2010 Mercedes Benz S Class Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2010 Mercedes Benz S Class has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 4 recurring issue clusters, led by “Air suspension strut failure or collapse.” Mercedes-Benz alternates two service events: Service A (oil, filter, inspection) at roughly 10,000 miles or 1 year, then Service B (Service A plus brake fluid, cabin filter, and deeper checks) at roughly 20,000 miles or 2 years — the ASSYST Plus counter in the cluster tells you which is due. Oil must carry the MB-Approval number your engine specifies (commonly 229.5, or 229.71 for newer 0W-20 engines); 'meets or exceeds' marketing language is not an approval. Electric EQB and EQS models keep the A/B rhythm for inspections, brake fluid, and cabin filters — just without oil.

No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2010 Mercedes Benz S Class.

Reported to NHTSA

Air suspension strut failure or collapse

SUSPENSION

4 NHTSA complaints · 2016-01 → 2022-08

Airmatic Suspension sprung a leak and could not be driven safely due to the vehicle getting severely low where the tire and rim tucked into the wheel well. When the airmatic suspension fails the vehicle can get so low that it can scrape the roadway, hit bumps and damage parts
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11482020
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
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10899798
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
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10819818

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel leak or odor from fuel delivery system

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

7 NHTSA complaints · 2018-10 → 2026-09

Fuel smell in vehicle. Upon investigation found fuel pump flange cracked and leaking fuel. Leaking fuel is a fire hazard. No warning lamps illuminated
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11761666
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
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11496110
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MERCEDES-BENZ S63. WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT NOTICED A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL IN AND AROUND THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11133163

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Hybrid power electronics module stall or no-start

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

9 NHTSA complaints · 2015-08 → 2021-01

THE CAR FIRST STARTED TO STOP INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT ANY WARNING AT ALL AT THE TRAFFIC INTERSECTION, THEN I WAS ABLE TO START IT AGAIN AFTER SHUTTING EVERY THING DOWN. THEN A MONTH LATER, THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN BUT THIS TIME I WAS NOT ABLE TO START THE CAR AGAIN. THIS
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11352769
VEHICLE BEGAN TO CUT COMPLETELY OFF WHEN STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT OR STOP SIGN. IT BEGAN TO TAKE LONGER AND LONGER TO RESTART WHEN TURNED OFF AND ON. EVENTUALLY THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AT ALL. WHEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER, I WAS INFORMED THAT THE POWER CONTROL MODULE WAS BAD AND
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10785492
I WAS DRIVING, TRYING TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY, I TOOK EXIT WHICH IS A 270 DEGREE CIRCLE WITH SHARP TURNS, I AM NOT DRIVING FAST AT ALL BUT THE CAR JUST STALLED WHILE DRIVING, STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND I ALMOST FALL DOWN THE HILL, I ALMOST DIED, THIS PRODUCT HAS SERIOUS QUALITY
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10749166

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Steering column fracture or lockup

STEERING

5 NHTSA complaints · 2011-03 → 2015-10

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
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10640885
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
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10615593
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
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10554582

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 17, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 17, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Service A — Oil & Filter + Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Every 10,000 miles or 12 months: oil and filter with MB-Approved oil, fluid top-offs, tire check, and inspection. AMG models driven hard: many owners service at 5,000-7,500 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Service B — Major Inspection

Every 20,000 mi

Every 20,000 miles or 2 years, alternating with Service A: everything in A plus brake-fluid replacement, cabin filter, and a deeper multi-point inspection of brakes, suspension, and driveline.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free with any paid service. A flashlight and 10 minutes covers the basics yourself.

Tire Rotation

Every 10,000 mi

Rotate at every Service A where the tire sizes allow. Many AMG and 4MATIC+ models run staggered widths that can't rotate front-to-rear — check your spec before paying for a rotation.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Checked at every A/B service via electronic pad-wear sensors. Replace sensors with pads. Heavy EQS models wear pads slowly (regen braking) but rotors can corrode from disuse — an inspection catches that.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 20,000 mi

Replaced every 2 years as part of Service B — Mercedes schedules it on time, not miles, because DOT 4 fluid absorbs moisture regardless of driving.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission Fluid (7G / 9G-Tronic)

Every 70,000 mi

Mercedes specifies fluid and filter service around 70,000 miles on most 7G- and 9G-Tronic gearboxes — check your year's sheet. Use only the MB-spec fluid for your transmission code; independent specialists often service at 60,000 on hard-driven cars.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 60,000 mi

Most modern MB gas engines: plugs around 60,000 miles — AMG engines often sooner. Check your engine's sheet; twin-turbo V8 plug jobs are labor-heavy, so pair with other scheduled work.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Air Filter

Every 40,000 mi

Replace around every 40,000 miles (twin-filter setups on V6/V8 engines double the parts bill). Inspected at every Service B.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Combination / Dust Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replaced with every Service B. Models with the ENERGIZING air package use a higher-grade filter — priced accordingly.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Engine Coolant

On condition / lifetime

MB-spec coolant is long-life (typically ~10 years / 150,000 miles on the sheet). Refresh only with MB 325/326-spec coolant — the wrong chemistry attacks aluminum and head gaskets.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

12V & Auxiliary Battery

Every 25,000 mi

Test annually after year 3. Most modern Mercedes carry a second auxiliary battery; a weak one triggers cascading warning messages long before a no-start. EQ models also depend on the 12V system to boot.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

7 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

1

complaints mentioning a crash

0

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2010 Mercedes Benz S Class reflects Mercedes-Benz's published service intervals and the ASSYST Plus (Service A / Service B) system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.