2012 Mercedes-Benz S550 Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other S550 years
- Not enough data 10th of 10 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 2 recalls: check your VIN
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
Owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S550. That ranks 10th out of 10 S550 model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is engine (3 complaints, 60%), typically at around 57,433 miles. Complaints mention 1 fire. There are 2 safety recalls covering this model year.
- 5owner complaints
- 2safety recalls
- 0NHTSA investigations
- 0complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 2012 Mercedes-Benz S550 problems
Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Median miles | Owners mention most | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3 | 60% | 57,433 | — | — |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 3 | 60% | 86,000 | — | — |
| Electrical System | 1 | 20% | — | — | — |
| Steering | 1 | 20% | 22,300 | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
2012 Mercedes-Benz S550 recalls (2)
Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.
Fuel system, gasoline
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 systems
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.
I purchased this vehicle in July 2020. I did a through check for recalls, warranty problems and could not identify any with this vehicle. From the get go the check engine light would come on. I checked the codes and they indicated an "electrical fault on bank 1, oxygen sensor 1. I replaced the…
There is a strong smell of fuel in the cabin. When I lifted up the rear seats, where the odor is coming from, I see a film of fuel around the fuel sending unit on the driver's side. I lift up the sound insulation and I see fuel that has leaked on total the top of the sending unit.
Vehicle cut on fire while sitting lucky outside, the corner of engine passenger side bellow the headlight stores the suspension air pump and electric hydraulic steering pump.. Base on my inspection the ehps heated and set on fire.someone saw the car on fire and called fire dept.. Car was lock and…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ S550. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY IN A PARKING LOT, THE CONTACT SMELLED FUEL FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. ON SEPTEMBER 5, 2019, THE CONTACT WAS ALERTED BY SOMEONE OF A FUEL LEAK UNDER THE REAR OF THE…
There is an plastic plug in the oil system that leaks oil from the engine on to the exhaust manifold. This was reported because of increased oil consumption, vapor in the engine space and a smell of burned oil. The plastic plug is known to leak and mercedes does nothing about this during warranty…
Other Mercedes-Benz S550 years
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 S550 | 16 | 10 |
| 2016 S550 | 15 | 5 |
| 2015 S550 | 41 | 5 |
| 2014 S550 | 24 | 5 |
| 2013 S550 | 7 | 0 |
| 2012 | 5 | 2 |
| 2011 S550 | 9 | 2 |
| 2010 S550 | 16 | 0 |
| 2008 S550 | 19 | 0 |
| 2007 S550 | 54 | 0 |
See all Mercedes-Benz S550 problems by year, every Mercedes-Benz model, or the Mercedes-Benz VIN decoder.
Similar Mercedes-Benz models
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S550?
Owners most often report engine, fuel/propulsion system, electrical system problems. The top one, engine, accounts for 3 complaints.
Was there a recall on the 2012 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 2012 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 2012 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.