2010 Mercedes-Benz S-class: common problems and reliability

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz S-class has 33 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 0 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and suspension. Owners most often flag airmatic suspension failure (struts, air pump, valve block): frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2010 model year

33
Owner complaints
0
Recalls
1
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2010 Mercedes-Benz S-class vehicles (US, public record).

Is 2010 a good year for the S-class?

Across the 17 S-class model years we track, complaint volume runs from 13 (2009) to 133 (2002). With 33 complaints, the 2010 S-class sits about the same asthe model's median of 33.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

Where owners report problems

electrical system
10
suspension
7
fuel/propulsion system
6
steering
6
fuel system
3

What owners report on the W221 S-class

Owners consistently describe the W221 S-class as a magnificent highway cruiser with a magic-carpet ride and unmistakable road presence, but they overwhelmingly warn that it is an extremely expensive car to maintain. The dominant sentiment is that the purchase

  • Airmatic suspension failure (struts, air pump, valve block): Frequency: very frequent
  • ABC (Active Body Control) suspension extremely expensive to repair: Frequency: very frequent
  • Engine control unit (ECU) failure due to position on top of engine: Frequency: recurrent
  • Transmission (722.9) rough shifting: Frequency: recurrent
  • Electrical gremlins (sensors, control units): Frequency: recurrent

Owner insights for the W221 S-class. Read the full W221 owner report.

Other S-class model years

Compare every S-class year side by side to see how 2010 ranks against the rest.

Compare the S-class against its rivals