MERCEDES-BENZ S550 · model year

2015 MERCEDES-BENZ S550

58 NHTSA complaints, 10 crash reports, and 5 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2015MERCEDES-BENZS550 carries 58 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 10 crashes, 8 fires, 16 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 2015 S550 is unknown or other with 7 filings, followed by seat belts (6) and structure:body (5). 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 2015 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.

58
Complaints
10
Crashes
8
Fires
16
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

58 filings

Crashes Reported

10 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 OTHER7
SEAT BELTS6
STRUCTURE:BODY5
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM4
AIR BAGS4
WHEELS4
STEERING3
ENGINE3
VISIBILITY/WIPER2
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY2
SERVICE BRAKES2
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM2
TIRES2
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: DYNAMIC BRAKE SUPPORT/BRAKE ASSIST1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1

Recalls (5)

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

17V17700014/03/2017

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

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

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

20260130STEERING

I loss my electric steering assist!!! Takes 2 gorillas to turn the wheel i was able to stop without crashing into anything

20250805FUEL 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.

Mileage: 152,000

20250805SERVICE 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.

Mileage: 152,000

20250605AIR 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.

Mileage: 10,000

20250417ENGINE

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.

20250417WHEELS

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.

20250408STRUCTURE: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.

20250309STEERING

The steering wheel became difficult to control.Also,steering wheel module waring light came on.

20250304SEAT BELTS

The rear seatbelts do not retract to restrain the passenger. They also don't retract after the passenger has exited the vehicle.

20250213ENGINE

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.

20240929TIRES

RIGHT FRONT TIRE 245/45R19B 102.H.M.S I HAD A MAJOR BLOWOUT. THE SIDEWALL OF THE TIRE HAD A WHOLE THE SIZE OF A RETANGULAR BRICK. i COULD HAVE LOST CONTROL AND HURT MYSELF AND OTHERS. I HAD MY BRAKES REPLACED AND THE TIRES ALIGNED AND BALANCED A COUPLE OF DAYS BEFORE. THE MECHANIC SAID IT WAS UNUSUAL FOR THE TIRES TO SHOW WEAR ON THE OUTSIDE AND INSIDE TREAD. AT 75 MPH IT WAS LIKE A LOAD EXPLOSION. BECAUSE THEY ARE RUN FLAT TIRES I DID NOT BRAKE AND COASTED TO THE EXIT WHICH WAS CLOSE BY. INSURANCE CLAIM WAS FILED AND ADJUSTER REVIEWED THE TIRE, THEY DID PAY FOR A NEW TIRE AND LABOR, I HAD TO PAY FOR REALIGNMENT THE CAR WAS FLAT BEDDED TO THE NEAREST MERCEDES REPAIR SHOP. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED AND THEY REALIGNED AGAIN. THEY SAID I WAS VERY LUCKY NOT TO HAVE HAD A MAJOR ACCIDENT OR EVEN DONE MORE DAMAGE TO THE CAR. THE MECHANIC SAID TO CHECK FOR RECALLS BECAUSE THE OF THE RECTANGULAR SIZE ON THE SIDEWALL OF THE TIRE. I DID NOT RUN OVER ANYTHING IN THE ROAD. THE CAR ROAD SMOOTHLY AF

20240918SUSPENSION

The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz S550. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed a squeaking sound coming from the undercarriage of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with suspension strut spring control arm joint. The contact was informed that the suspension strut spring control arm joint needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Mileage: 100,000

20240531SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR

The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz S550. The contact stated that the rear driver's side seat belt was inoperable. The contact stated that the seat belt failed to retract as designed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed seat belt retractor. The contact was informed that the seat belt retractor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

Mileage: 75,000

20240513STRUCTURE:BODY

The driver side reader door can be opened when the door is locked. The door can be inspected on request. The risk is that the door can be opened when the door is indicated as locked. There are no lights to the contrary. The car is inspected by Mercedes dealer at McFarland in Georgia. See Mercedes recall Campaign 2018010009, March 2018.

20240513UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The driver side reader door can be opened when the door is locked. The door can be inspected on request. The risk is that the door can be opened when the door is indicated as locked. There are no lights to the contrary. The car is inspected by Mercedes dealer at McFarland in Georgia. See Mercedes recall Campaign 2018010009, March 2018.

20240513LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

The driver side reader door can be opened when the door is locked. The door can be inspected on request. The risk is that the door can be opened when the door is indicated as locked. There are no lights to the contrary. The car is inspected by Mercedes dealer at McFarland in Georgia. See Mercedes recall Campaign 2018010009, March 2018.

20240417SEAT BELTS

Rear passenger seat belt will not retract. Has done twice before and took weeks before retracting by itself.

20240327STRUCTURE:BODY

There is an active recall on the 2015 Mercedes S550 for the Front Stationary Sunroof panel however my vehicle is not part of the recall due to the Vin#. Regardless the Front Stationary Sunroof Panel on my vehicle has failed and risks coming off while driving which could come into impact with another vehicle.

20231226UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The windshield cracks and spreads rapidly without any evidential cause for a crack and yes it would be available for inspection upon request. This is the 5th replacement in 5 years - 2 in one year alone: 1st - At the time of purchase with only 16555 miles (MPI) RBM replaced the windshield. 2nd - 1/21/20 - 40410 miles (Just got home from a drive through car wash and noticed the crack). 3rd - 7/24/20 - 42150 miles. 4th - 8/26/22 - 62274 miles. 5th - 6/18/23 - 77172 miles. Safety was at risk due to nervousness as to what could ultimately happen affecting driving ability. The problem has reproduced itself 5 times. RBM has refused to take responsibility and consistently escalates replacement cost. No warnings or causes leading to cracks/breakage

20231211UNKNOWN OR OTHER

My 2015 S550 front stationary sunroof glass panel coating is fading.

Compare 2015MERCEDES-BENZS550 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2015 MERCEDES-BENZ S550 have?
The 2015 MERCEDES-BENZ S550 has 58 NHTSA complaints, 10 crashes, 8 fires, 16 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2015 MERCEDES-BENZ S550?
Yes, the 2015 MERCEDES-BENZ S550 has 5 recall(s). The most common affected component is STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2015 MERCEDES-BENZ S550?
The most-complained component for the 2015 MERCEDES-BENZ S550 is UNKNOWN OR OTHER with 7 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include SEAT BELTS and STRUCTURE:BODY.
Is the 2015 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.