2012 Mercedes-Benz S550 recalls and problems

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz S550 has 2 safety recalls and 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
5
Crashes / fires
0 / 1
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2012 Mercedes-Benz S550 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2012 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.

2012 Mercedes-Benz S550 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine3
Fuel/Propulsion System3
Steering1
Electrical System1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 86,000 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz S550 complaints

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

Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Jun 14, 2022
There is a strong smell of fuel in the cabin. When I lifted up the rear seats, where the odor is coming from, I see a film of fuel around the fuel sending unit on the driver's side. I lift up the sound insulation and I see fuel that has leaked on total the top of the sending unit.
Engine · at 22,300 miles · reported Apr 23, 2021
Vehicle cut on fire while sitting lucky outside, the corner of engine passenger side bellow the headlight stores the suspension air pump and electric hydraulic steering pump.. Base on my inspection the ehps heated and set on fire.someone saw the car on fire and called fire dept.. Car was lock and store after hours
Engine · at 92,565 miles · reported Apr 9, 2019
There is an plastic plug in the oil system that leaks oil from the engine on to the exhaust manifold. This was reported because of increased oil consumption, vapor in the engine space and a smell of burned oil. The plastic plug is known to leak and mercedes does nothing about this during warranty and instead waits until the vehicular is out of warranty causing an increased time for a fire potential. This car is driven on city streets and highways with this fire potential.

Other Mercedes-Benz S550 years

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

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S550 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2012 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz S550?

Owners report engine problems most often (3 reports), followed by fuel/propulsion system (3). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 86,000 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.