U.S. public vehicle records

Mercedes Benz CLS550 problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

63 owner complaints analyzed

4 distinct recall campaigns

66,500 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2006 to 2009 model years. Data updated: 2026-10-01 (October 1, 2026). 46 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Fuel/Propulsion System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 26 of 63 complaints (41.3%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Fuel system concerns	14	22.2%
Braking behavior	6	9.5%
Electrical and battery issues	6	9.5%
Transmission and shifting	3	4.8%
Engine operation	3	4.8%
Steering behavior	3	4.8%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Fuel/Propulsion System

Fuel System, Gasoline

Suspension

Air Bags

Electrical System

Service Brakes

Engine

Power Train

Fuel/Propulsion System: 26; Fuel System, Gasoline: 8; Suspension: 6; Air Bags: 5; Electrical System: 5; Service Brakes: 5; Engine: 4; Power Train: 4

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000

25,000 to 49,999

50,000 to 74,999

75,000 to 99,999

100,000 to 149,999

150,000 and above

Under 25,000: 5; 25,000 to 49,999: 7; 50,000 to 74,999: 15; 75,000 to 99,999: 8; 100,000 to 149,999: 9; 150,000 and above: 2

50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (15). 17 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2007

2008

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

2026

2007: 1; 2008: 2; 2010: 2; 2011: 1; 2012: 4; 2013: 6; 2014: 9; 2015: 4; 2016: 6; 2017: 8; 2018: 2; 2019: 1; 2020: 4; 2021: 3; 2022: 4; 2023: 2; 2024: 1; 2025: 2; 2026: 1

Pattern summary

Fuel/Propulsion System leads the component reports. Fuel system concerns appears in 14 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 6 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 6 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10400684 · 2011-05-12 (May 12, 2011)

2007 MERCEDES BENZ CLS-550, FUEL SYSTEM LEAK, 24,272 MILES, TOWED TO DEALER, DEALER CLAIMED THAT FUEL SENDER CAP WAS VERY LOOSE, DEALER REPLACED GASKET FOR FUEL SENDER. FOURTEEN DAYS AFTER, REFILLED CAR WITH GASOLINE, HAD A FUEL LEAK AGAIN, DROVE TO LOCAL REPAIR SHOP, MECHANIC FOUND FUEL LEAKING FROM FUEL SENDER HOUSING THE PLASTIC PLUG USED TO MOUNT PRESSURE SENSOR FOR EVAP. SYSTEM, NEEDS REPLACEMENT OF FUEL SENDER. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 24,272 miles reported. Look up ODI 10400684 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10468843 · 2012-08-01 (August 1, 2012)

WHEN II FILL MY GAS TANK I SMELL GAS FUMES IN AND AROUND THE VEHICLE. THE SMELL IS COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. I HAD THE VEHICLE CHECKED BY A MERCEDES MECHANIC WHO IS A FRIEND OF MINE AND HE SAID IT IS THE FUEL SENDING UNIT. HE PULLED OUT MY SEAT AND THEIR WAS A PUDDLE OF GAS ON TOP OF THE UNIT. WHEN I FILL MY TANK TO UNDER 3/4 THERE IS NO SMELL. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE AND APPARENTLY THERE IS AN ON GOING INVESTIGATION BY NHTSA REGARDING THE E SERIES MERCEDES WHICH HAS THIS PROBLEM. THE CLS 550 IS ON THE …

Owner-reported narrative. 28,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10468843 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11437059 · 2021-10-17 (October 17, 2021)

Re 2006 MERCEDES BENZ CLS500_ 211017_114326 On August 9, 2021, my brakes went out on the freeway when trying to dodge debris and other vehicles, when the brakes completely went out and caused me to run over major wood pallet debris, and scared for my.life to get to the far right lane to make it off te exit with no brakes whatsoever. and causing major under-carriage repairs. Rather than hit the cars on each side of me, all I could do at that point was get over lanes with no brakes, and make it off the exit before I killed myself and/or s…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11437059 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11443620 · 2021-12-13 (December 13, 2021)

No notice Brake Failure. Coming up to the corner of my sub-division before making a right turn onto a busy 4 lane road, Stepped on the brakes and nothing happened ! Swerved to the left to avoid hitting a jeep that was stopped in front of me also waiting for traffic to clear enough to make the right turn. My car traveled into the busy road, and its a Miracle I didn't get killed by a truck traveling 50 mph that might have T-boned my car on the driver side door. Car was beeping a loud noise and the instrument panel was lit up in Red with the f…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11443620 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11448635 · 2022-01-24 (January 24, 2022)

The 2006 Mercedes Benz CLS500 was designed with a SBC braking system that uses a microcomputer to monitor the car and driver actions. The system sounds like a milestone achievement in braking technology, unfortunately its prone to failure. The entire system relies on electronics. Before long, wiring in the SBC braking system deteriorates, and suddenly the SBC system no longer functions. What happens is all of a sudden a warning light comes on and this message all in bright red saying, ‘Brake malfunction. Ineffective braking,’” Stepping on t…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11448635 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10451128 · 2012-03-12 (March 12, 2012)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCEDES BENZ S550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, BLACK SMOKE EMITTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND WITHIN SECONDS, THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED BY THE FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND ADVISED THAT THE FIRE APPEARED TO BE ELECTRICAL. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 57,000.

Owner-reported narrative. 57,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10451128 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10299073 · 2010-01-11 (January 11, 2010)

BOUGHT THIS CERTIFIED CLS550 FROM KEYES EUROPEAN MERCEDES IN VAN NUYS,CA ON 11/23/2009 WITH 42000 MILES AS SOON AS I GOT THE CAR HOME I NOTICED THE FAN WAS OVERLY LOUD AND MY TEMPERATURE GAUGE WAS READING 110. CALLED DEALERSHIP THEY SAID FAN MOTOR ON THESE CARS ARE ALL EXTREMELY LOUD AND TEMP. SOUNDED OKAY. TWO WEEKS LATER I WAS DRIVING WHEN I WAS ALERTED TO TURN OFF ENGINE IMMEDIATELY DUE TO CAR SERIOUSLY OVERHEATING. DEALER SAID IT WAS THE THERMOSTAT BAD ON CAR. ALSO BEEN HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE TRANSMISSION SINCE I BOUGHT CAR. KEEP IN MIND I…

Owner-reported narrative. 42,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10299073 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11163610 · 2018-12-27 (December 27, 2018)

DRIVING HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND SUDDENLY VEHICLE JERKED AND LOSSES ALL POWER. ENGINE REVS BUT DOESN'T MOVE. THIS CAN BE A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. TRANSMISSION WENT INTO 'LIMP' MODE AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT LIT. MANY OTHER MERCEDES OWNERS REPORTING SAME PROBLEM WITH THE 722.9 TRANSMISSION VALVEBODY, CONDUCTOR PLATE, AND/OR TCM. THIS SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED AS COUNTLESS OTHER PEOPLE ARE REPORTING THIS SAME ISSUE FOR SEVERAL YEARS NOW.

Owner-reported narrative. 116,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11163610 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10229593 · 2008-06-02 (June 2, 2008)

MY 2007 MERCEDES CLS 550 ENGINE SUDDENLY WENT OFF FOR A FRACTION OF SECOND DURING DRIVING,EVERYTHING WAS LOCKED UP,BRAKE AND STEERING AND I ENDED UP IN A DITCH. ODOMETER OF THE CAR 18,800MILES. LAST MAINTENANCE AT 11,000 MILE AT AMERICAN SERVICE CENTER IN ARLINGTON,VA. FEW DAYS AGO THE CAR SUDDENLY LOST POWER WHILE I MANEUVERED TO PASS A CAR ON A HIGHWAY, THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS WENT ON AND OFF IN A FRACTION OF A SECOND. JUST BEFORE THAT I COULDN'T STAR THE CAR WITH THE KEYLESS AT A GAS STATION, THE CAR THEN STARTED FEW MINUTES LATER. MERDECDE…

Owner-reported narrative. 18,800 miles reported. Look up ODI 10229593 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10246439 · 2008-10-22 (October 22, 2008)

CATASTROPHIC FAILURE WITH SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER AND INABILITY TO PROCEED AT MORE THAN 20 MPH. IT HAS NOW RECURRED TWICE AND VEHICLE FLATBEDDED TO AGENCY. HAS BEEN IN SHOP FOR SIX DAYS WITH NO REPAIR. SERVICE MANAGER DENIES THAT THIS IS THE SECOND FAILURE BECAUSE HIS DIAGNOSTICS WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM THE FIRST TIME. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 5,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10246439 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10851440 · 2016-03-24 (March 24, 2016)

EVERY TIME I FILL UP MY TANK WITH GASOLINE, ONCE I PARK IN THE GARAGE, THE GARAGE IS FILLED WITH STRONG GAS FUMES FROM MY CAR. I CHECKED FOR LEAKS UNDER THE CAR AND FOUND NOTHING. I HAVE TO RAISE THE GARAGE DOOR TO LET THE FUMES OUT, DUE TO GETTING LIGHTHEADED FROM THE FUMES. THE FUMES REMAIN WITH THE CAR FOR 7-10 DAYS. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR THE PAST FOUR YEARS. THIS PROBLEM IS A DANGER TO MY FAMILY'S HEALTH!!!! SURELY, THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM! 2ND ISSUE: I TURNED MY CAR OFF AND THE FAN KEPT RUNNING. I NOTICED THAT THE FAN W…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10851440 at NHTSA ↗

Compare model years

Recalls by model year

All campaigns in the snapshot affecting each model year, including recalls announced years later.

From yearThrough year

Recall campaigns

Shared campaigns appear once in each affected model year.

2006

2007

2008

2009

2006: 1; 2007: 4; 2008: 3; 2009: 3

First model yearSecond model year

Year-by-year records

Mercedes Benz CLS550 model-year comparison
Model year	Complaints	Recalls	Change in recalls
2006	7	1	Not available
2007	35	4	+3
2008	17	3	-1
2009	4	3	0

