Is the 2013 Mercedes-Benz S550 reliable?

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz S550 has 10 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.5x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: WHEELS problems.

What are common problems with the 2013 Mercedes-Benz S550?

Top problems: WHEELS (2 complaints, avg repair $500); LIGHTING (2 complaints, avg repair $500); BODY/STRUCTURE (1 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2013 Mercedes-Benz S550?

No recalls have been issued for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz S550.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2013 Mercedes-Benz S550?

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz S550 gets 19 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2526. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2013 Mercedes-Benz S550?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz S550 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 S550

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz S550 has 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.5x the segment average of 20. The most common issue is wheels problems (20% of all complaints), specifically: i leased this car new in 2013, since 06/06/2013 this car has been back in shop for same problem 8 times, bubbles on the tires which cuts open the tire at the edge of the wheel. last month the tire was changed again and while the car was in the shop it developed another bubble on another tire. now mb.

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.5x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

WHEELS

2 complaints

20%

• I LEASED THIS CAR NEW IN 2013, SINCE 06/06/2013 THIS CAR HAS BEEN BACK IN SHOP FOR SAME PROBLEM 8 TIMES, BUBBLES ON THE TIRES WHICH CUTS OPEN THE TIRE AT THE EDGE OF THE WHEEL. LAST MONTH THE TIRE WAS CHANGED AGAIN AND WHILE THE CAR WAS IN THE SHOP IT DEVELOPED ANOTHER BUBBLE ON ANOTHER TIRE. NOW MB
• PROBLEM 1: CAR SOLD TO ME WITHOUT FULL DISCLOSURE. SILVERSTAR MOTORS IN L.I CITY, NY SOLD ME THE CAR & WITHHELD MATERIAL INFORMATION. THE CAR HAD 4 DAMAGED & DEFECTIVE WHEELS. THIS WAS DISCLOSED TO ME BY ANOTHER DEALER HELMS BROTHERS. TIRES WERE CONSTANTLY LOSING AIR; FRONT END WOULD VIBRATE AT HIGH

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

“I LEASED THIS CAR NEW IN 2013, SINCE 06/06/2013 THIS CAR HAS BEEN BACK IN SHOP FOR SAME PROBLEM 8 TIMES, BUBBLES ON THE TIRES WHICH CUTS OPEN THE TIRE AT THE EDGE OF THE WHEEL. LAST MONTH THE TIRE WAS CHANGED AGAIN AND WHILE THE CAR WAS IN THE SHOP IT DEVELOPED ANOTHER BUBBLE ON ANOTHER TIRE. NOW MB”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2013 Mercedes-Benz S550

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,527

Per month

$211

Per mile

21.1¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$3,201/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,920/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 S550

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 S550 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 S550, 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

WHEELS(~50K mi)

$500

LIGHTING(~50K mi)

$500

BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)

$500

TIRES(~50K mi)

$500

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 10 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
WHEELS: I LEASED THIS CAR NEW IN 2013, SINCE 06/06/2013 THIS CAR HAS BEEN BACK IN SHOP FOR SAME PROBLEM 8 TIMES, BUBBLES ON THE TIRES WHICH CUTS OPEN THE TIRE AT THE EDGE OF THE WHEEL. LAST MONTH THE TIRE WAS CHANGED AGAIN AND WHILE THE CAR WAS IN THE SHOP IT DEVELOPED ANOTHER BUBBLE ON ANOTHER TIRE. NOW MB
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
LIGHTING: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES-BENZ S550. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS DIMMED WITHOUT WARNING. THE HEADLIGHTS DID NOT PROVIDE ENOUGH ILLUMINATION TO DRIVE SAFELY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WATER ENTERED THE HEADLIGHT HOUSINGS AND CREATED CONDENSATION. MERCEDES-BENZ OF COCONUT CREEK
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BODY/STRUCTURE: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES BENZ S550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS A HALF OF A INCH HIGHER THAN THE REAR DRIVER SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE VEHICLE MEASURED UP TO SPECIFICATIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE A
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TIRES: I LEASED THIS CAR NEW IN 2013, SINCE 06/06/2013 THIS CAR HAS BEEN BACK IN SHOP FOR SAME PROBLEM 8 TIMES, BUBBLES ON THE TIRES WHICH CUTS OPEN THE TIRE AT THE EDGE OF THE WHEEL. LAST MONTH THE TIRE WAS CHANGED AGAIN AND WHILE THE CAR WAS IN THE SHOP IT DEVELOPED ANOTHER BUBBLE ON ANOTHER TIRE. NOW MB
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)