Mercedes-Benz S550 Recalls

The Mercedes-Benz S550 has 13 recalls covering 2014 through 2017 model years, with the most serious being a power steering defect on 2017 models where a transistor in the steering control unit can overheat and disable power steering assist, making the vehicle significantly harder to steer.

On 2014-2015 models, a separate power steering issue can cause the control unit pins to lose connection, also cutting off steering assist without warning. Both conditions leave the driver steering a heavy vehicle without electronic assistance, which substantially increases the effort required to control it.

The 2014-2017 model years are subject to a roof panel bonding issue where the front panel between the windshield and panoramic sunroof can detach while driving and become a road hazard. A follow-on recall covers cases where an earlier repair attempt did not bond the panel correctly, leaving the same detachment risk in place.

Seatbelt protection is a recurring theme across several years. On 2016-2017 Coupe and Convertible variants, the seatbelt extenders can fail to retract and may break in a crash, leaving occupants without proper restraint. On 2017 models, the front seatbelt pretensioners can fail to fire correctly in a crash, again reducing how well the belt holds the occupant. Going back to the 2014 model year, the front seat belt anchor itself may not have been installed correctly and can come loose in a crash.

The 2015 model year has a software defect that can prevent airbags from deploying as intended in a crash. On 2017 models, a door latch can give the appearance of being locked while still allowing the door to open unintentionally. Also on 2017 models, two separate recalls cover the emergency call system: one where a software fault causes the system to report an inaccurate vehicle location, and another where the system can fail entirely and prevent contact with emergency services after a crash. The same location-reporting software fault affects 2014-2016 models as well.

The 2016-2017 Coupe variants have low-beam headlights that may not be properly aimed, reducing the driver's forward visibility at night. On 2014 models, the front seat belt anchor may not be correctly installed and can pull free in a crash.