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 • Control PRE-SAFE braking / related safety systems • Use other instrument cluster menus and driver information displays The problem began after a low-voltage event (battery went dead and the car only partially cranked). Clearing fault codes does not permanently resolve it — the message returns immediately. This is a known software issue on facelift W221 models that requires an instrument cluster software update and SCN coding to fix. The locked cluster prevents access to required safety information and multiple safety-related vehicle functions. The vehicle and components are available for inspection.
The worst 2011 Mercedes-Benz S550 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Fuel system2
- Acceleration1
- Body1
- Driver assistance1
- Electrical1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Fuel system2
- Acceleration1
- Body1
- Driver assistance1
- Electrical1
- Engine1
- Lights1
- Suspension1
Recalls 2
Fuel system, gasoline
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 S400, S550, S550 4Matic, S63 AMG, C300, C300 4Matic, E350, GLK350, GLK350 4Matic, CL550 4Matic, and CL63 AMG vehicles manufactured from April 18, 2011, through July 12, 2011. Due to an irregularity stemming from the molding process of the fuel filter flange, the fuel filter flange may crack when operated in high temperatures.
- Risk
- If the fuel filter flange cracks, it will leak fuel which may lead to a fire if an external ignition source is present.
- Remedy
- Mercedes-Benz will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel filter, free of charge. The recall campaign is expected to begin in February 2013. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1‑800‑367‑6372.
Recall number 12V557000 · Recall details
Tires: pressure monitoring and regulating systems
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (Mercedes Benz) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 S550, S550 CGI, S63, S600 Bi-Turbo, S65 AMG, S550 4-Matic, and S550 CGI 4-Matic and S400 Hybrid vehicles manufactured from March 3, 2011, through July 30, 2011, for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicles Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)." The tire pressure monitoring system indicators may only illuminate for a portion of the time required by the standard and under certain conditions may not re-illuminate immediately after the vehicle is restarted as required.
- Risk
- If all four wheel sensors in the subject vehicles are simultaneously malfunctioning or missing, the TPMS will provide an initial warning, but this warning will not automatically repeat on subsequent ignition cycles, failing to remind the driver that the system is offline. Driving unknowingly with incorrectly inflated tires may result in sudden tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Mercedes Benz will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the tire pressure monitoring unit, free of charge. The recall began on September 12, 2014. Owners may contact Mercedes Benz at 1‑800‑367‑6372.
Recall number 11V493000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz S550 72
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Engine
- Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is...
- Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors
- Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end)
- After successful commissioning of the HERMES control unit (N112/9) with XENTRY Diagnosis DVD 03/2026, the...
- There are several types of complaint about noises or poor windshield wiper wiping performance: A: Wiper...
- Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged
- Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged
- Headlamps leaking or fogged
- Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end)
2011 Mercedes-Benz S550 fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.5L 8‑cyl | RWD | 15 | 23 | 18 |
What 2011 Mercedes-Benz S550 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact's daughter owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz S550. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the garage, the contact noticed that the air suspension had collapsed. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that it was a known failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,879.
