Mercedes-Benz CL550 Problems by Year

We compared every Mercedes-Benz CL550 model year from 2007–2011 using 19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 1 recall and federal defect investigations. No CL550 year stands out with an unusual number of complaints. The best years are 2011.

3model years
19complaints
1recalls
—worst years
2011best years

Complaints by model year

200720082011775
Owner complaints per model year, Mercedes-Benz CL550. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
20115−47%1EngineAverage
200871.2×—Seat BeltAverage
200771.5×—Fuel SystemAverage

* Complaints compared with the median CL550 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Mercedes-Benz CL550 problems

  • Fuel & propulsion systemworst: 2007
    842%
  • Electrical systemworst: 2007
    421%
  • Engine & coolingworst: 2011
    316%
  • Transmission & drivetrainworst: 2008
    316%
  • Other / not specified
    316%
  • Brakesworst: 2007
    211%
  • Seat beltsworst: 2008
    211%
  • Body & structureworst: 2008
    15%

Latest Mercedes-Benz CL550 recalls

Fuel system, gasoline

NHTSA recall 12V-557 · Dec 3, 2012 · 5,800 vehicles

Mercedes-Benz is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 S400, S550, S550 4Matic, S63 AMG, C300, C300 4Matic, E350, GLK350, GLK350 4Matic, CL550 4Matic, and CL63 AMG vehicles manufactured from April 18, 2011, through July 12, 2011.

Remedy: Mercedes-Benz will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel filter, free of charge. The recall campaign is expected to begin in February 2013. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Mercedes-Benz CL550 should you avoid?

None of the Mercedes-Benz CL550 years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.

What is the best year for the Mercedes-Benz CL550?

2011 has the fewest complaints compared with other CL550 years at the same age. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.

What are the most common Mercedes-Benz CL550 problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the fuel & propulsion system (8), electrical system (4) and engine & cooling (3). Fuel System complaints peak in the 2007 model year.

How many recalls has the Mercedes-Benz CL550 had?

1 recall across 2007–2011. The model year with the most is 2011.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.