Is the 2013 Mercedes-Benz E550 reliable?

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz E550 has 22 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.0x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: average. Most common issue: AIR BAGS problems.

What are common problems with the 2013 Mercedes-Benz E550?

Top problems: AIR BAGS (8 complaints, avg repair $500); BRAKES (3 complaints, avg repair $500); BODY/STRUCTURE (3 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2013 Mercedes-Benz E550?

No recalls have been issued for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz E550.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2013 Mercedes-Benz E550?

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz E550 gets 20 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2400. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2013 Mercedes-Benz E550?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz E550 is approximately $1,971/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.

2013 Mercedes-Benz E550

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz E550 has 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 22. The most common issue is air bags problems (36% of all complaints), specifically: "takata recall" the repair parts are not avaliable to correct or repair the problem. this is the passenger side air bag, what am i to do..

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.0x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 7)

AIR BAGS

8 complaints

36%

• "TAKATA RECALL" THE REPAIR PARTS ARE NOT AVALIABLE TO CORRECT OR REPAIR THE PROBLEM. THIS IS THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG, WHAT AM I TO DO.
• TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES-BENZ E550. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V043000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR.
• TAMARA RECALL. I LEARNED TODAY THAT MB SENT NOTICES SUPPOSEDLY IN FEBRUARY OF 2018 ABOUT CARS THAT WERE NOW OR EVER HAVE BEEN IN THE STATE OF GEORGIA. MINE WAS SOLD IN ATLANTA. I BOUGHT IT AS A CERTIFIED PREOWNED IN 2014. I HAVE RECEIVED NO NOTICES. I ALSO OWNED A 2011 ML 350 BLUETEC THAT I BOUGHT

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“"TAKATA RECALL" THE REPAIR PARTS ARE NOT AVALIABLE TO CORRECT OR REPAIR THE PROBLEM. THIS IS THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG, WHAT AM I TO DO.”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2013 Mercedes-Benz E550

Based on 13 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 24K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

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 2013 Mercedes-Benz E550

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,401

Per month

$200

Per mile

20.0¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$3,001/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,847/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 2013 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

$1,971

Full coverage / month

$164

Liability only / year

$710

vs US avg

+18%

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 age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1971

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 2013 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

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

SUSPENSION(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 22 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
AIR BAGS: "TAKATA RECALL" THE REPAIR PARTS ARE NOT AVALIABLE TO CORRECT OR REPAIR THE PROBLEM. THIS IS THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG, WHAT AM I TO DO.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: I HAVE HAD A 2013 MERCEDES-BENZ E550 FOR NEARLY THREE YEARS NOW AND LIKE IT IN MANY RESPECTS EXCEPT ONE. IT BOTHERS ME EVERY TIME I DRIVE SO MUCH SO THAT I FEEL COMPELLED TO GET IT OFF MY CHEST. WHEN I SLOW THE VEHICLE TO AN IMPERCEPTIBLE CRAWL, THE AUTOMATIC ADAPTIVE BRAKE ASSIST KICKS IN, BRINGI
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BODY/STRUCTURE: FROM THE FIRST DAY THE CAR WAS DELIVERED, THE ENGINE HAD SEVERAL SERIOUS ENGINE MISS-FIRES WHERE IT WOULD NOT RUN ON ALL OF ITS CYLINDERS. DISABLING THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WOULD RE-FLASH THE COMPUTER. FROM THE FIRST DAY THE CAR WAS DELIVERED, THE BODY FELL APART, REQUIRING A SPECIALIST FROM GERM
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: FROM THE FIRST DAY THE CAR WAS DELIVERED, THE ENGINE HAD SEVERAL SERIOUS ENGINE MISS-FIRES WHERE IT WOULD NOT RUN ON ALL OF ITS CYLINDERS. DISABLING THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WOULD RE-FLASH THE COMPUTER. FROM THE FIRST DAY THE CAR WAS DELIVERED, THE BODY FELL APART, REQUIRING A SPECIALIST FROM GERM
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)