Mercedes BENZ CL Class Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Mercedes BENZ CL Class options? We analyzed 10 model years (2005–2014) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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Model-year trends show patterns — they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.
- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Mercedes BENZ CL Class has 45 owner complaints and 0 safety recalls across model years 2005–2014. The most reported issue area is FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM. 2008 drew the most complaints; 2005 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Mercedes BENZ
- Model
- CL Class
- Model years analyzed
- 2005–2014 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 45
- Safety recall campaigns
- 0
- Crash-related complaints
- 0
- Fire-related complaints
- 6
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2008 (10 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2005 (5 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Reliability signal
- Average
By model year
Mercedes BENZ CL Class: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
NCAP crash test ratings for this model are not yet loaded or this vehicle was not tested in the years analyzed. NHTSA tests a subset of new vehicles each year. Check nhtsa.gov/ratings directly for the latest results.
What the complaint data suggests
AverageThe MERCEDES BENZ CL CLASS has 45 NHTSA complaints and 0 recalls on record. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 45 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 0 federal recall campaigns
- No crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Aug 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
0 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
No NHTSA recalls were found in our database for this model. Always verify open recalls using your specific VIN on NHTSA.gov.
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2005–2014. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 45 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
45 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes Benz CLS500 equipped with Continental Tires, Tire Line: Extreme Contact, Tire Sizes: 275/40/ZR18 and 275/35/ZR18, DOT Numbers: 1HW0FBD0A and 1AF0FB0M5 respectively. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the neighbor informed the contact that the driver’s side front and rear tires were flat. The contact stated that the TPMS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the tires were diagnosed with a slow leak on the sidewall. The tires were replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 13,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2006 MERCEDES-BENZ CL55. THE CONTACT STATED THE BOLT USED TO SECURE THE REAR SUBFRAME LOOSENED AND CAUSED THE BODY TO DETACH FROM THE SUBFRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF FAYETTEVILLE LOCATED AT 420 GLENSFORD DR, FAYETTEVILLE, NC 28314, (910) 487-0000, WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 123,000.
I WAS DRIVING MY MERCEDES ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE LIGHT FLASHED ON FOR THE BRAKES SAYING BRAKING POWER REDUCED. ALL OF A SUDDEN I COULD NOT STOP MY CAR, I WAS SO SCARED ON THE HIGHWAY I REALLY THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO DIE. ME AND MY BOYFRIEND WAS IN THE CAR AT THE TIME. SOMEHOW I GOT OVER TO THE FAR LANE TOWARDS THE GUARDRAIL WHERE NO ONE NORMALLY DRIVES AND THEN I ROLLED THE CAR UNTIL IT SLOWED ALL THE WAY DOWN AND THEN I FORCED IT INTO PARK. SMH THERE SHOULD REALLY BE SOMETHING ABOUT THIS. NOW I FEAR TO DRIVE MY CAR EVER AGAIN.
EXTREMELY STRONG FUEL ODOR UPON LEAVING FUEL STOP FOR THE PAST SEVERAL FILL UPS. TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR DIAGNOSIS AND DISCOVERED THAT FUEL TANK IS CRACKED AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I AM REPORTING THIS BECAUSE THE REPAIR GARAGE TOLD ME IT IS A MAJOR PROBLEM IN THE SAME AREA OF THE FUEL TANK THAT AFFECTS MY VEHICLE AND THAT THEY HAVE REPAIRED THIS SAME ISSUE ON MY VEHICLE MODEL ALL THE TIME.
AIRBAG DEPLOYED WITH NO ACCIDENT OR PHYSICAL DAMAGED. *TR
BOUGHT A BRAND NEW MERCEDES 2006 CLK 350 OFF THE DEALER LOT. ENGINE FIRE GUTTED OUT THE WHOLE CAR BEFORE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED. WHILE DRIVING SMELLED SMOKE IN THE CAR, NOTICED LOSS OF POWER STEERING. PULLED THE CAR OVER OPENED THE HOOD AND NOTICED FIRE COMING FROM THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ENGINE. THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. THE ENGINEERING REPORT FROM MERCEDES ENGINEER AND MY INSURANCE COMPANY ENGINEER CONCLUDED THE CLAMP ON THE POWER STEERING HOLES CAME OFF AND SHOT POWER STEERING FLUID INTO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WHICH STARTED THE FIRE. MERCEDES HAS ACCEPTED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE FIRE AS A MALFUNCTION OR DEFECT BUT THEY HAVEN'T TAKEN ANY ACTION TO REIMBURSE ME FOR THIS LOSS. AND IT SEEMS LIKE THEY'VE SWEPT THIS FLAW UNDER THE TABLE, WITHOUT LOOKING MORE INTO THE MATTER WHICH ONE DAY COULD HAPPENED TO ANOTHER PERSON. LUCKILY I SUSTAIN NO PHYSICAL INJURY BUT NOT TO MENTION THE MENTAL DISTRESS AND HEADACHE DEALING WITH THESE PEOPLE AT MERCEDES. IF IT HAD BEEN SOMEBODY WITH A BABY IN THE BACK SEAT THEY MIGHT NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE CAR QUICKLY AS I DID. *JB
Read 14 more owner reports
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ACCELERATING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TRANSMISSION JERKED AND SHIMMIED. ALSO, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED, THE TRANSMISSION BANGED. BOTH PROBLEMS WERE INTERMITTENT. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE COMPUTER AND TRANSMISSION, BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTED.
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN MY ACTIVE HEAD RESTRAINTS DEPLOYED AND STRUCK MY HEAD AND NECK. THE SOUND WHEN THEY ACTIVATED WAS LIKE A GUNSHOT INSIDE THE CAR. THE DEALER SAID THEY FOUND NO REASON FOR THE DEPLOYMENT. THEY SAY NOTHING IS WRONG WITH THE CAR. *NM *AK
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED AT SPEEDS BELOW 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE FELT AS THOUGH THERE WAS NO POWER STEERING. THE TENSION IN THE STEERING CHANGES FROM DAY TO DAY. THE DEALERSHIP IS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM, BUT HAS REPLACED MULTIPLE COMPONENTS. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AND THE DEALERSHIP STATED THERE ARE NO FURTHER REPAIRS AVAILABLE AND THE VEHICLE SHOULD NOT BE RETURNED.
While the vehicle was parked in my garage, the gas fumes came into my home. The Gas Company was called out and found the smell coming from my Mercedes. I notice a strong smell of gas inside my Mercedes 2011 AMG-CL 65. I also notice the fuel gage decreased after a day. This could have caused a fire. I took the car to Calabasas Mercedes-Benz dealership and was told that this is common, but I see no recalls. After searching I found the 2011 Mercedes recall regarding fuel spill on E-Class, GL-Class, M-Class or R-Class.
On October 17, 2023, my vehicle experienced a significant issue—a fire incident—while I was leaving the garage of my house. According to the fire department & my insurance adjuster, it appeared that electrical components started the fire. Separately, on June 22, 2023, I was stuck inside the vehicle as I could not open the doors of the car. The batteries of the car had completely been drained, and the car was just jump-started by my insurance road-side assistant, but I turned off the engine (I was inside the car) forgetting about the fact that the car was not sufficiently being charged. Eventually the car was jump-started again, and I got out of the car safely. And, I had a local MB dealership replace both starter and ancillary batteries. Shouldn't car doors open regardless of the levels of the batteries left? What if the fire on Oct 17 had happened, and I could not escape from the car as I could not open the doors...
My back up just stops producing an image. I can restart the car and it might or might not come back on. For the most part the camera is on but I’ve been reading on all the MB forums this is a very common issue, with these W216 and also it’s sister car, the W221. The problem is, these were extremely low production vehicles and I’m sure not many are in existence now. I feel these 130-210k cars, shouldn’t have safety issues like this. I don’t mind paying for aging components but safety components should always be working properly. It concerns me because what if a neighborhood child were to dart out from behind and I hit them? The incident could have been prevented.
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 temperatures." I live in California and it has been very hot here. when I put my VIN into the recall system it states no recall. I also have a 2010 S550 that had the same problem last year and it also showed no recalls for this problem. If there are no recalls for all models of this vehicle for this problem there should be.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES BENZ CL550. AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE, IT CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE INITIATED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHAT CAUSED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,000.
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE SPEED JUST DROPPED FROM 80 MPH TO 40 MPH AND BRAKE LIGHTS, OF COURSE, DID NOT TURN ON. BECAUSE OF THAT, THE DRIVER BEHIND ME WAS NOT WARNED AND ALMOST CRASHED BEHIND ME. IT WAS NOT ONLY THIS INCIDENT BUT THIS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES AND THE PROBLEM WAS STILL NOT FIXED. *KB
The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL550. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, as she attempted to buckle the driver's seat belt, the belt was not able to be locked into the buckle. The contact attempted several times to latch the seat belt however, the contact stated that it felt like there was an obstruction in the buckle. The contact checked but saw no blockage. The contact stated that the seat belt warning light was not illuminated while seated in the driver seat with the vehicle turned on. The contact was unable to latch the seat belt. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the seat belt buckle and wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES-BENZ CL550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A U-TURN GOING 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKED AND FAILED TO ACCELERATE ONCE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER, TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE OPERATED AS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF PEMBROKE PINES (14199 PINES BOULEVARD, PEMBROKE PINES, FL 33027, (954) 644-5035) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 112,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES-BENZ CL550. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH OVER A SPEED BUMP, A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRONT GRILL ASSEMBLY WAS DETACHED AND THE PLASTIC PIECE FRACTURED INTO PIECES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO STEVEN MERCEDES BENZ DEALER OF SAN JOSE, CA WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT A KNOWN ISSUE AND NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL OR WARRANTY COVERAGE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REMEDIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 96,000.
TRANSMISSION COOLER WHICH IS IN RADIATOR CRACKED AND ALLOWED TRANSMISSION FLUID TO ENTER MOTOR COOLING SYSTEM AND COOLANT TO ENTER TRANSMISSION COMPLETELY RUINING THE TRANSMISSION ALL COMPONENTS AND COMPUTER TALKED TO MERCEDES THEY WOULD DO OOHING ABOUT TOTAL COST TO REPAIR $5000.00
STRONG ODOR OF GAS AFTER FILL THE TANK UP. THE ODOR WAS OUTSIDE, AND IT EVENTUALLY DISAPPEARED WHEN THE LEVEL OF GAS IS LOWER. THERE WAS ALSO GAS LEAKING UNDERNEATH (DRIVER'S REAR SIDE). I WAS TOLD TO REPLACE THE FUEL GASKET, AFTER DOING THAT, THE ODOR IS NOW INSIDE THE CAR, CONSTANT FUEL ODOR, IT NEVER DISAPPEAR. DRIVING THE CAR IS IMPOSSIBLE, AND GAS LEAKING UNDERNEATH CONTINUES, SAME SPOT. *TR
Showing 20 of 45 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Mercedes BENZ CL Class
These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Mercedes BENZ CL Class, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Mercedes BENZ CL Class has 45 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Mercedes BENZ CL Class has 0 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 0 of the Mercedes BENZ CL Class's 45 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Average) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Mercedes BENZ CL Class vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Mercedes BENZ CL Class vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Mercedes BENZ CL Class has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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How does the Mercedes BENZ CL Class stack up? Compare complaint history with similar vehicles.
By state
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Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Mercedes BENZ CL Class.
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Mercedes BENZ CL Class reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Mercedes BENZ CL Class reliable?
Average. The Mercedes BENZ CL Class has 45 NHTSA owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Mercedes BENZ CL Class years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2008 (10 complaints), 2006 (9 complaints), 2007 (9 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Mercedes BENZ CL Class problems?
Top reported issues: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (9 complaints); SUSPENSION (7 complaints); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6 complaints).
Does the Mercedes BENZ CL Class have recalls?
No NHTSA recall campaigns are currently on record for the Mercedes BENZ CL Class. Always verify with a VIN check as recalls can be added at any time.