Mercedes-Benz CLS500 Problems by Year

We compared every Mercedes-Benz CLS500 model year from 2006 using 62 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 3 recalls and federal defect investigations. No CLS500 year stands out with an unusual number of complaints.

1model years
62complaints
3recalls
—worst years
—best years

Complaints by model year

200662
Owner complaints per model year, Mercedes-Benz CLS500. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
200662—3BrakeLimited data

* Complaints compared with the median CLS500 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Mercedes-Benz CLS500 problems

  • Brakesworst: 2006
    2337%
  • Fuel & propulsion systemworst: 2006
    2337%
  • Wheels & tiresworst: 2006
    610%
  • Air bagsworst: 2006
    58%
  • Transmission & drivetrainworst: 2006
    46%
  • Speed control & accelerationworst: 2006
    35%
  • Electrical systemworst: 2006
    35%
  • Stability & traction controlworst: 2006
    35%
  • Engine & coolingworst: 2006
    23%
  • Seatsworst: 2006
    12%
  • Suspensionworst: 2006
    12%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroofworst: 2006
    12%

Latest Mercedes-Benz CLS500 recalls

Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly

NHTSA recall 24V-874 · Nov 19, 2024 · 33,456 vehicles

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and can detach.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly

NHTSA recall 21V-196 · Mar 19, 2021 · 11,356 vehicles

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2006-2007 C350, C230, C280, CLK350, E320CDI, E350 Wagon, E350, 2006 C55 AMG, CLK500, CLS500, CLS55 AMG, E500 Wagon, E500, E55 AMG, 2007 CLK550, CLS550, CLS63 AMG, E550, E63 AMG, and E63 Wagon AMG vehicles.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the glass panel bonding and replace the sliding roof, as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 7, 2021.

Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly

NHTSA recall 19V-918 · Dec 20, 2019 · 747,928 vehicles

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 vehicles. The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame may deteriorate, possibly resulting in the glass panel detaching from the vehicle. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V918-4126.pdf

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the glass panel bonding and replace the sliding roof, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 10, 2020.

All 3 Mercedes-Benz CLS500 recalls by year →

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Mercedes-Benz CLS500 should you avoid?

None of the Mercedes-Benz CLS500 years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.

What are the most common Mercedes-Benz CLS500 problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the brakes (23), fuel & propulsion system (23) and wheels & tires (6). Brake complaints peak in the 2006 model year.

How many recalls has the Mercedes-Benz CLS500 had?

3 recalls across 2006. The model year with the most is 2006. See all Mercedes-Benz CLS500 recalls by year.

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.