Mercedes Benz CLS500 Problems by Year
NHTSA has 67 owner complaints and 3 safety recalls on file for the Mercedes Benz CLS500, across 5 model years (2004–2009). The 2006 model year has the most complaints (62). The most reported problem area overall is service brakes.
Mercedes Benz CLS500 years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical CLS500 year: 2006. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 2006 CLS500: 62 complaints, 3 recalls
- 2007 CLS500: 2 complaints, 0 recalls
- 2004 CLS500: 2 complaints, 0 recalls
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common Mercedes Benz CLS500 problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes | 22 | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 14 | 3 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 11 | 1 | 0 |
| Air Bags | 6 | 2 | 3 |
| Electrical System | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| Power Train | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| Wheels | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Engine | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Seats | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Tires | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Equipment | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All Mercedes Benz CLS500 model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 CLS500 | 1 | 0 | — | Electrical System | |
| 2008 CLS500 | 0 | 0 | — | — | |
| 2007 CLS500 | 2 | 0 | — | Air Bags | |
| 2006 CLS500 | 62 | 3 | — | Service Brakes | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2004 CLS500 | 2 | 0 | — | Engine |
More from Mercedes Benz: all Mercedes Benz models · Mercedes Benz VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Mercedes Benz CLS500 years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 2006 (62) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical CLS500 year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the Mercedes Benz CLS500?
Service Brakes, with 22 complaints across 2 model years.
How many recalls does the Mercedes Benz CLS500 have?
3 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.