Head-to-head reliability
Mercedes BENZ CL Class vs Toyota Camry
How the Mercedes BENZ CL Class and Toyota Camry compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Mercedes BENZ CL Class vs Toyota Camry: The CL Class has 45 complaints over 10 years (4.5/year) and 0 recalls, while the Camry has 2,056 complaints (205.6/year) and 31 recalls. The CL Class reports 4 injuries, the Camry 158 injuries and 1 death. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mercedes BENZ CL Class or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mercedes BENZ CL Class
The Mercedes-Benz CL Class is a luxury coupe with complex systems that can be expensive to maintain. Over 10 years, it has 45 complaints (4.5 per year) and no recalls, but owner reports highlight recurring issues with fuel leaks, suspension failures, and electrical problems. With 4 injuries reported, these issues can be serious, so a thorough pre-purchase inspection is essential.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream sedan known for reliability, but data shows 2,056 complaints over 10 years (205.6 per year) and 31 recalls. Owners report power train hesitation, brake problems, and electrical glitches, with 171 crash-related complaints and 158 injuries. While many issues are addressed by recalls, the high complaint volume suggests potential for various problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mercedes BENZ CL Class | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 45 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 4.5 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 4 Better | 158 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Mercedes BENZ CL Class
- 01FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM9
- 02SUSPENSION7
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM6
- 04AIR BAGS5
- 05SERVICE BRAKES5
Owners report strong gas smells and oil leaks, sometimes leading to sudden stops. One complaint mentions a fuel filter flange that may crack, causing leaks. These issues can be dangerous and costly to repair.
The Active Body Control (ABC) system is prone to failures, causing the car to lower completely or leak fluid. Owners describe it as a continuous risk, with repairs often being expensive and complex.
Complaints include sudden stops, oil leaks, and even fires starting from electrical components. These electrical faults can lead to major safety hazards and expensive diagnostics.
Takata airbag recalls are a concern, with owners reporting difficulty getting replacements. One complaint describes a side airbag deploying without impact, causing injury. This indicates potential safety risks.
“CAR MADE NOISE & STOPPED SUDDENLY IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD, OIL LEAKAGE HAPPENED BEFORE 30,000 MILEAGE ,DRIVEWAY FULL OF OIL LEAKAGE ,TOOK TO THE DEALER, INITIALLY COULD NOT FIND ANY DEFECT ,AFTER INSISTING THAT THERE IS DEFINITELY A PROBLEM, THEY CALLED ME…”
“My 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL550 4MATIC with 63,335 miles. it has a strong gas smell in the inside. There was a recall pertaining to, "Due to the irregularity stemming from the molding process of the fuel filter flange, the filter may crack when operated in high t…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report ignition key getting stuck, hesitation, and shuddering while driving. These issues can affect drivability and may require dealer intervention, sometimes with delayed throttle response.
Complaints include delayed throttle response and check engine lights, leading to hesitation and shuddering. These problems can be intermittent and frustrating, potentially requiring costly repairs.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring towing. Owners also report clicking or vibrating noises from the ABS system, which may be common but still concerning.
Multiple system malfunctions, including stability control, power steering, and blind spot monitoring, have been reported. These electrical glitches can compromise safety features and require dealer attention.
“My 2023 Toyota Camry has developed an intermittent defect where the ignition key becomes stuck and cannot be removed even though the dashboard shows the vehicle is in Park. The only way to remove the key is to disconnect the vehicle's battery, which is not a…”
“The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was hesitating and shuddering, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Mercedes BENZ CL Class
No recalls on record.
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The lug nuts that attach the wheels to the vehicle may be loose, which can result in wheel detachment.
The risk: A wheel that detaches from a moving vehicle can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will inspect and tighten the lug nuts, and replace any damaged components, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short cir…
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
Buyer analysis
Mercedes BENZ CL Class or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Mercedes-Benz CL Class has far fewer complaints per year (4.5) compared to the Toyota Camry (205.6), but the CL Class issues often involve expensive, complex systems like suspension and fuel leaks. The Camry's higher complaint volume includes many that are addressed by recalls, but it also has more crash-related reports. In practice, the CL Class may have fewer but potentially more costly problems, while the Camry may have more frequent but sometimes less severe issues.
Key differences
- The CL Class has 45 complaints over 10 years with no recalls, while the Camry has 2,056 complaints and 31 recalls, indicating different levels of reported issues and manufacturer responses.
- CL Class complaints often involve expensive systems like suspension (ABC) and fuel leaks, whereas Camry complaints include power train hesitation and brake problems that may be more widespread but sometimes addressed by recalls.
- The CL Class has 4 injuries and 0 deaths reported, while the Camry has 158 injuries and 1 death, with 171 crash-related complaints, suggesting different safety profiles.
- Electrical issues in the CL Class include fire incidents, while Camry electrical complaints involve multiple system malfunctions, highlighting different failure patterns.
- Check for fuel odors or leaks, especially around the fuel filter flange, as owners report strong gas smells and oil leaks.
- Inspect the suspension for ABC system leaks or warning lights, as failures can cause the car to lower or leak fluid, leading to costly repairs.
- Test the ignition key removal and throttle response for hesitation or shuddering, as owners report stuck keys and delayed acceleration.
- Check the electronic parking brake operation and listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area, which may indicate ABS issues.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls, especially for the Camry's airbag and seat recalls.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the specific model, focusing on the CL Class's suspension and fuel system, and the Camry's power train and brakes.
- Test drive the vehicle under various conditions, including acceleration, braking, and parking, to detect hesitation, noises, or warning lights.
- Verify that all recall repairs have been completed, particularly for the Camry's airbag and seat issues, and for the CL Class's Takata airbag recall if applicable.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for the CL Class's ABC suspension service and the Camry's brake and electrical system repairs.
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Mercedes BENZ CL Class or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mercedes BENZ CL Class vs Toyota Camry
- Mercedes BENZ CL Class total complaints
- 45
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Mercedes BENZ CL Class total recalls
- 0
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Mercedes BENZ CL Class avg complaints/year
- 4.5
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Mercedes BENZ CL Class
- Mercedes BENZ CL Class top complaint area
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN