Is the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550 reliable?

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550 has 18 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.9x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: OTHER problems.

What are common problems with the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550?

Top problems: OTHER (6 complaints, avg repair $500); BODY/STRUCTURE (3 complaints, avg repair $500); TIRES (3 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550?

Yes, there are 5 recall(s): COMMUNICATION, STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS, SEAT BELTS, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS, 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 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550?

The 2016 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 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2016 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.

2016 Mercedes-Benz S550

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550 has 18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.9x the segment average of 20. The most common issue is other problems (33% of all complaints), specifically: takata recall. i was driving on the highway on my way to phoenix az to drop off my mom and grandma when suddenly the sunroof exploded. it sounded like a gun shot. there wasn't any type of object near me to cause it. it was very random. this disturbed my family mentally scaring them and i swerved off. There are 5 recalls issued for this model year.

1 injury

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.9x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

OTHER

6 complaints

33%

• TAKATA RECALL. I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY ON MY WAY TO PHOENIX AZ TO DROP OFF MY MOM AND GRANDMA WHEN SUDDENLY THE SUNROOF EXPLODED. IT SOUNDED LIKE A GUN SHOT. THERE WASN'T ANY TYPE OF OBJECT NEAR ME TO CAUSE IT. IT WAS VERY RANDOM. THIS DISTURBED MY FAMILY MENTALLY SCARING THEM AND I SWERVED OFF
• I WOKE UP ONE MORNING AND WAS ASTOUNDED TO FIND A LONG DIAGONAL CRACK ACROSS THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF OF MY 2016 MERCEDES-BENZ S550. I CONTACTED MERCEDES AND WAS TOLD TO BRING THE CAR TO A DEALERSHIP FOR EVALUATION TO DETERMINE WHETHER THIS WAS DUE TO OUTSIDE INFLUENCE OR A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT. THEY
• on Feb 26, 2022 between the hours of 4:00 am and 5:15 am the Sunroof on my 2016 S550 Mercedes Benz shatter for no cause or reasons while driving on the main highway. When the loud bang accrued while driving I immediately pulled the car over to exam the issue and I noticed the Sunroof glass had shatt

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

“TAKATA RECALL. I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY ON MY WAY TO PHOENIX AZ TO DROP OFF MY MOM AND GRANDMA WHEN SUDDENLY THE SUNROOF EXPLODED. IT SOUNDED LIKE A GUN SHOT. THERE WASN'T ANY TYPE OF OBJECT NEAR ME TO CAUSE IT. IT WAS VERY RANDOM. THIS DISTURBED MY FAMILY MENTALLY SCARING THEM AND I SWERVED OFF”

— NHTSA complaint filing

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 2016 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 2016 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 2016 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

BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)

$500

TIRES(~50K mi)

$500

SEATS/RESTRAINTS(~50K mi)

$500

VISIBILITY(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 18 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
OTHER: TAKATA RECALL. I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY ON MY WAY TO PHOENIX AZ TO DROP OFF MY MOM AND GRANDMA WHEN SUDDENLY THE SUNROOF EXPLODED. IT SOUNDED LIKE A GUN SHOT. THERE WASN'T ANY TYPE OF OBJECT NEAR ME TO CAUSE IT. IT WAS VERY RANDOM. THIS DISTURBED MY FAMILY MENTALLY SCARING THEM AND I SWERVED OFF
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BODY/STRUCTURE: TAKATA RECALL. I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY ON MY WAY TO PHOENIX AZ TO DROP OFF MY MOM AND GRANDMA WHEN SUDDENLY THE SUNROOF EXPLODED. IT SOUNDED LIKE A GUN SHOT. THERE WASN'T ANY TYPE OF OBJECT NEAR ME TO CAUSE IT. IT WAS VERY RANDOM. THIS DISTURBED MY FAMILY MENTALLY SCARING THEM AND I SWERVED OFF
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TIRES: Staggered tires on this car Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymetric 2 Run flats. Front size - 245/40 R 20/99y, Rear -275/35 R 20/102 These tires cannot take the load of the car . I purchased the vehicle & the same tire (front driver side) has blown & ripped open over a moderate pothole, Aug 2020 & in Sep,
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
SEATS/RESTRAINTS: The car's front passenger passenger seat buckle fails to properly secure the seat belt. After inserting the seat belt it fails to latch into the buckle. The Mercedes dealer has examined the seat buckle and determined that it failed. They are recommending a replacement.
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)