NHTSA (USA)High Risk
At a glance
What can fail
The front roof panel between the windshield and panoramic sunroof may have been improperly bonded during a prior repair, causing the panel to detach from the vehicle.
This page covers 10 recalls, 16 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz S550.
21 mpg combined
11.2 L/100km
Large 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.
Complaints on the 2017 S550 are relatively sparse at 16 total, but steering column issues stand out as the most reported pattern. Owners describe the telescoping and tilt adjustment mechanism failing, typically with the wheel becoming stuck in a fixed position, usually too high, making it harder to reach comfortable driving posture and obscuring instrument visibility. Visibility complaints center on moisture intrusion in the headlight housings, with owners reporting persistent fogging or water accumulation even after the dealer attempted fixes using desiccant packets. A single steering report mentions a cracked CV boot discovered during routine service, with the concern that front axle integrity could eventually be compromised. One isolated report describes dashboard material separating near the airbag panels on both sides. The steering column adjustment failure, particularly the loss of vertical tilt while telescoping still functions, is the most consistently described symptom across multiple reports.
16
Total Complaints
By System
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz S550 has 10 recalls, the most serious being a roof panel that can detach from the vehicle while driving and become a road hazard for other traffic.
Two separate recalls cover this roof panel issue: one addresses an original bonding defect, and one addresses cases where a prior repair attempt did not fully secure the panel. On the steering side, a transistor in the electric power steering control unit can overheat and disable the assist, making the steering wheel significantly harder to turn. Two recalls involve seatbelt safety: the front seatbelt pretensioners may not tighten properly in a crash, and on Coupe and Convertible models, the seatbelt extenders may fail to retract or break in a crash, leaving occupants without proper restraint. There are also recalls covering door latches that can release unexpectedly even when the door appears locked, and misadjusted low-beam headlights on Coupe models that reduce forward visibility at night. Three recalls address the automatic emergency call system, which can send the wrong location to emergency responders or fail to connect entirely after a crash.
At a glance
What can fail
The front roof panel between the windshield and panoramic sunroof may have been improperly bonded during a prior repair, causing the panel to detach from the vehicle.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front roof panel at no charge to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front roof panel between the windshield and panoramic sunroof may not be properly bonded to the vehicle from a previous repair, risking separation.
What the fix does
The dealer will remove and replace the front roof panel using proper bonding materials and procedures at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The communication module may have been turned off during service, disabling the Emergency Call function that connects your vehicle to emergency services.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the communication module and reactivate it if needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The communication module software may fail to send your vehicle's correct location to emergency services when the eCall system activates during a crash.
What the fix does
A dealer will update the communication module software, or the update will be sent over-the-air, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error causes the eCall emergency system's date and time to be incorrect, which may result in an inaccurate vehicle location being sent during an emergency call.
What the fix does
Mercedes-Benz will send a remote software update to your vehicle. Dealers will verify the update worked or install a new communication module software at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear passenger door on the driver's side may appear locked when it's actually unsecured, creating a potential safety issue.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the left rear door lock as needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A transistor in the power steering control unit may overheat and disable the power steering system.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the steering rack as needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front seat seatbelt pretensioners may not work properly during a crash, reducing protection for front occupants.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front seat belts at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The seat belt extender may fail to retract properly and could break during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the control unit software at no cost to fix the retraction issue.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The low beam headlights may not be properly adjusted, causing them to not meet federal lighting standards.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and adjust the headlights as needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.