Skip to content
Trimslate
SavedHelp

2017 Mercedes-Benz

S550

Auto 9-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L, Turbo

Mercedes-Benz S550: best and worst years
2017 Mercedes-Benz S550 (photo 1 of 3)

Photo may show a different model year; you're viewing the 2017.

PhotoTokumeigakarinoaoshimaCC0via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Transmission
Automatic 9-spdEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Engine & performance

Efficiency

Smog score
5/10
SmartWay certified
No

Dimensions & capacity

GVWR class
Class 1D (5,001 to 6,000 lb)NHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 10/13/2026

Safety NHTSA record NHTSA, model year

Recalls
10
Owner complaints
18 See on NHTSA

Feature availability

Cameras & visibility

  • Backup camera
    Standard

Driver assist

Convenience

  • Push-button start
    Standard

Exterior

  • Adaptive headlights
    Standard

Reported problems NHTSA record NHTSA owner complaints, model year

  • STEERING14%
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER14%
  • AIR BAGS9%
  • POWER TRAIN9%
  • STRUCTURE9%
  • VISIBILITY9%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 22 total.

Mercedes-Benz S550: best and worst years

Federal investigations NHTSA record NHTSA defect investigations, model year

  • PE21001opened Jan 8, 2021STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

    Front Roof Panel Detachment

Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year

107 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year

  • May 26, 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEMLI82.85-P-080559

    Complaint The customer requests deactivation of the N112/9 HERMES communication module Note: Deactivation of the HERMES control unit (N112/9) is not supported for gray-market vehicles. Cause Before deactivating the HERMES control unit (N112/9), it must be clarified by the legal department of the respective MPC whether and under what conditions deactivation may be carried out. If deactivation is not permissible under applicable law, the HERMES control unit (N112/9) must not be deactivated. Remedy

  • May 26, 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEMLI82.85-P-080507

    Complaint After successful commissioning of the HERMES control unit (N112/9) with XENTRY Diagnosis DVD 03/2026, the message "SOS - service not activated" appears on the instrument cluster. In addition, the following two conditions are also met: • HERMES (N112/9) control unit: event code B15CE00 is ACTIVE and STORED (A+S) • Vehicle Documentation System: For the HERMES control unit, the EID1, EID2, ICCID, IMEI, IMSI, TELNR fields in the "Identification/Serial number" column have the value "-" Caus

  • May 22, 2026STRUCTURE:BODYPSL-NCU Return Parts 5/22

    Dear Mercedes-Benz USA Dealers, The part numbers listed in the chart below should no longer be installed, and any existing stock must be returned to your facing PDC. The deadline for all dealer returns is no later than Thursday, June 11, 2026. After June 11th, returns of these parts will no longer be accepted. These parts should be returned via ZSR Special Return, using item category SCM Authorized Part Return. Please include a copy of this NCU as your authorization to return these parts. This p

  • May 19, 2026VISIBILITY/WIPERLI82.30-P-059239

    Complaint There are several types of complaint about noises or poor windshield wiper wiping performance: A: Wiper blades squeaking, chattering, shuddering B: The windshield is not wiped completely (streaking) C: During the downward movement water is pulled back onto the windshield from the A-pillar (Figure 1) D: After windshield cleaning, water keeps spraying onto the windshield for several wipe cycles (Figure 2) A1: The windshield and wiper blades are contaminated with residues from car washing

  • May 15, 2026SUSPENSIONPSL-NCU Return Parts 5/15

    The part numbers listed in the chart below should no longer be installed, and any existing stock must be returned to your facing PDC. The deadline for all dealer returns is no later than Thursday, June 4, 2026. After June 4th, returns of these parts will no longer be accepted. These parts should be returned via ZSR Special Return, using item category SCM Authorized Part Return. Please include a copy of this NCU as your authorization to return these parts. This procedure will not affect your retu

  • May 12, 2026SUSPENSIONLI33.20-P-078406

    Complaint Creaking noise, in irregular sequence when driving slowly in combination with slight steering movements and/or Creaking/crackling noises from the area of the wheel bearing on the front axle when cornering/ maneuvering. Sound file attached for comparison. MUST match noise for proper diagnosis. NOTE: Steering functionality is not affected. Cause Contact area between wheel bearing and steering knuckle. See also: LI35.30-P-058566 (Throttle Lift-Off Noise - Rear) LI33.30-P-056665 (Throttle

  • Apr 16, 2026EXTERIOR LIGHTINGLI82.10-P-078301

    Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged. Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. If a pressure compensation diaphragm is fitted in the housing cover, then the lamp unit is a "closed system". Remedy Headlamp: Remedy 1 Clearing fogged/condensed LED headlamps: 1. Drive vehicle into workshop (temperature higher than +18 °C/+64.4 °F) and connect the exhaust extra

  • Apr 7, 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEMLI72.40-P-071889

    Complaint When closing the door, the side window may remain slightly open (short stroke position). Automatic window raising function of side window inoperative. NOTE: Window is fully operational while holding the switch Cause Software in door control unit (N69/x). Starting the engine at the same time as the door is closing (short stroke closure of window lifter) may result in a denormalization of the window lifter system. Remedy Update the software in the affected door control unit (N69/x). • Th

  • and 99 more

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic
4 yr / 50k mi
Powertrain
4 yr / 50k mi
Roadside assistance
4 yr / 50k mi
EV battery
10 yr / 155k mi

Source: www.cars.com as of 2026-06

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.