Mercedes-Benz S550 brakes problems
10 complaint narratives mention brakes terms.
Key facts
133 owner complaints analyzed
15 distinct recall campaigns
43,450 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2010 to 2017 model years. Data snapshot: . 66 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Braking behavior evidence
10 of 133 complaints match this topic (7.5%). The keyword filter can include complaints that mention a transmission without reporting its failure. View matching rules.
Owner report 10615593 · 2014-07-23 (July 23, 2014)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MERCEDES BENZ S550. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN AND NEARLY CAUSED A CRASH. THE CONTACT WAS ONLY ABLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE AFTER THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WAS NOT PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000. ..UPDATED 11/11/14 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT…
Owner-reported narrative. 24,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10615593 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11757779 · 2026-08-18 (August 18, 2026)
The instrument cluster on my 2011 Mercedes-Benz S550 (W221) is locked by a persistent red “Battery Not Charged” warning message. This message appears even though the charging system is working correctly (normal charging voltage, new battery, and new battery sensor installed). Because the cluster is locked, I can no longer: • View or reset tire pressure (TPMS) • Access the digital speed display • Adjust or enable certain lighting functions, including daytime running lights • Adjust seatbelt settings • Turn the blind spot monitor on or off •…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11757779 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10653234 · 2014-11-07 (November 7, 2014)
I WAS ON A TEST DRIVE. CRUISE CONTROL WAS ON. SPEED WAS 55MPH. VAN PULLED IN FRONT OF ME AND DECELERATED. MERCEDES MAINTAINED SPEED AND WAS CLOSING RAPIDLY. APPLIED BRAKES HARD TO AVOID REAR ENDING VAN. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10653234 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10732993 · 2015-07-09 (July 9, 2015)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 MERCEDES BENZ S550. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE DOWNSHIFTED AND SUDDENLY THERE WAS A HARD SHIFT WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED OR WHEN STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE NEAR THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT THE TILT FUNCTION FEATURE ON THE RIGHT PASSENGER MIRROR FAILED. WHEN FUNCTIONING PROPERLY, THE RIGHT PASSENGER MIRROR TILTED DOWNWARD AND TO THE RIGHT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN REVERSE; THEREFORE, THE DRIVER COU…
Owner-reported narrative. 2,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10732993 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10838568 · 2016-02-26 (February 26, 2016)
REAR BRAKE PADS INCORRECTLY INSTALLED FROM THE FACTORY. BOTH INSIDE BRAKE PADS WERE INSTALLED ON THE REAR CALIPER FOUND THAT PADS ON THE RIGHT REAR WERE WORN DOWN TO 4-5MM ALSO FOUND THAT RIGHT REAR ROTOR HAS UNEVEN GROOVES FROM BRAKE PADS.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10838568 at NHTSA ↗