WDDUG8CB9EA0178022014 MERCEDES-BENZ S-ClassS550
2014 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. 25 owner complaints include 2 reported injuries, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.
Executive Summary
2014 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class
2014 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. 25 owner complaints include 2 reported injuries, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.
- 2 injuries reported across 25 owner complaints
25 owner complaints filed — top areas: Other (28%), Safety Systems (12%), Engine/Powertrain (12%). 4 crashes reported.
Title Brand Check
Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull
No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.
Vehicle Specifications
Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database
- Make
- MERCEDES-BENZ
- Model
- S-Class
- Year
- 2014
- Trim / Series
- S550
- Body Style
- Sedan/Saloon
- Vehicle Type
- PASSENGER CAR
- Fuel Type
- Gasoline
- Engine
- 8-cyl 4.7L
- Doors
- 4
- Manufacturer
- MERCEDES-BENZ CARS
- Assembly
- SINDELFINGEN, GERMANY
- GVWR
- Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
Assembly Plant Quality
Plant: SINDELFINGEN, GERMANY
No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.
Safety Intelligence
Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data
✓ No high-risk recall components found
Driver Assistance Features
ADAS equipment data from NHTSA vPIC database
Deferred Failure Risk
Vehicle-specific risks from this model-year's complaint record, known defects, and service milestones
Owners of the 2014 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class report safety systems issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
Owners of the 2014 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class report engine/powertrain issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
Owners of the 2014 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class report suspension/wheels issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
Worn chain tensioners cause timing chain skip or snap — common on GM 5.3L/6.2L, Ford EcoBoost, VW/Audi EA888, BMW N47/N63. Listen for cold-start rattles.
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.
NHTSA Safety Recalls
CLEAR2 injuries reported across 25 complaints — elevated injury rate for this class of vehicle.
Complaint Intelligence
25 complaints analyzed across 9 system categories
Unknown Or Other leads owner complaints (20%), most reported when the vehicle was 2 yrs old or newer. Also common: Service Brakes (12%), Steering (12%).
Based on 24 complaints with a reported incident date. Too few owners cited mileage (0) to report a reliable failure-mileage range.
Owner Complaints
HIGH VOLUME25 safety complaints filed with NHTSA
We almost got into crash the other day, our 8-year-old kid got our attention that rear seatbelt got very loose and did NOT retract back at all. he almost hit his head. when I asked him if it has been like this he said no, it was tight when I buckled it in. We tried several times to retract it manually with no luck. I checked online and I have seen people complaining about the same thing. we have been lucky we didn't hit the other car then my child will be seriously injured. This is a very serious safety requirement. I hope Mercedes Benz will take this very seriously as well, before others get hurt.
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes Benz S550. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact became aware of oil spots on the driveway after parking the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where an inspection indicated that the oil filter housing was defective and needed to be replaced. The contact was then given a list of other parts associated with the oil filter housing that also needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and was informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 89,677.
Unknown
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz S550. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that the brake pads were corroded. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was confirmed that the brake pads were severely corroded. The contact was informed that the brake pads needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the same diagnostic was provided to the contact. The contact was informed that the brake pads needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Bumper minor collision
Rearvpassenger seat just stopped working. Won't retract.
The vehicle dropped at front axle areas on both sides. The next message stated "Vehicle to Low". Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Could not drive regular speed limit almost got rear ended. Reproduced i am not sure, there is however about 3 manufacturer communications on this issue. There have not been any inspections relating to this issue with insurance. The manufacturer Mercedes previously inspected and replaced several issues relating to suspension on this vehicle type. There are at least 40-60 product model vehicle types that have this issue. The vehicle i drive is one of them. The warning lamp came on when starting the car, the front end did not rise as it was expected to , warning lamp stated Vehicle level too low
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? -Steering :Electrical Power Assist , Drive Shaft
Pre safe disabled then Blind spot disabled then cruise control disabled this occurs in heavy rain had the dealer check it told they could not duplicate the problem told them this is a dangerous problem in heavy weather as you do have blind spots in the s class and you do need the system to work.once the weather improves or the heavy rain subsides the system restores itself
AT APPROXIMATELY 0030 FRIDAY AUGUST 07, I WAS TRAVELLING 65 MPH NORTH BOUND ON THE CA215/60 FREEWAY, THERE WAS LITTLE TRAFFIC. I HEARD WHAT SOUNDED LIKE A GUNSHOT, THEN A CRINCLING GLASS SOUND AND FINALLY A WHOOSHING OF AIR I WOULD SOON SEE WAS A GAPING HOLE WHERE MY CLOSED PANORAMIC SUNROOF USE TO BE. I EXITED THE FREEWAY AT THE NEXT EXIT AND PULLED INTO A GAS STATION, GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND UPON INSPECTING THE CAR FOUND A HUGE HOLE WHERE MY PANARAMIC SUNROOF USE TO BE. I ALSO MADE A VIDEO AVAILABLE AT REQUEST.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 MERCEDES-BENZ S550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOORS FAILED TO LOCK MANUALLY OR WITH KEYS. THE CONTACT CALLED MERCEDES-BENZ OF CUTLER BAY (10701 SW 211 ST, CUTLER BAY, FL 33189, (786) 232-0364) TO INFORM THE DEALER OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT OFFERED NO ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 MERCEDES-BENZ S550. WHILE THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS IDLING AT A RED LIGHT, ANOTHER VEHICLE RAN A STOP SIGN AND T-BONED HIS VEHICLE. NONE OF THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE POLICE WAS PRESENT AND FILED REPORT NUMBER: 190911002273. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ALSO PRESENT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES; HOWEVER, MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS SOUGHT LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A BODY SHOP. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE INSURANCE COMPANY DEEMED THE VEHICLE DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. *DT *AS
THIS PAST THURSDAY EVENING (DECEMBER 13, 2018) AROUND 10:00 PM, I WAS DRIVING (WITH MY WIFE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT) DOWN A CURVY STRETCH OF ROAD ON SUNSET BOULEVARD IN BEVERLY HILLS, WHEN I SUDDENLY HEARD A LOUD THUMPING SOUND AND IMMEDIATELY FELT VIOLENT VIBRATIONS THROUGH THE STEERING WHEEL. SINCE WE WERE TRAVELING AT A RELATIVELY LOW SPEED OF 30 MPH, I WAS IMMEDIATELY ABLE TO RE-GAIN THE CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE AND WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER SAFELY. ONCE I GOT OUT OF MY VEHICLE, I IMMEDIATELY NOTICED THAT THE FRONT RIGHT WHEEL RIM HAD COMPLETELY BROKEN INTO TWO HALVES. I WAS SHOCKED AND VERY SURPRISED BECAUSE NOTHING COULD HAVE POSSIBLY EXPLAINED WHY THIS WHEEL COMPLETELY BROKE IN THE MANNER THAT IT DID. WE WERE EXTREMELY FORTUNATE THAT THERE WERE NO OTHER VEHICLES AROUND US AT THE TIME THE WHEEL BROKE, OR THAT WE WERE NOT ON THE HIGHWAY TRAVELING AT MUCH HIGHER SPEEDS, OTHERWISE THE RESULTS WOULD HAVE BEEN FATAL WITH EVEN A POSSIBILITY OF SIGNIFICANT INJURY OR EVEN LOSS OF LIFE. A COMPLETE REPORT WITH PICTURES AND CAUSE OF RAPID FRACTURE OF THE RIM AS A COMPLAINT WAS PROVIDED TO MERCEDES DEALERSHIP AND CORPORATE, THEY ARE REFUSING TO ADMIT TO ANY MATERIAL DEFECT AND LIABILITY.
ACCORDING TO THE RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 16V899000 AND THE VEHICLE INSPECTION REPORT FROM THE LOCAL MERCEDES DEALERSHIP SHOW AS AN IDENTICAL ISSUE. HOWEVER, MY VEHICLE IS NOT IDENTIFIED AS APART OF THE RECALL. THE RECALL STATES THE ISSUE IS DUE TO THE STEERING CONTROL UNIT NOT BEING SOLDERED PROPERLY. DIFFICULT TO THINK THIS FALLS UNDER NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. I WILL GET THE REPAIR DONE BEGRUDGINGLY, THOUGH IT WOULD BE NICE IF MERCEDES WOULD HAVE STOOD BEHIND ITS RECALL.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 MERCEDES-BENZ S550. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE THE ROADWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH PALM BEACH (9275 FL A1AALT, NORTH PALM BEACH, FL 33403) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY AND CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE ISSUE NEEDED TO BE HANDLED BETWEEN THE CONTACT AND THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 18,497. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 MERCEDES-BENZ S550. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH MERGING ON THE INTERSTATE, THE SUN ROOF SHATTERED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (MERCEDES-BENZ OF MOBILE, 3060 DAUPHIN ST, MOBILE, AL, 36606) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE SUN ROOF FAILED. DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE ALSO SUSTAINED BODY DAMAGE TO THE HOOD AND TRUNK. THE MANUFACTURER WAS STATED THAT THEY WOULD GIVE THE CONTACT A CALL BACK AND SEND AN INVESTIGATOR. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO SUSTAINED A CUT ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE FACE DUE TO THE SHATTERED GLASS. THE CONTACT DID NOT RECEIVE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000.
WHEN MAKING TURNS BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT, THERE IS A MOANING NOISE HEARD. CAUSE: LOWER ENGINE COMPARTMENT CENTER AND REAR, STEEERING COUPLING, RUBBER BELLOWS ON STEERING.
REAR BRAKE PADS INCORRECTLY INSTALLED FROM THE FACTORY. BOTH INSIDE BRAKE PADS WERE INSTALLED ON THE REAR CALIPER FOUND THAT PADS ON THE RIGHT REAR WERE WORN DOWN TO 4-5MM ALSO FOUND THAT RIGHT REAR ROTOR HAS UNEVEN GROOVES FROM BRAKE PADS.
BACKUP LIGHTS ON THIS CAR ARE TOTALLY USELESS. DEALER SAYS NO BRIGHTER BULBS ARE AVAILABLE. DANGEROUS SITUATION. BACKED INTO A MAILBOX AND DID $700.00 IN DAMAGE. PLEASE ADVISE WHAT I SHOULD DO.
I HAVE HAD THREE RUN FLAT GOODYEAR TIRES BLOW OUTWARD SIDE WALLS RENDERING THE VEHICLE IN OPERABLE. ALL THREE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS WITHIN NORMAL SPEEDS OF 70 TO 75 MPH. THE FIRST TIRE WAS REPLACED IN FL IN MAY - LEFT FRONT, THE SECOND ON AUGUST 9TH IN NJ SAME LEFT FRONT, AND THE THIRD ON AUGUST 12TH IN WATERBURY CT RIGHT FRONT. ALL THREE TIRES HAD OUTWARD SIDEWALL LATERAL DESTRUCTION OF 4 TO 6 INCHES. THE DECOMPRESSION WAS INSTANTANEOUS THE TIRES WERE 1, OEM, AND 2 AND 3 REPLACEMENT FOR OEM ALL SAME MAKE AND MODEL GOODYEAR. THE VEHICLE IS A MB 2014 S550 SEDAN WITH 20 INCH RIMS. THERE IS NOI DEFECT ON ANY OF THE RIMS. THE SERIAL OR VIN IS [XXX] NET WGT 4,773 LBS.. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 MERCEDES BENZ S550. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE DOWNSHIFTED AND SUDDENLY THERE WAS A HARD SHIFT WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED OR WHEN STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE NEAR THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT THE TILT FUNCTION FEATURE ON THE RIGHT PASSENGER MIRROR FAILED. WHEN FUNCTIONING PROPERLY, THE RIGHT PASSENGER MIRROR TILTED DOWNWARD AND TO THE RIGHT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN REVERSE; THEREFORE, THE DRIVER COULD SEE ALL OBJECTS TO THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND IN THE VEHICLE'S BLIND SPOT. THE MIRROR FAILED TO RETURN TO THE DRIVER'S SETTING AFTER SHIFTING THE VEHICLE INTO DRIVE AFTER BEING IN REVERSE. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION SYSTEM AND THE REAR BRAKES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO LOCATE A FAILURE WITH THE MIRROR. THE REAR SUSPENSION SYSTEM AND THE REAR BRAKES WERE REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WITH THE MIRROR PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW IN 2014. THE VEHICLE HAS A REVERSE TILT FUNCTION FEATURE ON THE RIGHT PASSENGER MIRROR. WHEN FUNCTIONING PROPERLY, THE RIGHT PASSENGER MIRROR TILTS DOWNWARD AND TO THE RIGHT WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PLACED IN REVERSE SO THAT THE DRIVER CAN SEE ALL OBJECTS TO THE RIGHT REAR OF THE VEHICLE (IN THE VEHICLE'S BLIND SPOT). ONCE THE VEHICLE IS SHIFTED INTO DRIVE, THE RIGHT MIRROR IS SUPPOSED TO RETURN TO THE DRIVER'S (MEMORY) SETTING POSITION FOR THE MIRROR SO THAT THE DRIVER IS ABLE TO SEE OUT OF THE RIGHT MIRROR WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THE MIRROR ON THIS VEHICLE FAILS TO RETURN TO THE DRIVER'S (MEMORY) SETTING AFTER SHIFTING THE VEHICLE INTO DRIVE AFTER BEING IN REVERSE. THE MIRROR REMAINS IN THE DOWNWARD AND TO THE RIGHT POSITION THUS LEAVING THE DRIVER COMPLETELY UNABLE TO SEE OUT OF THE MIRROR WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THE DRIVER IS FORCED TO TAKE HIS/HER EYES OFF OF THE ROAD, AND THE SURROUNDING VEHICLES, TO MANUALLY ADJUST THE MIRROR THUS PLACING THE DRIVER AND ALL PASSENGERS AT A SIGNIFICANT RISK OF INJURY. WHILE IT IS UNCONFIRMED, THIS VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A SIDE-SWIPE TYPE MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT, AND IT IS SUSPECTED THAT THIS MIRROR DEFECT WAS A CONTRIBUTING CAUSE TO THE ACCIDENT. MERCEDES-BENZ USA IS AWARE OF THIS DEFECT AND IS AWARE THAT AT LEAST TWO CASES HAVE BEEN REPORTED IN THE UNITED STATES IN THE 2014 S550 MODEL. MERCEDES-BENZ USA IS ALSO AWARE THAT THIS DEFECT EXISTS IN THE 2015 S550 MODEL. MERCEDES-BENZ USA HAS BEEN GIVEN NUMEROUS OPPORTUNITIES TO CURE THIS DEFECT AND IT HAS FAILED/REFUSED TO MAKE THE REPAIR, THUS EXPOSING ALL 2014 AND 2015 S550 DRIVERS, AND THEIR PASSENGERS, TO A SIGNIFICANT RISK OF INJURY.
AGGRAVATING NOISE ASSOCIATED WITH HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMPS, TICK, TICK, TICKING NOISE AT ANY SPEED. COMPLAINED TO DEALER, BUT DESPITE EXCHANGING PUMPS, NOISE PERSISTS. COMPLAINED TO MBUSA, WAS TOLD THIS WAS A 'NORMAL NOISE'. SOUNDS LIKE AN OXYMORON TO ME. VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH CAR NOISE AND RESPONSE TO MY PLEA FOR HELP. *TR
I WAS ON A TEST DRIVE. CRUISE CONTROL WAS ON. SPEED WAS 55MPH. VAN PULLED IN FRONT OF ME AND DECELERATED. MERCEDES MAINTAINED SPEED AND WAS CLOSING RAPIDLY. APPLIED BRAKES HARD TO AVOID REAR ENDING VAN. *TR
I PURCHASED A NEW 2014 MERCEDES S550 AND THE DAY AFTER PURCHASE, THE AIRBAG MALFUNCTION LIGHT CAME ON. I SET UP AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THIS CORRECTED, AND WAS TOLD IT WAS FIXED. A COUPLE OF WEEKS LATER, I WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 20MPH, APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION WHERE I DID NOT HAVE A STOP SIGN. I NOTICED A LARGE SUV TRAVELING EAST BOUND AT EXCESSIVE SPEEDS (GUESSING 35-40), WHICH DID NOT APPEAR TO BE STOPPING, BUT COULD NOT STOP IN TIME TO AVOID THE COLLISION. THE SUV IMPACTED THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF MY VEHICLE AT FULL SPEED. MY VEHICLE SPUN AND WAS HIT AGAIN AT THE SIDE AND REAR DRIVER'S SIDE. I WAS PUSHED OVER THE CURB AND INTO A SNOW BANK WHERE I EVENTUALLY STOPPED AFTER HITTING THE YIELD SIGN. I WAS TRAPPED IN MY VEHICLE AS I HAD CARVED THRU THE SNOW AND ALL DOORS WERE BLOCKED. THE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE WAS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT, SIDE AND BACK. THE HIT WAS HARD ENOUGH TO CAUSE FRAME DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE, NEEDING FRAME REPAIR. THERE WERE NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED DURING THE CRASH AND GIVEN THE PREVIOUS MALFUNCTION WITH THE AIRBAG SYSTEM, THIS WAS A MAJOR CONCERN FOR ME. I NOTIFIED MERCEDES BENZ OF THE ISSUE, AND IT WASN'T UNTIL SEVERAL REQUESTS THAT THEY RESPONDED. THEY SENT SOMEONE TO THE BODY SHOP TO LOOK AT THE CAR AND CONFIRMED THERE IS FRAME DAMAGE; HOWEVER, STATED IT WAS NOT HARD ENOUGH OF A HIT TO TRIGGER AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. I HAVE A HARD TIME UNDERSTANDING HOW IT CAN BE HARD ENOUGH TO CAUSE FRAME DAMAGE YET NOT TRIGGER AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT? THIS IS A COMPLETELY REDESIGNED VEHICLE AND MINE WAS ONE OF THE FIRST ON THE ROAD. I AM FEARFUL THAT THIS IS A LARGER ISSUE THAT IS NOT BEING ADDRESSED, OR UNCOVERED, SINCE THIS IS A RECENTLY RELEASED MODEL. AS A RESULT OF THE IMPACT, I SUSTAINED INJURIES TO MY NECK, BACK AND LEFT ELBOW. I AM HOPING THIS COULD GET ADDRESS TO AVOID FUTURE INJURIES, OR DEATH, TO OTHER DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS. THANK YOU. *TR
Complaint & Reliability Timeline
Annual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red
The blue line shows 25 NHTSA complaints on file for the MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class — a relatively low volume that spans from 2014 to 2025.
The amber reliability line averaged 96/100 across the vehicle's life — relatively stable, with the lowest point of 90/100 in 2014.
Notably, despite 25 complaints on file, no recall has been issued — either the defect pattern has not met NHTSA's threshold for a formal campaign, or a recall may be forthcoming.
Red dots on the amber line flag 3 years (2014, 2015, 2019) where complaints included crash events — these are the highest-severity incidents in the dataset.
Legal & Regulatory Actions
Known class action lawsuits, settlements, and manufacturer extended warranty programs
5-Year Total Cost of Ownership
Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation
Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $35,364 (~$589/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Tailored for the 2014 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list
Recall Probability Forecast
Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals
5% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.
Maintenance Schedule
OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle
Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.
Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.
Insurance Cost Estimate
Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings
Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.
Market & Background Signals
Theft risk, fleet history, dealer patterns, and emissions compliance
MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class has an elevated theft rate (3.0× average). Factor in higher comprehensive insurance costs.
State-Specific Legal Protections
What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state
Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.
Complete Data Table
All decoded fields in a single flattened view
Vehicle Identity
| VIN | WDDUG8CB9EA017802 |
| Model Year | 2014 |
| Make | MERCEDES-BENZ |
| Model | S-Class |
| Trim | S550 |
| Vehicle Type | PASSENGER CAR |
Body & Configuration
| Body Style | Sedan/Saloon |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
Engine
| Engine Cylinders | 8 |
| Displacement (L) | 4.7 |
Manufacturer
| Manufacturer | MERCEDES-BENZ CARS |
| Assembly City | SINDELFINGEN |
| Assembly Country | GERMANY |
VIN Structure
| WMI (Chars 1–3) | WDD |
| Check Digit (Char 9) | 9 |
| Model Year Code (Char 10) | E |
| Plant Code (Char 11) | A |
| Sequence (Chars 12–17) | 017802 |
Safety Data
| NHTSA Recall Count | 0 |
| NHTSA Complaint Count | 25 |
VIN Structure Decode
ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number
Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 11/2/2026, 11:08:40 PM.