FaultScore

FaultScore report

2010 Mercedes Benz E550 problems

Owners have filed 78 complaints about the 2010 Mercedes Benz E550 with NHTSA between 2010 and 2024. The largest single group is the airbags. Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 5 worst.

C

FaultScore 52/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Mercedes Benz E550.

How this is worked out

The numbers

78

Complaints

0

Crashes reported

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries reported

71,990 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

14%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 94 vs 50 Severity 0 vs 50 Early failure 24 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 94
Against the median year of the Mercedes Benz E550. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 0
0% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 24
14% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2010 compares with every other Mercedes Benz E550

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2010 Mercedes Benz E550

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Airbags 30 38.5%

Median failure at 84,990 miles

Suspension 27 34.6%

Median failure at 68,000 miles

Body & Structure 4 5.1%

Median failure at 149,200 miles

Other & Unspecified 3 3.8%

Median failure at 89,500 miles

Electrical System 3 3.8%

Median failure at 125,000 miles

Stability & Traction Control 2 2.6%

Median failure at 30,000 miles

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 2 2.6%

Median failure at 63,000 miles

Steering 2 2.6%

Median failure at 49,000 miles

Transmission & Drivetrain 2 2.6%

Median failure at 71,000 miles

Fuel & Propulsion 1 1.3%

Median failure at 29,000 miles

Brakes 1 1.3%

Median failure at 105,000 miles

Engine & Cooling 1 1.3%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 1 2.4%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 1 2.4%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 11 26.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 10 23.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 9 21.4%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 10 23.8%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Nov 2010 peak 6 Sep 2024

Recalls on the 2010 Mercedes Benz E550

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

United States — NHTSA

19V010000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2014 C250, C300 4Matic, C350, C63 AMG, E350 4Matic Coupe, E350 Cabrio, E350 Coupe, SLS AMG Cabrio, SLS AMG Coupe, 2014-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 4Matic Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, GLK 350, GLK250 BlueTec 4Matic, GLK350 RWD, 2015-2017 E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabrio, E400 Coupe, 2014-2017 E550 Cabrio, and 2014-2016 E550 Coupe vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP, and VI or "Zone A." Additionally, MBUSA is recalling certain 2012-2014 C250, E350 4Matic Coupe, SLS AMG Cabrio, 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 4Matic Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, 2011 C300, 2011-2014 C300 4Matic, C350, C63 AMG, E350 Cabrio, E350 Coupe, SLS AMG Coupe, 2015-2016 E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabrio, E400 Coupe, 2011-2016 E550 Cabrio, E550 Coupe, 2011-2015 GLK350 4Matic, GLK350 RWD, and 2013-2015 GLK250 BlueTec 4Matic vehicles ever registered in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or "Zone B." MBUSA is also recalling certain 2012-2014 C250, E350 4Matic Coupe, SLS AMG Cabrio 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 4Matic Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

18V043000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013 C250, C250 Coupe, C350 Coupe 4Matic, C300 4Matic, C350, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG, C63 Coupe, E350 Cabrio, E350 Coupe, E550 Cabrio, E350 Coupe 4Matic, E550 Coupe, GLK350 4Matic, GLK250 Bluetec 4Matic, GLK350, SLS Coupe, SLS AMG GT Coupe, and SLS Roadster vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, MBUSA is recalling certain 2010 C300, C300 4Matic, C63 AMG, E350 Coupe, E550 Coupe, GLK350, and GLK350 4Matic vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." MBUSA is also recalling certain 2009 C300, C300 4Matic, C63 AMG, and C350 vehicles ever registered in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MO, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI and WY or "Zone C." In t

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

16V081000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 ML320 BlueTec 4Matic, GL320 BlueTec 4Matic and R320 CDI 4Matic, 2011 E350 Cabriolet and E550 Cabriolet, 2009-2011 ML350, ML350 4Matic, ML550 4Matic, ML63 AMG, and C63 AMG, 2010-2011 ML450 4Matic Hybrid, E350 Coupe, E350 4Matic, E550 Coupe, E550 4Matic, and E63 AMG, 2011-2012 GL350 BlueTec 4Matic and R350 BlueTec 4Matic, 2009-2012 GL450 4Matic, GL550 4Matic and R350 4Matic, 2007-2008 SLK280, SLK350, and SLK55 AMG, 2011-2014 SLS AMG Coupe, 2012 SLS AMG Cabriolet, 2013-2014 SLS AMG GT and SLS AMG GT Cabriolet, 2005 C230 Kompressor and C320, 2006-2007 C230, 2006-2011 C350, 2008-2011 C300 and C300 4Matic, 2010-2012 GLK350 and GLK350 4Matic and 2007-2008 Chrysler Crossfire vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Palm Springs, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THE MANUFACTURER REFUSES TO PROVIDE ME WITH THE MAIN FUSE BOX CHART.

NHTSA complaint #11612340 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Huntington, WV

SUSPENSION

There is an ongoing issue with the front and rear air shocks. They don't inflate properly. Sometimes they inflate and sometimes they don't. This is a risk because my suspension system is not stable. The problem has been confirmed by Astorg Mercedes-Benz. Yes, the problem has been inspected by an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership. There was no indication beit warning lamps, messages, etc., before the issue happened.

NHTSA complaint #11508974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lawrenceville, GA

STRUCTURE:BODY

The subframe on the back of the car starts to rust and potentially just breaks without warning which can cause loss of control of vehicle. This is an ongoing issue for all w212 Mercedes models.

NHTSA complaint #11497224 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Davenport, FL

SUSPENSION

Rear control arm attachment to subframe snapped off at the weld during breaking

NHTSA complaint #11484385 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Davenport, FL

STRUCTURE:BODY

Rear control arm attachment to subframe snapped off at the weld during breaking

NHTSA complaint #11484385 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mendota, CA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

My car has this issue that when I am slowing down it will automatically shift to park and will not let me shift to drive until I turn the car off and on. When rolling to a stop, I've had a few instances where the car shifts to park and the car behind me almost hits me due to the car shifting on its own and not allowing me to proceed with the flow of traffic. This puts not only me, but the person behind me at risk. I took the car to a mechanic and he stated that there was no recall for this issue but that I should contact you (NHTSA). The mechanic stated that the component that might be failing is the electrical ignition switch, basically telling the car that there is no key in the ignition. There are no warning lights or any other indication. This has happened to me a multiple times. When this happens, since I am not at a complete stop, it shifts to park and grinds my transmission. This causes the car to abruptly stop without having my foot on the brake to warn the drivers behind me.

NHTSA complaint #11482579 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mendota, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My car has this issue that when I am slowing down it will automatically shift to park and will not let me shift to drive until I turn the car off and on. When rolling to a stop, I've had a few instances where the car shifts to park and the car behind me almost hits me due to the car shifting on its own and not allowing me to proceed with the flow of traffic. This puts not only me, but the person behind me at risk. I took the car to a mechanic and he stated that there was no recall for this issue but that I should contact you (NHTSA). The mechanic stated that the component that might be failing is the electrical ignition switch, basically telling the car that there is no key in the ignition. There are no warning lights or any other indication. This has happened to me a multiple times. When this happens, since I am not at a complete stop, it shifts to park and grinds my transmission. This causes the car to abruptly stop without having my foot on the brake to warn the drivers behind me.

NHTSA complaint #11482579 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 149,200 miles Harrodsburg, KY

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

The contact owns a 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-550. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the rear subframe fractured. The contact went across the highway but was able to regain control of the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 149,200.

NHTSA complaint #11477434 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Rochester Hills, MI

SUSPENSION

Driving Home Late Going 75 mph in Michigan when hitting brakes the car became unstable felt like it wanted to spin out of control. Hitting brakes at speeds above 30mph made car want to spin out of control.. Took car to MB dealer. Told them car was unsafe to drive and almost killed self hitting brakes.They test drove car and confirmed issue. MB mechanic put car on lift found the left control arm trailing arm bracket welds had rust of the rear suspension cross member subframe!! This has rendered car unsafe and Unoperational !! NHTSA needs to get involved force recall ! We are lucky to be alive!

NHTSA complaint #11453552 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Shamokin, PA

SUSPENSION

Rear K Frame front part has completely rusted out. Mount ripped trail arm. Both rear tires were ready to shoot off. This was confirmed by a mechanic when the car was being serviced after the check engine light came on one day before taking it to be serviced. The car is not drivable. It only has 60,000 miles on it. It was always serviced at the Mercedes dealers. It appears as a defective part.

NHTSA complaint #11435694 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 125,000 miles Lexington, SC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THE VEHICLE SLAMS ITSELF INTO PARK WHEN MOVING UNDER 5MPH. THIS MOSTLY OCCURS WHEN TEMPERATURES ARE ABOVE ABOUT 75-80 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT.

NHTSA complaint #11406755 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Valley Stream, NY

AIR BAGS

BOUGHT THE CAR TWO DAYS AGO THE THE AIR RIDE START LEAKING

NHTSA complaint #11397864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 87,000 miles Minnetonka, MN

SUSPENSION

THE CARS AIR SUSPENSION HAS GONE OUT WHILE DRIVING ITS SAGGING TO FENDERS. IT'S VERY DANGEROUS.

NHTSA complaint #11387035 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 134,000 miles Brighton, CO

POWER TRAIN

AT 80MPH, THE FRONT DRIVESHAFT U-JOINT FAILED, WHICH CAUSED A LOSS OF POWER AND A LOUD CLUNKING SOUND. VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE ON ITS OWN POWER. TEARDOWN SHOWED A COMPLETELY DESTROYED FRONT DRIVESHAFT U-JOINT, DAMAGE TO HEAT SHIELDING, DAMAGE TO OXYGEN SENSORS, DAMAGE TO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, ALONG WITH SUPERFICIAL DAMAGE TO THE BELLHOUSING AND MISSING BRACKETS. FAILURE IS SUSPECTED TO THE GEOMETRY OF THE FRONT DRIVESHAFT, WHICH CONNECTS AT AN ANGLE FROM THE TRANSFER CASE TO THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL ON 4MATIC-EQUIPPED VEHICLES. THIS INTRODUCES ADDITIONAL STRESS TO THE U-JOINT, MAKING IT PRONE TO FAILURE.

NHTSA complaint #11362961 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 116,000 miles Roswell, GA

AIR BAGS

WHEN VEHICLE IS PARKED OVERNIGHT THE FRONT SUSPENSION FREQUENTLY DROPS LOW TO THE GROUND WITH ERROR MESSAGE "VEHICLE TOO LOW". VEHICLE LOSES AIR SUSPENSION ABILITY TO DRIVE IN LOWERED POSITION.

NHTSA complaint #11340500 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 116,000 miles Roswell, GA

SUSPENSION

WHEN VEHICLE IS PARKED OVERNIGHT THE FRONT SUSPENSION FREQUENTLY DROPS LOW TO THE GROUND WITH ERROR MESSAGE "VEHICLE TOO LOW". VEHICLE LOSES AIR SUSPENSION ABILITY TO DRIVE IN LOWERED POSITION.

NHTSA complaint #11340500 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 119,500 miles Palos Hills, IL

AIR BAGS

FAULTY FRONT AIR SUSPENSION LEAKS AIR

NHTSA complaint #11288011 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 119,500 miles Palos Hills, IL

SUSPENSION

FAULTY FRONT AIR SUSPENSION LEAKS AIR

NHTSA complaint #11288011 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 15 miles Atlanta, GA

SUSPENSION

CAR WAS BOUGHT IN 2017 WITH 100,000 MILES,EVERYTHING LOOKS GOOD, NO SPECIAL ACTIVITY WITH THE CAR , NO LONG RIDES, JUST INSIDE THE CITY WHEN IT REACHED $120,000 MILES THE TWO REAR AIR SUSPENSION JUST BROKE DOWN FOR NO REASON, THEY HAVE BEEN REPLACED, NOW A YEAR AFTER THE 2 FRONT ONE JUST WENT DOWN FOR NO REASON, VERY BAD SURPRISES WHILE IN THE HIGHWAY FROM AIRPORT HOME THE CAR FELL DOWN THE RED LIGHT TO PULL OVER CAME UP AND IT WAS HARD TO STOP AT THE SIDE OF THE WAY, SINCE THE TIRES AND WHEELS COULDN'T TURN NO WHERE SINCE THE WHOLE FRONT OF THE CAR JUST FELL DOWN SO BAD, VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION

NHTSA complaint #11281658 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Laveen, AZ

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MERCEDES-BENZ E550. THE CONTACT NOTICED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V043000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. MERCEDES-BENZ OF SCOTTSDALE (4725 N SCOTTSDALE RD, SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85251, (480) 409-0409) WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #11252012 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Granby, MA

AIR BAGS

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MERCEDES-BENZ E550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS) WAS RECEIVED. MERCEDES-BENZ OF SPRINGFIELD (295 BURNETT RD, CHICOPEE, MA) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #11220671 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 79,000 miles Lilburn, GA

SUSPENSION

AIR SUSPENSION LEAKING AND VEHICLE LOWERS IN THE FRONT AFTER BEING PARKED MORE THAN 2 DAYS.

NHTSA complaint #11203704 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bismarck, ND

AIR BAGS

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MERCEDES-BENZ E550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER FAILED TO PROVIDE THE PART WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS). VALLEY IMPORTS (402 40TH ST S, FARGO, ND 58103, 701-277-1777) WAS CONTACTED, BUT WERE UNABLE TO PROVIDE THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED TO ADDRESS PART AVAILABILITY. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #11197339 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Denver, CO

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MERCEDES-BENZ E550. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. MERCEDES-BENZ OF DENVER (940 S COLORADO BLVD, DENVER, CO 80246, (303) 953-4581) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #11193385 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 127,000 miles Bristol, RI

SUSPENSION

CAR SUSPENSION WON'T RIDE UP AND DAYS CAR IS TOO LOW PULL OVER ' MALFUNCTION' APPEARS AFTER CAR TRIES RIDING AND FAILS SEEMS TO ONLY HAPPEN WHEN IT'S VERY COLD

NHTSA complaint #11169964 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.