2016 Mercedes-Benz S550: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550: 5 recalls, 15 owner complaints and up to 20 mpg combined.
Recalls
5 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #16V760000 · 2016 · 996 vehicles
What's wrong: The low beam headlights on the affected vehicles May not be properly adjusted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (fmvss) number 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Why it matters: If the low-beam headlights are out of adjustment, the driver's visibility May be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Mbusa will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and correct the headlight adjustment, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in November 2016.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #16V829000 · 2016 · 672 vehicles
What's wrong: The seat belt extenders on the affected vehicles May not retract as intended and May potentially break the event of a crash.
Why it matters: In the event of a crash, if the seat belt extender does not retract and/or the extender breaks, the seat occupant May not be properly restrained, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Mbusa will notify owners, and dealers will update the control unit software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in mid-December 2016.
Communication Vehicle recall #19V787000 · 2019 · 24,226 vehicles
What's wrong: Mercedes-benz USA, LLC. (mbusa) is recalling certain 2013-2017 vehicles due to a software fault that May cause the date and time for the emergency call system (ecall) to differ from the actual date and time, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.NHTSA.gov/odi/rcl/2019/rmisc-19v787-4620.pdf
Why it matters: An inaccurate vehicle location May delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Mbusa has initiated an over the air (ota) remote update. Mbusa will also notify owners, and dealers will check software for a successful ota or update the communication module software as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2019.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #21V197000 · 2021 · 15,096 vehicles
What's wrong: The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof May not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair.
Why it matters: The adhesive bonding of the front panel might deteriorate, possibly causing the front panel to detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Mercedes-benz dealer will remove the bonded panel and will install a new front panel by following the detailed repair instructions and using the approved primer, cleaner and adhesive, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021 and October 26, 2021.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #23V854000 · 2023 · 2,976 vehicles
What's wrong: Please refer to mbusa's recall report for specific vehicle details. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof May not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair, allowing the front panel to detach from the vehicle.
Why it matters: A detached roof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the front panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 2, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on, March 22,2024, and August 2, 2024.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Other / unknown (6): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Body & structure (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Tires (2): the most common themes are tire tread / blowout (2).
- Seat belts (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550 has 15 owner complaints, ranking #7 of 10 S550 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 21). Complaints peaked in 2024 (6 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 57,227 miles. Neighboring years: 2015 (41 complaints, 5 recalls), 2017 (16 complaints, 10 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.7 L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 26 | 20 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 vehicle recalls for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550 problems?
Owners have filed 15 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are other / unknown (6), body & structure (3), tires (2).
What gas mileage does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550 get?
EPA ratings run up to 20 mpg combined (4.7 L, Automatic 7-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.