affected and still open.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S550?

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA most often mention engine (3), fuel system (3), electrical system (1). Complaints are consumer reports and are not verified by NHTSA.