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Model-year record

2017 Mercedes S-Class
Image: Own work · CC BY-SA 4.0

2017 Mercedes S-Class

See the complaints, recalls, crash rating, and fuel economy in the public record. Then check the mileage and history of the car you found.

This page shows records, not a buy or avoid call.

The same model year can include a well-kept car and a neglected one. Use these records to plan what to check. Use the specific-car check when you know the mileage.

Complaints filed

22

Reports to NHTSA, 2017

Safety recalls

0

NHTSA campaigns on record

NHTSA crash test

Not rated

Overall NCAP rating

Combined MPG

No data

EPA estimate

Known issues

Air Bags issues lead owner complaints (14% of 22 reports), followed by steering (14%).

Air Bags14% · 3 reports
Steering14% · 3 reports
Electrical System9% · 2 reports
Fuel/Propulsion System9% · 2 reports
Power Train9% · 2 reports
Unknown Or Other9% · 2 reports
Visibility9% · 2 reports
Engine5% · 1 report

+ 5 more component categories with fewer reports.

Share of all 22 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11665021, ODI 11595072, ODI 11483911.

Individual complaint reports(22)

Showing the 22 most recent reports
SteeringJul 2025 · ODI 11673103Details +

Steering wheel will move in and out, but has stopped moving up and down. The steering wheel is stuck in the UP position. This has caused me to readjust all my seat settings and has made it more difficult to see the dash.

Reported
Jul 2025
Incident date
Jul 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11673103 at NHTSA →
Air BagsJun 2025 · ODI 11665021Details +

The leather dashboard came off. We were offered to fix it for $6,000, even though the car had an extended warranty through the dealership. Mercedes corporate and the dealership came back and said they would fix it for $3,000. We reluctantly paid the $3,000 to have the dashboard fixed. A year later, the same defect occurred, and the Mercedes dealership said there is no warranty on the work done. We went back to Mercedes corporate, and they offered a 20% discount on the original $6,000 to fix the same problem. My concern is that because the leather on the dashboard is coming off, it can interfere with the airbag deployment.

Reported
Jun 2025
Incident date
Mar 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11665021 at NHTSA →
Power TrainDec 2024 · ODI 11631560Details +

The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz S550. The contact stated while the vehicle was in for routine maintenance, the mechanic discovered that the front driver's side CV-boot had cracked and was leaking oil. The contact was advised that the CV-boot could cause the front axle to eventually fail. The contact was advised that the front axle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 76,000.

Reported
Dec 2024
Incident date
Nov 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11631560 at NHTSA →
Exterior LightingJun 2024 · ODI 11597343Details +

This car since new has had moisture in the headlight from rain or washing. MB has installed moisture packets in the headlights that they said would fix the problem. It never did. I called the dealership and complained, they said sorry but that was their fix (MB TSB LI82.10-P-062051). Now the lights have failed, and they want me to spend $10K to replace the headlights and continue with the same issue. The problem still exists with the new headlights. This is not only a poor way to fix an ongoing problem (Moisture packets) for something that is severely related to safety on the highways in America. I believe you will agree. Please respond? Thank you

Reported
Jun 2024
Incident date
Nov 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11597343 at NHTSA →
Air BagsJun 2024 · ODI 11595072Details +

The dashboard is separating where the airbag is on the passenger side and also the driver side which could deploy the airbag

Reported
Jun 2024
Incident date
May 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11595072 at NHTSA →
Fuel/Propulsion SystemJun 2024 · ODI 11595157Details +

I filled up my vehicle gas tank on [XXX] and immediately after pulling out of the gas station the engine symbol appeared on the instrument panel. On 5/23/24, I took my 2017 Mercedes Benz S550 4matic to Mercedes-Benz of Alexandria, Alexandria, VA for service. After three hours of waiting the service tech, Chantell Kirby [XXX], informed me that I needed a fuel pump and tank and the cost would be $6,184.94. Please understand that my vehicle has less than 68,000 miles on it. The fuel tank you a major component of this very expensive vehicle. I have contacted Mercedes Benz corporate at 1-800-367-6372, but have not received a decision if they are going to repair my vehicle at little or no cost. I'm filing this complaint in hopes of getting assistance with the repair of my vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Reported
Jun 2024
Incident date
May 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11595157 at NHTSA →
Fuel/Propulsion SystemApr 2024 · ODI 11581358Details +

