Recall 10V459 affects 85,300 2010-2011 Mercedes-Benz C and E vehicles for power-steering-fluid loss. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 85,300 2010-2011 E and C vehicles because the power steering system can fail after power steering fluid is lost. That loss of assist can reduce control in parking lots and other low-speed areas where maximum power steering is required; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The hydraulic power steering pump on 2010-2011 Mercedes-Benz E and C vehicles supplies pressurized steering fluid to the steering system. That fluid helps move the steering gear so the driver does not have to provide all of the turning force at the wheel. The system depends on keeping enough fluid in the circuit.
On affected vehicles, the power steering system can fail when power steering fluid is lost. With too little fluid, the pump no longer keeps steady hydraulic pressure in the steering system. The driver still has mechanical steering, but the power assist is reduced or gone, so the steering wheel takes more effort to turn.
There is no warning sign before failure. If the assist drops out, the change is felt at the steering wheel when the vehicle is being driven.
Who's affected?
Spans the C and E model lines across the 2010 and 2011 model years, all tied to the power steering system.
| 2011 Mercedes-Benz E | power steering system |
|---|---|
| 2010 Mercedes-Benz E | power steering system |
| 2010 Mercedes-Benz C | power steering system |
| Units affected | 85,300 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific car.
What's the safety risk?
Loss of maximum power steering assist can leave the driver without enough control in parking lots or other tight areas where full steering assist is needed, increasing crash risk. Drive cautiously and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair will be free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2010-2011 Mercedes-Benz E or C is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer and ask whether the free power-steering connection fitting check and retorque that addresses fluid loss is open for your VIN.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz mailed one. If not, reference recall number 10V459 when you call.
- Call Mercedes-Benz customer service at 1-800-367-6372 with questions about dealer handling.
- Drive cautiously until the dealer confirms the repair is complete. Avoid tight low-speed maneuvers where maximum power steering is needed.
What happens at the repair
The NHTSA filing says dealers check and retorque the power steering connection fitting at no charge. Because this record does not mark the remedy as currently available, the dealer repair will be free once available. At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician checks the fitting that connects the power steering fluid line, then retorques it so the connection is tightened to specification. Parts and labor are covered under recall 10V459.
Timeline
| October 4, 2010 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 31, 2010 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 10V459?
Recall 10V459 covers 85,300 2010 Mercedes-Benz C vehicles and 2010-2011 Mercedes-Benz E vehicles with a power steering connection fitting that can loosen and cause power steering fluid loss. Mercedes-Benz dealers will check and retorque the fitting for free.
What should I do if my 2010-2011 Mercedes-Benz E or C is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 10V459. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the power steering connection fitting inspection and retorque. Reference recall number 10V459 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Mercedes-Benz dealers will check and retorque the power steering connection fitting free of charge for vehicles included in recall 10V459.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is reduced vehicle control when maximum power steering assistance is needed, such as in a parking lot. Loss of power steering fluid can make the vehicle harder to steer and increase crash risk. The dealer repair addresses the connection fitting that causes the fluid loss.
What if I bought my Mercedes-Benz E or C used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Mercedes-Benz vehicle is included, then call a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer and reference recall number 10V459.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/10V459000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 10V459 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 10V459000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 3, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →