Ask the seller for proof the repair was completed, or run the free VIN check. Recall repairs are done at no cost by a dealer.
Recalls
Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.
Airbags recall
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began March 29, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Airbags recall
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag modules, free of charge. Owners were sent an interim notification October 2016. A second notice will be mailed when remedy parts are available. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Airbags recall
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- MBUSA will their notify owners, and Fiat Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler owners. Dealers for the respective brands will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. This recall began November 2016. Mercedes-Benz owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372 and Chrysler owners may contact Fiat Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Owner complaints by system
Unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, grouped by the part of the car. Useful for spotting patterns. Open a group to read recent examples.
Engine & powertrain
3
Most reports here involve fluid leaks.
Read full complaint
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
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11443261 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Electrical & infotainment
1
Most reports here involve electrical shorts.
Read full complaint
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.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11493623 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Brakes
2
Most reports here involve premature wear.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #10902081 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Steering, suspension & tires
17
Most reports here involve fluid leaks. Of these, 1 mention a crash.
Read full complaint
When I parked my car there was a loud hissing sound near left front end but no smoke or anything from under the hood. When I drove it again I received a warning of (MALFUNCTION) when I was turning left the front left tire was grinding on the actual car and barely made it home. The car warning turned red and said pull over car too low. When I parked the car the front left side is now sitting on tire and touching the ground. Unable to drive. Not been investigated by a mechanic, insurance, etc. There was also an airbag warning before this issue. The contact has stated that she is disabled, and the vehicle is not currently drivable.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11493609 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Airbags & seat belts
32
Most reports here involve airbags not deploying. Of these, 1 mention a crash, 1 mention an injury.
Read full complaint
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS 2011 MERCEDES BENZ E550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER SON WAS DRIVING 5 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE HEAD BUT DID NOT SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A BODY SHOP. FOR THE BODY WORK OF THE ACCIDENT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS) THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER BUT THE CONTACT CALLED MERCEDES-BENZ OF WESTMONT (200 E OGDEN AVE, WESTMONT, IL 605590 AND WAS INFORMED THEM OF THE FAILURE. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 68,972. PART DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. ## VIN PASSED ## MERCEDES-BENZ E550W4 2011 ##
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11351829 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Structure & body
4
Most reports here involve fluid leaks. Of these, 1 mention a crash.
Read full complaint
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 issue, and the fact that it could possibly puncture a gas tank and cause serious injury that something should be done to correct the concern.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11500100 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Other systems
2
Most reports here involve other issues.
Read full complaint
Wood trim throughout the car is cracking and falling off the car on the dash board as well as the doors and the rear side panels. The trim pieces that remain on the car are very sharp and jagged and are a significant risk for cuts in day to day use. In the event of an accident a passenger could be seriously injured from this jagged wood . My car is a 2011 E550 convertible, the W207 platform, the very same car in 4 door form the W212 platform, from model year 2010-2016 is fully covered for wood replacement as NHTSA has deemed it a safety issue. I have been told by Mercedes Benz corporate there is no coverage for my car, they suggested I report this safety issue to NHTSA in the hopes of having this safety issue addressed as quickly as possible. I respectfully request help in getting the issue with the wood in my car covered under the same safety consideration. Thank you.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11586212 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
How does it compare with other years? The 2011 has 61 complaints on file, fewer than the 2010 (67) and more than the 2012 (17). Of the 5 model years of the Mercedes Benz E550 we cover, the 2010 has the most (67). Older model years have had longer to collect complaints.