Is the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S550 reliable?

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz S550 has 36 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.8x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: OTHER problems.

What are common problems with the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S550?

Top problems: OTHER (5 complaints, avg repair $500); VISIBILITY (4 complaints, avg repair $500); BRAKES (3 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S550?

Yes, there are 5 recall(s): COMMUNICATION, STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS, STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM, SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE, STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS. Contact any Mercedes-Benz dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2014 Mercedes-Benz S550?

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz S550 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 2014 Mercedes-Benz S550?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2014 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.

2014 Mercedes-Benz S550

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz S550 has 36 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.8x the segment average of 20. The most common issue is other problems (14% of all complaints), specifically: i was on a test drive. cruise control was on. speed was 55mph. van pulled in front of me and decelerated. mercedes maintained speed and was closing rapidly. applied brakes hard to avoid rear ending van. *tr. There are 5 recalls issued for this model year.

5 crash reports 2 injuries

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.8x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

OTHER

5 complaints

14%

• I WAS ON A TEST DRIVE. CRUISE CONTROL WAS ON. SPEED WAS 55MPH. VAN PULLED IN FRONT OF ME AND DECELERATED. MERCEDES MAINTAINED SPEED AND WAS CLOSING RAPIDLY. APPLIED BRAKES HARD TO AVOID REAR ENDING VAN. *TR
• THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW IN 2014. THE VEHICLE HAS A REVERSE TILT FUNCTION FEATURE ON THE RIGHT PASSENGER MIRROR. WHEN FUNCTIONING PROPERLY, THE RIGHT PASSENGER MIRROR TILTS DOWNWARD AND TO THE RIGHT WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PLACED IN REVERSE SO THAT THE DRIVER CAN SEE ALL OBJECTS TO THE RIGHT REA
• BACKUP LIGHTS ON THIS CAR ARE TOTALLY USELESS. DEALER SAYS NO BRIGHTER BULBS ARE AVAILABLE. DANGEROUS SITUATION. BACKED INTO A MAILBOX AND DID $700.00 IN DAMAGE. PLEASE ADVISE WHAT I SHOULD DO.

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 2 crashes

“I WAS ON A TEST DRIVE. CRUISE CONTROL WAS ON. SPEED WAS 55MPH. VAN PULLED IN FRONT OF ME AND DECELERATED. MERCEDES MAINTAINED SPEED AND WAS CLOSING RAPIDLY. APPLIED BRAKES HARD TO AVOID REAR ENDING VAN. *TR”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S550

Based on 21 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 16K 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.

Recalls (5)

COMMUNICATION01/11/2019

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

Risk: An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.

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. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019120008.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2014 Mercedes-Benz S550

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)

$2,824/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 2014 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 2014 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

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

VISIBILITY(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 36 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
OTHER: I WAS ON A TEST DRIVE. CRUISE CONTROL WAS ON. SPEED WAS 55MPH. VAN PULLED IN FRONT OF ME AND DECELERATED. MERCEDES MAINTAINED SPEED AND WAS CLOSING RAPIDLY. APPLIED BRAKES HARD TO AVOID REAR ENDING VAN. *TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
VISIBILITY: THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW IN 2014. THE VEHICLE HAS A REVERSE TILT FUNCTION FEATURE ON THE RIGHT PASSENGER MIRROR. WHEN FUNCTIONING PROPERLY, THE RIGHT PASSENGER MIRROR TILTS DOWNWARD AND TO THE RIGHT WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PLACED IN REVERSE SO THAT THE DRIVER CAN SEE ALL OBJECTS TO THE RIGHT REA
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 MERCEDES BENZ S550. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE DOWNSHIFTED AND SUDDENLY THERE WAS A HARD SHIFT WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED OR WHEN STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE NEAR THE REAR OF THE VEHIC
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
STEERING: WHEN MAKING TURNS BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT, THERE IS A MOANING NOISE HEARD. CAUSE: LOWER ENGINE COMPARTMENT CENTER AND REAR, STEEERING COUPLING, RUBBER BELLOWS ON STEERING.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 5 recalls have been completed — free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)