AI DamageMercedes-Benz S55: problems, complaints, bulletins
Summary for the Mercedes-Benz S55 across 4 model years: 12 owner complaints and 0 NHTSA service bulletins, plus repair videos. Pick a year for details.
Model years
What fails most often
- 1 Electrical system 33% of all complaints
- 2 Engine 33% of all complaints
- 3 Suspension 33% of all complaints
- 4 Powertrain 17% of all complaints
- 5 Structure 17% of all complaints
- 6 Electronic stability control 8% of all complaints
- 7 Exterior lighting 8% of all complaints
- 8 Seat belts 8% of all complaints
- Electrical system: 4 complaints (33% of all).
- Engine: 4 complaints (33% of all).
- Suspension: 4 complaints (33% of all).
- Powertrain: 2 complaints (17% of all).
- Structure: 2 complaints (17% of all).
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 12 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
ABC high pressure hose blew off while driving at low speed made a loud popping sound abc light came on with message drive carefully and fluid came pouring out
Crank pulley/harmonic balancer was replaced and still have very bad dangerous vibration all the time
If child would have been in back, would have had to brake window to get in. This is a big safety issue when so many options depend on car's electrical working. Mercedes sail electrical system failed causing over $15,000 in damage cause I was unable to cut engine off.
While the vehicle was idling, the contact was informed of flames underneath the vehicle. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. There were no injuries. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
I came home on friday march 4th and when I went to get back into the vehicle, I noticed the dash lights did not illuminate. I can be reached at[xxx] 'information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).'
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz s55. The contact stated that while driving at 55 mph, the instrument panel failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the instrument cluster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Suspension. Wheel alignment, control arms, subframe, even tire wear.
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
Other models of this make
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 2026-11-06.