Head-to-head reliability
Mercedes BENZ CLS Class vs Toyota Camry
How the Mercedes BENZ CLS 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 CLS Class vs Toyota Camry: The CLS has 55 complaints over 10 years (5.5/yr) with no recalls, while the Camry has 2143 complaints (214.3/yr) and 31 recalls. CLS owners report 48V electrical shutdowns and wheel cracks; Camry owners report transmission grinding and brake failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mercedes BENZ CLS Class or Toyota Camry 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. While the total number of complaints is modest, the nature of these failures—particularly the electrical shutdowns—can be alarming and potentially dangerous.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, a popular midsize sedan, has a much higher complaint volume, reflecting its larger sales base. Complaints span many areas, with power train, engine, and brakes being the most frequent. Owners report transmission grinding, sudden acceleration incidents, brake failures, and engine coolant valve issues. The higher number of complaints and recalls suggests a broader range of potential problems, but many are isolated or addressed through recalls.
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 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 55 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 2 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 5.5 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 3 Better | 163 |
| 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 baldness, bubbles, and shredding, as well as hairline cracks in the wheel itself causing slow leaks. This suggests a potential alignment or wheel durability issue that could lead to frequent tire replacements and safety concerns.
A known defect in the 48V system can cause the engine to shut off unexpectedly, particularly in high heat zones. Owners also report 48V battery malfunctions that may lead to a complete loss of power while driving, which is a serious safety risk.
Some owners describe a sensation of loose wheels or lug nuts when driving over bumps, causing side-to-side movement and a feeling of lack of control. This could be related to suspension or steering components and affects vehicle handling.
Reports include low coolant messages appearing frequently, with no visible leaks, suggesting a possible internal coolant consumption issue. Additionally, the 48V system defect can cause the engine to turn off, which is a major reliability and safety concern.
“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…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the front end upon acceleration, with dealerships confirming transmission issues that may require replacement. This indicates a potential transmission defect that could be costly to repair.
There are reports of uncontrollable sudden acceleration, which can lead to crashes. Additionally, engine maintenance required lights with codes pointing to a coolant valve bypass recall, but some VINs are not included, leaving owners with potential engine overheating risks.
Some owners experience a complete lack of brake response when pressing the pedal, especially on hills, which is a critical safety issue. This could be due to brake system failures that need immediate attention.
While not as prominent as other issues, there are electrical problems reported, including issues with the AC condenser being damaged by rocks, leading to AC failure. This is more of a nuisance than a safety concern.
“I turned into a restaurant’s parking lot, found a spot and slowly drove into the lot, I eased off the gas pedal and gently applying the brake as the lot has a slight downward slope. When I reach the chunk (the parking block), I added more force to the brake,…”
“Grinding noise coming from front end upon acceleration. Brought to dealership who confirmed noises coming from transmission. Transmission needs to be replaced per dealer recommendation. Recalls on 2021 Toyota Camry for same issue. Transmissions on backorder a…”
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.
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
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…
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…
Buyer analysis
Mercedes BENZ CLS Class or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Mercedes-Benz CLS Class has significantly fewer complaints per year (5.5) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3). However, the CLS's issues, such as electrical shutdowns, are potentially more dangerous. In practice, the Camry's higher complaint count is partly due to its larger sales volume, but it also has more recalls and a wider range of reported problems.
Key differences
- The CLS has a known 48V electrical system defect that can cause the engine to shut off, while the Camry has reports of sudden acceleration and brake failure.
- The CLS's most common issue is wheel-related (premature tire wear and cracks), whereas the Camry's most common is power train (transmission grinding).
- The Camry has 31 recalls, including for air bags and wheels, while the CLS has none, but the CLS's issues may not be covered by recalls.
- The CLS has fewer complaints per year, but the Camry's higher volume may reflect its larger owner base, not necessarily a worse reliability record.
- Inspect the wheels for cracks or signs of premature tire wear, and check the 48V battery system for any malfunction warnings.
- Test the steering for any looseness or unusual movement when driving over bumps.
- Listen for grinding noises from the transmission during acceleration, and check for any engine warning lights related to coolant valve.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, especially on hills, to ensure they respond properly.
Before you buy
- For the CLS, ask for service records related to the 48V system and any wheel or tire replacements.
- For the Camry, check if all recalls have been performed, especially those for air bags and wheels.
- Have a mechanic inspect the CLS's suspension and steering components for wear.
- For the Camry, test drive at various speeds and listen for transmission noises.
- Check the CLS's coolant levels and look for any signs of leaks or overheating.
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 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 | 62 |
| 2022 | 3 | 59 |
| 2021 | 1 | 155 |
| 2020 | 6 | 270 |
| 2019 | 20 | 393 |
| 2018 | 0 | 736 |
| 2017 | 2 | 148 |
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 Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mercedes BENZ CLS Class vs Toyota Camry
- Mercedes BENZ CLS Class total complaints
- 55
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Mercedes BENZ CLS Class total recalls
- 0
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Mercedes BENZ CLS Class avg complaints/year
- 5.5
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Mercedes BENZ CLS Class
- Mercedes BENZ CLS Class top complaint area
- WHEELS
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN