Owners have filed 22 complaints
about the 2010 Mercedes Benz S550 with NHTSA between 2011 and 2025.
The largest single group is the suspension.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 7 worst.
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.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 44
Against the median year of the Mercedes Benz S550. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 23
4.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 40
24% 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 S550
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 S550
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Suspension
627.3%
Median failure at 82,000 miles
Fuel & Propulsion
522.7%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 110,000 mi
Steering
522.7%
Median failure at 52,000 miles
Other & Unspecified
14.5%
Median failure at 332 miles
Stability & Traction Control
14.5%
Median failure at 52,000 miles
Tires
14.5%
Median failure at 95,000 miles
Body & Structure
14.5%
Median failure at 57,800 miles
Airbags
14.5%
Transmission & Drivetrain
14.5%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
317.6%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
15.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
635.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
317.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
423.5%
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.
Mar 2011peak 3Jan 2025
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Elk Grove, CACrash
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
UPON REFULING MY AUTOMOBILE FULL I COULD SMELL A STRONG ODOR OF GAS FUMES. EARLIER THAT DAY I HAD AN IMPACT OF MY TIRE OVER A CURB. GAS FUMES COULD BE SMELLED NOT SO MUCH ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE AUTO BUT INSIDE WITHOUT ABATEMENT. 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. THEY SUGGESTED HEAT CONTRIBUTED TO THE UNIT-SEAL CORROSION AND ITS SURROUNDINGS. IT IS NOT CLEAR WHY MY RIGHT REAR IMPACT WITH A CURB BROUGHT THIS ALL TO MY ATTENTION. HIGHLY COMBUSTIBLE SITUATION THAT WAS CLEARLY NOT DETECTED WITCH IS NOT COMPLETELY UNDERSTOOD THE SAME DAY I HAVE AN IMPACT TO THE RIGHT REAR TIRE JUMPING A CURB THEN GOING BACK OVER IT TO UNLODGE THE TIRE & ROCKER MOLDING FROM THE CURB & REFUEL I SMELL GAS FUMES. HIGHLY DANGEROUS USING PLASTIC SECURE GAS EXCHANGES ON SOMETHING PEOPLE SIT ON? HAS SIMULARITIES IN OTHER DRIVERS. NOT SURE WHY THAT DAY THE SEAL (PLASTIC) RUPTURED (AT PLASTIC LID)
NHTSA complaint #11425745 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Meriden, CT
POWER TRAIN
FUALTY DRIVE SHAFT PROBLEM
NHTSA complaint #11635510 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Meriden, CT
SUSPENSION
FUALTY DRIVE SHAFT PROBLEM
NHTSA complaint #11635510 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesLeesburg, GA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2010 Mercedes-Benz S550. The contact stated that after refueling, there was abnormal fuel odor present inside and outside the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 110,000. 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.
NHTSA complaint #11496110 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
rio Verde, AZ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Vehicle garaged in storage for summer. Upon returning strong odor of gasoline was detected. 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. This vehicle is a S- 550 model. Dealership has denied any responsibility. I think the vehicle is unsafe at ANY SPEED. Never should fuel enter the passenger compartment of any vehicle. Video on file at dealership.
NHTSA complaint #11493134 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Elk Grove, CACrash
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
UPON REFULING MY AUTOMOBILE FULL I COULD SMELL A STRONG ODOR OF GAS FUMES. EARLIER THAT DAY I HAD AN IMPACT OF MY TIRE OVER A CURB. GAS FUMES COULD BE SMELLED NOT SO MUCH ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE AUTO BUT INSIDE WITHOUT ABATEMENT. 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. THEY SUGGESTED HEAT CONTRIBUTED TO THE UNIT-SEAL CORROSION AND ITS SURROUNDINGS. IT IS NOT CLEAR WHY MY RIGHT REAR IMPACT WITH A CURB BROUGHT THIS ALL TO MY ATTENTION. HIGHLY COMBUSTIBLE SITUATION THAT WAS CLEARLY NOT DETECTED WITCH IS NOT COMPLETELY UNDERSTOOD THE SAME DAY I HAVE AN IMPACT TO THE RIGHT REAR TIRE JUMPING A CURB THEN GOING BACK OVER IT TO UNLODGE THE TIRE & ROCKER MOLDING FROM THE CURB & REFUEL I SMELL GAS FUMES. HIGHLY DANGEROUS USING PLASTIC SECURE GAS EXCHANGES ON SOMETHING PEOPLE SIT ON? HAS SIMULARITIES IN OTHER DRIVERS. NOT SURE WHY THAT DAY THE SEAL (PLASTIC) RUPTURED (AT PLASTIC LID)
NHTSA complaint #11425745 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesRound Rock, TX
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MERCEDES-BENZ S550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON REFUELING THE VEHICLE, A STRONG FUEL ODOR WAS DETECTED IN THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF GEORGETOWN (7401 S IH-35, GEORGETOWN, TX 78626, 512-930-6150) 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. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND A CASE WAS OPENED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 110,000.*DT*JB*DT*JB THE CONSUMER STATED THE REPAIRS WERE MADE AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE.
NHTSA complaint #11385589 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesRound Rock, TX
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:FUEL FILTER
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MERCEDES-BENZ S550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON REFUELING THE VEHICLE, A STRONG FUEL ODOR WAS DETECTED IN THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF GEORGETOWN (7401 S IH-35, GEORGETOWN, TX 78626, 512-930-6150) 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. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND A CASE WAS OPENED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 110,000.*DT*JB*DT*JB THE CONSUMER STATED THE REPAIRS WERE MADE AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE.
NHTSA complaint #11385589 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesDickinson, TX
TIRES
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. AT THIS TIME NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE, COMPANY (SELLER) STATED THAT ALTHOUGH ITS NOT CORRECT, BUT IT FITS. 2010 MERCEDES BENZ S550 TIRE RATING VIN [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11129673 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bolingbrook, IL
AIR BAGS
THE DASHBORD MESSAGE READS THAT THE FRONT SRS MALFUNCTION. THE CAR WAS STATIONARY.
NHTSA complaint #11094152 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 82,000 milesHouston, TX
SUSPENSION
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. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER (MERCEDES-BENZ OF THE WOODLANDS, 16917 INTERSTATE 45 SOUTH, WOODLAND TEXAS 77385) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUSPENSION HAD TO BE RE-CALIBRATED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000.
NHTSA complaint #11090495 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesPunta Gorda, FL
SUSPENSION
WIFE DRIVING 45 MPH ON 4 LANE HWWY RIGHT FRONT OF CAR FALLS DOWN ON TIRE PULLED OFF ROAD SOON AS POSSIBILE RIGHT FRONT AIR STRUT FAILED RUINED TIRE DAMAGED FENDER LUCKLY ONLY 45 MPH NOT 80 MPH ON I-75 INTERSTATE OR 130 MPH ON AUTOBON IN GERMANY OR SOMEBODY COULD HAVE BEEN DEAD
NHTSA complaint #10899798 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 139,000 milesFlorence, SC
SUSPENSION
MY S550 WHEN DRIVING WOULD SUDDENLY GIVE A MALFUNCTION SIGNAL. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, SERVICE REPLACED THE 2 FRONT STRUTS. NOW THE CALL WILL GIVE A SIGNAL, RED LETTERS, "DO NOT MOVE CAR" AND THE ENTIRE STRUT SYSTEM WILL STOP WORKING AND THE CAR BODY IS VIRTUALLY SITTING ATOP THE TIRES. THIS AFTER REPLACING THE 2 FRONT STRUTS! THE DEALERSHIP SEEMS TO BE AT A LOSS AND I CAN'T EVEN GET THEM TO RETURN MY CALLS. I DON'T THINK IT IS A STRUT PROBLEM BUT A COMPUTER GLITCH. I DON'T THINK IT WAS NECESSARY TO PAY FOR THE STRUT REPLACEMENT. I WOULD LIKE MY CAR FIXED OR A REFUND.
NHTSA complaint #10819818 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 61,599 milesHiahland Beach, FL
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MERCEDES BENZ S550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFT ON THE STEERING COLUMN FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS AWAITING A DIAGNOSTIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,599. UPDATED 01/12/16*LJ UPDATED 04/18/18*JB
NHTSA complaint #10781043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 57,800 milesYorba Linda, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THIS VEHICLE WHEN SUDDENLY THE STEERING LOCKED UP AND ALMOST CAUSED HER TO CRASH. WE THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO HOUSE OF IMPORTS MERCEDES IN BUENA PARK TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. APPARENTLY THE STEERING COLUMN WAS BROKEN AND THEY COULD NOT EXPLAIN HOW IT HAPPEN. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE HAVE FILE A COMPLAINT AND MERCEDES DENIES THE PROBLEM. THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE AND I RECOMMEND A RECALL ON THERE VEHICLES BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED. WE WERE VERY FORTUNATE IT HAPPENED ON A BACK ROAD AND NOT ON FREEWAY...UPDATED 11/06/14*BF UPDATED 7/15/2015
NHTSA complaint #10640885 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 57,800 milesYorba Linda, CA
STEERING
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THIS VEHICLE WHEN SUDDENLY THE STEERING LOCKED UP AND ALMOST CAUSED HER TO CRASH. WE THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO HOUSE OF IMPORTS MERCEDES IN BUENA PARK TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. APPARENTLY THE STEERING COLUMN WAS BROKEN AND THEY COULD NOT EXPLAIN HOW IT HAPPEN. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE HAVE FILE A COMPLAINT AND MERCEDES DENIES THE PROBLEM. THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE AND I RECOMMEND A RECALL ON THERE VEHICLES BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED. WE WERE VERY FORTUNATE IT HAPPENED ON A BACK ROAD AND NOT ON FREEWAY...UPDATED 11/06/14*BF UPDATED 7/15/2015
NHTSA complaint #10640885 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 24,000 milesPalosverdis Esate, CA
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MERCEDES BENZ S550. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN AND NEARLY CAUSED A CRASH. THE CONTACT WAS ONLY ABLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE AFTER THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WAS NOT PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000. ..UPDATED 11/11/14 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHTS, ON THE DASH WHEN THE STEERING WENT OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. UPDATED 12/11/14
NHTSA complaint #10615593 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 52,000 milesUpper Marlboro, MD
STEERING
PURCHASED A CERTIFIED PREOWNED MERCEDES BENZ S5550 4 MATIC. COMPLETE STEERING FAILURE OCCURRED AN HOUR AFTER PURCHASE (AFTER 20 MILES OF DRIVING). THE CAR'S STEERING WHEEL WAS SPINNING FREELY, AND NO CONTROL OVER THE FRONT WHEELS WAS POSSIBLE WHILE IN MOTION. VEHICLE HAD TO BE RECOVERED BY THE DEALER.
NHTSA complaint #10554582 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 52,000 milesUpper Marlboro, MD
SUSPENSION
PURCHASED A CERTIFIED PREOWNED MERCEDES BENZ S5550 4 MATIC. COMPLETE STEERING FAILURE OCCURRED AN HOUR AFTER PURCHASE (AFTER 20 MILES OF DRIVING). THE CAR'S STEERING WHEEL WAS SPINNING FREELY, AND NO CONTROL OVER THE FRONT WHEELS WAS POSSIBLE WHILE IN MOTION. VEHICLE HAD TO BE RECOVERED BY THE DEALER.
NHTSA complaint #10554582 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 52,000 milesUpper Marlboro, MD
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
PURCHASED A CERTIFIED PREOWNED MERCEDES BENZ S5550 4 MATIC. COMPLETE STEERING FAILURE OCCURRED AN HOUR AFTER PURCHASE (AFTER 20 MILES OF DRIVING). THE CAR'S STEERING WHEEL WAS SPINNING FREELY, AND NO CONTROL OVER THE FRONT WHEELS WAS POSSIBLE WHILE IN MOTION. VEHICLE HAD TO BE RECOVERED BY THE DEALER.
NHTSA complaint #10554582 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 332 milesBurlingame, CA
STEERING
WHEN STEERING WHEEL IS RELEASED EVEN FOR A FEW SECONDS, VEHICLE PULLS HARD TO THE RIGHT AND WILL PUT YOU IN THE DITCH IF YOU ARE NOT PAYING ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE SHOULD TRACK STRAIGHT WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS RELEASED.
NHTSA complaint #10388688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 332 milesBurlingame, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WHEN STEERING WHEEL IS RELEASED EVEN FOR A FEW SECONDS, VEHICLE PULLS HARD TO THE RIGHT AND WILL PUT YOU IN THE DITCH IF YOU ARE NOT PAYING ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE SHOULD TRACK STRAIGHT WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS RELEASED.
NHTSA complaint #10388688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 332 milesBurlingame, CA
SUSPENSION
WHEN STEERING WHEEL IS RELEASED EVEN FOR A FEW SECONDS, VEHICLE PULLS HARD TO THE RIGHT AND WILL PUT YOU IN THE DITCH IF YOU ARE NOT PAYING ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE SHOULD TRACK STRAIGHT WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS RELEASED.
NHTSA complaint #10388688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.