2012 Mercedes-Benz S550 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 60%of 5 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 57,432miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the engine of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S550, 60% of the 5 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 57,432 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
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.
“Vehicle cut on fire while sitting lucky outside, the corner of engine passenger side bellow the headlight stores the suspension air pump and electric hydraulic steering pump.. Base on my inspection the ehps heated and set on fire.someone saw the car on fire and called fire dept.. Car was lock and store after hours”
NHTSA complaint #11413503, filed 2021-04, 22,300 miles“There is an plastic plug in the oil system that leaks oil from the engine on to the exhaust manifold. This was reported because of increased oil consumption, vapor in the engine space and a smell of burned oil. The plastic plug is known to leak and mercedes does nothing about this during warranty and instead waits until the vehicular is out of warranty causing an increased time for a fire potential. This car is driven on city streets and highways with this fire potential.”
NHTSA complaint #11194863, filed 2019-04, 92,565 miles“I purchased this vehicle in July 2020. I did a through check for recalls, warranty problems and could not identify any with this vehicle. From the get go the check engine light would come on. I checked the codes and they indicated an electrical fault on bank 1, oxygen sensor 1. I replaced the wiring harness on that sensor as well as the sensor. From then until now the car would code weekly about the same issue. Eventually I started using a catalytic converter cleaner (it cleans off sulfur deposits) in an attempt to solve the issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #11610863, filed 2024-08Related service bulletins
- 11008064Aug 9, 2024In our continuing efforts to ensure the proper performance and quality of your vehicle, we are writing to inform you that on certain Model Year 2011-2018 C-Class, E-Class…
- 11031736Sep 6, 2023In our continuing efforts to assure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA ("MBUSA") is extending…
- 11031590Sep 6, 2023This NCU replaces the prior NCU issued on March 10, 2023, and contains clarification on reimbursement timeline and removal of damage codes related to intake valves/guide.
- 10160738Apr 11, 2019Update engine electronics (ME-SFI) control unit software
- 10056233Mar 13, 2014Xentry (mercedes): in the instrument cluster, an esp warning due to implausible accelerator pedal signal received from engine control unit. Model 2012 172, 212, 218, 207, 204.
Engine: other model years
Other parts of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S550
← All problems reported for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S550
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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