Is the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E550 reliable?

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz E550 has 66 complaints filed with NHTSA (3.0x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: AIR BAGS problems.

What are common problems with the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E550?

Top problems: AIR BAGS (32 complaints, avg repair $500); SUSPENSION (20 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (3 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E550?

No recalls have been issued for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E550.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2011 Mercedes-Benz E550?

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz E550 gets 18 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2667. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2011 Mercedes-Benz E550?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E550 is approximately $1,821/year (sedan-luxury class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2011 Mercedes-Benz E550

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz E550 has 66 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 3.0x the segment average of 22. The most common issue is air bags problems (48% of all complaints), specifically: tl* takata recall. the contact owns a 2011 mercedes-benz e550. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v081000 (air bags) and stated that the part needed for the repair was not available. the contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the reca. ⚠️ 2 fire reports filed.

2 fire reports 3 crash reports 1 injury

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

3.0x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

AIR BAGS

32 complaints

48%

• TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ E550. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECA
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ E550. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V061000 (AIR BAGS) AND 16V3630000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR TH
• "TAKATA RECALL" I'VE RECEIVED 2 RECALLS CONCERNING DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG, BUT NO SOLUTION CONCERNING REPAIRS TO MY VEHICLE IN A TIMELY MANNER. I SPENT $66000.00 ON THIS CAR AND IT'S NOT SAFE TO DRIVE AND MY WIFE COMPLETELY FEARS DRIVING THIS CAR.

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 1 crashes

“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ E550. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECA”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E550

Based on 23 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 70K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SUSPENSION

In line with typicalmedian 77K mi · 15 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2011 Mercedes-Benz E550

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,667

Per month

$222

Per mile

22.2¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$3,201/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$2,087/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2011 Mercedes-Benz E550

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,821

Full coverage / month

$152

Liability only / year

$710

vs US avg

+9%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-luxury)1.28x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.85x

= Full coverage estimate$1821

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Mercedes-Benz E550 Service Intervals

Oil change

10K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

10K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

40K mi

Engine coolant

150K mi

Spark plugs

60K mi

Cabin air filter

20K mi

Engine air filter

40K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

40K mi

Service A / Service B alternating schedule. Requires MB-approved oil (229.5 spec typically).

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Mercedes-Benz New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

4 yr / 50K mi

Powertrain

4 yr / 50K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

10 yr / 155K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

4 yr / 50K mi

Roadside assistance

4 yr / unlimited mi

EQ EV battery warranty is 10 years/155,000 miles

These are the terms for a new Mercedes-Benz. If you're buying a used 2011 E550, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Mercedes-Benz dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

SUSPENSION(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 66 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
AIR BAGS: TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ E550. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECA
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
SUSPENSION: I BOUGHT 2011 E550 BASE SEDAN LAST YEAR. IT HAD 25K MILES ON IT, AND 2 MONTHS LATER MY REAR SUSPENSION BEGAN LEAKING AND COST ME 2K IN REPAIRS. THE CAR WOULD LEAK OUT AIR FROM SUSPENSION OVER COUPLE HOURS. DEALER OR MY AFTERMARKET WARRANTY WOULDN'T COVER THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE IT'S NOT ON THE CONTRACT
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: The passenger door will not open from the inside. The vehicle has not been inspected by any parties yet. No warning messages are currently displayed.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
FUEL SYSTEM: BEGINNING SOMETIME IN MAY 2013, THE CAR BEGAN LEAKING FUMES INTO THE PASSENGER CABIN WHICH MADE ME VERY ILL. AFTER TAKING IT TO BOTH PARK PLACE MERCEDES HERE IN DALLAS, AND THEN MERCEDES BENZ OF PLANO, NEITHER SERVICE DEPARTMENT COULD DETERMINE WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. AFTER REPEATED ATTEMP
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)