2012 Mercedes-Benz S550 problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
5 owner complaints analyzed
2 distinct recall campaigns
86,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2012 model year. Data snapshot: . 3 complaints include usable failure mileage.
This selection has limited data. It remains available for lookup but is excluded from search indexing.
Most common problems
Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 3 of 5 complaints (60.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Engine operation | 1 | 20.0% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 1 | 20.0% |
| Steering behavior | 1 | 20.0% |
| Fuel system concerns | 1 | 20.0% |
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 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 3 |
| Electrical System | 1 |
| Steering | 1 |
Engine: 3; Fuel/Propulsion System: 3; Electrical System: 1; Steering: 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 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 2 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 1; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 2; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
75,000 to 99,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (2). 2 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 |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 2 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2024 | 1 |
2019: 2; 2021: 1; 2022: 1; 2024: 1
Pattern summary
Engine leads the component reports. Engine operation appears in 1 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 1 complaint narratives. Steering behavior 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 11610863 · 2024-08-26 (August 26, 2024)
I purchased this vehicle in July 2020. I did a through check for recalls, warranty problems and could not identify any with this vehicle. From the get go the check engine light would come on. I checked the codes and they indicated an "electrical fault on bank 1, oxygen sensor 1. I replaced the wiring harness on that sensor as well as the sensor. From then until now the car would code weekly about the same issue. Eventually I started using a catalytic converter cleaner (it cleans off sulfur deposits) in an attempt to solve the issue. It would wo…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11610863 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11413503 · 2021-04-23 (April 23, 2021)
VEHICLE CUT ON FIRE WHILE SITTING LUCKY OUTSIDE, THE CORNER OF ENGINE PASSENGER SIDE BELLOW THE HEADLIGHT STORES THE SUSPENSION AIR PUMP AND ELECTRIC HYDRAULIC STEERING PUMP.. BASE ON MY INSPECTION THE EHPS HEATED AND SET ON FIRE.SOMEONE SAW THE CAR ON FIRE AND CALLED FIRE DEPT.. CAR WAS LOCK AND STORE AFTER HOURS
Owner-reported narrative. 22,300 miles reported. Look up ODI 11413503 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11254246 · 2019-09-09 (September 9, 2019)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ S550. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY IN A PARKING LOT, THE CONTACT SMELLED FUEL FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. ON SEPTEMBER 5, 2019, THE CONTACT WAS ALERTED BY SOMEONE OF A FUEL LEAK UNDER THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V557000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE CONTACT CALLED MERCEDES-BENZ OF ARROWHEAD (LOCATED AT 9260 W BELL RD, PEORIA, AZ 85382, [phone removed]) AND NOTIFIED THEM OF…
Owner-reported narrative. 86,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11254246 at NHTSA ↗