2012 Mercedes-benz S550 problems

General information about Mercedes-benz-S550
Overview of popular issues
Recalls list

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class, formerly known as Sonderklasse (German for "special class", abbreviated as "S-Klasse"), is a series of full-sized luxury sedans, limousines and armored sedans produced by the German automaker Mercedes-Benz. The S-Class is the designation for top-of-the-line Mercedes-Benz models and was officially introduced in 1972 with the W116, and has remained in use ever since. The S-Class is one of the flagship vehicles for Mercedes-Benz.

The S-Class has debuted many of the company's latest innovations, including drivetrain technologies, interior features, and safety systems (such as the first seatbelt pretensioners). The S-Class has ranked as the world's best-selling luxury sedan. In automotive terms, Sonderklasse refers to "a specially outfitted car." Although used colloquially for decades, following its official application in 1972, six generations of officially named S-Klasse sedans have been produced.

In 1981, the two-door, four-seat S-Class, designated as SEC, was introduced, sharing the petrol V8 engines with its four-door version, W126. After the introduction of a new nomenclature scheme, SEC was simply renamed as S-Class Coupé. For the 1996 model year, the coupé was separated from the S-Class line and named as new CL-Class (in line with other two-door models: CLK, SL, and SLK); however, the CL-Class was reintegrated into the S-Class model line (same with CLK becoming E-Class Coupé and Cabriolet). The first-ever S-Class convertible since 1972, internally named A217, was introduced and became a one-generation model only. After the end of W222 production in 2020, the successors to the C217 coupé and A217 convertible are not planned, citing the low demand for those models and stronger demand for SUV models.

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Common 2012 Mercedes-benz S550 problems

Based on complaints from owners of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S550, several common problems have been reported:

Engine Issues: Complaints include engine misfiring and going into limp mode. These problems are often related to issues with the engine wiring harness, ECU, or camshaft sensors.
Brake Problems: Owners have reported minor brake issues, with some cases of brakes completely failing at higher speeds.
Steering System: Complaints of the steering wheel seizing simultaneously with brake issues have been noted.
Power Steering Pump Failure: This is another common problem reported by owners.
Fuel System: Concerns include fuel leaks and fuel pump failure, with instances of fuel leaking onto the hot exhaust, posing a safety risk.
Electrical System: Complaints typically involve failure of the center console and loss of power, which is usually caused by other underlying issues rather than the electrical system.

Each of these problems can impact the performance, safety, and reliability of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S550. Owners have highlighted these issues through their experiences with the vehicle, emphasizing the importance of addressing them promptly to ensure the proper functioning of the car.

Are the 2012 Mercedes S550 reliable?

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz S550 Reliability Rating is 3.0 out of 5. It ranks 27th out of 32 for all car brands.

Is S550 expensive to maintain?

The average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Mercedes-Benz S550 is $1,249, compared to an average of $976 for luxury fullsize cars and $652 for all vehicle models. The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of a vehicle.

What engine is in the 2012 S550?

4.6 L V82012 Mercedes-Benz S550 / Engine

In addition, the S550 features a new 4.6-liter twin turbo direct-injection V8 (429 hp, 516 lb. -ft. of torque), producing both more power and better fuel economy (estimated 15 mpg city / 23 mpg highway). The 2012 line-up also includes an innovative S400 HYBRID (295 hp, 284 lb.

Is the Mercedes S-Class reliable?

Is the Mercedes S-Class a reliable car? According to WhatCar, the W221 is a robust machine with plenty of high-mileage examples that are still safe on the roads. AutoExpress gives it 4.5 stars out of 5 for reliability, but this can depend on the car's model, year, mileage and how well it has been maintained.

Is the 2012 S550 a good car?

The average rating is a 4.1 out of 5 stars. The 2012 Mercedes-Benz S550 Reliability Rating is 3.0 out of 5.

Is S550 expensive to maintain?

Is 2013 S550 reliable?

RepairPal gave the Mercedes-Benz S550 an overall reliability rating of 2.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Average. This rating ranks Mercedes-Benz S550 35th out of 48 among Luxury Fullsize Cars.

Is buying a used S-Class worth it?

Model range, pricing and features

So, yes why not, buy one. But, if you're in the market for a used S-Class because you genuinely can't afford a new one, these cars will cost you an absolute fortune.

2012 Mercedes-benz S550 complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2012 Mercedes-benz S550.

You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.

2012 Mercedes-benz S550 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2012 Mercedes-benz S550.

2012-12-03

Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Summary: 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.
Consequence: If the fuel filter flange cracks, it will leak fuel which may lead to a fire if an external ignition source is present.
Remedy: 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.

2011-10-03

Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
Components: TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2012 Mercedes-benz S550 problems:

considering buying a 2012 S550 - MBWorld.org Forums

https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w221/632301-considering-buying-2012-s550.html

Jul 19, 2016 ... ... 2012 S550 w/Premium package2 and AMG package for about 35K. 46K miles So I'm ... issues that some of you all have had. I have had about 8 E class ...

Buying 2012 S550 4MATIC High Mileage issues? ADVICE ...

https://www.benzworld.org/threads/buying-2012-s550-4matic-high-mileage-issues-advice.3114157/

Feb 7, 2023 ... I wanted all leaks fixed, all broken electronics/electrical issues replaced/fixed because I'm a picky owner. So far, haven't driven the car ...

2012 Mercedes-Benz S550 Problems and Complaints - 4 Issues

https://repairpal.com/2012-mercedes-benz-s550/problems

Problem with your 2012 Mercedes-Benz S550? Our list of 4 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2012 Mercedes-Benz S550.

W221 Reliability of 2012/2013 cars.... - MBWorld.org Forums

https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w221/677354-w221-reliability-2012-2013-cars.html

Aug 11, 2017 ... - What's this issue of car ... 2012 S550 a decent reliable car or having issues like 2007? ... Mercedes added more power on the 2013 W221 S550 ...