Head-to-head reliability
Mercedes BENZ CLS Class vs FORD F 150
How the Mercedes BENZ CLS Class and FORD F 150 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 CLS Class vs FORD F 150: The CLS has 55 complaints over 10 years (5.5/yr) with no recalls, while the F-150 has 11,311 complaints (1,131/yr) and 145 recalls. The CLS's main issue is a 48V electrical failure, whereas the F-150 suffers from transmission problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mercedes BENZ CLS Class or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mercedes BENZ CLS Class
The Mercedes-Benz CLS Class is a luxury sedan that, in ownership terms, shows a pattern of relatively low complaint volume but with issues concentrated in wheels, electrical system, and steering. Owners report premature tire wear, wheel cracks, and a 48V electrical system that can shut the engine off, especially in hot climates. These are not high-frequency failures, but they can be costly and disruptive, making the car a mixed bag for a first-time buyer.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a popular pickup truck with a much higher complaint volume, averaging over 1,100 per year. The dominant issues are in the powertrain, particularly the 10-speed automatic transmission, which owners describe as hard shifting, jerking, and occasionally losing power. Electrical system problems, including camera and sensor malfunctions, are also common. With 145 recalls, the F-150 has a more extensive history of manufacturer-issued fixes, but the sheer number of complaints suggests a higher likelihood of encountering issues.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mercedes BENZ CLS Class | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 55 Better | 11,311 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 145 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 2 Better | 328 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 5.5 Better | 1131.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 3 Better | 287 |
| 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 CLS Class
- 01WHEELS18
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM12
- 03STEERING7
- 04ENGINE6
- 05POWER TRAIN4
Owners report premature tire wear, bubbles, and even shredding, as well as hairline cracks in the wheels themselves. This can lead to slow leaks and potential blowouts, affecting safety and requiring frequent replacements.
A known defect in the 48V system can cause the engine to shut off unexpectedly, especially in high heat. Owners also report battery malfunction warnings and intermittent failures of the infotainment, windows, and mirrors, which can be distracting and dangerous while driving.
Some owners describe a sensation of loose wheels or lug nuts when driving over bumps, causing side-to-side movement that feels like a lack of control. This is related to suspension components and can undermine driver confidence.
There are reports of low coolant messages appearing frequently, suggesting a possible leak or consumption issue. While not immediately dangerous, it requires regular attention and could lead to overheating if ignored.
“I purchased my 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 with approximately 12,000 miles on 08/16/2022. Throughout the course of my ownership the vehicle has had multiple sets of tires replaced due to them either being prematurely bald, developing multiple bubbles, or shred…”
“I had a slow leak in the rear passenger tire for a few weeks now so I took it to the neighborhood tire shop. No nail or puncture was discovered but a hairline crack in the rear wheel. The tire shop manager advised me to call the dealership and ask the part to…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,553
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,071
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,401
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,164
- 05ENGINE847
The most common issue is with the 10-speed automatic transmission, which owners report as shifting hard, jerking, or clunking between gears. Some have experienced a complete loss of power and sudden shutdowns, which is a serious safety concern.
Many owners see warnings for front camera malfunction and pre-collision assist not available on startup. These issues can disable safety features and require dealer visits, but they are not always consistent.
Headlight problems are frequent enough to be a top complaint area, though specific symptoms are not detailed in the sample. This could range from flickering to complete failure, affecting visibility at night.
Engine-related complaints are less frequent but still notable, with issues that may include performance problems or warning lights. The exact nature is not specified in the sample, but it contributes to the overall reliability concerns.
“I started noticing hard and delayed shifts from 7th into 8th gear. My RPM's were not increasing when this happened, and then on a very crowded major road I lost all power, vehicle shut off and drifted, then started up and jerked again very hard. This failure…”
“I am reporting a safety-related transmission problem I experienced with my 2020 Ford F-150 equipped with the 10R80 automatic transmission. While driving normally, the transmission shifts hard (ie: jerks, clunks) between 4-5 and 5-6 gears, and has on occasion…”
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 CLS Class
No recalls on record.
FORD F 150 — 145 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 trucks equipped with high series LED headlamps with Autolamp (On/Off) functionality. The Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) may remain activated instead of dimming to parking lamps when the Master Lighting Switch (MLS) is manually rotated from…
The risk: DRL that cannot dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the body control module, free of charge. The recall began March 10, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C03.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 F-150 vehicles. The fastener securing the Power Distribution Box (PDB) 12V cable and Battery Monitoring System (BMS) eyelets to the positive battery terminal may loosen and affect the vehicle's systems such as instrument panel displays and br…
The risk: Inoperative vehicle systems or an engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. Reduced braking and steering efforts increases the risk of a crash. This condition could also create a resistive short, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the positive battery cable/BMS/PDB joint for excess sealant adhesive and remove any excessive adhesive, reassemble the joint, and retorque the fastener, as necessary, free of charge. The re…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causin…
The risk: When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, Dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact Ford…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also…
The risk: A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's num…
Buyer analysis
Mercedes BENZ CLS Class or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Mercedes-Benz CLS Class has far fewer complaints per year (5.5) compared to the Ford F-150 (1,131.1), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. However, the CLS's problems, such as the 48V system failure, can be more severe and costly. In practice, the CLS may offer a more trouble-free experience on average, but the F-150's issues are more widespread and varied.
Key differences
- The CLS has a fraction of the complaints (55 vs 11,311) and no recalls, while the F-150 has 145 recalls, indicating a more proactive but also more problematic history.
- The CLS's most critical issue is the 48V electrical system that can shut off the engine, whereas the F-150's main problem is the 10-speed transmission that jerks and can lose power.
- Wheel and tire problems are unique to the CLS, with reports of cracks and premature wear, while the F-150 has more exterior lighting issues.
- The F-150 has a higher rate of crash-related complaints (328 vs 2) and injuries (287 vs 3), suggesting more severe incidents, though this may be due to higher sales volume.
- Check the 48V battery system for any warning messages or history of failure, especially if you live in a hot climate.
- Inspect the wheels for cracks and check tire tread depth for uneven wear, as these are common issues.
- Test drive the truck and pay attention to transmission shifts, especially between 4th and 8th gears, for any hard jerks or clunks.
- Look for any warning lights on the dash, such as front camera malfunction or pre-collision assist unavailable, which may indicate electrical issues.
Before you buy
- For the CLS, ask for service records related to the 48V system and any wheel or tire replacements.
- For the F-150, check the transmission fluid condition and ask if the dealer has performed any TSB updates for shifting issues.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection done by a trusted mechanic who can test the electrical systems and look for signs of leaks.
- Check the recall status for the F-150 and ensure all outstanding recalls have been addressed.
- For both, review the vehicle's history report for any previous accidents or major repairs.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Mercedes BENZ CLS Class | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 | 1507 |
| 2022 | 3 | 3432 |
| 2021 | 1 | 5234 |
| 2020 | 6 | 33 |
| 2019 | 20 | 36 |
| 2018 | 0 | 56 |
| 2017 | 2 | 43 |
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 CLS Class or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mercedes BENZ CLS Class vs FORD F 150
- Mercedes BENZ CLS Class total complaints
- 55
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,311
- Mercedes BENZ CLS Class total recalls
- 0
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 145
- Mercedes BENZ CLS Class avg complaints/year
- 5.5
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1131.1
- More reliable overall
- Mercedes BENZ CLS Class
- Mercedes BENZ CLS Class top complaint area
- WHEELS
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN