Is the 2017 Mercedes-Benz S550 reliable?

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz S550 has 20 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.0x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: average. Most common issue: VISIBILITY problems.

What are common problems with the 2017 Mercedes-Benz S550?

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

Are there any recalls on the 2017 Mercedes-Benz S550?

Yes, there are 10 recall(s): COMMUNICATION, STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS, COMMUNICATION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE, STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM, SEAT BELTS, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS, SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER, LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH, 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 2017 Mercedes-Benz S550?

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz S550 gets 21 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2286. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2017 Mercedes-Benz S550?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz S550 is approximately $2,143/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.

2017 Mercedes-Benz S550

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz S550 has 20 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 20. The most common issue is visibility problems (20% of all complaints), specifically: rear windshield, driver side window, front windshield, rear right passenger side window have large areas (over 1 square foot) of glass distortion made in the fabrication of the glass. static non moving car situation: when the car is not moving it looks like the shimmering effect of hot air risin. There are 10 recalls issued for this model year.

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.0x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

VISIBILITY

4 complaints

20%

• REAR WINDSHIELD, DRIVER SIDE WINDOW, FRONT WINDSHIELD, REAR RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW HAVE LARGE AREAS (OVER 1 SQUARE FOOT) OF GLASS DISTORTION MADE IN THE FABRICATION OF THE GLASS. STATIC NON MOVING CAR SITUATION: WHEN THE CAR IS NOT MOVING IT LOOKS LIKE THE SHIMMERING EFFECT OF HOT AIR RISIN
• 2017 MERCEDES BENZ S550. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DAMAGED WINDSHIELD. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE WINDSHIELD CONTINUES TO CRACK. THE WINDSHIELD HAD TO BE REPAIRED 3 TIMES IN 3 MONTHS. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE STATING THE FAILURES WERE BAD LUCK. *JS
• The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz S550. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH and closing the sunroof, he heard a cracking sound and the sunroof failed to close properly. The contact stated he attempted to open and close the sunroof however, the sunroof only partially closed. The vehicle was t

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

“REAR WINDSHIELD, DRIVER SIDE WINDOW, FRONT WINDSHIELD, REAR RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW HAVE LARGE AREAS (OVER 1 SQUARE FOOT) OF GLASS DISTORTION MADE IN THE FABRICATION OF THE GLASS. STATIC NON MOVING CAR SITUATION: WHEN THE CAR IS NOT MOVING IT LOOKS LIKE THE SHIMMERING EFFECT OF HOT AIR RISIN”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (10)

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 2017 Mercedes-Benz S550

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,286

Per month

$191

Per mile

19.1¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,667/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 2017 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

$2,143

Full coverage / month

$179

Liability only / year

$710

vs US avg

+28%

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 age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$2143

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 2017 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

VISIBILITY(~50K mi)

$500

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

BODY/STRUCTURE(~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 20 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
VISIBILITY: REAR WINDSHIELD, DRIVER SIDE WINDOW, FRONT WINDSHIELD, REAR RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW HAVE LARGE AREAS (OVER 1 SQUARE FOOT) OF GLASS DISTORTION MADE IN THE FABRICATION OF THE GLASS. STATIC NON MOVING CAR SITUATION: WHEN THE CAR IS NOT MOVING IT LOOKS LIKE THE SHIMMERING EFFECT OF HOT AIR RISIN
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
STEERING: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ S550. AFTER STARTING THE ENGINE, THE POWER STEERING FAILURE WARNING MESSAGE DISPLAYED AND THE POWER STEERING WAS INOPERABLE. THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LOKEY MERCEDES-BENZ IN CLEARWATER, FLORIDA, BUT THE CAUSE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: IN 2018 I HAD A CRACKED WINDSHIELD, THEY TOLD ME A SMALL ROCK HIT MY WINDSHIELD, HAD IT REPAIRED AT THE M BENZ DEALERSHIP, THEN IN 2019, AUGUST I HAD THE SAME THING HAPPEN TO MY WINDSHIELD, THEY SAID THE SAME THING, HAD THEM REPAIR IT AGAIN, SEPTEMBER 2019 & OCTOBER 2019,HAD A CRACKED WINDSHIELD WIT
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BODY/STRUCTURE: The vehicle panoramic sunroof came across a discrepancy that can damage the owner and other innocent vehicles on the road. Since it has been stuck on one side it can possibly break and fly off. The vehicle has been recalled, unfortunately my vehicles vin number was not chosen although it has the sim
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 10 recalls have been completed — free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)