2016 Mercedes-Benz S550 recalls and problems

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550 has 5 safety recalls and 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Recalls
5
Complaints
15
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2016 Mercedes-Benz S550 recalls

Recall 23V-854: Structure

Reported Dec 15, 2023 · 2,976 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 21V-197: Structure

Reported Mar 19, 2021 · 15,096 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 19V-787: Communication

Reported Nov 1, 2019 · 24,226 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 16V-829: Seat Belts

Reported Nov 16, 2016 · 672 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 S63 AMG Coupe, S65 AMG Coupe, S550 Coupe 4Matic, S63 AMG 4Matic Convertible, and S550 Convertible vehicles manufactured June 29, 2015, to March 15, 2016. The seat belt extenders on the affected vehicles may not retract as intended and may potentially break the event of a crash.

Risk: In the event of a crash, if the seat belt extender does not retract and/or the extender breaks, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing their risk of injury.

Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the control unit software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in mid-December 2016. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Recall 16V-760: Exterior Lighting

Reported Oct 20, 2016 · 996 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 S550 Coupe 4MATIC, S63 AMG Coupe 4MATIC, S65 AMG Coupe and S63 AMG Convertible 4Matic vehicles manufactured September 3, 2015, to February 4, 2016. The low beam headlights on the affected vehicles may not be properly adjusted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Risk: If the low-beam headlights are out of adjustment, the driver's visibility may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and correct the headlight adjustment, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in November 2016. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

2016 Mercedes-Benz S550 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Unknown or Other6
Structure3
Tires3
Seat Belts2
Visibility/Wiper1
Electrical System1
Engine1
Steering1

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 3
  • Tires › Sidewall — 1
  • Tires › Tread/Belt — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 58,455 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 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550 complaints

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

Steering · at 56,000 miles · reported Oct 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering failure warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized. The contact stated that he was lucky to have been driving the vehicle in front of the residence and not on the highway. In addition, the contact stated that it was very difficult trying to move the vehicle from one parking space to another in front of the residence. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed electric power steering module. The contact was…
Tires · reported Jun 16, 2025
Started car in parking lot and warming light read zero air in right front tire. No prior warning. Checking tire for any road hazard - nails or other potential punctures but none were present but the tire had a hole just below the wheel that had blown out. The tire is a Pirelli P Zero 245/40R20 Run Flat. Was able to drive it to Tire Discount the next day to replace the tire. Manager checked tire and could not find any other issue with the tire. They were supposed to hold the tire but it was removed by the recycling company. I have pictures and the managers examination. Our safety any others if…
Seat Belts · reported Jul 26, 2024
The car's front passenger passenger seat buckle fails to properly secure the seat belt. After inserting the seat belt it fails to latch into the buckle. The Mercedes dealer has examined the seat buckle and determined that it failed. They are recommending a replacement.
Tires · reported May 13, 2024
Staggered tires on this car Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymetric 2 Run flats. Front size - 245/40 R 20/99y, Rear -275/35 R 20/102 These tires cannot take the load of the car . I purchased the vehicle & the same tire (front driver side) has blown & ripped open over a moderate pothole, Aug 2020 & in Sep, 2022. In my opinion these tires are massive liability and a huge safety hazard. These are Summer runflat tires & also there no Allseason ROF's
Unknown or Other · reported Jan 8, 2024
While driving or even sitting this piece gets extremely hot and has actually burned me twice. As soon as the car is turned on the temperature rises on this piece that’s on by the arm rest

Other Mercedes-Benz S550 years

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

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550: 23V-854 (structure), 21V-197 (structure), 19V-787 (communication), 16V-829 (seat belts), 16V-760 (exterior lighting). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550?

Owners report unknown or other problems most often (6 reports), followed by structure (3). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 58,455 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.