MERCEDES-BENZ S550 · model year

2014 MERCEDES-BENZ S550

36 NHTSA complaints, 7 crash reports, and 5 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2014MERCEDES-BENZS550 carries 36 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 7 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2014 S550 is unknown or other with 4 filings, followed by steering (3) and air bags (2). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 5 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 15 investigation files overlapping the 2014 S550. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

36
Complaints
7
Crashes
0
Fires
4
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

36 filings

Crashes Reported

7 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
UNKNOWN OR OTHER4
STEERING3
AIR BAGS2
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM2
VISIBILITY/WIPER2
SERVICE BRAKES2
POWER TRAIN2
SEAT BELTS2
STRUCTURE:BODY1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR1
SUSPENSION:REAR1
TIRES1

Recalls (5)

13V57600020/11/2013

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (Mercedes-Benz) is recalling certain model year 2014 S550 vehicles manufactured April 11, 2013, through October 14, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the front seat belt anchor might not be installed correctly allowing it to come loose in a crash.

21V19700019/03/2021

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 C

23V85400015/12/2023

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 t

16V89900014/12/2016

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 a

19V78700001/11/2019

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

Recent Complaints

20251024SEAT BELTS

We almost got into crash the other day, our 8-year-old kid got our attention that rear seatbelt got very loose and did NOT retract back at all. he almost hit his head. when I asked him if it has been like this he said no, it was tight when I buckled it in. We tried several times to retract it manually with no luck. I checked online and I have seen people complaining about the same thing. we have been lucky we didn't hit the other car then my child will be seriously injured. This is a very serious safety requirement. I hope Mercedes Benz will take this very seriously as well, before others get hurt.

20250731ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes Benz S550. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact became aware of oil spots on the driveway after parking the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where an inspection indicated that the oil filter housing was defective and needed to be replaced. The contact was then given a list of other parts associated with the oil filter housing that also needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and was informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 89,677.

Mileage: 89,677

20240902UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Unknown

20240812SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS

The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz S550. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that the brake pads were corroded. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was confirmed that the brake pads were severely corroded. The contact was informed that the brake pads needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the same diagnostic was provided to the contact. The contact was informed that the brake pads needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

Mileage: 70,000

20231023SEAT BELTS

Rearvpassenger seat just stopped working. Won't retract.

20221230SUSPENSION

The vehicle dropped at front axle areas on both sides. The next message stated "Vehicle to Low". Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Could not drive regular speed limit almost got rear ended. Reproduced i am not sure, there is however about 3 manufacturer communications on this issue. There have not been any inspections relating to this issue with insurance. The manufacturer Mercedes previously inspected and replaced several issues relating to suspension on this vehicle type. There are at least 40-60 product model vehicle types that have this issue. The vehicle i drive is one of them. The warning lamp came on when starting the car, the front end did not rise as it was expected to , warning lamp stated Vehicle level too low

20211112POWER TRAIN

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? -Steering :Electrical Power Assist , Drive Shaft

20211112STEERING

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? -Steering :Electrical Power Assist , Drive Shaft

20211112FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? -Steering :Electrical Power Assist , Drive Shaft

20210901FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

Pre safe disabled then Blind spot disabled then cruise control disabled this occurs in heavy rain had the dealer check it told they could not duplicate the problem told them this is a dangerous problem in heavy weather as you do have blind spots in the s class and you do need the system to work.once the weather improves or the heavy rain subsides the system restores itself

20210901LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION

Pre safe disabled then Blind spot disabled then cruise control disabled this occurs in heavy rain had the dealer check it told they could not duplicate the problem told them this is a dangerous problem in heavy weather as you do have blind spots in the s class and you do need the system to work.once the weather improves or the heavy rain subsides the system restores itself

20210901FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

Pre safe disabled then Blind spot disabled then cruise control disabled this occurs in heavy rain had the dealer check it told they could not duplicate the problem told them this is a dangerous problem in heavy weather as you do have blind spots in the s class and you do need the system to work.once the weather improves or the heavy rain subsides the system restores itself

20200810UNKNOWN OR OTHER

AT APPROXIMATELY 0030 FRIDAY AUGUST 07, I WAS TRAVELLING 65 MPH NORTH BOUND ON THE CA215/60 FREEWAY, THERE WAS LITTLE TRAFFIC. I HEARD WHAT SOUNDED LIKE A GUNSHOT, THEN A CRINCLING GLASS SOUND AND FINALLY A WHOOSHING OF AIR I WOULD SOON SEE WAS A GAPING HOLE WHERE MY CLOSED PANORAMIC SUNROOF USE TO BE. I EXITED THE FREEWAY AT THE NEXT EXIT AND PULLED INTO A GAS STATION, GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND UPON INSPECTING THE CAR FOUND A HUGE HOLE WHERE MY PANARAMIC SUNROOF USE TO BE. I ALSO MADE A VIDEO AVAILABLE AT REQUEST.

Mileage: 65,000

20200713LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 MERCEDES-BENZ S550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOORS FAILED TO LOCK MANUALLY OR WITH KEYS. THE CONTACT CALLED MERCEDES-BENZ OF CUTLER BAY (10701 SW 211 ST, CUTLER BAY, FL 33189, (786) 232-0364) TO INFORM THE DEALER OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT OFFERED NO ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.

