2010 Mercedes-Benz E550 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 3%of 68 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 71,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E550, 3% of the 68 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 71,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11362961, filed 2020-10, 134,000 miles“2010 mercedes benz 350 e4matic rolled away after parked on hill , parking brake set, and engine off. The vehicle shift selector will not move to park unless key is out of ignition or shift lever is placed in park.”
NHTSA complaint #10367205, filed 2010-11, 8,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11035005Jul 14, 2026Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of…
- 11025648Nov 15, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse…
- 11023193Sep 17, 2025Complaint Transmission control unit Y3/8n4 (fully integrated transmission control unit (VGS)) not listed in quick test and/or no communication possible with VGS. Cause…
- 11019018May 21, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse…
- 11013298Jan 16, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse…
- 11013332Jan 15, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing…
- 11010818Nov 20, 2024Complaint Transmission control unit Y3/8n4 (fully integrated transmission control unit (VGS)) not listed in quick test and/or no communication possible with VGS. Cause…
- 11008873Oct 1, 2024Complaint Tension-releasing impact of the propeller shaft with the force-free in D "KID" function, after vehicle has stopped. Cause The tension-releasing jolt in the drivetrain…
- 10181124Sep 30, 2020Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D or R
- 10181123Sep 22, 2020Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E550
30 complaintsSuspension
27 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E550
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology