2017 Mercedes-Benz S550 problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
16 owner complaints analyzed
10 distinct recall campaigns
23,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2017 model year. Data snapshot: . 7 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Steering is the most frequently named component, appearing in 3 of 16 complaints (18.8%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Steering behavior | 3 | 18.8% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 2 | 12.5% |
| Fuel system concerns | 1 | 6.3% |
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 |
|---|---|
| Steering | 3 |
| Unknown Or Other | 3 |
| Air Bags | 2 |
| Visibility/Wiper | 2 |
| Electrical System | 1 |
| Engine | 1 |
| Exterior Lighting:Headlights | 1 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 |
Steering: 3; Unknown Or Other: 3; Air Bags: 2; Visibility/Wiper: 2; Electrical System: 1; Engine: 1; Exterior Lighting:Headlights: 1; Fuel/Propulsion System: 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 | 4 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 1 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 1 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 1 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 4; 25,000 to 49,999: 1; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 1; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (4). 9 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 |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 2 |
| 2018 | 1 |
| 2019 | 1 |
| 2020 | 1 |
| 2022 | 4 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 1 |
2017: 2; 2018: 1; 2019: 1; 2020: 1; 2022: 4; 2023: 2; 2024: 4; 2025: 1
Pattern summary
Steering leads the component reports. Steering behavior appears in 3 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 2 complaint narratives. Fuel system concerns 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 10991841 · 2017-05-26 (May 26, 2017)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ S550. AFTER STARTING THE ENGINE, THE POWER STEERING FAILURE WARNING MESSAGE DISPLAYED AND THE POWER STEERING WAS INOPERABLE. THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LOKEY MERCEDES-BENZ IN CLEARWATER, FLORIDA, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,200.
Owner-reported narrative. 1,200 miles reported. Look up ODI 10991841 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11517064 · 2023-04-14 (April 14, 2023)
Had my S550 into this dealership two (2) consecutive years for a power steering rack issue that ended up being related to rodent damage. The first time it happened the dealership replaced the wiring free of charge after discovering it, after initially telling me that the rack itself would have to be replaced. This year both the wiring and the rack itself needed to be replaced, and I was made to go through my auto insurance to have it fixed. My sons Cadillac, and my girlfriends Range Rover Sport share the same driveways with me, and have had …
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11517064 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11075262 · 2018-02-27 (February 27, 2018)
STARTING OUT FROM AN INTERSECTION THE ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM DIED, NO ENGINE, NO LIGHTS, NO ABILITY TO OPEN TRUNK, NOTHING. I AM REPORTING THIS BECAUSE I FEAR SUCH AN EVENT COULD BE LIFE-THREATENING, EG. IF IT HAPPENED WHILE TRAVELING AT A HIGH SPEED. I BELIEVE THE AIRBAGS MAY HAVE BEEN DISABLED ALONG WITH ALL OTHER ELECTRICAL. DEALER REPORTS THERE WAS A SIMILAR EVENT WITH ANOTHER OF THE SAME CAR ONE WEEK EARLIER, AND THAT IT IS APPARENTLY CAUSED BY A CONTACT FOR THE BATTERY GROUND "BURNING OUT." I BELIEVE THERE SHOULD BE AN URGENT RECALL…
Owner-reported narrative. 600 miles reported. Look up ODI 11075262 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11581358 · 2024-04-05 (April 5, 2024)
I was sold a vehicle by a dealership with a busted gas tank. It appears to have been an attempt to repair it with patching material. I am unsure if the defect was a result of manufacturing versus acquired damage. My safety is at risk because of leaking gas that could potentially ignite and inhaling strong gas fumes that could impact my lungs and health. The fuel tank damage has been confirmed by a mechanic and documented. It has not been inspected by any other entity while in my possession other than reported inspection by the dealership. …
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11581358 at NHTSA ↗