2011 Mercedes-Benz S550 recalls and problems

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz S550 has 2 safety recalls and 9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
9
Crashes / fires
1 / 1
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2011 Mercedes-Benz S550 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2011 Mercedes-Benz S550 recalls

Recall 12V-557: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Dec 3, 2012 · 5,800 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

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.

Recall 11V-493: Tires

Reported Oct 3, 2011 · 158 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

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.

2011 Mercedes-Benz S550 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Unknown or Other2
Fuel/Propulsion System2
Forward Collision Avoidance2
Electrical System1
Vehicle Speed Control1
Engine1
Structure1
Suspension1
Exterior Lighting1

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 1
  • Suspension › Front › Springs › Air Suspension › Springs/Bags — 1
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 1
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 67,879 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2011 Mercedes-Benz S550 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Forward Collision Avoidance · reported Aug 18, 2026
The instrument cluster on my 2011 Mercedes-Benz S550 (W221) is locked by a persistent red “Battery Not Charged” warning message. This message appears even though the charging system is working correctly (normal charging voltage, new battery, and new battery sensor installed). Because the cluster is locked, I can no longer: • View or reset tire pressure (TPMS) • Access the digital speed display • Adjust or enable certain lighting functions, including daytime running lights • Adjust seatbelt settings • Turn the blind spot monitor on or off • Control PRE-SAFE braking / related…
Suspension · at 67,879 miles · reported Apr 29, 2025
The contact's daughter owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz S550. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the garage, the contact noticed that the air suspension had collapsed. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that it was a known failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,879.
Fuel/Propulsion System · reported May 8, 2024
My driver side Rear seat underneath is leaking gasoline. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE If the fuel filter flange cracks, it will leak fuel which may lead to a fire if an external ignition source is present. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V557000
Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Mar 18, 2022
I am filing a complaint with your agency regarding a fuel pump malfunction with my 2011 Mercedes S550 (VIN# [XXX]), because I feel that the incident below is a major safety concern and is similarly situated to the following NHTSA Campaign #12V557000. On March 15, 2022, I was pumping gas into my vehicle at Costco in Brookhaven, Georgia. The gas attendant and I were chatting about gas prices and so forth. In 10-to-15 minutes Costco's members that were getting gas, were attempting to alert us that an ocean ($88.00) of fuel was rapidly spewing out the opposite side (driver side) of the vehicle's…
Unknown or Other · at 67,000 miles · reported Jun 29, 2017
Shifting lever is up for reverse, center for park, down for forward. All other transmissions you push up for park. After driving all other cars, even prior mercedes if you exit the car you push the transmission lever to up for park even with the engine running you push the lever up for park. This becomes a habit, a reflexive action but if you do this in this mercedes you go into reverse. What happened to me is I started the car in my garage and forgot something so I hopped out while reaching for the shift lever and pushed up for park, but it wasn't park, it was reverse and my car started…

Other Mercedes-Benz S550 years

Compare all Mercedes-Benz S550 years · All Mercedes-Benz models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2011 Mercedes-Benz S550 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz S550: 12V-557 (fuel system, gasoline), 11V-493 (tires). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2011 Mercedes-Benz S550?

Owners report unknown or other problems most often (2 reports), followed by fuel/propulsion system (2). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 67,879 miles.

Are Mercedes-Benz recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Mercedes-Benz dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.