2008 Mercedes-Benz S550 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 11%of 19 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 138,805miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz S550, 11% of the 19 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 138,805 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Mercedes benz, S550, 4matic, 2008. I was stopped at a red light. When the light turned green and I was moving forward at about 15-20 miles per hour, the car came to a sudden stop. The vehicle behind me almost ran into my back since there were no brake lights illuminated when this unfortunate malfunction took place. I immediately looked the control panel for any malfunction alarm and there were none. The root cause of the problem was front differential seize up without any warning. There were the right amount of oil in the reservoir so the problem was no due to lack of lubrication. …”
NHTSA complaint #10502393, filed 2013-03, 101,300 miles“The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz S550. The contact stated while driving 35-40 MPH, the message SAFETY was temporarily displayed on the instrument panel. Additionally, the contact stated while starting the vehicle on several occasions, the message SAFETY was displayed on the infotainment system screen. The check engine warning light was illuminated, and the messages Active Head Lamp Inoperative and Service Required. Do Not Shift Gears were displayed. The contact also stated that upon shifting into drive (D), the gear shift indicator displayed that the transmission was in park (P). …”
NHTSA complaint #11541256, filed 2023-08, 176,310 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11035005Jul 14, 2026Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of…
- 11025648Nov 15, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse…
- 11019018May 21, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse…
- 11013298Jan 16, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse…
- 11013332Jan 15, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing…
- 10181124Sep 30, 2020Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D or R
- 10181123Sep 22, 2020Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D
- 10176661May 1, 20205 to 4 coasting downshift - shift quality concern with cold trans- mission oil on MODEL 217 or 222 in combination with ENGI- NE 278 and TRANSMISSION 722.9 without code 835/498
- 10040984Jun 29, 2011Mercedes-benz: the vehicle jerks during light braking. The alternator engages too early during braking.
- 10027905Oct 1, 2008Mercedes benz: check auxiliary transmission oil cooler thermostat for leaks, replace o rings if necessary.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz S550
4 complaintsTires
4 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz S550
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology