2008 Mercedes Benz S550 problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
19 owner complaints analyzed
0 distinct recall campaigns
70,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2008 model year. Data updated: . 15 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.
Owner-reported patterns
Most common problems
Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 4 of 19 complaints (21.1%). A complaint can name multiple components.
Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic
Matching reports
Share of complaints
Electrical and battery issues
4
21.1%
Engine operation
2
10.5%
Braking behavior
2
10.5%
Transmission and shifting
1
5.3%
Fuel system concerns
1
5.3%
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
Electrical System leads the component reports. Electrical and battery issues appears in 4 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 2 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11324288 · 2020-05-12 (May 12, 2020)
P-RC-200808004 BODY CONTROL ACCELERATION SENSORS...MODELS 2001-2008 11/4/2008 - 200807001 RE-CODE THE SOFTWARE CALIBRATION NUMBER (SCN) 11/04/2008 - 200803005 REPLACE FRONT SAM S-SC-2012070002 RETROFIT ADAPTER WIRING HARNESS ON CAMSHAFT ADUSTMENT SOLEN…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES-BENZ S550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STOPPED, THE VEHICLE WAS SUDDENLY REAR-ENDED CAUSING THE VEHICLE'S DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONT SEAT HEAD REST AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE SUSTAINED BROKEN BONES IN HIS NECK AS WELL AS INJURIES TO HIS LEFT ELBOW AND BACK AREA. THE FRONT PASSENGER RECEIVED INJURIES TO HIS NECK AND BACK AREA AND WAS TRANSPORTED THE HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE WHILE THE DRIVER DROVE HIS VEHICLE TO THE HOSPITAL. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL A BODY…
I’m reporting a serious safety issue with the balance shaft sprocket in my Mercedes-Benz S550 (M273 engine, 273.968). This is a known defect that causes the sprocket to wear out far too early due to poor material design. When it wears, it throws off the engine timing, leading to check engine lights, rough idling, reduced power, and even stalling. In some cases, the engine can shut down while driving, which is a major safety risk. Thousands of people have experienced this exact problem, and it’s all over Mercedes forums, Reddit, and technical b…
I HAVE 2008 MERCEDES S550. THE CAR SUDDENLY STARTED MAKING NOISE IN THE FRONT AND I CALLED DEALERSHIP. THEY TOLD ME THE BRAKES ARE GONE AND EVEN ROTORS ARE DAMAGED. I HAD NO INDICATION ALL THIS TIME I WAS DRIVING THAT THE CAR HAD NO BRAKES AS NO BRAKELIGHTS CAME ON. TILL THE TIME I WENT TO DEALERSHIP NO INDICATION CAME AS SENSORS ARE NOT WORKING. IS IT NOT UNSAFE TO BE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY 60 TO 70 MILES /HR WITH NO BREAK SENSORS . I CALLED MERC AND THE TOP TWO PEOPLE ROBYN AND TIM IN ESCALATION DEPT TELL ME AT FIRST THEY ARE PICKING UP THE. …
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 TH…
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 indicat…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES BENZ S550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD EXPERIENCED AN ABNORMAL FUEL ODOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED DUE TO THE PART BEING ON BACK ORDER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT HAD REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN: 12V557000(FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE FAILURE HOWEVER THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 91,000.
Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.
Data completeness
19 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.
78.9%Usable mileage15 / 19 records
100.0%Valid incident date19 / 19 records
100.0%Valid filing date19 / 19 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates19 / 19 records
Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.
Problems by model year
Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.
Component complaint heatmap
Component
2007
2008
Electrical System
1018.5%ODI 10347258 · 64,000 mi
MY NAME IS [XXX], AND I AM A RESIDENT OF QUEENS, NY. I RECENTLY BOUGHT A 07 MERCEDES BENZ S550 IN JULY OF 2009 FROM THE CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED DEALERSHIP WITH CPO WARRANTY. I HAD IT FINANCED WITH MERCEDES BENZ FINANCIAL. THE CAR HAD 34,000 MILES ON IT INITIALLY. OVER THE TIME SPAN IN WHICH I USED THE CAR, I HAD TO TAKE THE CAR MANY X'S TO THE SHOP. IN APRIL 10 THE TRANS. FAILED, AND IN MAY 2010 THE SUSP (ACTIVE BODY CONTROL/ ABC) SYSTEM FAILED. THESE WERE THE MAJOR ITEMS THAT REQ.'D WORK, BESIDES THAT THERE WERE MANY OTHER PROBLEMS THAT OCCURRED P…
I WAS IN UNFAMILIAR AREA. REMOTE KEY WOULD NOT OPERATE. WHEN USING SMALL KEY TO ENTER VEHICLE CAR SIREN WOULD NOT QUIT BLARING AND .NEW BATTERIES DID NOT HELP. MERCEDES RESPONDER TOLD ME I HAD INOPERATIVE "DEAD" KEY. CAR OF COURSE WAS INOPERATIVE. NO WAY TO MOVE CAR FROM AREA. COULD NOT SECURE CAR. I HAD RBM IN ATLANTA ON CELL PHONE ENTIRE TIME. ABOUT HOUR LATER SOMEONE TOOK ME TO MY HOME FOR SPARE KEY. THIS WORKED. KEY WAS AS MERCEDES RESPONDER TOLD ME...... DEAD. THE MERCEDES KEYS ARE UNSAFE AND UNDEPENDABLE. NEED TO BE RECALLED. MERCEDE…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCEDES-BENZ S550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE BALL JOINTS EXHIBITED AN ABNORMAL NOISE, MAKING IT DIFFICULT FOR THE CONTACT TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER AND WAS ADVISED THAT THE BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT DID NOT HAVE THE BALL JOINTS REPLACED. THE CONTACT DID NOT CALL THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES BENZ S550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE LOWERED, INDICATING THAT THERE WAS SUSPENSION FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000. UPDATED 09/01/15*LJ UPDATED 12/7/2015*JS
I WAS DRIVING MY S550 AND CAME TO A RED LIGHT. I STOPPED AT THE LIGHT AND WHEN IT TURNED GREEN, I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKES AND PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR, BUT THERE WAS TO RESPONSE TO PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR. THE CAR RPMS WERE INCREASING BUT THE VEHICLE WAS CRAWLING AT LESS THAN 5MPH. THIS LED TO ME PULLING OVER AND PARKING THE VEHICLE AND TURNING IT OFF. I WAITED 5 MINUTES AND THEN RESTARTED IT AND IT BEGAN TO WORK NORMALLY. THE SECOND TIME THIS HAPPENED WAS WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, I PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL AND THERE WAS NO RESPONSE AND THE C…
The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz S550. The contact stated while driving 40-50 MPH, the vehicle was shuddering intermittently. The contact stated that the failure recurred while at a complete stop. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the wiring harness was causing an engine misfire. The mechanic related the failure to an unknown recall. The dealer was notified of the failure. The ma…
THE CAR STOPPED ACCELERATING AND THEN QUIT RUNNING. THE CONDUCTOR PLATE IN THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THIS IS A KNOWN SAFETY DEFECT THAT MERCEDES-BENZ HAS IGNORED. *TR
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 TH…
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCEDES BENZ S550. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD AND BACKWARDS AND THEN STOPPED WITHOUT WARNING. THE ENGINE REMAINED RUNNING; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. AS OF DECEMBER 20, 2007, THE DEALER HAD NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 32,000. UPDATED 01/17/08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED IT HAS BEEN DETERMINED BY THE ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION EXPERT THERE WAS MASSIVE INTERNAL FAILURE, AND CAN NOT DETERMINED WHETHER THERE WAS A DEFECTIVE PART OR COMPUTER FA…
