2012 Mercedes-Benz S550 recalls and problems

2 recalls and 5 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S550.

2
recalls
5
owner complaints
0
complaints mentioning a crash
1
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2012 Mercedes-Benz S550 recalls

Fuel system, gasoline

NHTSA campaign 12V557000 · reported December 3, 2012 · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. · 5,800 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
If the fuel filter flange cracks, it will leak fuel which may lead to a fire if an external ignition source is present.
The fix
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.

Tires: pressure monitoring and regulating systems

NHTSA campaign 11V493000 · reported October 3, 2011 · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. · 158 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The 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.
The fix
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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Aug 26, 2024 · Fuel/propulsion system

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…

Jun 14, 2022 · Fuel/propulsion system

There is a strong smell of fuel in the cabin. When I lifted up the rear seats, where the odor is coming from, I see a film of fuel around the fuel sending unit on the driver's side. I lift up the sound insulation and I see fuel that has leaked on total the top of the sending unit.

Apr 23, 2021 · Engine · 22,300 miles · fire reported

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

Sep 9, 2019 · Fuel/propulsion system · 86,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ S550. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY IN A PARKING LOT, THE CONTACT SMELLED FUEL FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. ON SEPTEMBER 5, 2019, THE CONTACT WAS ALERTED BY SOMEONE OF A FUEL LEAK UNDER THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. UPON…

Apr 9, 2019 · Engine · 92,565 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…

S550 model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2010 01610
2011 2911
2012 2501
2013 0700
2014 52440
2015 54143

Across all years, the 2007 S550 has the most complaints (54). All Mercedes-Benz S550 years →

Questions

Does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S550 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S550, the most recent reported on December 3, 2012 (Fuel system, gasoline). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S550?
Owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (3 complaints), followed by fuel/propulsion system (3).
How many 2012 Mercedes-Benz S550 complaints mention a crash or fire?
0 of 5 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received August 26, 2024.