2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 Problems & Complaints

Few complaintsabout as many complaints as a typical year of the CLS550 at the same age

Owners have filed 4 complaints about the 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is a low number of complaints for a car on sale this long. The most reported problem area is the engine & cooling (1 complaint, typically around 61,000 miles). 3 recalls cover this model year.

4complaints
3recalls
1crashes
0fires
6injuries
0deaths

Most common 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 problems

  • Engine & cooling~61,000 miles
    125%
  • Fuel & propulsion system~61,000 miles
    125%
  • Transmission & drivetrain~61,000 miles
    125%
  • Wheels & tires~68,000 miles
    125%
  • Suspension~100,000 miles
    125%
  • Air bags
    125%

Share of the 4 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Mercedes-Benz CLS550 complaints by model year

200620072008200920102011201220132014201573517414234101
Owner complaints per model year, Mercedes-Benz CLS550. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best CLS550 years: 2006, 2010, 2015. Years to avoid: 2007, 2012. Compare all years →

2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 recalls (3)

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 22V-954 · Dec 23, 2022 · 131,653 vehicles

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and may detach.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 3, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

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.

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS550:

Loss of rear lighting assembly

NHTSA investigation EA13008 · opened Dec 20, 2013 · closed May 12, 2014 · led to recall 14V-177

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of loss of rear lighting in model year (MY) 2008-2011 Mercedes Benz C-Class vehicles.Complainants alleged that one or both rear lighting assemblies fail to illuminate (i.e., all lights housed within the assembly extinguish, including the stop, tail, and turn signal functions) or illuminate dimly.In some reports,…

2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
5.5L 8-cyl7-speed automaticRWD14 / 21 / 16

EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 a good car?

Based on 4 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 CLS550 rates few complaints: about as many complaints as a typical year of the CLS550 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.

What is the most common problem with the 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS550?

The engine & cooling — 1 complaint, 25% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the fuel & propulsion system (1) and transmission & drivetrain (1).

How many recalls does the 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 have?

There are 3 recalls for the 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS550, the most recent from November 19, 2024 (sun/moon roof assembly). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.

What are the best and worst years of the Mercedes-Benz CLS550?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2006, 2010 and 2015. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2007 and 2012. See the full Mercedes-Benz CLS550 years comparison.

At what mileage do 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 68,000 miles; 0% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 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.