2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS550

Routine

Owners filed 17 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the fuel/propulsion system. It has been recalled 3 times.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Fuel/Propulsion System5
000
Air Bags3
000
Suspension2
000
Electrical System2
000
Tires1
000
Steering1
000
Service Brakes1
000
Power Train1
000
Engine1
000

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly24V874000
Filed Nov 19, 202433,456 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc

Defect. 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.

Risk. A detached sunroof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

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. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall number 22V-954. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024120001/2/3.

Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly22V954000
Filed Dec 23, 2022131,653 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc

Defect. 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.

Risk. A detached sunroof panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

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. This recall expands NHTSA recall number 19V-918. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023010004, 2023010005, and 2023010006.

Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly19V918000
Filed Dec 20, 2019747,928 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc.

Defect. 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

Risk. A detached glass panel can separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

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. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020040011.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jan 24, 2025CA

The failed component of the car was the drivers side fuel transfer pump. After noticing the faint smell of gas in my car i checked under the rear driver side passenger seat. I was shocked to find more than 16 fluid ounces of gas floating freely around the well of the gas pump.the insulation under the rear passenger seat is soaked in gas. I can only imagine what could’ve happened if there was an accident or if someone even sparked a cigarette in my car. Not only is this extremely dangerous, there are negative consequences that result from inhaling gas constantly while driving. Gas contains cancerous properties, people should not be subject to unknowingly driving around a car that is manufactured to the defect of releasing cancerous vapors. Who knows what damage inhaling gas fumes for the past months has done to me or my passengers. In the even that someone were to spark a cigarette in the car it was possible that the car could’ve caught fire. The passengers in the rear right seats would be affected the most, the insulation under their seat is soaked in gas. This problem has possibly been noticed by dealers and identified in a warranty that expired on 4/24/2023. This warranty was issued for fuel tanks and fuel components. I am not sure whether the gas pump was affected but the gas pump alone constitutes a recall. This is a very common problem as well, apparently there are multiple youtube videos demonstrating gas leaks in the back seat. Upon contacting dealer I was informed tha

Power Train
Filed May 30, 2024GA

I bought a 2008 mercedes cls and have had it for a while now and with no warning it has started making a banging noise while idling. It idles very rough and shakes my car. I'm unable to drive it safely at this point. The engine is also mimicking symptoms of an idler gear/ balance shaft wearing down due to poor building materials from factory allowing movement of the timing chain. Apparently causing the engine to blow. I don't know what to do now. I don't know if it is covered by mercedes. But I know I am not alone on needing this to become a recall...

Electrical System
Filed Sep 28, 2023VA

I see there was a recall on instrument clusters on my vehicle in 2001. My instrument cluster is completely black and I can’t see speed or any thing at night. You cant replace the bulb or cluster unless mercedes reprogram it which the price is rediculous. I did some research and seen that Mercedes did some recalls for my vehicle but it doesn’t show up. I was told to contact you guys in regards to this.

Electrical System
Filed May 22, 2022GA

My doors will open without the keyfob being in close proximity to the vehicle. My car has been stolen d/t this feature. Also the electrical lighting system malfunctions causing dimmer lights especially when driving at night

Air Bags
Filed Aug 6, 202095,000 milesMO

MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AFTER ON DAY OF DRIVING HOME FROM A DAY BABYSITTING MY NIECE AND NEPHEW I GOT HOME PARKED MY CAR IN THE GARAGE AND THAT WHOLE NIGHT FROM 11 AT NIGHT UNTILL ABOUT 330 IN THE MORNING THE LOUDEST SOUND I'VE EVER HERD THE EQUIVALENT OF A BOMB DETONATION EXPLOSION WENT OFF AND IM 10 15 FEET AWAY PAINTING MY GARAGE AND NEXT THING I KNOW I LOOK AT MY MERCEDES-BENZ CLS550 2008. ALL THE AIRBAGS IN THE ROOF AND BY THE BACK WINDOW DETONATING! I CANT UNDERSTAND WHY TO THIS DAY THE CAR WAS LOCKED KEYS WHERE IN MY ROOM IN THE HOUSE. AND I HAVE NO IDEA HOW THIS COULD OF HAPPENED. ! PLEASE GET AHOLD OF ME AT YOUR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE BECAUSE THIS IS ABSOLUTELY INSANE SOMETIMES LIKE THIS COULD HAPPEN IN A HIGH END LUXURY CAR. AGAIN IT'S A 2008 MERCEDES-BENZ CLS550. VIN# [XXX]. YOU CAN REACH ME IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS AT [XXX]. OR MY EMAIL [XXX]. THANK-YOU. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY AT ELITE MERCEDES BENZ GETTING LOOKED AT I WILL HAVE THEM SEND ME PHOTOS TO SEND TO IF YOU WOULD LIKE. REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *CC

Engine
Filed Jul 23, 2020100,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES-BENZ CLS550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AT START-UP THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED OR INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.

Air Bags
Filed May 31, 201989,995 milesMO

THE AIRBAGS LOCATED IN THE ROOF JUST DEPLOYED OUT OF NO WHERE WHEN I WAS ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK ONLY THE 2 SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS

Tires
Filed Aug 30, 201898,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES-BENZ CLS550 EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL EXTREMECONTACT SPORT TIRES, SIZE: 245/40/ZR18 (NA). WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE TPMS WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE BLEW OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF STOCKTON (LOCATED AT 10777 TRINITY PKWY, STOCKTON, CA 95219, (209) 944-5511). THE CONTACT REQUESTED THAT THE TIRES BE REPLACED, BUT THE DEALER DECLINED TO ASSIST WITH HAVING THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000 AND THE APPROXIMATE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 14, 201775,000 milesTX

HAVE GOTTEN AIRBAG CODE B9223. DRIVERS SIDE IGINITION SQUIB RESISTED CENTER IS HIGH R12/9 MESSAGE. TOOK IT TO.LOCAL.MB DEALER AND THEY WANT $1800 TO FIX A AIRBAG PROBLEM, WHICH IS SOMETHING THAT SHOULD BE DEFECT FREE REGARDLESS OF WARRANTY. THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUES WITH MB AND IT HONESTLY SEEMS THAT THIS IS DONE DELIBERATELY TO GENERATE REVENUE BY SELLING SERVICE FOR ALMOST $2000 TO REPLACE A $50 CONNECTOR THEY KNOW IS MANUFACTURED IN A SUBPAR FASHION, EXPECTING IT TO FAIL. MB HAS FAILED MYSELF AND COUNTLESS OTHERS WITH THIS ONE SIMPLE PROBLEM. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL AND THEY SHOULD BE FORCED TO FIX THIS PROBLEM FOR THEIR CUSTOMERS. PEOPLES LIVES ARE AT STEAK.

Suspension
Filed Apr 24, 2017230,000 milesTX

PLEASE ADVISE OF ANY MERCEDES BENZ RECALLS ON AIR SUSPENSION ISSUE WITH CLS CLASS VEHICLES, IN PARTICULAR, CLS550 MODEL. THERE SEEMS TO BE A RECURRING ISSUE WITH LEAK OR MALFUNCTION WITH HYDRAULIC AIR SUSPENSION CAUSING VEHICLE TO LEAN TO ONE SIDE AND INCUR WARNING OF "STOP VEHICLE IS TOO LOW".

Service Brakes
Filed Dec 22, 201680,000 milesOR

PARKING BRAKE INOPERATIVE AND A YELLOW PARK TRIANGLE WARNING AT LEFT CORNER OF THE DASHBOARD DISPLAY.

Steering
Filed Dec 14, 201665,000 milesIN

I WAS DRIVING G THROUGH A PARKING LOT WHEN THE SERPENTINE BELT BROKE. NATURALLY, THE CAR BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER BUT MANAGEABLE. AS I ATTEMPTED TO TURN INTO A PARKING SPOT I HEARD A 'POP' UNDER THE HOOD. WHEN THIS OCCURRED, THE WHEEL WENT INTO A FREE SPIN. THERE WAS NO INPUT FROM THE STEERING WHEELS TO THE RACK AND PINION. UPON INVESTIGATION I FOUND THE LOWER STEERING SHAFT BROKEN ABOUT 2 INCHES ABOVE THE RACK SPLINE. THE STEERING SHAFT WAS BROKEN IN TWO. THE INCREASED FORCE REQUIRED TO TURN THE WHEEL WAS TOO MUCH FOR THE SHAFT TO HANDLE. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Nov 15, 2016112,000 milesTX

LEAKING FUEL AROUND THE FUEL SENDING UNIT UNDER REAR SEAT BEHIND DRIVER, FILLING THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT WITH GASOLINE FUMES, AFTER FILLING THE CAR UP WITH GASOLINE.

Suspension
Filed Jun 21, 201463,500 milesVA

WHILE APPROACHING INTERSTATE ON RAMP BEGAN TO HEAR A LOUD WHISTLING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL WELL. I PULLED OVER AND FOUND THE LEFT FRONT SUSPENSION BEGINNING TO SINK. THE STRUT LOWER TO A POINT WHERE THE BODY OF THE CAR WAS ONLY 2-3 INCHES ABOVE THE TIRE. WHEN I CHECKED THE DASHBOARD INDICATORS I HAD AN ERROR LIGHT INDICATING THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TOO LOW TO DRIVE. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 21, 201416,000 milesVA

I PULLED INTO A SERVICE STATION TO FILL MY TANK. AFTER ADDING FUEL TO CAPACITY I BEGAN TO SMELL FUEL IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. I ATTRIBUTED THE SMELL TO POSSIBLY SPILLING FUEL ON MYSELF. I DROVE THE VEHICLE TO WORK AND THEN HOME. THE NEXT MORNING I CONTINUED TO SMELL FUEL IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A LEAK IN THE TANK THAT WAS SPLASHING / VENTING INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN SHARED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE CLS. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 20, 201355,000 milesCA

ON MARCH 10, 2012 MY WIFE STARTED THE AFOREMENTIONED VEHICLE AND IMMEDIATELY BEGAN TO SMELL GASOLINE FUMES IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. AS SHE EXITED THE PARKING GARAGE, THE TOXIC FUEL SMELL BECAME UNBEARABLE AND SHE IMMEDIATELY TURNED- AROUND, RE-ENTERED THE GARAGE, QUICKLY SHUT OFF THE CAR AND EXITED THE VEHICLE FOR FEAR OF FAINTING AND / OR AN EXPLOSION. THE MB REP EXPLAINED TO US THAT THERE WAS A FAILURE IN THE FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM; WHICH IS ACCESSIBLE UNDER THE BACKSEAT OF THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT; AND THE LEAKAGE CAUSED FUEL TO BE PUMPED INTO THE PASSENGER CABIN AND ACCUMULATE UNDER THE REAR SEAT; THEREBY SATURATING THE INSULATION, CARPET AND REAR SEAT CUSHIONS. THE MECHANICS REPLACED THE FUEL SYSTEM; AND REITERATED THAT THE GASOLINE LEAKED UP INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT (FROM THE FAULTY FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM LOCATED UNDER THE BACK SEAT OF THE VEHICLE), SATURATED THE CARPET, THE FLOOR INSULATION AS WELL AS THE ACTUAL SEAT CUSHIONS. IN OUR OPINION, A CRITICAL VEHICLE DESIGN SAFETY FEATURE (IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION) IS NOT TO PERMIT FUEL TO BE PUMPED INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT; WHICH WOULD INCREASE THE LIKELIHOOD OF AN INTERIOR EXPLOSION, AND AT A MINIMUM IMPAIR THE ABILITY OF THE OCCUPANTS TO SAFELY EXIT THE VEHICLE, BEFORE SUCCUMBING TO TOXIC FUMES. THE DEALER SERVICE REP?S RESPONSE WAS: ?MB HAS DETERMINED THAT THE SAFEST PLACE TO LOCATE THE FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM IS UNDER THE BACK SEAT OF THE VEHICLE?. I IMPLIED THAT HIS RESPONSE WAS NOT ACCEPTABLE. INTERESTIN

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Nov 16, 201230,000 milesLA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES-BENZ 550 CLS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FUEL COULD BE SMELLED INSIDE THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING AND WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS SITTING IN PARK. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE TEST RESULTS SHOWED THAT A VENT INSIDE THE FUEL TANK WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT DID NOT HAVE THE VENT REPLACED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THE FAILURE HAD BECOME A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THE PARTICULAR YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL BUT A RECALL HAD NOT BEEN ISSUED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.

17 of 17 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2007
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20180100Routine
20171100Routine
20160100Routine
20151400Routine
201410400Routine
20134300Routine
201223300Routine
20114300Routine
20101300Routine
20094300Routine
2008 — this page17300Routine
200735410Routine
20067100Routine

Compare every CLS550 year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Nov 19, 2024. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.