Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS500. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH, the messages "Reduced Braking Pressure, and "Service Required" was displayed and the vehicle experienced a loss in braking power. The contact was able to pull the vehicle over and proceed to inspect the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed. The contact was informed that the VIN on the SVC (Sensotronic-braking Control Unit) did not match with the VIN and that the contact had to bring the vehicle to a local dealer for repair. Upon becoming aware of the failure, the vehicle was towed to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed; however, the contact was advised that the dealer could not replace the unit because the unit was not the correct unit for the vehicle. …
The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS500. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the brake pedal failed to depress properly. There was a message to "STOP" displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the TLS, but the failure recurred. The contact called the local dealer, who informed the contact that there were no recalls on the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.
Bought the 2006 cls 500 2 years ago, since that second day I have issues with sbc module, I call mb dealer they told me my car was out of warranty, since the production date was 2004, okay after that I try several other mechanics and nobody have the star tool to fix up, the car is not safe to drive and I continue take the risk couple months until the fuel line starts leak on the pump, this could generate a spark and burn my car, I call again mb dealer and they told me is probably unsafe to start the car. After all this years I parked the car and all my suspension was broke as well, call again the mb dealer they estimated $ 1800 to replace the air shocks, so I buy from arnott the same mb sell and I replace all 4, so the car is up again, next week I decide to sell the vehicle after driving in 3 years 9,000 miles only, try to move the car from the garage, guess what, my transmission go to …
I was driving and the reduce braking light came on. I pulled over stopped my vehicle because it stated that I needed to do so, restarted the vehicle and tried to make it home. I began to loose control of the steering and even though I was pushing the brake pedal to stop, the pedal went to the floor. I was in rush traffic and so scared that I would hurt someone or myself. I recently had my brakes and rotors replaced, months in advance. I barely made it home and since then I have tried to take my vehicle to the shop but in doing so the same problem arose. Again, I was frighten to put it on the road I placed it back in the garage. Please help. I am not understanding why I am having these problems. I brought the car in September of 2013 and this is the only major issue I have had. I love my car. …
This vehicle is equipped with sensotronic brake control that has a service threshold. When this threshold is reached the brake system defaults to non power assisted hydraulic mode to the front wheels only. This occurs without any prior warning and results in increased stopping distance. I have sent a copy of the Mercedes service bulletin s142.46-p-0012a which addresses this issue. Mercedes stopped installing this system in 2006. At the very least, Mercedes should issue a mandatory recall to interrogate these vehicles with star das to determine how close to the service threshold the sbc unit is and replace them at the dealer's expense. The warranty has been extended to 10 years, unlimited mileage, so mb knows of the defect. Unfortunately, many vehicles are outside this 10-year window, yet the problem should be fixed. This is a major safety issue that needs to be addressed.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS500. While driving 15 MPH, the 'depress brake pedal stop vehicle' warning indicator illuminated. The brake pedal was depressed all the way to the floorboard, but the vehicle did not stop. The vehicle coasted until it came to a complete stop. The vehicle was restarted and was able to function normally. Mercedes-Benz of south orlando (4301 millenia blvd, orlando, fl 32839, [phone]) was contacted and informed the contact that there was no recall for the failure. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 133,726.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Mercedes Benz CLS500. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal at 70 MPH, the vehicle failed to stop and the reduce brake error message displayed. The contact was able to avoid an accident. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the hydraulic pump and the sbc brake system failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and mentioned that the vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA campaign number: 05V133000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The failure mileage was 107,500.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Mercedes Benz CLS500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and attempting to depress the brake pedal, it traveled to the floorboard causing a greater stopping distance. The contact stated that the failure nearly caused accidents on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the sensotronic brake control hydraulic pump had failed and would need to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 177,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS500. While driving 70 MPH, the "reduce brake" and "stop the vehicle" indicators illuminated. The vehicle was pulled over to the shoulder lane where it was able to restart and resume normal operation. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the sbc unit failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
Sensomatic braking control has been observed to have failed. Related brake warning light inhibits the car from braking properly or driving at a comfortable speed. Brake wire has been replaced and brake pads and the problem still persists. There is a recall on this that I was unaware existed. I need help. I'm in a dangerous situation that is unsafe for me and my family. Braking the vehicle takes considerable amount of pressure and seems to be delayed.
Brake complaints in other CLS500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS500?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the brakes of the 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS500, 37% of the model year's 62 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS500 brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS500, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS500 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 129,000 miles.
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.