2010 Mercedes-Benz S550 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2010 Mercedes-Benz S550 has a complaint index of 71, ranking 3rd worst of 8 model years, and carries a Caution verdict. Suspension, fuel system, and steering complaints dominate, with a median failure mileage of 82,000 miles and no recalls on file.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 71/100
- #3 of 8 S550 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 16
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 0
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 17.5
- 14.5 city / 22 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2010 Mercedes-Benz S550 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires7 (44%)
- Fuel System5 (31%)
- Steering5 (31%)
- Airbags1 (6%)
- Brakes1 (6%)
- Other1 (6%)
- Structure & Body1 (6%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (6%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Front air struts fail suddenly, causing the suspension to drop and the car body to sit low on the tires.
- A dashboard warning reads 'do not move car' after strut system malfunctions, sometimes recurring even after struts are replaced.
- Steering wheel becomes difficult to turn or locks up at low speed, in one case only regaining control after the brake pedal was pressed.
- Steering column or gear shift components fracture or break, leading to loss of steering control.
- Fuel odor and leaks appear near the fuel system cushion, in one case linked to a prior curb impact.
- Front airbag warning light activates while the vehicle is stationary, indicating an SRS malfunction.
2010 Mercedes-Benz S550 recalls
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
2010 Mercedes-Benz S550 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 14.5 MPG
- Highway
- 22 MPG
- Combined
- 17.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,575
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2010 compared with other S550 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2010 Mercedes-Benz S550 reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2010 S550 a complaint index of 71, the 3rd worst of the 8 model years tracked, earning a Caution verdict relative to other S550 years.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2010 S550?
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires complaints are most common, making up 44% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 86,000 miles.
- Does the 2010 S550 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 0 recalls for the 2010 S550, though it still logged 16 owner complaints and 1 crash.
- How does the 2010 S550 compare to other years?
- The 2010 model's complaint index of 71 is worse than 2011 (29), 2012 (14), and 2013 (0), but better than 2014 (86) and 2015 (100), which are rated Avoid.
- What fuel economy does the 2010 S550 get?
- The EPA rates the 2010 S550 at 17.5 mpg combined (14.5 city / 22 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,575.