Hyundai Sonata vs Mercedes-Benz S550
Owner complaints, worst years and recall history side by side, from official NHTSA data. Last verified Sep 22, 2026. Raw complaint counts are not adjusted for sales volume.
Hyundai Sonata
- Total complaints
- 16,011
- Avg per model year
- 423
- Recall campaigns (all years)
- 60
- Most complained year
- 2011 (3,376)
Top problems: Engine, Steering, Air Bags
Mercedes-Benz S550
- Total complaints
- 119
- Avg per model year
- 21
- Recall campaigns (all years)
- 15
- Most complained year
- 2007 (54)
Top problems: Electrical System, Unknown / Other, Power Train
Complaints by model year
| Year | Hyundai Sonata | Mercedes-Benz S550 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 763 | 16 | ||
| 2016 | 725 | 15 | ||
| 2015 | 1,144 | 41 | ||
| 2014 | 745 | 24 | ||
| 2013 | 1,909 | 7 | ||
| 2012 | 1,556 | 5 | ||
| 2011 | 3,376 | 9 | ||
| 2010 | 345 | 16 | ||
| 2008 | 425 | 19 | ||
| 2007 | 696 | 54 |
Method. Complaints are unique NHTSA reports per model year. A model that sold more units will naturally accumulate more complaints — compare the shape across years, not just the raw totals, and read the year pages for what actually fails.