Recalls (2)
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S550. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗
Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.
Check on NHTSA ↗Fuel Filter may Leak
- Summary
- Mercedes-Benz is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 S400, S550, S550 4Matic, S63 AMG, C300, C300 4Matic, E350, GLK350, GLK350 4Matic, CL550 4Matic, and CL63 AMG vehicles manufactured from April 18, 2011, through July 12, 2011. Due to an irregularity stemming from the molding process of the fuel filter flange, the fuel filter flange may crack when operated in high temperatures.
- Consequence
- If the fuel filter flange cracks, it will leak fuel which may lead to a fire if an external ignition source is present.
- Remedy
- Mercedes-Benz will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel filter, free of charge. The recall campaign is expected to begin in February 2013. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
TPMS Indicator/FMVSS 138
- Summary
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (Mercedes Benz) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 S550, S550 CGI, S63, S600 Bi-Turbo, S65 AMG, S550 4-Matic, and S550 CGI 4-Matic and S400 Hybrid vehicles manufactured from March 3, 2011, through July 30, 2011, for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicles Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)." The tire pressure monitoring system indicators may only illuminate for a portion of the time required by the standard and under certain conditions may not re-illuminate immediately after the vehicle is restarted as required.
- Consequence
- If all four wheel sensors in the subject vehicles are simultaneously malfunctioning or missing, the TPMS will provide an initial warning, but this warning will not automatically repeat on subsequent ignition cycles, failing to remind the driver that the system is offline. Driving unknowingly with incorrectly inflated tires may result in sudden tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Mercedes Benz will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the tire pressure monitoring unit, free of charge. The recall began on September 12, 2014. Owners may contact Mercedes Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.
Owner complaints (5)
5 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The engine is mentioned most often.
As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.
Most-reported components
| Component | Complaints | % of 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3 | 60% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 3 | 60% |
| Electrical system | 1 | 20% |
| Steering | 1 | 20% |
How 2012 compares with other S550 years
Best and worst S550 years →| Model year | Complaints | Recall campaigns |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 54 | 0 |
| 2008 | 19 | 0 |
| 2010 | 16 | 0 |
| 2011 | 9 | 2 |
| 2012 | 5 | 2 |
| 2013 | 7 | 0 |
| 2014 | 24 | 5 |
| 2015 | 41 | 5 |
| 2016 | 15 | 5 |
| 2017 | 16 | 10 |
Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.
Fuel economy: up to 19 mpg combined
- EPA annual fuel cost
- $4,350
- CO₂ tailpipe
- 468 g/mi
- EPA class
- Large Cars
What it costs you to run
Miles ÷ 19 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.
EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.
Specs by configuration
| Engine · transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | EPA $/yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.7 L 8-cyl · 7-speed automatic | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 25 / 19 | $4,350 | 468 |
Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.
Looking at a 2012 S550 for sale?
Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.
Where to next
2012 Mercedes-Benz S550 FAQ
How many recalls does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S550 have?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns: 12V557000 (fuel system), 11V493000 (tire). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.
What are the most common 2012 Mercedes-Benz S550 problems?
Owners filed 5 complaints with NHTSA. Engine (3), Fuel/propulsion system (3), Electrical system (1) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.
What mpg does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S550 get?
EPA rates the 4.7 L 8-cyl · 7-speed automatic version at 15 city, 25 highway and 19 combined mpg.
How does the 2012 S550 compare with other years?
Among the 2007–2017 Mercedes-Benz S550 model years at least five years old, the 2012 drew the fewest complaints (5) and the 2007 the most (54). The 2012 drew 5. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.
How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes
Data sources
- NHTSA recalls by vehicle
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - US DOT recall completion rates (data.transportation.gov)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA ODI owner complaints
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA NCAP 5-Star Safety Ratings
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EPA fuel economy data (licence confirmation pending)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EIA weekly retail gasoline prices
Weekly, all taxes included
Processing
- Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
- Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.
Limitations
- Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
- Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
- Recent model years are still collecting reports.
Review
Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.
Changelog
- 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.