2009 Mercedes Benz CLS550 Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Nov 20, 2024 · 4 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other CLS550 years
Not enough data 6th of 13 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA about the 2009 Mercedes Benz CLS550. That ranks 6th out of 13 CLS550 model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is air bags (1 complaints, 25%). Complaints mention 1 crash, 6 injuries. There are 3 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation involving it.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

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Most common 2009 Mercedes Benz CLS550 problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Air Bags1
Engine1 · ~61,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion System1 · ~61,000 mi
Power Train1 · ~61,000 mi
Suspension1 · ~100,000 mi
Tires1 · ~68,000 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Air Bags125%———
Engine125%61,000——
Fuel/propulsion System125%61,000——
Power Train125%61,000——
Suspension125%100,000——
Tires125%68,000——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2017, with 2 complaints
2014: 1201412016: 1201612017: 220172

n = 4 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2009 Mercedes Benz CLS550 recalls (3)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Visibility:sun/moon roof assemblyNov 19, 2024 · NHTSA campaign 24V874000 · 33,456 vehicles

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and can detach.

Risk: A detached sunroof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall number 22V-954. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024120001/2/3.

Visibility:sun/moon roof assemblyDec 23, 2022 · NHTSA campaign 22V954000 · 131,653 vehicles

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and may detach.

Risk: A detached sunroof panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 3, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall expands NHTSA recall number 19V-918. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023010004, 2023010005, and 2023010006.

Visibility:sun/moon roof assemblyDec 20, 2019 · NHTSA campaign 19V918000 · 747,928 vehicles

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 vehicles. The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame may deteriorate, possibly resulting in the glass panel detaching from the vehicle. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V918-4126.pdf

Risk: A detached glass panel can separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the glass panel bonding and replace the sliding roof, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 10, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020040011.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • Loss of rear lighting assembly (EA13008) — opened Dec 20, 2013, closed May 12, 2014, led to recall 14V177000.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 mercedes-benz cls550. While driving 60 mph, the vehicle hydroplaned and crashed into a guardrail. None of the air bags deployed. A police report was filed. The contact sustained injuries to the shoulders, neck, and back. Medical attention was not required; however…

Air Bags · received Oct 31, 2017 · NHTSA complaint 11041817

The issues regarding the mercedes airmatic suspension system have been widely known for years, and mercedes never made an effort to mitigate the mercedes loyal owners excessive expense to cover the repair. It is also hard to believe the dealer never informed, inspected or recommended repairs to the…

Suspension · received Apr 27, 2017 · NHTSA complaint 10981041

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 mercedes-benz cls550 equipped with sentry thunder d7 tires, size: 275/30/r20. The contact stated that the rear tires exhibited thread separation. The dealer determined that it was due to a manufacturer defect. The tires were replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the…

Tires · received Oct 12, 2016 · NHTSA complaint 10915588

On may 19, 2014 i purchased a 2009 mercedes cls550 from mossy ford dealership in san diego, ca with a guarantee of no current or pre-existing mechanical or hazard issues. Days after purchase i noticed acceleration issues, strong odor of fuel or chemicals, engine noise and gas efficiency problems. I…

Engine · received Jul 25, 2014 · NHTSA complaint 10616261

Other Mercedes Benz CLS550 years

← 2008 CLS550 · 2010 CLS550 →

See all Mercedes Benz CLS550 problems by year, every Mercedes Benz model, or the Mercedes Benz VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2009 Mercedes Benz CLS550?

Owners most often report air bags, engine, fuel/propulsion system problems. The top one, air bags, accounts for 1 complaint.

Was there a recall on the 2009 Mercedes Benz CLS550?

Yes, 3 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2009 Mercedes Benz CLS550 a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other CLS550 model years, the 2009 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.