P-RC-200808004 BODY CONTROL ACCELERATION SENSORS...MODELS 2001-2008 11/4/2008 - 200807001 RE-CODE THE SOFTWARE CALIBRATION NUMBER (SCN) 11/04/2008 - 200803005 REPLACE FRONT SAM S-SC-2012070002 RETROFIT ADAPTER WIRING HARNESS ON CAMSHAFT ADUSTMENT SOLEN…
THE VEHICLE SHUTS OFF FOR A SECOND THE ESP AND ABS LIGHTS WOULD COME ON, THE STEERING WHEEL OF THE VEHICLE WOULD GET STIFF, THE BRAKES GET STIFF THE HEADLIGHTS AND INTERIOR LIGHTS WOULD GO OFF, AND THE COMMAND CENTER WOULD REBOOT. IT SEEMS LIKE THE VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING A BRIEF ELECTRICAL FAILURE. I HAVE BEEN COMPLAINING OF THIS PROBLEM SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AS A CERTIFIED PREOWNED VEHICLE. THE FIRST TIME I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP THE REPLACED THE STEERING CONTROL MODULE AND THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. I NOTIFIED THEM OF THE REO…
EVEN CHANGE TO NEW TIRES, THE AIR PRESSURE UP TO 37 AND ALWAYS AFTER 1 WEEK OR SO, DOWN TO 33, COMPLAIN AND CHANGE TIRE AND STILL HAVE THE SAME RESULT. YOU COULD ONLY CHECK THE TIRE PRESSURE AFTER YOU RUN FOR A WHILE. MASSAGE CHAIR, AFTER OPERATION AND ALL THE SUDDEN IT STOP. CLOCK IN THE CABIN DOESN'T CHANGE EVEN YOU SET IT UP AND THE INTERNAL SAID THE RIGHT TIME AND THE FRONT DOESN'T CHANGE
2007 MERCEDES-BENZ S550V SEAT BELTS KEEP LOCKING AND CAN NOT BE USED. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE ALSO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION, WINDSHIELD WIPERS, AND RADIO. *NJ THE PASSENGER SEATBELT WOULD LOCK AND COULD NOT BE USED. THE TRANSMISSION WAS STUCK IN PARK, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD MOVE ALL THE TIME NO MATTER IF IT WAS SUNNY OR RAINING. THE DOORS WOULD NOT CLOSE PROPERLY. AFTER THE RADIO WAS TURNED OFF, STATIC NOISE WAS HEARD. THE STEERING CONTROL MODULE WAS REPLACED. *JB
SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT CAUSE. THIS HAPPENED ON THE GARDEN STATE PARKWAY ON THE MIDDLE LANE. THERE WERE NO DEBRIS OR OBJECTS IN THE VEHICLE'S PATH AT THE TIME.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES-BENZ S550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STOPPED, THE VEHICLE WAS SUDDENLY REAR-ENDED CAUSING THE VEHICLE'S DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONT SEAT HEAD REST AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE SUSTAINED BROKEN BONES IN HIS NECK AS WELL AS INJURIES TO HIS LEFT ELBOW AND BACK AREA. THE FRONT PASSENGER RECEIVED INJURIES TO HIS NECK AND BACK AREA AND WAS TRANSPORTED THE HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE WHILE THE DRIVER DROVE HIS VEHICLE TO THE HOSPITAL. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL A BODY…
Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.
Failure mileage by component
Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.
Component failure mileage distribution
Component
Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)
Median
Usable records
Examples
Electrical System
Too few reports for a range
63,000 mi
4 (sparse)
ODI 10536999 · 57,000 mi
I WAS IN UNFAMILIAR AREA. REMOTE KEY WOULD NOT OPERATE. WHEN USING SMALL KEY TO ENTER VEHICLE CAR SIREN WOULD NOT QUIT BLARING AND .NEW BATTERIES DID NOT HELP. MERCEDES RESPONDER TOLD ME I HAD INOPERATIVE "DEAD" KEY. CAR OF COURSE WAS INOPERATIVE. NO WAY TO MOVE CAR FROM AREA. COULD NOT SECURE CAR. I HAD RBM IN ATLANTA ON CELL PHONE ENTIRE TIME. ABOUT HOUR LATER SOMEONE TOOK ME TO MY HOME FOR SPARE KEY. THIS WORKED. KEY WAS AS MERCEDES RESPONDER TOLD ME...... DEAD. THE MERCEDES KEYS ARE UNSAFE AND UNDEPENDABLE. NEED TO BE RECALLED. MERCEDE…
EVEN CHANGE TO NEW TIRES, THE AIR PRESSURE UP TO 37 AND ALWAYS AFTER 1 WEEK OR SO, DOWN TO 33, COMPLAIN AND CHANGE TIRE AND STILL HAVE THE SAME RESULT. YOU COULD ONLY CHECK THE TIRE PRESSURE AFTER YOU RUN FOR A WHILE. MASSAGE CHAIR, AFTER OPERATION AND ALL THE SUDDEN IT STOP. CLOCK IN THE CABIN DOESN'T CHANGE EVEN YOU SET IT UP AND THE INTERNAL SAID THE RIGHT TIME AND THE FRONT DOESN'T CHANGE
