2008 Mercedes Benz S550 problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Tires (4) · Suspension (2) · Power Train (2)
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (84)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Service Brakes 2026-09-22 · LI42.10-P-078779 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60mph. note: although the symptom is similar to a tire or wheel vibration, it is usually readily noticeable that it is distinctly different if it happens at all times or only while braking. cause although the cause of the vibra
Structure:body 2026-09-14 · LI82.62-P-078631 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. cause under analysis. remedy to narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • if the noise continues to occur even with the door trim removed, then continue the diagnosis working towards the speaker and if necessary,
Structure:body 2026-08-06 · LI82.62-P-078631 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. cause under analysis. remedy to narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • if the noise continues to occur even with the door trim removed, then continue the diagnosis working towards the speaker and if necessary,
Power Train 2026-07-14 · LI35.30-P-058566 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). the noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. note: sound file in attachment cause if the complaint is eliminated by experimentally loosening the outboard collar n
Electrical System 2026-05-26 · LI82.85-P-080507 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint after successful commissioning of the hermes control unit (n112/9) with xentry diagnosis dvd 03/2026, the message "sos - service not activated" appears on the instrument cluster. in addition, the following two conditions are also met: • hermes (n112/9) control unit: event code b15ce00 is a
Visibility/Wiper 2026-05-19 · LI82.30-P-059239 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint there are several types of complaint about noises or poor windshield wiper wiping performance: a: wiper blades squeaking, chattering, shuddering b: the windshield is not wiped completely (streaking) c: during the downward movement water is pulled back onto the windshield from the a-pillar
Showing the 6 most recent of 84 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2025-05-07 · Engine“i’m reporting a serious safety issue with the balance shaft sprocket in my mercedes-benz s550 (m273 engine, 273.968). this is a known defect that causes the sprocket to wear out far too early due to poor material design. when it wears, it throws off the engine timing, leading to check engine lights, rough idling, reduced power, and even stalling. i…”
2024-03-14 · Engine · 40,000 mi“the contact owns a 2008 mercedes-benz s550. the contact stated while driving 40-50 mph, the vehicle was shuddering intermittently. the contact stated that the failure recurred while at a complete stop. the check engine warning light was illuminated. the contact stated that the failure had been recurring intermittently. the vehicle was taken to an i…”
2023-09-28 · Tires“we were traveling home and our tpms indicated a tire failure. the psi starting dropping rapidly. we took the tire off and found that only 4 " of rubber holding the back sidewall together on the tire. i then inspected the other tires on the car (which were purchased and installed at the same time) are showing signs of failure as well. all of the…”
2023-08-28 · Power Train · 176,310 mi“the contact owns a 2008 mercedes-benz s550. the contact stated while driving 35-40 mph, the message "safety" was temporarily displayed on the instrument panel. additionally, the contact stated while starting the vehicle on several occasions, the message " safety " was displayed on the infotainment system screen. the check engine warning light was i…”
2020-06-18 · Seats:front Assembly:head Restraint · 78,013 mi · 💥 crash“tl* the contact owns a 2008 mercedes-benz s550. the contact stated that while stopped, the vehicle was suddenly rear-ended causing the vehicle's driver and passenger front seat head rest air bags to deploy. the contact stated that he sustained broken bones in his neck as well as injuries to his left elbow and back area. the front passenger received…”
2020-05-12 · Vehicle Speed Control · 148,000 mi“p-rc-200808004 body control acceleration sensors...models 2001-2008 11/4/2008 - 200807001 re-code the software calibration number (scn) …”
2020-01-01 · Wheels · 69,000 mi“even change to new tires, the air pressure up to 37 and always after 1 week or so, down to 33, complain and change tire and still have the same result. you could only check the tire pressure after you run for a while. massage chair, after operation and all the sudden it stop. clock in the cabin doesn't change even you set it up and the internal …”
2019-01-02 · Fuel/Propulsion System · 70,000 mi“my vehicle has a strong gas odor while driving but particularly when the vehicle is static or parked. this smell is so strong that i cannot sit in the car and my clothes reak of the smell. there has not been any external gas leakage or performance issues with the car. only the gas ordor that has given me a headache and makes me nauseated. the car o…”
2018-09-04 · Suspension · 91,000 mi“i had to replace both front air shocks around 90,000 miles. no off road driving. both air struts leaked within 4 months . suspension warning light cane on first. then a message to stop the car and not operate.…”
2017-02-21 · Fuel System, Gasoline · 91,000 mi“tl* the contact owns a 2008 mercedes benz s550. the contact stated that the vehicle had experienced an abnormal fuel odor. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel tank was fractured and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired due to the part being on back order. the manufacturer was notified of the fail…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.