NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breaking down after prolonged exposure to high humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
This page covers 4 recalls and EPA fuel economy for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E550.
18 mpg combined
13.1 L/100km
Subcompact Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz E550 has 4 recalls, all centered on the same critical hazard: Takata airbag inflators on both the driver and passenger sides that can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin during a crash.
Both the driver-side and passenger-side frontal airbag inflators are affected. When either deploys in a collision, the inflator casing can burst apart, scattering sharp metal fragments toward the driver, the front passenger, or anyone else in the vehicle, with the potential for serious injury or death. The passenger-side inflator issue appears across several separate recall filings covering different model years and regional registrations, but the underlying danger is the same in each case. These recalls are part of the broader Takata airbag crisis and are among the most serious defects tracked in the automotive industry. Owners in high-humidity states such as Florida, Hawaii, and others in the Gulf Coast and Southeast may face elevated risk, as moisture accelerates the deterioration of the inflator propellant.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breaking down after prolonged exposure to high humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
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Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag module at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode during a crash. This can happen because the inflator's propellant degrades after prolonged exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the passenger front air bag module at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflators may rupture during a crash because the propellant inside degrades over time when exposed to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag modules at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's front air bag inflator may build up excessive pressure and rupture when the air bag deploys.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver's front air bag module at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.