2011 Mercedes-Benz S550 Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Aug 18, 2026 · 9 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other S550 years
Not enough data 8th of 10 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 9 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Mercedes-Benz S550. That ranks 8th out of 10 S550 model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is fuel/propulsion system (2 complaints, 22%). Complaints mention 1 crash, 1 fire. There are 2 safety recalls covering this model year.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

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Most common 2011 Mercedes-Benz S550 problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Fuel/propulsion System2
Unknown or Other2 · ~38,500 mi
Electrical System1
Engine1 · ~118,000 mi
Exterior Lighting1
Forward Collision Avoidance1
Structure1
Suspension1 · ~67,879 mi
Vehicle Speed Control1
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Fuel/propulsion System222%———
Unknown or Other222%38,500——
Electrical System111%———
Engine111%118,000——
Exterior Lighting111%———
Forward Collision Avoidance111%———
Structure111%———
Suspension111%67,879——
Vehicle Speed Control111%———

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2015, with 1 complaints
2015: 1201512016: 1201612017: 1201712018: 1201812020: 1202012022: 1202212024: 1202412025: 1202512026: 120261

n = 9 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2011 Mercedes-Benz S550 recalls (2)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Fuel system, gasolineDec 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.

Fix: 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.

Tires:pressure monitoring and regulating systemsOct 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.

Fix: 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.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

The instrument cluster on my 2011 Mercedes-Benz S550 (W221) is locked by a persistent red “Battery Not Charged” warning message. This message appears even though the charging system is working correctly (normal charging voltage, new battery, and new battery sensor installed). Because the…

Forward Collision Avoidance · received Aug 18, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11757779

The contact's daughter owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz S550. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the garage, the contact noticed that the air suspension had collapsed. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that it was a known failure. The vehicle was not…

Suspension · received Apr 29, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11657449

My driver side Rear seat underneath is leaking gasoline. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE If the fuel filter flange cracks, it will leak fuel which may lead to a fire if an external ignition source is present. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V557000

Fuel/propulsion System · received May 8, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11587642

I am filing a complaint with your agency regarding a fuel pump malfunction with my 2011 Mercedes S550 (VIN# [XXX]), because I feel that the incident below is a major safety concern and is similarly situated to the following NHTSA Campaign #12V557000. On March 15, 2022, I was pumping gas into my…

Fuel/propulsion System · received Mar 18, 2022 · NHTSA complaint 11457260

Iabout 2 months ago, i was unable to start my car. It had a warning message 'services required. Do not shift the gear'. We towed our car to the dealer and learned that the backseat flood had standing water! This caused the electronic shortage. We paid over $2000 to make the car running again. It…

Structure · received Sep 23, 2020 · NHTSA complaint 11360693

Other Mercedes-Benz S550 years

← 2010 S550 · 2012 S550 →

See all Mercedes-Benz S550 problems by year, every Mercedes-Benz model, or the Mercedes-Benz VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2011 Mercedes-Benz S550?

Owners most often report fuel/propulsion system, unknown or other, electrical system problems. The top one, fuel/propulsion system, accounts for 2 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2011 Mercedes-Benz S550?

Yes, 2 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2011 Mercedes-Benz S550 a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other S550 model years, the 2011 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.