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 indicat…
THE TIRE TREAD ON THE MICHELIN PILOT SPORT A/S PLUS SHREDS OR CRUMBLES. MICHELIN CALLS IT "CHUNKING" AND SAID IT WAS DUE TO THE COMPOUND USED TO MAKE THE TIRE. THE COMPOUND HAS SINCE BEEN MODIFIED. THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED ON MY GIRL FRIEND'S 2009 MERCEDES C-SERIES SEDAN AND ALL FOUR TIRES WERE REPLACED IN OR ABOUT NOVEMBER 2012. I NOTICED THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRING TO THE FRONT TIRES ON MY MERCEDES S550 AT JUST OVER 24,000 MILES OF USE. THE TIRE HAS A 45,000 TREAD-WEAR WARRANTY. THE TIRES WERE PURCHASED IN NOVEMBER 2010. THE MICHELIN DEALE…
I PURCHASED 4 NEW 255/45/ZR18 EXTREMECONTACT DWS ABOUT 13 MONTHS AGO AND NOW ALL 4 TIRES HAVE A BULGING BUBBLE ON THE SIDEWALLS. OF COURSE I BROUGHT IT BACK FROM WHERE I PURCHASED IT FROM AND THEY BLAME IT ON POT HOLES, ROAD HAZARDS. I CURRENTLY CANNOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE IN FEAR THAT I MIGHT HAVE A BLOW OUT. I HAVE PURCHASED MANY TIRES BEFORE THAT WERE NOT CONTINENTAL AND NEVER EXPERIENCED WHAT IM GOING THROUGH NOW. LET SEE HOW LONG IT WILL TAKE TO BE CONTACTED WITH SOME HELP OR WHAT EXCUSE THEY GOING TO COME UP WITH. *TR
The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz S550. The contact stated while driving 40-50 MPH, the vehicle was shuddering intermittently. The contact stated that the failure recurred while at a complete stop. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the wiring harness was causing an engine misfire. The mechanic related the failure to an unknown recall. The dealer was notified of the failure. The ma…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES BENZ S550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD EXPERIENCED AN ABNORMAL FUEL ODOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED DUE TO THE PART BEING ON BACK ORDER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT HAD REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN: 12V557000(FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE FAILURE HOWEVER THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 91,000.
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 TH…
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 indicat…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES BENZ S550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE LOWERED, INDICATING THAT THERE WAS SUSPENSION FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000. UPDATED 09/01/15*LJ UPDATED 12/7/2015*JS
I HAD TO REPLACE BOTH FRONT AIR SHOCKS AROUND 90,000 MILES. NO OFF ROAD DRIVING. BOTH AIR STRUTS LEAKED WITHIN 4 MONTHS . SUSPENSION WARNING LIGHT CANE ON FIRST. THEN A MESSAGE TO STOP THE CAR AND NOT OPERATE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES-BENZ S550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STOPPED, THE VEHICLE WAS SUDDENLY REAR-ENDED CAUSING THE VEHICLE'S DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONT SEAT HEAD REST AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE SUSTAINED BROKEN BONES IN HIS NECK AS WELL AS INJURIES TO HIS LEFT ELBOW AND BACK AREA. THE FRONT PASSENGER RECEIVED INJURIES TO HIS NECK AND BACK AREA AND WAS TRANSPORTED THE HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE WHILE THE DRIVER DROVE HIS VEHICLE TO THE HOSPITAL. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL A BODY…
I GOT A BLOW OUT IN THE REAR LEFT SIDE TIRE. I WAS DOING ABOUT 40 MPH AND DID NOT GO OVER ANYTHING THAT I WAS AWARE OF. I WENT TO CHANGE THE TIRE USING THE SUPPLIED TIRE AND JACK. THE JACK WAS VERY FLIMSY AND AFTER I RAISED THE VEHICLE THE JACK FLIPPED OVER CAUSING DAMAGE TO MY CAR, HOWEVER I NARROWLY AVOIDED PERSONAL INJURY. THERE IS A PLATE UNDER THE VEHICLE AT THE JACK CONTACT POINT WHICH ALSO BROKE OFF THE VEHICLE WHEN THE JACK ROLLED OVER. THE FOLLOWING ARE THE DEFECTS I BELIEVE EXIST. 1. THE JACK IS EXTREMELY FLIMSY AND IS DIFFICUL…
Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.
Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.
Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
Month
Complaints
Campaigns announced
Examples
2024-11
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2024-12
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-01
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-02
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-03
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-04
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-05
1
None
ODI 11659570
I’m reporting a serious safety issue with the balance shaft sprocket in my Mercedes-Benz S550 (M273 engine, 273.968). This is a known defect that causes the sprocket to wear out far too early due to poor material design. When it wears, it throws off the engine timing, leading to check engine lights, rough idling, reduced power, and even stalling. In some cases, the engine can shut down while driving, which is a major safety risk. Thousands of people have experienced this exact problem, and it’s all over Mercedes forums, Reddit, and technical b…
Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.
This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.
No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.
Equal-age model-year comparison
Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.
2007: 5 complaints · 2008: 3 complaints
Equal observation windows
Model year
Through age 0
Through age 1
Through age 2
2007
2
3
5
2008
1
3
3
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year
Incident dates used
Filing date fallbacks
Excluded dates
2007
54
0
0
2008
19
0
0
Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.
Components reported together
Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.
Component co-occurrence matrix
Component
Electrical System
Tires
Engine
Fuel System, Gasoline
Power Train
Suspension
Air Bags
Equipment
Electrical System
—
0
1ODI 11577423 · 40,000 mi
The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz S550. The contact stated while driving 40-50 MPH, the vehicle was shuddering intermittently. The contact stated that the failure recurred while at a complete stop. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the wiring harness was causing an engine misfire. The mechanic related the failure to an unknown recall. The dealer was notified of the failure. The ma…
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 indicat…
The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz S550. The contact stated while driving 40-50 MPH, the vehicle was shuddering intermittently. The contact stated that the failure recurred while at a complete stop. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the wiring harness was causing an engine misfire. The mechanic related the failure to an unknown recall. The dealer was notified of the failure. The ma…
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 indicat…
Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.
Recurring narrative patterns
Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.
3 patterns with matching reports.
Warning lights and dashboard alerts
4 mentions · 21.1% of complaints
Median mileage: 91,000 mi (3 usable records).
ODI 11124439 · 91,000 mi
I HAD TO REPLACE BOTH FRONT AIR SHOCKS AROUND 90,000 MILES. NO OFF ROAD DRIVING. BOTH AIR STRUTS LEAKED WITHIN 4 MONTHS . SUSPENSION WARNING LIGHT CANE ON FIRST. THEN A MESSAGE TO STOP THE CAR AND NOT OPERATE.
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 indicat…
The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz S550. The contact stated while driving 40-50 MPH, the vehicle was shuddering intermittently. The contact stated that the failure recurred while at a complete stop. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the wiring harness was causing an engine misfire. The mechanic related the failure to an unknown recall. The dealer was notified of the failure. The ma…
I’m reporting a serious safety issue with the balance shaft sprocket in my Mercedes-Benz S550 (M273 engine, 273.968). This is a known defect that causes the sprocket to wear out far too early due to poor material design. When it wears, it throws off the engine timing, leading to check engine lights, rough idling, reduced power, and even stalling. In some cases, the engine can shut down while driving, which is a major safety risk. Thousands of people have experienced this exact problem, and it’s all over Mercedes forums, Reddit, and technical b…
Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b
Fuel smell or leak mentions
1 mentions · 5.3% of complaints
Median mileage: 70,000 mi (1 usable records).
ODI 11164448 · 70,000 mi
MY VEHICLE HAS A STRONG GAS ODOR WHILE DRIVING BUT PARTICULARLY WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STATIC OR PARKED. THIS SMELL IS SO STRONG THAT I CANNOT SIT IN THE CAR AND MY CLOTHES REAK OF THE SMELL. THERE HAS NOT BEEN ANY EXTERNAL GAS LEAKAGE OR PERFORMANCE ISSUES WITH THE CAR. ONLY THE GAS ORDOR THAT HAS GIVEN ME A HEADACHE AND MAKES ME NAUSEATED. THE CAR ONLY HAS 70,000 MILES ON IT.