My driver side Rear seat underneath is leaking gasoline. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE If the fuel filter flange cracks, it will leak fuel which may lead to a fire if an external ignition source is present. the federal safety agency CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V557000
I am filing a complaint with your agency regarding a fuel pump malfunction with my 2011 Mercedes S550 (VIN# [XXX]), because I feel that the incident below is a major safety concern and is similarly situated to the following the federal safety agency Campaign #12V557000. On March 15, 2022, I was pumping gas into my vehicle at Costco in Brookhaven, Georgia. The gas attendant and I were chatting about gas prices and so forth. In 10-to-15 minutes Costco's members that were getting gas, were attempting to alert us that an ocean ($88.00) of fuel was rapidly spewing out the opposite side (driver side) of the vehicle's fuel tank. On March 16, 2022, I had the vehicle towed to RBM of Atlanta in Sandy Springs, Georgia. Later that afternoon, [XXX], the service advisor advised me that the vehicle's fuel tank will need to be replace. I agreed to the repair. However, I asked the advisor to send me photos of the malfunctioned part, as well as, an itemized Repair invoice. I have yet to receive either. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Iabout 2 months ago, I was unable to start my car. It had a warning message 'services required. Do not shift the gear'. We towed our car to the dealer and learned that the backseat flood had standing water! This caused the electronic shortage. We paid over $2000 to make the car running again. It looks that the rain got in through driver side back window because of the sealing problems. It rained last night. I just looked at my car. The back floor likes river again. I am unable to start the car again. Now we feel that this car is very unsafe. We do not know when the rain will get into the car to cause the electronic problems. We are afraid that we may be trapped in a flood if we drive it in the rain' we contacted the dealer last month to ask them to recall this car and find the reason for this leaking. They told us to pay all the costs. We did not accept because this is obviously a manufacture defect! We are seeking your help to solve this issue because this leaking may cause many electric problems that has make this car unable to drive. I attached the email communications with the dealer in case that you may need them. Thank you and I am looking forward to hearing back from you soon!
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 mercedes-benz s550. The contact stated that the vehicle caught on fire while parked. The contact was able to extinguish the fire which started from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who determined that the engine harness leading to the oxygen sensor was the cause of the fire. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to house of imports (6862 auto center dr, buena park, ca 90621, (714) 627-5553) for diagnostic testing over a month ago where it was still awaiting a diagnosis. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case manger was assigned. The contact sent pictures of the vehicle and failed parts to the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.
Shifting lever is up for reverse, center for park, down for forward. All other transmissions you push up for park. After driving all other cars, even prior mercedes if you exit the car you push the transmission lever to up for park even with the engine running you push the lever up for park. This becomes a habit, a reflexive action but if you do this in this mercedes you go into reverse. What happened to me is I started the car in my garage and forgot something so I hopped out while reaching for the shift lever and pushed up for park, but it wasn't park, it was reverse and my car started backward with me only partially in the car. I barely made it back in before I wiped out my drivers door on the garage wall as the car exited the garage. I came within a whisper of getting smashed between the car door and the garage. Damage, about $7,000 but I avoided getting killed. Now, you may say that it is my fault for not shifting properly but why would mercedes go away from what has been the practice for many, many years? Much of driving is doing what you have been conditioned to do, much of it is reflexive and that should be considered in design for safety. I wrote to mercedes about this and told them that this is a safety issue. I asked them for reimbursement for my repair but I don't expect they will comply.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 mercedes-benz s550. While driving 70 MPH, the vehicle accelerated up to 110 MPH on its own. The rear of the vehicle rattled without warning. On another occasion, all the warning indicators failed to illuminate and the GPS provided incorrect information. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but they could not duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
I have 20 inch wheels on the car and in three years I have had three wheels crack. To date no accidents have occurred but I am afraid of a catastrophic wheel failure at 75 miles per hour
Compare the 2011 Mercedes-Benz S550
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Questions about the 2011 Mercedes-Benz S550
Is the 2011 Mercedes-Benz S550 reliable?
Owners have filed 9 complaints about the 2011 Mercedes-Benz S550, fewer than a typical S550 model year.
What is the 2011 Mercedes-Benz S550 year score?
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz S550 scores 85 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Mercedes-Benz S550: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2011 Mercedes-Benz S550?
Fuel and propulsion system, with 2 complaints. Next is acceleration (1).
How many recalls does the 2011 Mercedes-Benz S550 have?
2 recalls, covering fuel system, gasoline and tires.
Was there a recall on the 2011 Mercedes-Benz S550 fuel system?
Yes, 1 recall: 12V557000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What gas mileage does the 2011 Mercedes-Benz S550 get?
Official estimates for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz S550 range from 18 mpg combined. The most efficient version (5.5L 8-cyl, RWD) gets 15 city and 23 highway.
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