2017 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class Problems

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Complaints Reported

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Complaints by Component

STEERING

3 complaints

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.

Jul 12, 2025

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.

Apr 14, 2023

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.

May 26, 2017

POWER TRAIN

2 complaints

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.

Dec 19, 2024

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.

Dec 26, 2019

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2 complaints

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)

Jun 18, 2024

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)

Apr 05, 2024

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 complaints

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

Jan 06, 2020

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.

Jun 03, 2017

AIR BAGS

1 complaint

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.

Jun 05, 2025

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint

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

Jun 27, 2024

AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER

1 complaint

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

Jun 18, 2024

ENGINE

1 complaint

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.

Jun 06, 2023

AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

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.

Sep 11, 2022

SEAT BELTS

1 complaint

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

Aug 23, 2022

VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

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.

Jun 15, 2022

STRUCTURE

1 complaint

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.

Jun 14, 2022

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

1 complaint

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.

Nov 08, 2021

WHEELS

1 complaint

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.

Nov 13, 2020

VISIBILITY

1 complaint

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

Nov 25, 2019

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

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.

Feb 27, 2018

VISIBILITY/WIPER

1 complaint

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.

Jun 30, 2017

4.7/5.0

98 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class have?

The 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class currently has 22 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class?

The most common problems reported for the 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.