2015 Mercedes-Benz S550 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
100/100
#1 most-complained of 8 S550 years
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz S550 ranks worst of 8 model years tracked, with a complaint index of 100 and 41 NHTSA complaints tied to 5 recalls. Suspension and wheel problems dominate, followed by seat belt and electrical issues, making it the year to approach with most caution.
- Complaints
- 41
- Recalls
- 5
- Crashes / fires
- 4 / 3
- Injuries / deaths
- 7 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 19
- 16 city / 26 hwy
Top 2015 Mercedes-Benz S550 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires8 (20%)
- Other7 (17%)
- Seat Belts7 (17%)
- Electrical System5 (12%)
- Structure & Body5 (12%)
- Airbags4 (10%)
- Engine4 (10%)
- Steering4 (10%)
- Visibility & Wipers4 (10%)
- Brakes3 (7%)
What owners report
- Rims crack or fracture, sometimes causing the vehicle to wobble unexpectedly while driving.
- The engine compartment can catch fire even after the car has driven without prior warning signs.
- The heated windshield has been reported to ignite during cold weather operation.
- Sunroof glass has shattered while driving on the freeway, sending shards into the cabin.
- The Distronic Plus collision-avoidance system has failed to detect vehicles ahead and did not slow the car.
- Dashboard gauges reflect brightly onto the windshield at night, obscuring the driver's view of the road.
2015 Mercedes-Benz S550 recalls
5 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V854000Dec 15, 2023Structure & Body2,976 vehicles
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 the vehicle during a prior repair, allowing the front panel to detach from the vehicle.
Risk: A detached roof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 2, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on, March 22,2024, and August 2, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 21V-197.
- NHTSA 21V197000Mar 19, 2021Structure & Body15,096 vehicles
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 CLA250 Coupe, 2014-2015 CLA45 AMG, 2018 GLC63 AMG, 2014-2017 S550, 2018-2020 S450, 2016-2019 GLE63 Coupe AMG, 2016 GLE450 Coupe, 2014-2020 S63 AMG, 2018-2019 S560, and 2019 GLC350e vehicles equipped with a panoramic sunroof. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair.
Risk: The adhesive bonding of the front panel might deteriorate, possibly causing the front panel to detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Mercedes-Benz dealer will remove the bonded panel and will install a new front panel by following the detailed repair instructions and using the approved primer, cleaner and adhesive, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021 and October 26, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
- NHTSA 19V787000Nov 1, 2019Other24,226 vehiclesOver-the-air fix
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 visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V787-4620.pdf
Risk: An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: MBUSA has initiated an Over the Air (OTA) remote update. MBUSA will also notify owners, and dealers will check software for a successful OTA or update the communication module software as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019120008.
2015 Mercedes-Benz S550 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 16 MPG
- Highway
- 26 MPG
- Combined
- 19 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,200
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2015 compared with other S550 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2015 Mercedes-Benz S550 a bad year?
- Among 8 model years of the S550, 2015 ranks worst with a complaint index of 100 and carries the 'Avoid' verdict relative to other years. It has 41 NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls, more than most other years listed.
- What is the top problem area on the 2015 S550?
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires is the top problem area, accounting for 20% of complaints (8 of 41), with a median failure mileage of 23,526.5 miles.
- Does the 2015 S550 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2015 S550, covering structure/body panels, electrical systems, and a steering control unit replacement, none of them marked do-not-drive.
- How does 2015 compare to other S550 years?
- 2015 has the highest complaint index (100) of all 8 years tracked, while 2013 and 2012 are rated 'Best' with complaint indexes of 0 and 14 respectively.