Mercedes-Benz CLS550 Problems by Year
NHTSA has 107 owner complaints and 11 safety recalls on file for the Mercedes-Benz CLS550, across 13 model years (2006–2018). The 2007 model year has the most complaints (35). The most reported problem area overall is fuel/propulsion system.
Mercedes-Benz CLS550 years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical CLS550 year: 2007, 2008, 2012, 2014. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 2007 CLS550: 35 complaints, 4 recalls
- 2012 CLS550: 23 complaints, 3 recalls
- 2008 CLS550: 17 complaints, 3 recalls
Model years with the fewest complaints
- 2010 CLS550: 1 complaint, 3 recalls
- 2015 CLS550: 1 complaint, 4 recalls
- 2017 CLS550: 1 complaint, 1 recall
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 CLS550 problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel/propulsion System | 36 | 7 | 0 |
| Power Train | 12 | 7 | 1 |
| Electrical System | 11 | 6 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 10 | 5 | 1 |
| Suspension | 10 | 6 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 9 | 2 | 0 |
| Engine | 8 | 4 | 0 |
| Air Bags | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Steering | 6 | 5 | 1 |
| Visibility | 4 | 3 | 0 |
| Tires | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Wheels | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All Mercedes-Benz CLS550 model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 CLS550 | 0 | 1 | — | — | |
| 2017 CLS550 | 1 | 1 | — | Wheels | |
| 2016 CLS550 | 0 | 1 | — | — | |
| 2015 CLS550 | 1 | 4 | — | Steering | |
| 2014 CLS550 | 10 | 4 | — | Suspension | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2013 CLS550 | 4 | 3 | — | Electrical System | |
| 2012 CLS550 | 23 | 3 | — | Fuel/propulsion System | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2011 CLS550 | 4 | 3 | — | Electrical System | |
| 2010 CLS550 | 1 | 3 | — | Unknown or Other | |
| 2009 CLS550 | 4 | 3 | — | Air Bags | |
| 2008 CLS550 | 17 | 3 | — | Fuel/propulsion System | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2007 CLS550 | 35 | 4 | — | Fuel/propulsion System | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2006 CLS550 | 7 | 1 | — | Service Brakes |
More from Mercedes-Benz: all Mercedes-Benz models · Mercedes-Benz VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Mercedes-Benz CLS550 years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 2007 (35), 2008 (17), 2012 (23), 2014 (10) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical CLS550 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 CLS550?
Fuel/propulsion System, with 36 complaints across 7 model years.
How many recalls does the Mercedes-Benz CLS550 have?
11 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.