2013 Mercedes-Benz S550 problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Wheels (2) · Structure:body (1) · Steering (1)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Mercedes-Benz S550 model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (78)
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 78 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2023-03-06 · Unknown Or Other“a retaliatory action to cause personal harm. believe original vin was placed on this car because of a complaint against medical doctors now under investigation. took pictures and other proofs. note on this vehicle says there are hazard mercury arts used on vehicle like lighting and lists other parts and advises removal to be done as hazardous mate…”
2019-05-24 · Exterior Lighting:headlights · 72,000 mi“tl* the contact owns a 2013 mercedes-benz s550. while driving 65 mph, the headlights dimmed without warning. the headlights did not provide enough illumination to drive safely. the contact also stated that water entered the headlight housings and created condensation. mercedes-benz of coconut creek (located at 4250 fl-7, coconut creek, fl 33073, (9…”
2018-08-31 · Engine · 63,000 mi“i just had a very expensive repair done to my 2013 s550; replacing the engine harness, on a car that was looked after like my own child! oil changes regularly, service a and service b as soon as the light went on, absolutely no reason why this sort of damage should have happened on a perfectly well-maintained vehicle. a repair that set me back $6,8…”
2017-03-14 · Wheels · 34,000 mi“problem 1: car sold to me without full disclosure. silverstar motors in l.i city, ny sold me the car & withheld material information. the car had 4 damaged & defective wheels. this was disclosed to me by another dealer helms brothers. tires were constantly losing air; front end would vibrate at highway speeds & was constantly in the shop. silversta…”
2015-02-16 · Steering · 15,000 mi“while making right-hand turn the steering wheel locked in a turned position and would not return to straight - locked episode lasted for 2-4 seconds. this happened 2x and i have left the car with a dealer and will not drive it again until all components in the steering are replaced. the dealer has been unable to reproduce the problem and has not …”
2014-09-26 · Wheels · 30,840 mi“i leased this car new in 2013, since 06/06/2013 this car has been back in shop for same problem 8 times, bubbles on the tires which cuts open the tire at the edge of the wheel. last month the tire was changed again and while the car was in the shop it developed another bubble on another tire. now mbusa is saying there is no defect on the car, i am …”
2013-03-19 · Structure:body · 3,500 mi“tl* the contact owns a 2013 mercedes benz s550. the contact stated that the rear passenger side of the vehicle was a half of a inch higher than the rear driver side. the vehicle was taken to dealer. the technician stated that the vehicle measured up to specifications. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired.…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.