AI Damage2010 Mercedes-Benz S 550: common problems
Owners of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz S 550 filed 16 complaints with NHTSA, most often about suspension and steering. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 16
- involving a crash
- 1
What fails most often
- 1 Suspension 38% of all complaints
- 2 Steering 31% of all complaints
- 3 Fuel/propulsion system 19% of all complaints
- 4 Fuel system 13% of all complaints
- 5 Air bags 6% of all complaints
- 6 Electronic stability control 6% of all complaints
- 7 Powertrain 6% of all complaints
- 8 Structure 6% of all complaints
- Suspension: 6 complaints (38% of all).
- Steering: 5 complaints (31% of all).
- Fuel/propulsion system: 3 complaints (19% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
- Fuel system: 2 complaints (13% of all).
- Air bags: 1 complaints (6% of all).
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 16 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
Upon inspection by mercedes benz of stockton ca it was determined a fuel leak was present with the cushion that sits on top of the fuel system was soiled/sturated under the rear passenger seat of the car. Pictures taken suggest it had been was ongoing possiblely for years.
Fuel smell in vehicle. Upon investigation found fuel pump flange cracked and leaking fuel. Leaking fuel is a fire hazard. No warning lamps illuminated.
The contact stated that the gas leak was caused by a cracked fuel filter housing. The fuel filter and the fuel pump was replaced. The contact is requesting a full reimbursement of the cost of repairs.
Reluctantly drove to dealership and prognoses was determined that (fuel pump strainer) had malfunction thus soaking the entire rear passenger compartment and seat cushion. Upon investigation Mercedes has had a problem in other C -models and has extended warranties for 15 additional years for this same problem.
The vehicle was taken to mercedes-benz of georgetown (7401 s ih-35, georgetown, [ZIP], [phone]) where the failure was diagnosed as a fuel leak from the filter assembly under the rear seat. The contact also stated that the dealer informed him that the undercarriage was damaged which lead to the fuel leak.
Lionhart lh5 285/25/22 h95 load rating tire dot no. Pt25mbt5c after shipment arrived and equipment installed I noticed that the load rating was not correct for the said vehicle. Tire will fail, load rating is not sufficient . It only provides 95 when 102 is needed.
The dashbord message reads that the front srs malfunction. The car was stationary.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 mercedes-benz s550. The contact stated that the vehicle was driven the night before and parked in the garage. The following morning, the passenger side suspension had fallen to the ground.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 9,040 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 25% most complained about).
On average one model year of the S 550 has 16 complaints (13 years in the data). This year has 16, about average.
What to check before buying
- Suspension. Wheel alignment, control arms, subframe, even tire wear.
- Steering. Steering play, power assist, rack and tie rods after a wheel impact.
- Fuel/propulsion system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
- Fuel system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2010 Mercedes-Benz S 550?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: suspension, steering, fuel/propulsion system. Total complaints: 16. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: fuel system, fuel smell (31%), steering or power steering problems (13%), rust, corrosion (6%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2010 Mercedes-Benz S 550?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2010 Mercedes-Benz S 550 from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2010 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.