Mileage: 55,000

20190923CrashAIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 MERCEDES-BENZ S550. WHILE THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS IDLING AT A RED LIGHT, ANOTHER VEHICLE RAN A STOP SIGN AND T-BONED HIS VEHICLE. NONE OF THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE POLICE WAS PRESENT AND FILED REPORT NUMBER: 190911002273. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ALSO PRESENT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES; HOWEVER, MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS SOUGHT LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A BODY SHOP. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE INSURANCE COMPANY DEEMED THE VEHICLE DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. *DT *AS

Mileage: 50,000

20181228WHEELS

THIS PAST THURSDAY EVENING (DECEMBER 13, 2018) AROUND 10:00 PM, I WAS DRIVING (WITH MY WIFE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT) DOWN A CURVY STRETCH OF ROAD ON SUNSET BOULEVARD IN BEVERLY HILLS, WHEN I SUDDENLY HEARD A LOUD THUMPING SOUND AND IMMEDIATELY FELT VIOLENT VIBRATIONS THROUGH THE STEERING WHEEL. SINCE WE WERE TRAVELING AT A RELATIVELY LOW SPEED OF 30 MPH, I WAS IMMEDIATELY ABLE TO RE-GAIN THE CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE AND WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER SAFELY. ONCE I GOT OUT OF MY VEHICLE, I IMMEDIATELY NOTICED THAT THE FRONT RIGHT WHEEL RIM HAD COMPLETELY BROKEN INTO TWO HALVES. I WAS SHOCKED AND VERY SURPRISED BECAUSE NOTHING COULD HAVE POSSIBLY EXPLAINED WHY THIS WHEEL COMPLETELY BROKE IN THE MANNER THAT IT DID. WE WERE EXTREMELY FORTUNATE THAT THERE WERE NO OTHER VEHICLES AROUND US AT THE TIME THE WHEEL BROKE, OR THAT WE WERE NOT ON THE HIGHWAY TRAVELING AT MUCH HIGHER SPEEDS, OTHERWISE THE RESULTS WOULD HAVE BEEN FATAL WITH EVEN A POSSIBILITY OF SIGNIFICANT INJURY OR EVEN LOSS OF LIFE. A COMP

Mileage: 43,000

20180621STEERING

ACCORDING TO THE RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 16V899000 AND THE VEHICLE INSPECTION REPORT FROM THE LOCAL MERCEDES DEALERSHIP SHOW AS AN IDENTICAL ISSUE. HOWEVER, MY VEHICLE IS NOT IDENTIFIED AS APART OF THE RECALL. THE RECALL STATES THE ISSUE IS DUE TO THE STEERING CONTROL UNIT NOT BEING SOLDERED PROPERLY. DIFFICULT TO THINK THIS FALLS UNDER NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. I WILL GET THE REPAIR DONE BEGRUDGINGLY, THOUGH IT WOULD BE NICE IF MERCEDES WOULD HAVE STOOD BEHIND ITS RECALL.

20180309VISIBILITY/WIPER

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 MERCEDES-BENZ S550. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE THE ROADWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH PALM BEACH (9275 FL A1AALT, NORTH PALM BEACH, FL 33403) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY AND CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE ISSUE NEEDED TO BE HANDLED BETWEEN THE CONTACT AND THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 18,497. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Mileage: 18,497

20180309EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 MERCEDES-BENZ S550. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE THE ROADWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH PALM BEACH (9275 FL A1AALT, NORTH PALM BEACH, FL 33403) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY AND CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE ISSUE NEEDED TO BE HANDLED BETWEEN THE CONTACT AND THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 18,497. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Mileage: 18,497

20171027VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 MERCEDES-BENZ S550. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH MERGING ON THE INTERSTATE, THE SUN ROOF SHATTERED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (MERCEDES-BENZ OF MOBILE, 3060 DAUPHIN ST, MOBILE, AL, 36606) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE SUN ROOF FAILED. DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE ALSO SUSTAINED BODY DAMAGE TO THE HOOD AND TRUNK. THE MANUFACTURER WAS STATED THAT THEY WOULD GIVE THE CONTACT A CALL BACK AND SEND AN INVESTIGATOR. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO SUSTAINED A CUT ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE FACE DUE TO THE SHATTERED GLASS. THE CONTACT DID NOT RECEIVE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000.

Mileage: 70,000

Compare 2014MERCEDES-BENZS550 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2014 MERCEDES-BENZ S550 have?
The 2014 MERCEDES-BENZ S550 has 36 NHTSA complaints, 7 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2014 MERCEDES-BENZ S550?
Yes, the 2014 MERCEDES-BENZ S550 has 5 recall(s). The most common affected component is SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2014 MERCEDES-BENZ S550?
The most-complained component for the 2014 MERCEDES-BENZ S550 is UNKNOWN OR OTHER with 4 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include STEERING and AIR BAGS.
Is the 2014 MERCEDES-BENZ S550 safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.