2011 Mercedes-Benz E550 problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
61 owner complaints analyzed
3 distinct recall campaigns
70,500 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2011 model year. Data snapshot: . 22 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Air Bags is the most frequently named component, appearing in 32 of 61 complaints (52.5%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 3 | 4.9% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 2 | 3.3% |
| Transmission and shifting | 1 | 1.6% |
| Steering behavior | 1 | 1.6% |
| Fuel system concerns | 1 | 1.6% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Air Bags | 32 |
| Suspension | 19 |
| Unknown Or Other | 3 |
| Engine | 2 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 |
| Service Brakes | 2 |
| Electrical System | 1 |
| Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection | 1 |
Air Bags: 32; Suspension: 19; Unknown Or Other: 3; Engine: 2; Fuel/Propulsion System: 2; Service Brakes: 2; Electrical System: 1; Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 1 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 6 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 5 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 8 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 2 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 1; 25,000 to 49,999: 6; 50,000 to 74,999: 5; 75,000 to 99,999: 8; 100,000 to 149,999: 2; 150,000 and above: 0
75,000 to 99,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (8). 39 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 1 |
| 2016 | 6 |
| 2017 | 20 |
| 2018 | 10 |
| 2019 | 14 |
| 2020 | 3 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2022 | 4 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 1 |
2014: 1; 2016: 6; 2017: 20; 2018: 10; 2019: 14; 2020: 3; 2021: 1; 2022: 4; 2023: 1; 2024: 1
Pattern summary
Air Bags leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 3 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 2 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10855669 · 2016-04-15 (April 15, 2016)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ E550. UPON INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE FAILURE WITH THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL MAY HAVE BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKING SYSTEM. AS THE FAILURE PROGRESSED, THE FRONT BRAKES OVERHEATED AND WARPED PREMATURELY DUE TO THE FRONT DISCS AND ROTORS. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE ROTORS WERE WARPED AND REPLACED THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS. THE FAILURE RECURRED WITH THE BRAKES HAVING A STRONG SENSATION, OVERHEATING, AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO BE UNSTABLE WH…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10855669 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10902081 · 2016-08-28 (August 28, 2016)
BRAKE LINE CORRODED LEAKING. FUEL LINE CCORRODED
Owner-reported narrative. 25,124 miles reported. Look up ODI 10902081 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10648992 · 2014-10-21 (October 21, 2014)
BEGINNING SOMETIME IN MAY 2013, THE CAR BEGAN LEAKING FUMES INTO THE PASSENGER CABIN WHICH MADE ME VERY ILL. AFTER TAKING IT TO BOTH PARK PLACE MERCEDES HERE IN DALLAS, AND THEN MERCEDES BENZ OF PLANO, NEITHER SERVICE DEPARTMENT COULD DETERMINE WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. AFTER REPEATED ATTEMPTS TO GET TO THE BOTTOM OF THE MATTER WITH PARK PLACE, I TOOK IT TO MERCEDES BENZ OF PLANO IN NOVEMBER 2013. THEY EVALUATED THE CAR, CHANGED THE BATTERY, AND GAVE THE CAR BACK TO ME IN DECEMBER OF 2013 FOR A WEEKEND, CLAIMING IT WAS FIXED. THE CAR,…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10648992 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11493623 · 2022-11-15 (November 15, 2022)
The issue with the vehicle's electrical causing power to the starter to stay on even after the vehicle is in the park and turned off, the starter's Solenoid and other electrical parts burn, its a serious fire hazard and needs to be addressed immediately.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11493623 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11443261 · 2021-12-09 (December 9, 2021)
Transmission cooler which i manufactured inside the radiator failed causing transmission fluid to mix with anti-freeze/coolant, now the transmission slips and per recommendation from a mercedes dealership the vehicle needs a new transmission, torque converter, radiator, radiator cap, new upper and lower radiator hoses, new upper and lower radiator overflow hoses, new thermostat and the entire cooling system to be flushed and the transmission lines to be flushed, estimated at $11,200 for the repair
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11443261 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11021398 · 2017-09-05 (September 5, 2017)
AIRMATIC FRONT AIR STRUT/SHOCK FAILURE. THE FRONT LEFT HAS FAILED ON MY CAR. IT HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING AND A SHORT WHILE AFTER AN ACCIDENT AND THE TWO MAY BE RELATED DUE TO THE BRAKING FORCES PUTTING PRESSURE ON THE FRONT STRUTS. THE FAILURE DID NOT HAPPEN IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CRASH. HOWEVER, ABOUT A MONTH LATER, OR SO, THE CAR LOWERED AND RED WARNING LIGHT CAME ON WITH A WARNING TO TO "PULL OVER AND STOP DRIVING IMMEDIATELY". I WAS DRIVING NORMALLY, BUT I HAD THE ACCIDENT IN LATE JUNE. ALSO, IN ADDITION THE THE TEMPORAL OCCURRENCE OF M…
Owner-reported narrative. 71,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11021398 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11500100 · 2023-01-04 (January 4, 2023)
The vehicle felt like it was all over the road at highway speeds. Took it to a mechanic and the rear subframe had become weakened with premature rust. The mounting point for one of the rear suspension arms had broken off of the subframe and was making contact with my gas tank. I called the dealer to see if there were any recalls. No recalls for this issue however there are a few reports on this website. I have also been on forums for my vehicle and it is a VERY common problem on these vehicles. From what i gather this is a widespread iss…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11500100 at NHTSA ↗