2015 MERCEDES-BENZ S550 Complaints and Recall Information
The 2015 MERCEDES-BENZ S550 has 9 complaints and 13 recalls filed with NHTSA. Owners frequently report engine failures including coolant leaking into cylinders, steering issues, rear seatbelt malfunctions, roof panel damage, and warning lights related to airbags and steering modules. Several complaints involve power loss, unusual engine noises, and brake concerns.
Common Issues
- Engine failure. Multiple reports of coolant leaking into cylinders 2 and 3 causing severe damage and recommendations for engine replacement due to a bad block.
- Steering problems. Difficulty controlling the steering wheel accompanied by warning lights indicating possible steering module failure.
- Rear seatbelt malfunction. Rear seatbelts fail to retract properly both during and after passenger use, compromising restraint.
- Roof panel damage. Complaints of fine hairline fractures developing on the polycarbonate front roof panel between the windshield and panoramic sunroof.
- Airbag warning lights. Persistent illumination of airbag warning lights with error messages indicating frontal driver airbag malfunction without a determined cause.
- Power loss and engine noise. Sudden loss of vehicle power accompanied by abnormal engine ticking and multiple warning lights displayed while driving.
- Brake issues. Reports of loose brake pedal feel, squeaking noises, and hesitation when stopping the vehicle.
- Fuel leakage. Fuel leaks occurring while refueling the vehicle, raising safety concerns.
There are 13 recalls affecting the 2015 MERCEDES-BENZ S550 that cover various vehicle systems including roof structure, steering, communication, electrical software, and airbags. These recalls address safety risks such as roof panel detachment, loss of power steering, inaccurate emergency location data, and incorrect airbag deployment.
Recalls
- Front roof panel (23V854000). Approximately 2,976 vehicles recalled for potential detachment of the front roof panel between the windshield and panoramic sunroof due to improper bonding during prior repair. This hazard increases crash risk. Dealers will replace the panel free of charge. Owner letters were mailed in 2024.
- Front roof panel (21V197000). About 15,096 vehicles recalled for adhesive issues allowing the front roof panel to detach, creating a road hazard. The fix involves panel removal and installation of a new bonded panel at no cost. Notification occurred in 2021.
- Electric power steering (16V899000). Seventy vehicles recalled due to improperly soldered contacts in the electric power steering control unit causing sudden loss of steering assist and potential fire risk. Dealers will replace the control unit free of charge. Recall began in 2017.
- Emergency call system (19V787000). Approximately 24,226 vehicles affected by software faults causing incorrect date and time relay in emergency calls, delaying responders. Dealers will perform over-the-air updates or software fixes free of charge. Recall began in 2019.
- Airbag control units (17V177000). Fifty-one vehicles recalled for incorrect software updates affecting proper airbag deployment during crashes, increasing injury risk. Dealers will update software at no cost. Recall started in 2017.
Owners dealing with repeated engine failures, steering or airbag system problems, or unresolved recall repairs may want to review their rights under their state’s lemon law. Consumers facing ongoing safety defects should consider consulting legal resources specialized in automotive warranty and safety issues.
2015 MERCEDES-BENZ S550 Summary
2015
Model Year
9
Total Complaints
5
Total Recalls
42419
Vehicles Affected
Recalls
2015 MERCEDES-BENZ S550
2976 vehicles affected
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2014-2020 C-Class, CLA, GLA, S-Class, GLC, and GLE vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair, allowing the front panel to detach from the vehicle.
Risk: A detached roof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
2015 MERCEDES-BENZ S550
15096 vehicles affected
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2020 C300 Coupe, C43 Coupe AMG, C43 AMG, 2015-2020 C300, GLA250, 2016-2018 C350e, CLA45 Coupe AMG, 2015 C400, S65 AMG, 2015-2019 C63 AMG, 2016 C450, 2015-2016 GLA45 AMG, S600, 2016-2020 GLC300, 2017-2019 GLC43 AMG, GLE43 Coupe AMG, 2014-2019 CLA250 Coupe, 2014-2015 CLA45 AMG, 2018 GLC63 AMG, 2014-2017 S550, 2018-2020 S450, 2016-2019 GLE63 Coupe AMG, 2016 GLE450 Coupe, 2014-2020 S63 AMG, 2018-2019 S560, and 2019 GLC350e vehicles equipped with a panoramic sunroof. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair.
Risk: The adhesive bonding of the front panel might deteriorate, possibly causing the front panel to detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
2015 MERCEDES-BENZ S550
24226 vehicles affected
COMMUNICATION
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2017 vehicles due to a software fault that may cause the date and time for the emergency call system (eCall) to differ from the actual date and time, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V787-4620.pdf
Risk: An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.
2015 MERCEDES-BENZ S550
51 vehicles affected
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 AMG GT-S, GLC300, CLA250 and GLE300d 4Matic vehicles, 2013 C250, E350 BlueTec and G63 AMG vehicles, 2008-2014 C300 vehicles, 2013-2014 C300 4Matic and ML350 4Matic vehicles, 2009 C350 vehicles, 2014 CLS550, E350 4Matic, E350 Coupe 4Matic, E350 Wagon 4Matic, GLK350 and SL550 vehicles, 2012 CLS550 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2016 E350 vehicles, 2016-2017 GL450 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2014 ML350 4Matic BlueTec vehicles, 2015 S550, S550 4Matic and C300 4Matic Sedan vehicles, 2015-2016 C300 Sedan vehicles, and 2017 SL63 AMG vehicles. Various control units on these vehicles may have been updated with incorrect software, potentially affecting the correct deployment of the air bags in the event of a crash.
Risk: If the air bags do not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, there would be an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
2015 MERCEDES-BENZ S550
70 vehicles affected
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 SL550, 2013-2014 SL63 AMG, 2014-2016 E350, 2014 E350 Cabriolet, E350 Coupe, 2014-2015 S550, 2015 E350 Bluetec, 2015-2016 E400, 2016 E550 Coupe, and Maybach S600 vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to August 14, 2015. The affected vehicles use an electric power steering system that may have improperly soldered contacts inside the control unit, potentially resulting in the power steering system deactivating while driving.
Risk: If the control unit pins lose connection, there would be a loss of electric power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash. The increase in pin contact resistance can also increase the risk of a fire, even while the vehicle is parked and ignition is off.
Complaints
2015 MERCEDES-BENZ S550
ID: 2116957SERVICE 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.
2015 MERCEDES-BENZ S550
ID: 2116956FUEL 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.
2015 MERCEDES-BENZ S550
ID: 2097437AIR 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.
2015 MERCEDES-BENZ S550
ID: 2083216WHEELS
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.
2015 MERCEDES-BENZ S550
ID: 2083215ENGINE
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.
2015 MERCEDES-BENZ S550
ID: 2080744STRUCTURE: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.
2015 MERCEDES-BENZ S550
ID: 2071883STEERING
The steering wheel became difficult to control.Also,steering wheel module waring light came on.
2015 MERCEDES-BENZ S550
ID: 2070452SEAT BELTS
The rear seatbelts do not retract to restrain the passenger. They also don't retract after the passenger has exited the vehicle.
2015 MERCEDES-BENZ S550
ID: 2065003ENGINE
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.