AI Damage2017 Mercedes-Benz E550: common problems
Owners of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E550 filed 2 complaints with NHTSA, most often about electrical system and steering. The maker issued 113 service bulletins for this year. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 2
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 113
What fails most often
- 1 Electrical system 50% of all complaints
- 2 Steering 50% of all complaints
- 3 Communication 50% of all complaints
- Electrical system: 1 complaints (50% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 36.
- Steering: 1 complaints (50% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 5.
- Communication: 1 complaints (50% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 1.
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 | 36 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 | 5 |
| Communication | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Equipment | 0 | 0 | 29 |
| Exterior lighting | 0 | 0 | 13 |
| Powertrain | 0 | 0 | 13 |
| Structure | 0 | 0 | 10 |
| Engine and cooling | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| Visibility | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| Service brakes | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Engine | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Suspension | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Electronic stability control | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Fuel system | 0 | 0 | 1 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
The steering wheel tilt feature is stuck in the up position.
The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number 21V058000 (Communication, Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 19,879 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (among the 46% least complained about).
On average one model year of the E550 has 20 complaints (12 years in the data). This year has 2, below average.
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Steering. Steering play, power assist, rack and tie rods after a wheel impact.
- Communication. Infotainment, telematics, antennas after body repair.
- Exterior lighting. Headlamps, leveling, sensors and mounts after a frontal hit.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- 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…
- 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 vibration…
- 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 nut (by 1 turn), the…
- Complaint Creaking noise, in irregular sequence when driving slowly in combination with slight steering…
Complaint Creaking noise, in irregular sequence when driving slowly in combination with slight steering movements and/or Creaking/crackling noises from the area of the wheel bearing on the front axle when cornering/…
- Complaint After successful commissioning of the HERMES control unit (N112/9) with XENTRY Diagnosis DVD…
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…
- 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 (Figure 1) D: After…
- This NCU replaces the prior NCUs issued on May 18, June 25, 2020 and October 1, 2020 and contains…
This NCU replaces the prior NCUs issued on May 18, June 25, 2020 and October 1, 2020 and contains important workshop instructions on how the HVAC Service Warranty repair must be carried out. To enhance the satisfaction…
- Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged
Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. If a pressure compensation diaphragm is fitted in…
- Complaint When closing the door, the side window may remain slightly open (short stroke position)
Automatic window raising function of side window inoperative. NOTE: Window is fully operational while holding the switch Cause Software in door control unit (N69/x). Starting the engine at the same time as the door is…
- Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon,…
Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the…
- Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can…
Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging does not result in a…
- Complaint The flap of the reversing camera opens and closes by itself during forward travel several times…
Complaint The flap of the reversing camera opens and closes by itself during forward travel several times during the trip. No camera image is displayed in the head unit. The reversing camera or the 360° system…
NHTSA lists 113 bulletins for this year; the 12 newest are shown here.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E550?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: electrical system, steering, communication. Total complaints: 2.
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E550?
NHTSA lists 113 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2017 Mercedes-Benz E550 from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2017 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.