Mercedes-Benz E550 Best and Worst Years (2010–2017)
The 2010 and 2011 Mercedes-Benz E550 are the years to avoid, with complaint index scores of 86 and 100, driven mostly by Airbags (44-52% of complaints) and Suspension issues. 2013 is the strongest year with a complaint index of just 43.
- Model years
- 8
- 2010–2017
- NHTSA complaints
- 183
- Recall campaigns
- 12
- Crashes reported
- 4
- Fires reported
- 2
- Top problem area
- Airbags
E550 Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Mercedes-Benz E550 problems and recalls by year
E550 years to avoid: what went wrong
2011 Mercedes-Benz E550 Index 100 · 61 complaints · 3 recalls
The 2011 E550 has the highest complaint index of any year at 100, making it the worst-ranked year for this model. Airbags dominate complaints at 52% share, with a median failure mileage of 37,750 miles, notably lower than 2010. Suspension, Wheels & Tires follow at 33% of complaints, median mileage 77,000. This year recorded 3 crashes and 1 fire among reported incidents. Three recall campaigns apply, including Takata airbag replacements. Owners reported issues such as air strut failures, water leaks near the rearview mirror after repairs, and electrical problems affecting the starter.
2011 airbags problems →2011 suspension, wheels & tires problems →
2010 Mercedes-Benz E550 Index 86 · 68 complaints · 3 recalls
The 2010 E550 carries a complaint index of 86 and ranks second worst among all years covered. Airbags account for 44% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 84,990 miles. Suspension, Wheels & Tires make up another 40% of complaints, median mileage 68,000. NHTSA lists three recall campaigns tied to this year, including passenger frontal air bag module replacements. Owners reported issues ranging from parking brake/shift lever problems to windshield cracking and brake-induced jerking around curves.
2010 airbags problems →2010 suspension, wheels & tires problems →
Most common Mercedes-Benz E550 problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.
- Airbags89 (49%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires52 (28%)
- Brakes11 (6%)
- Electrical System11 (6%)
- Other9 (5%)
- Structure & Body9 (5%)
- Steering8 (4%)
- Engine6 (3%)
- Visibility & Wipers5 (3%)
- Fuel System4 (2%)
Frequently asked questions
- What year Mercedes-Benz E550 should I avoid?
- The 2010 and 2011 model years are flagged to avoid, with complaint indexes of 86 and 100 respectively, the highest among all E550 years covered.
- What is the best year for the Mercedes-Benz E550?
- Among the years with data, 2013 has the lowest complaint index at 43 and carries a Good verdict, making it the strongest choice relative to other E550 years.
- What is the most common problem with the Mercedes-Benz E550?
- Airbags are the top problem area across all years, accounting for 89 complaints, or 49% of the 183 total complaints logged with NHTSA.
- Does the Mercedes-Benz E550 have a Takata airbag recall?
- Yes. Multiple recall campaigns, including one reported in 2016, cover passenger frontal air bag module replacements tied to the Takata issue, affecting the 2010 and 2011 E550 among other years.
- Is the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E550 reliable?
- The 2011 E550 has the highest complaint index (100) of all years covered and ranks worst overall, with 61 complaints, 3 crashes, and 1 fire reported, so it carries an Avoid verdict relative to other E550 years.