The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering failure warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized. The contact stated that he was lucky to have been driving the vehicle in front of the residence and not on the highway. In addition, the contact stated that it was very difficult trying to move the vehicle from one parking space to another in front of the residence. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed electric power steering module. The contact was informed that the electric power steering module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed about the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 16V899000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.
The worst 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Body3
- Seat belts2
- Tires2
- Electrical1
- Engine1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Body3
- Seat belts2
- Tires2
- Electrical1
- Engine1
- Steering1
- Visibility1
Recalls 5
Structure: body: roof and pillars
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2014-2020 C-Class, CLA, GLA, S-Class, GLC, and GLE vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair, allowing the front panel to detach from the vehicle.
- Risk
- A detached roof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the front panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 2, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on, March 22,2024, and August 2, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372. This recall is an expansion of the federal safety agency recall number 21V‑197.
Recall number 23V854000 · Recall details
Structure: body: roof and pillars
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2020 C300 Coupe, C43 Coupe AMG, C43 AMG, 2015-2020 C300, GLA250, 2016-2018 C350e, CLA45 Coupe AMG, 2015 C400, S65 AMG, 2015-2019 C63 AMG, 2016 C450, 2015-2016 GLA45 AMG, S600, 2016-2020 GLC300, 2017-2019 GLC43 AMG, GLE43 Coupe AMG, 2014-2019 CLA250 Coupe, 2014-2015 CLA45 AMG, 2018 GLC63 AMG, 2014-2017 S550, 2018-2020 S450, 2016-2019 GLE63 Coupe AMG, 2016 GLE450 Coupe, 2014-2020 S63 AMG, 2018-2019 S560, and 2019 GLC350e vehicles equipped with a panoramic sunroof. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair.
- Risk
- The adhesive bonding of the front panel might deteriorate, possibly causing the front panel to detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Mercedes-Benz dealer will remove the bonded panel and will install a new front panel by following the detailed repair instructions and using the approved primer, cleaner and adhesive, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021 and October 26, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372.
Recall number 21V197000 · Recall details
Communication
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2017 vehicles due to a software fault that may cause the date and time for the emergency call system (eCall) to differ from the actual date and time, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location. For a full list of the affected models visit:
- Risk
- An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- MBUSA has initiated an Over the Air (OTA) remote update. MBUSA will also notify owners, and dealers will check software for a successful OTA or update the communication module software as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019120008.
Recall number 19V787000 · Recall details
Seat belts
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 S63 AMG Coupe, S65 AMG Coupe, S550 Coupe 4Matic, S63 AMG 4Matic Convertible, and S550 Convertible vehicles manufactured June 29, 2015, to March 15, 2016. The seat belt extenders on the affected vehicles may not retract as intended and may potentially break the event of a crash.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash, if the seat belt extender does not retract and/or the extender breaks, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing their risk of injury.
- Remedy
- MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the control unit software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in mid-December 2016. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372.
Recall number 16V829000 · Recall details
Exterior lighting: headlights
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 S550 Coupe 4MATIC, S63 AMG Coupe 4MATIC, S65 AMG Coupe and S63 AMG Convertible 4Matic vehicles manufactured September 3, 2015, to February 4, 2016. The low beam headlights on the affected vehicles may not be properly adjusted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Risk
- If the low-beam headlights are out of adjustment, the driver's visibility may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and correct the headlight adjustment, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in November 2016. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372.
Recall number 16V760000 · Recall details
See all 5 recalls for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550
Defect investigations
Pedestrian alert sounds
the federal safety agency received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, the federal safety agency opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified the federal safety agency he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by the federal safety agency regarding the subject matter of the petition.
DP22005
Front Roof Panel Detachment
On January 8, 2021, after ongoing review with Mercedes Benz, the federal safety agency Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE21-001 to assess allegations of front roof panel detachments while driving at highway speeds in certain 2015 Mercedes-Benz (Mercedes) C-Class vehicles.The subject front roof panel is a stationary panel composed of polycarbonate and is attached to the vehicle via adhesive at the time of manufacture. The panel is found on subject vehicles equipped with panoramic sunroofs. Over time, the subject panels may exhibit cosmetic degradation leading to replacement of the panel, a procedure which entails: removal of the old panel and adhesive, site preparation, and installation of a replacement panel with new adhesive.The consumer complaints that prompted the opening of PE21-001 all described detachments of front roof panels that had been replaced after the vehicle was put into service.Mercedes' internal investigation identified a broader scope of affected vehicles (2014-2020 CLA, GLA, C, S, GLC, and GLE class) and found the following potential service procedure- related causes of front roof panel detachments:- Improper surface pretreatments such as the use of the wrong primer or cleaner or scoring of the surface; or - Use of the incorrect adhesive.These conditions lead to a front roof panel bond that, even if sound at the time of repair, cannot maintain its strength over time and environmental exposure.Mercedes updated its service and parts ordering systems to reinforce the proper use of specified kits and procedures via webinars, shop foreman meetings, and explicit reference to the risks incurred by diverging from the repair procedures. Mercedes is also furnishing parts ordering assistance, and will hold dealerships accountable for improper repairs.ODI's analysis of the ten complaints it has received from the public (VOQ's) and MBUSA's complaint data submitted in response to the information request letter for PE21-001 identified a total of 57 non-duplicative reports alleging incidents in which the front roof panel detached from the vehicle while in motion. Included within the 57 reports are incidents where consumers state the panel detached ...and flew off into traffic.On March 19, 2021, Mercedes notified the federal safety agency that it would recall subject vehicles with front roof panels known to have been replaced after the original sale of the vehicle. In total, the recall (designated as Recall 21V197) covers 15,099 vehicles that were ever registered in the United States. Based on Recall 21V197 and the remedy implemented by Mercedes, further investigation does not appear to be warranted at this time.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The ODI complaints cited above can be viewed at under the following ODI identification numbers: 11376425, 11352686, 11351629, 11349158, 11341541, 11337594, 11324100, 11311591, 11222127, 11404183
PE21001
Technical service bulletins for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550 146
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Engine
- Engine
- Customer complaints relating to automatic transmission 725.0 (NAG3 Classic /9G‑TRONIC automatic...
- Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is...
- Only vehicles with a variable transfer case are affected
- Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors
- Customer complaints relating to automatic transmission 725.0 (NAG3 Classic / 9G‑TRONIC automatic...
- During part of the steering movement, it feels heavier or more difficult to steer in the same spot every time
- Tailgate opens unintentionally
- A popup is seen on the HU with the message "data connection temporarily not available". Potentially...
2016 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.7L 8‑cyl | RWD | 17 | 26 | 20 |
What 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
2016 S550 front roof panel issues. Adhesive issues.
Started car in parking lot and warming light read zero air in right front tire. No prior warning. Checking tire for any road hazard - nails or other potential punctures but none were present but the tire had a hole just below the wheel that had blown out. The tire is a Pirelli P Zero 245/40R20 Run Flat. Was able to drive it to Tire Discount the next day to replace the tire. Manager checked tire and could not find any other issue with the tire. They were supposed to hold the tire but it was removed by the recycling company. I have pictures and the managers examination. Our safety any others if the split in the tire would have blown at speed in traffic. Called and emailed Pirelli and they could care less about a safety issue. Just told me it was out of warranty because it was over 1 year old. The tire has approximately 5,000 miles on it.
Rear left seat belt is stuck and won’t retract. Seat has not been used much. Vehicle is a 2016 with 65,000 miles.
The car's front passenger passenger seat buckle fails to properly secure the seat belt. After inserting the seat belt it fails to latch into the buckle. The Mercedes dealer has examined the seat buckle and determined that it failed. They are recommending a replacement.
My vehicle is listed in this Mercedes recall campaign bulletin, and it is also experiencing the safety issue that is discussed in this recall campaign bulletin: Campaign No.2021070010, August 2021 Revision A 09/03/2021 When I contact Mercedes to have the issue addressed, they stated my Vin is not a part of this recall campaign, and to contact you about it.
Staggered tires on this car Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymetric 2 Run flats. Front size - 245/40 R 20/99y, Rear -275/35 R 20/102 These tires cannot take the load of the car . I purchased the vehicle & the same tire (front driver side) has blown & ripped open over a moderate pothole, Aug 2020 & in Sep, 2022. In my opinion these tires are massive liability and a huge safety hazard. These are Summer runflat tires & also there no Allseason ROF's
On cold days below 40 degrees, my 2016 Mercedes S550 W222, trunk lid when closed using the close button on the trunk lid closes and immediately reopens. It will only stay closed if I tie it down with a rope or elastic cord. I found a work around if I am home and apply heat to the latch with a hair drier and spray the latch with silicone lubricant spray. This problem is identical to Mercedes Campaign No. 2019030005, April 2019, which applies to S-Clsss 222 platforms Model Year 2018-2019. I request that this campaign be extended to Model Year 2016 and my car. I have attached copy of Mercedes Campaign No. 2019030005, April 2019.
While driving or even sitting this piece gets extremely hot and has actually burned me twice. As soon as the car is turned on the temperature rises on this piece that’s on by the arm rest
Catalytic converters are factory defective My vehicle has less than 80K miles and used as pleasure vehicle. The problem has been inspected and confirmed by a reputable independent service provider. Warning lights came on and upon inspection it was determined that 3 catalytic converters are defective. My spouse also complains about a bad odor when vehicle is on but not running.
Compare the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550
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Questions about the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550
Is the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550 reliable?
Owners have filed 15 complaints about the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550, close to a typical S550 model year.
What is the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550 year score?
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550 scores 73 out of 100 (average). 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 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550?
Body and structure, with 3 complaints. Next is seat belts (2).
How many recalls does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550 have?
5 recalls, covering structure, communication and seat belts.
Was there a recall on the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550 body?
Yes, 2 recalls: 23V854000, 21V197000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550 get?
Official estimates for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550 range from 20 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.7L 8-cyl, RWD) gets 17 city and 26 highway.
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