I was sold a vehicle by a dealership with a busted gas tank. It appears to have been an attempt to repair it with patching material. I am unsure if the defect was a result of manufacturing versus acquired damage. My safety is at risk because of leaking gas that could potentially ignite and inhaling strong gas fumes that could impact my lungs and health. The fuel tank damage has been confirmed by a mechanic and documented. It has not been inspected by any other entity while in my possession other than reported inspection by the dealership. I secured the vehicle on [XXX] from the dealership with these safety concerns. A mechanic stated the damage could have resulted either with the dealership or during on and off the trailer during transport of the vehicle from Florida to Indiana. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Reported
Apr 2024
Incident date
Feb 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11581358 at NHTSA →
EngineJun 2023 · ODI 11525746Details +

B Camshaft position timing over-advanced or system performance Bank1 A Camshaft position timing over-advanced or system performance Bank 2 and Mercedes Benz didn't want to fix this problem and just wanted to change out the engine for 50 thousand dollars. the car is a 2017 w222 Mercedes Benz s550 s Class with a m278 engine.

Reported
Jun 2023
Incident date
May 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11525746 at NHTSA →
SteeringApr 2023 · ODI 11517064Details +

Had my S550 into this dealership two (2) consecutive years for a power steering rack issue that ended up being related to rodent damage. The first time it happened the dealership replaced the wiring free of charge after discovering it, after initially telling me that the rack itself would have to be replaced. This year both the wiring and the rack itself needed to be replaced, and I was made to go through my auto insurance to have it fixed. My sons Cadillac, and my girlfriends Range Rover Sport share the same driveways with me, and have had no rodent damage. I did a bit of research and found that Mercedes now designs their cables with soy based materials, which attract rats, so the fact that my car has been eaten twice is more or less by MB design, as they apparently care more about the environment than they do about my ability to steer my car continuously for 1 year straight. My service Manager and his Manager acknowledged that they see this a lot, and were laughing when I asked for an inedible cable. I submitted a complaint to MBUSA, one which I had to continuously follow up on, as they weren’t proactive at all, and after contacting me this AM, they informed me that they don’t see a problem, and are not considering reimbursing me for my $750 deductible, or the 3 + weeks that I was without my car between both incidents. My issue isn’t necessarily with the dealership, although if they are quick to acknowledge that their cables are attractive to animals, they should have in my estimation been my advocate in the complaint. Mercedes can make their decisions, and for me it wasn’t really about the money anyway, rather the inherent safety issue that their design decisions have caused for me and for my family.

Reported
Apr 2023
Incident date
Mar 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11517064 at NHTSA →
Air BagsSep 2022 · ODI 11483911Details +

The leather is coming out of the dashboard as a result of that the air bag on the passenger front window is coming out. you can literally see the white part of the air bag. its a matter of time before the leather comes out all the way and the air bag will pop out. the dealer refuses to fix it and the car is still under warranty.

Reported
Sep 2022
Incident date
Oct 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11483911 at NHTSA →
Seat BeltsAug 2022 · ODI 11480834Details +

The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz S550. The contact stated the vehicle's front passenger seat belt failed to lock into the seat buckle. The failure occurred intermittently. The contact had taken the vehicle to a certified mechanic who stated the entire seat belt buckle needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V829000 (Seat Belts). The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000

Reported
Aug 2022
Incident date
Mar 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11480834 at NHTSA →
VisibilityJun 2022 · ODI 11469322Details +

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 taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was similar to the failure mentioned in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V197000 (Structure). The contact was then referred to the NHTSA to file a complaint. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 38,000.

Reported
Jun 2022
Incident date
Jun 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11469322 at NHTSA →
StructureJun 2022 · ODI 11469252Details +

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 similar problems that the recall vehicles had. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair.The adhesive bonding of the front panel might deteriorate, possibly causing the front panel to detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Reported
Jun 2022
Incident date
Jun 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11469252 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemNov 2021 · ODI 11439676Details +

I have observed on multiple occasions when the vehicle is brought to a complete stop during driving in traffic, the engine will stall / shut off. When this occurs the engine has to be re-started with the ignition switch to be able to drive the car again. Car does not show any check engine error and Mercedes Benz service claims that they cannot replicate the issue. During the course of driving the car for the past 12000 miles I have observed this issue between 6-8 times. In at least 3 occasions this occurred while driving on the freeway and the traffic came to a sudden halt. Separately the back-up / 360 surround camera system fails occasionally rendering the backup cameras inoperable. Service claims to have performed software updates and parts replacement yet the issue still occurs periodically with no remedy from Mercedes Benz.

Reported
Nov 2021
Incident date
Nov 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11439676 at NHTSA →
WheelsNov 2020 · ODI 11374490Details +

I AM REPLACING THE REAR RIMS FOR THE 3RD TIME IN 1 YEAR. THE 2 AMG REAR RIMS KEEP CRACKING UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. THIS IS ABSOLUTELY LUDICROUS. I HAVE DRIVEN FOR NEARLY 30 YEARS AND NEVER HAD TO KEEP REPLACING CRACKED RIMS LIKE THIS. THESE RIMS ARE NEARLY 1500 EACH.

Reported
Nov 2020
Incident date
Nov 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11374490 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherJan 2020 · ODI 11297444Details +

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 WITH AN EXPLOSIVE SOUND, HAD IT REPAIRED, THAT'S 3 IN A ROW AT THE SAME DEALERSHIP, THEY BRUSHED ME OFF AFTER I COMPLAINED TO THEM, SAYING IT WAS " PURE BAD LUCK" 3 IN A ROW IN AUG,SEPT, & OCT 2019.THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON SURFACE ROADS & A HIGHWAY TOO AT THE TIME OF OCCURRENCE, IT WAS A SMALL SOUND FOLLOWED BY A EXPLOSIVE SOUND & CRACKS ABOUT 10" LONG APPEARED ON MY WINDSHIELD, THE DEALERSHIP WAS TOTALLY UNHELPFUL, SPENT $10,000/ REPAIRING IT, & WHEN ASKED "DID ANYBODY HAVE A SIMILAR EXPERIENCE , 3 MONTHS IN A ROW" THEY SAID NO.1 COMPLAINED TO THE SERVICE MANAGER, SAYING THE GLASS WAS DEFECTIVE, BUT TO NO AVAIL, SO I TALKED TO THE M BENZ DISTRIBUTOR IN GEORGIA , BUT HE WAS EVASIVE TOO. I THEN WROTE TO THE CEO IN STUTTGART , BUT THEY SAID THEY WERE TOO BUSY WITH OTHER THINGS, I EXPLAINED TO THEM THAT THIS WAS A SAFETY & HEALTH HAZARD, THEY WERE NONCHALANT ABOUT IT.*DT CONSUMER STATED WINDSHIELD WOULD EXPLODE WITH SLIGHTEST CRACK. *JB*DT *JB *DT*JB

Reported
Jan 2020
Incident date
Aug 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11297444 at NHTSA →
Power TrainDec 2019 · ODI 11291390Details +

WHEN PARKING THE CAR. TRANSMISSION IN DRIVE AND FOOT ON BRAKE. WHEN THE IGNITION BUTTON IS PUSHED TO TURN CAR OFF, THE CAR GOES INTO NEUTRAL NOT PARK. THE CAR WILL GO INTO PARK WHEN THE DOOR IS OPENED. THE CAR HAS ROLLED AND CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT IF NOT CAREFUL. WAS TOLD THIS IS NORMAL OPERATION WITH THIS MODEL. THINK IT IS UNSAFE. EVERY OTHER CAR I HAVE DRIVEN INCLUDING MERCEDES GO INTO PARK WHEN IGNITION IS PUSHED WITH CAR STOPPED AND FOOT ON BRAKE.

Reported
Dec 2019
Incident date
Nov 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11291390 at NHTSA →
VisibilityNov 2019 · ODI 11280092Details +

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

Reported
Nov 2019
Incident date
Jan 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11280092 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemFeb 2018 · ODI 11075262Details +

STARTING OUT FROM AN INTERSECTION THE ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM DIED, NO ENGINE, NO LIGHTS, NO ABILITY TO OPEN TRUNK, NOTHING. I AM REPORTING THIS BECAUSE I FEAR SUCH AN EVENT COULD BE LIFE-THREATENING, EG. IF IT HAPPENED WHILE TRAVELING AT A HIGH SPEED. I BELIEVE THE AIRBAGS MAY HAVE BEEN DISABLED ALONG WITH ALL OTHER ELECTRICAL. DEALER REPORTS THERE WAS A SIMILAR EVENT WITH ANOTHER OF THE SAME CAR ONE WEEK EARLIER, AND THAT IT IS APPARENTLY CAUSED BY A CONTACT FOR THE BATTERY GROUND "BURNING OUT." I BELIEVE THERE SHOULD BE AN URGENT RECALL.

Reported
Feb 2018
Incident date
Feb 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11075262 at NHTSA →
Visibility/WiperJun 2017 · ODI 11002511Details +

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 RISING UP FROM A VERY HOT ASPHALT ROAD. ALL IMAGES THROUGH THE AREAS OF DISTORTION BECOME NOTICEABLY DISTORTED LIKE A CIRCUS MIRROR OR AN ALTERNATING CONVEX CONCAVE MIRROR. AS THE DRIVER THESE AREAS IMPAIR MY VIEW AS I LOOK AHEAD AND SCAN THE VIEW FROM 60 DEGREES TO MY LEFT OR RIGHT (IN MY SPECIFIC SITUATION). THIS AFFECTS THE IMAGE I SEE OF PEDESTRIANS OR BICYCLISTS WAITING TO CROSS THE CROSSWALK OR ROAD IN FRONT OF ME. DYNAMIC MOVING CAR SITUATION: AS YOU DRIVE FORWARD ALL IMAGES NEAR AND FAR PASS FRONT TO BACK THROUGH THE DISTORTION-CAUSING AREAS OF THE GLASS WINDOW AND RESULT IN IMAGE OSCILLATIONS. AS YOU DRIVE FASTER THE UNDULATIONS APPEAR TO UNDULATE AND OSCILLATE FASTER. ROAD LANE LINES APPEAR TO OSCILLATE INSTEAD OF REMAIN STRAIGHT. ALL IMAGES SEEN THROUGH THIS DISTORTION OSCILLATE THE FASTER YOU DRIVE. IN YOUR PERIPHERAL VISION IT IS NOTICEABLE AND VERY DISTRACTING AS YOU ARE CONSTANTLY LOOKING AT YOUR REAR VIEW MIRRORS THROUGH THE DISTORTION AREA AND TO THE RANGE OF VIEW 60 DEGREES OR MORE TO THE SIDES AND IN THE REAR VIEW MIRROR. YOU CANNOT IGNORE THESE QUICKLY OSCILLATING/VIBRATING LIKE IMAGES IN YOUR PERIPHERAL VIEW. IT HAS THE EFFECT OF LOOKING OUT OF A SHIP'S PORTHOLE AND SEEING ROUGH SWELLY SEAS THAT CAUSE SEASICKNESS AND NAUSEA. IT IS LIKE YOUR CORRECTIVE EYE GLASS LENS HAS A BLURRY SPOT. AS SOON AS I BOUGHT THIS NEW CAR AND DROVE IT HOME I NOTICED IT 6-15-2017.

Reported
Jun 2017
Incident date
Jun 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11002511 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherJun 2017 · ODI 10993005Details +

THE CAR SUDDENLY STOPPED WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROAD AND THEN WOULD NOT ENGAGE GEAR. THE MONITOR DISPLAY SAID 'MALFUNCTION'. THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO MB DEALERSHIP. THE CAR WAS LEASED ON 5/28/2017 AND HAD LESS THAN 150 MILES.

Reported
Jun 2017
Incident date
Jun 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10993005 at NHTSA →
SteeringMay 2017 · ODI 10991841Details +

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 OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,200.

Reported
May 2017
Incident date
May 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10991841 at NHTSA →

Recalls

No recalls are listed for this model year as of Jul 2026. Recall records can change when NHTSA publishes new information.

A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.

Investigations

0 NHTSA investigations on record

No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.

Crash-test ratings

2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4 DR RWD NHTSA source

Overall
Not rated
Frontal
Not rated
Side
Not rated
Rollover
Not rated

2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4 DR 4WD NHTSA source

Overall
Not rated
Frontal
Not rated
Side
Not rated
Rollover
Not rated

2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class C 4WD NHTSA source

Overall
Not rated
Frontal
Not rated
Side
Not rated
Rollover
Not rated

2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class C RWD NHTSA source

Overall
Not rated
Frontal
Not rated
Side
Not rated
Rollover
Not rated

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Fuel economy by trim

No EPA fuel-economy record is available for this model year. Some trims and older vehicles were not tested or are not in the current EPA feed.

Before you buy

Useful next checks

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Compare the year-by-year record

Open another year for its own evidence-gated decision. TireKick does not crown a best year from raw complaint totals.

2017 Mercedes S-Class: frequently asked

What does the complaint record show for the 2017 Mercedes S-Class?

Owners filed 22 NHTSA complaints about the 2017 Mercedes S-Class. This is raw owner-reported complaint volume with no production or exposure normalization, so it is not a reliability score or a best/worst-year ranking.

What are the most common problems on the 2017 Mercedes S-Class?

The most-reported problem areas are Air Bags (14% of complaints) and steering (14%).

How many recalls does the 2017 Mercedes S-Class have?

No safety recalls are on record for the 2017 Mercedes S-Class as of Jul 2026.

What gas mileage does the 2017 Mercedes S-Class get?

EPA fuel-economy figures for the 2017 Mercedes S-Class aren't available yet.