Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
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).
I began smelling fuel in the cabin of my car and contacted the Mercedes Benz dealership in my area, westminster, co. The woman I spoke with told me that she was unaware of any issues, but that she would look into it and get back to me. I never heard back. The smell was getting worse and after 3 weeks, I could not drive with my windows closed, gagged when I got into the car and smelled like fuel upon exiting the car. I called Mercedes Benz again and asked if I could bring the car in. I was told I could and that there was a warranty extension for faulty fuel tanks. The fuel tank was allegedly repaired, but upon returning the car to me, the car still smelled like fuel. I thought the smell might dissipate over a few days, but it did not, seemed to get worse again, so I took the car back in. …
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 …
In September, 2015 took my vehicle to houston greenway (3900 southwest freeway; houston, texas 77027) for an inspection of the fuel tank (strong fuel odors were detected). The inspection revealed that the fuel tank required replacement. The replacement work was done and I paid for it out of pocket. I recently received a letter from mbusa stating that the mbusa had elected to extend the warranty on my vehicle
Strong smell of gasoline in interior of car along with smell in garage after overnight parking. Checked engine for leaks as well as general tank area. Negative. I think that the fuel sending unit (under rear seat May be loose or defective. Can't over emphasize the strong gas smell, while stationary--seems to dissipate on movement.
I filled my gas tank and drove home, parked in the garage overnight. The next morning I entered the garage and was overwhelmed by the smell of raw gas. The garage was closed and it contains a hot water heater which could have easily lit the gas fumes and started a fire or explosion. My 2 kids' bedrooms are above the garage. Through some checking, gasoline seems to be running out of the top of the gas tank when it is full. It is not coming from the fuel pump module seal. This is both dangerous and a pollution and health risk. I just bought the car, so I don't know how long the problem has existed.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Mercedes Benz cls 500. The contact stated while in his home, he could smell gasoline fuel leaking from the vehicle while parked in the residential garage. The contact was unable to locate a fuel leak and took the vehicle to the dealer for inspection. The dealer advised the contact that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 48,000.... Updated 08/15/12 updated 08/16/2012
Fuel pump leaks and vapor smell is very prevalent. Fuel tank assembly has been ordered, but apparently Mercedes is very slow on shipping the parts because there are so many cars with this same problem. Besides the smell, I think this could be dangerous. I have always been told that where there are fumes an explosion is possible.I have been told that parts have to come from Germany since no one in the states has them. Mercedes should be ashamed and held to a higher standard.
The car gas sensor was not working. Vehicle stalled in the middle of busy intersection gas tank read that there was 1/4 tank. Could have caused a major collision. Problem with the fuel system, tank and sensors. This is the 3rd time. Fuel module not working correctly. All repairs have been done through Mercedes dealership. This problem needs to be looked at I could have been killed. The system was replaced by Mercedes twice. On going smell of gasoline.
After filling my car, I started smelling a gas odor coming from the driver side back seat area when I reach home about 2 miles away from the service station where I filled up. I figure the smell would have go away but everytime I drive my car I can be assured to smell that gas odor in the rear driver side passenger area which now is very annoying for a car I paid so much money for. ....
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Mercedes Benz CLS500. The contact stated that fuel was continuously leaking from under the front driver's side seat. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis, who stated that the fuel sending unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 72,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Fuel System complaints in other CLS500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS500?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS500, 37% of the model year's 62 complaints. The component named most often is storage › tank assembly (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS500 fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system 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 fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 79,000 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.