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

63 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

73.0%Usable mileage46 / 63 records

100.0%Valid incident date63 / 63 records

100.0%Valid filing date63 / 63 records

100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates63 / 63 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	2006	2007	2008	2009
Fuel/Propulsion System	342.9% ODI 11385141 · 70,000 mi SMELLS LIKE GAS INSIDE THE CAR AFTER FILLING UP WITH FUEL. ONLY SMELLS INSIDE THE CAR AND IS VERY STRONG. Look up ODI 11385141 at NHTSA ↗	1748.6% ODI 10468843 · 28,000 mi WHEN II FILL MY GAS TANK I SMELL GAS FUMES IN AND AROUND THE VEHICLE. THE SMELL IS COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. I HAD THE VEHICLE CHECKED BY A MERCEDES MECHANIC WHO IS A FRIEND OF MINE AND HE SAID IT IS THE FUEL SENDING UNIT. HE PULLED OUT MY SEAT AND THEIR WAS A PUDDLE OF GAS ON TOP OF THE UNIT. WHEN I FILL MY TANK TO UNDER 3/4 THERE IS NO SMELL. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE AND APPARENTLY THERE IS AN ON GOING INVESTIGATION BY NHTSA REGARDING THE E SERIES MERCEDES WHICH HAS THIS PROBLEM. THE CLS 550 IS ON THE … Look up ODI 10468843 at NHTSA ↗	529.4% ODI 10484967 · 30,000 mi 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 BEE… Look up ODI 10484967 at NHTSA ↗	125.0% ODI 10616261 · 61,000 mi ON MAY 19, 2014 I PURCHASED A 2009 MERCEDES CLS550 FROM MOSSY FORD DEALERSHIP IN SAN DIEGO, CA WITH A GUARANTEE OF NO CURRENT OR PRE-EXISTING MECHANICAL OR HAZARD ISSUES. DAYS AFTER PURCHASE I NOTICED ACCELERATION ISSUES, STRONG ODOR OF FUEL OR CHEMICALS, ENGINE NOISE AND GAS EFFICIENCY PROBLEMS. I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AND ASKED TO RETURN THE VEHICLE AND ALSO CANCEL THE SALES CONTRACT BUT WAS DENIED. I WAS ASKED TO BRING IN THE VEHICLE AND THE GAS TANK WAS FILLED BY THE DEALERSHIP STATING THAT PROBLEMS WERE LIKELY CAUSED BY LOW FUEL AS THE… Look up ODI 10616261 at NHTSA ↗
Fuel System, Gasoline	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	822.9% ODI 10400684 · 24,272 mi 2007 MERCEDES BENZ CLS-550, FUEL SYSTEM LEAK, 24,272 MILES, TOWED TO DEALER, DEALER CLAIMED THAT FUEL SENDER CAP WAS VERY LOOSE, DEALER REPLACED GASKET FOR FUEL SENDER. FOURTEEN DAYS AFTER, REFILLED CAR WITH GASOLINE, HAD A FUEL LEAK AGAIN, DROVE TO LOCAL REPAIR SHOP, MECHANIC FOUND FUEL LEAKING FROM FUEL SENDER HOUSING THE PLASTIC PLUG USED TO MOUNT PRESSURE SENSOR FOR EVAP. SYSTEM, NEEDS REPLACEMENT OF FUEL SENDER. *TR Look up ODI 10400684 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Suspension	114.3% ODI 11492439 Fuel/propulsion system failed during operation on X-Way. Squeaking noise front suspension. Wheel rims cracking. Replacement key fob not working. Look up ODI 11492439 at NHTSA ↗	25.7% ODI 10463071 · 47,000 mi I WAS DRIVING AND THE CAR SENSOR POPPED AND IT SAID STOP VEHICLE TOO LOW... WHEN STOPPED, I SAW THAT THE RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE LOOKED LIKE IT WAS DROPPED RIGHT OVER THE WHEEL... THE REST OF THE CAR WAS RAISED.. I TRIED EVERYTHING THE MANUAL SAID, NOTHING WORK.. I CAN HEAR A COMPRESSOR WORKING.. I HAVE SEEN MANY A FEW BLOGS ON THE INTERNET WITH PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT SAME ISSUE. MY VEHICLE HAS 47,000 MILES. AND IT SEEMS TO BE RIGHT WHEN THE PROBLEM OCCURS. *TR Look up ODI 10463071 at NHTSA ↗	211.8% ODI 10604985 · 63,500 mi 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 Look up ODI 10604985 at NHTSA ↗	125.0% ODI 10981041 · 100,000 mi THE ISSUES REGARDING THE MERCEDES AIRMATIC SUSPENSION SYSTEM HAVE BEEN WIDELY KNOWN FOR YEARS, AND MERCEDES NEVER MADE AN EFFORT TO MITIGATE THE MERCEDES LOYAL OWNERS EXCESSIVE EXPENSE TO COVER THE REPAIR. IT IS ALSO HARD TO BELIEVE THE DEALER NEVER INFORMED, INSPECTED OR RECOMMENDED REPAIRS TO THE AIRMATIC SYSTEM. IT TOOK BREAKING DOWN OFF THE HIGHWAY WITH MY CHILDREN IN THE CAR TO DISCOVER THIS PROBLEM. THE SUSPENSION FAILED AND THE CAR COULD NOT BE DRIVEN. A A TOW WAS NECESSARY AND A HUGE REPAIR BILL FOLLOWED. Look up ODI 10981041 at NHTSA ↗
Air Bags	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	12.9% ODI 10325591 I HAD A BRAND NEW MERCEDES BENZ 2007 CLCS 550 EXPENSIVE CAR CLOSE TO 80K. WELL I TOOK A RIDE TO MAINE WITH MY FRIEND. GOT STUCK IN TO A SNOW STORM. CAR LOST CONTROL AND GOT TO ACCIDENT CAR WAS FOUND TOTALED, NONE OF THE AIR BAGS WAS DEPLOYED, FRONT,BACK,SIDE NONE OF IT. I WAS BADLY HURT 2-3 MONTHS LATER I HAD TO HAVE SURGERY ON MY SHOULDER I WAS OUT OF WORK FOR A 11/2YRS. MY FRIEND WAS HURT IN HIS GROIN AREA. UNTIL TODAY I HAVE PAIN IN MY WHOLE RIGHT HARM . I HAVE NERVES PROBLEM. AND TAKE PAIN MEDICINES. MERCEDES THINK NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH… Look up ODI 10325591 at NHTSA ↗	317.6% ODI 11014980 · 75,000 mi 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 P… Look up ODI 11014980 at NHTSA ↗	125.0% ODI 11041817 TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCEDES-BENZ CLS550. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE HYDROPLANED AND CRASHED INTO A GUARDRAIL. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE SHOULDERS, NECK, AND BACK. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT REQUIRED; HOWEVER, THERAPY TREATMENTS WERE RECEIVED MONTHS LATER. THE INSURANCE COMPANY TOWED THE VEHICLE WITHOUT AN INVESTIGATION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED ONE TSB, BUT THERE WAS NO MANUFACTURER AIR BAG RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS … Look up ODI 11041817 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	114.3% ODI 11437059 Re 2006 MERCEDES BENZ CLS500_ 211017_114326 On August 9, 2021, my brakes went out on the freeway when trying to dodge debris and other vehicles, when the brakes completely went out and caused me to run over major wood pallet debris, and scared for my.life to get to the far right lane to make it off te exit with no brakes whatsoever. and causing major under-carriage repairs. Rather than hit the cars on each side of me, all I could do at that point was get over lanes with no brakes, and make it off the exit before I killed myself and/or s… Look up ODI 11437059 at NHTSA ↗	12.9% ODI 10451128 · 57,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCEDES BENZ S550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, BLACK SMOKE EMITTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND WITHIN SECONDS, THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED BY THE FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND ADVISED THAT THE FIRE APPEARED TO BE ELECTRICAL. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 57,000. Look up ODI 10451128 at NHTSA ↗	317.6% ODI 11343649 · 95,000 mi 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. … Look up ODI 11343649 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Service Brakes	457.1% ODI 11437059 Re 2006 MERCEDES BENZ CLS500_ 211017_114326 On August 9, 2021, my brakes went out on the freeway when trying to dodge debris and other vehicles, when the brakes completely went out and caused me to run over major wood pallet debris, and scared for my.life to get to the far right lane to make it off te exit with no brakes whatsoever. and causing major under-carriage repairs. Rather than hit the cars on each side of me, all I could do at that point was get over lanes with no brakes, and make it off the exit before I killed myself and/or s… Look up ODI 11437059 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	15.9% ODI 10937133 · 80,000 mi PARKING BRAKE INOPERATIVE AND A YELLOW PARK TRIANGLE WARNING AT LEFT CORNER OF THE DASHBOARD DISPLAY. Look up ODI 10937133 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Engine	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	12.9% ODI 10851440 EVERY TIME I FILL UP MY TANK WITH GASOLINE, ONCE I PARK IN THE GARAGE, THE GARAGE IS FILLED WITH STRONG GAS FUMES FROM MY CAR. I CHECKED FOR LEAKS UNDER THE CAR AND FOUND NOTHING. I HAVE TO RAISE THE GARAGE DOOR TO LET THE FUMES OUT, DUE TO GETTING LIGHTHEADED FROM THE FUMES. THE FUMES REMAIN WITH THE CAR FOR 7-10 DAYS. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR THE PAST FOUR YEARS. THIS PROBLEM IS A DANGER TO MY FAMILY'S HEALTH!!!! SURELY, THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM! 2ND ISSUE: I TURNED MY CAR OFF AND THE FAN KEPT RUNNING. I NOTICED THAT THE FAN W… Look up ODI 10851440 at NHTSA ↗	211.8% ODI 10935341 · 65,000 mi 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. *T… Look up ODI 10935341 at NHTSA ↗	125.0% ODI 10616261 · 61,000 mi ON MAY 19, 2014 I PURCHASED A 2009 MERCEDES CLS550 FROM MOSSY FORD DEALERSHIP IN SAN DIEGO, CA WITH A GUARANTEE OF NO CURRENT OR PRE-EXISTING MECHANICAL OR HAZARD ISSUES. DAYS AFTER PURCHASE I NOTICED ACCELERATION ISSUES, STRONG ODOR OF FUEL OR CHEMICALS, ENGINE NOISE AND GAS EFFICIENCY PROBLEMS. I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AND ASKED TO RETURN THE VEHICLE AND ALSO CANCEL THE SALES CONTRACT BUT WAS DENIED. I WAS ASKED TO BRING IN THE VEHICLE AND THE GAS TANK WAS FILLED BY THE DEALERSHIP STATING THAT PROBLEMS WERE LIKELY CAUSED BY LOW FUEL AS THE… Look up ODI 10616261 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	25.7% ODI 11163610 · 116,000 mi DRIVING HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND SUDDENLY VEHICLE JERKED AND LOSSES ALL POWER. ENGINE REVS BUT DOESN'T MOVE. THIS CAN BE A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. TRANSMISSION WENT INTO 'LIMP' MODE AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT LIT. MANY OTHER MERCEDES OWNERS REPORTING SAME PROBLEM WITH THE 722.9 TRANSMISSION VALVEBODY, CONDUCTOR PLATE, AND/OR TCM. THIS SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED AS COUNTLESS OTHER PEOPLE ARE REPORTING THIS SAME ISSUE FOR SEVERAL YEARS NOW. Look up ODI 11163610 at NHTSA ↗	15.9% ODI 11591644 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 re… Look up ODI 11591644 at NHTSA ↗	125.0% ODI 10616261 · 61,000 mi ON MAY 19, 2014 I PURCHASED A 2009 MERCEDES CLS550 FROM MOSSY FORD DEALERSHIP IN SAN DIEGO, CA WITH A GUARANTEE OF NO CURRENT OR PRE-EXISTING MECHANICAL OR HAZARD ISSUES. DAYS AFTER PURCHASE I NOTICED ACCELERATION ISSUES, STRONG ODOR OF FUEL OR CHEMICALS, ENGINE NOISE AND GAS EFFICIENCY PROBLEMS. I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AND ASKED TO RETURN THE VEHICLE AND ALSO CANCEL THE SALES CONTRACT BUT WAS DENIED. I WAS ASKED TO BRING IN THE VEHICLE AND THE GAS TANK WAS FILLED BY THE DEALERSHIP STATING THAT PROBLEMS WERE LIKELY CAUSED BY LOW FUEL AS THE… Look up ODI 10616261 at NHTSA ↗

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
Fuel/Propulsion System	49,183–90,250 mi	59,850 mi	20	ODI 11385141 · 70,000 mi SMELLS LIKE GAS INSIDE THE CAR AFTER FILLING UP WITH FUEL. ONLY SMELLS INSIDE THE CAR AND IS VERY STRONG. Look up ODI 11385141 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10468843 · 28,000 mi WHEN II FILL MY GAS TANK I SMELL GAS FUMES IN AND AROUND THE VEHICLE. THE SMELL IS COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. I HAD THE VEHICLE CHECKED BY A MERCEDES MECHANIC WHO IS A FRIEND OF MINE AND HE SAID IT IS THE FUEL SENDING UNIT. HE PULLED OUT MY SEAT AND THEIR WAS A PUDDLE OF GAS ON TOP OF THE UNIT. WHEN I FILL MY TANK TO UNDER 3/4 THERE IS NO SMELL. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE AND APPARENTLY THERE IS AN ON GOING INVESTIGATION BY NHTSA REGARDING THE E SERIES MERCEDES WHICH HAS THIS PROBLEM. THE CLS 550 IS ON THE … Look up ODI 10468843 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10499826 · 57,500 mi STRONG SMELL OF GAS AFTER FILLING UP TANK WHILE PARKED IN GARAGE. SEEMS TO BE COMING FROM REAR DRIVER SIDE OF VEHICLE. PLEASE REFERENCE NHTSA ACTION# PE12001. *TR Look up ODI 10499826 at NHTSA ↗
Fuel System, Gasoline	54,793–73,884 mi	61,455 mi	8	ODI 10400684 · 24,272 mi 2007 MERCEDES BENZ CLS-550, FUEL SYSTEM LEAK, 24,272 MILES, TOWED TO DEALER, DEALER CLAIMED THAT FUEL SENDER CAP WAS VERY LOOSE, DEALER REPLACED GASKET FOR FUEL SENDER. FOURTEEN DAYS AFTER, REFILLED CAR WITH GASOLINE, HAD A FUEL LEAK AGAIN, DROVE TO LOCAL REPAIR SHOP, MECHANIC FOUND FUEL LEAKING FROM FUEL SENDER HOUSING THE PLASTIC PLUG USED TO MOUNT PRESSURE SENSOR FOR EVAP. SYSTEM, NEEDS REPLACEMENT OF FUEL SENDER. TR Look up ODI 10400684 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10499826 · 57,500 mi STRONG SMELL OF GAS AFTER FILLING UP TANK WHILE PARKED IN GARAGE. SEEMS TO BE COMING FROM REAR DRIVER SIDE OF VEHICLE. PLEASE REFERENCE NHTSA ACTION# PE12001. TR Look up ODI 10499826 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10515297 · 61,585 mi CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. READS P0456 EVAP SMALL LEAK DETECTED. AFTER FILLING GAS TANK FULL OR ANYTHING OVER 3/4 FULL. STRONG GAS FUMES SMELL INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF CAR. CHECKED TOP OF FUEL PUMP UNDER REAR DRIVER'S SEAT. FUEL WAS PUDDLED ON TOP OF THIS UNIT. (I HAVE PICTURES IF NEEDED) REPLACED FUEL PUMP SEAL RING AND GAS CAP WITH NEW PARTS. PROBLEM HAS CAME BACK WITH MORE CHECK ENGINE CODES AND STRONG GAS SMELL/FUMES INSIDE CAR. I BELIEVE E-CLASS 03-06 HAVE SAME SAFETY ISSUES, AND HOPE MY 07 CLS550 WILL BE INCLUDED IN A POSSIBLE RECALL, ETC.… Look up ODI 10515297 at NHTSA ↗
Suspension	63,500–118,000 mi	100,000 mi	5	ODI 10463071 · 47,000 mi I WAS DRIVING AND THE CAR SENSOR POPPED AND IT SAID STOP VEHICLE TOO LOW... WHEN STOPPED, I SAW THAT THE RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE LOOKED LIKE IT WAS DROPPED RIGHT OVER THE WHEEL... THE REST OF THE CAR WAS RAISED.. I TRIED EVERYTHING THE MANUAL SAID, NOTHING WORK.. I CAN HEAR A COMPRESSOR WORKING.. I HAVE SEEN MANY A FEW BLOGS ON THE INTERNET WITH PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT SAME ISSUE. MY VEHICLE HAS 47,000 MILES. AND IT SEEMS TO BE RIGHT WHEN THE PROBLEM OCCURS. TR Look up ODI 10463071 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11390873 · 118,000 mi WHILE DRIVING THE VECHILE LOWERED AND I NOTICED A PUDDLE WHILE IDLE Look up ODI 11390873 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10604985 · 63,500 mi 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 Look up ODI 10604985 at NHTSA ↗
Air Bags	Too few reports for a range	89,995 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 11014980 · 75,000 mi 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 P… Look up ODI 11014980 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11217013 · 89,995 mi 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 Look up ODI 11217013 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11343649 · 95,000 mi 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. … Look up ODI 11343649 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	Too few reports for a range	76,000 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10451128 · 57,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCEDES BENZ S550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, BLACK SMOKE EMITTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND WITHIN SECONDS, THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED BY THE FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND ADVISED THAT THE FIRE APPEARED TO BE ELECTRICAL. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 57,000. Look up ODI 10451128 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11343649 · 95,000 mi 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. … Look up ODI 11343649 at NHTSA ↗
Service Brakes	Too few reports for a range	80,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10937133 · 80,000 mi PARKING BRAKE INOPERATIVE AND A YELLOW PARK TRIANGLE WARNING AT LEFT CORNER OF THE DASHBOARD DISPLAY. Look up ODI 10937133 at NHTSA ↗
Engine	Too few reports for a range	65,000 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 10935341 · 65,000 mi 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. T… Look up ODI 10935341 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11341067 · 100,000 mi 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. Look up ODI 11341067 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10616261 · 61,000 mi ON MAY 19, 2014 I PURCHASED A 2009 MERCEDES CLS550 FROM MOSSY FORD DEALERSHIP IN SAN DIEGO, CA WITH A GUARANTEE OF NO CURRENT OR PRE-EXISTING MECHANICAL OR HAZARD ISSUES. DAYS AFTER PURCHASE I NOTICED ACCELERATION ISSUES, STRONG ODOR OF FUEL OR CHEMICALS, ENGINE NOISE AND GAS EFFICIENCY PROBLEMS. I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AND ASKED TO RETURN THE VEHICLE AND ALSO CANCEL THE SALES CONTRACT BUT WAS DENIED. I WAS ASKED TO BRING IN THE VEHICLE AND THE GAS TANK WAS FILLED BY THE DEALERSHIP STATING THAT PROBLEMS WERE LIKELY CAUSED BY LOW FUEL AS THE… Look up ODI 10616261 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train	Too few reports for a range	61,000 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 11163610 · 116,000 mi DRIVING HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND SUDDENLY VEHICLE JERKED AND LOSSES ALL POWER. ENGINE REVS BUT DOESN'T MOVE. THIS CAN BE A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. TRANSMISSION WENT INTO 'LIMP' MODE AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT LIT. MANY OTHER MERCEDES OWNERS REPORTING SAME PROBLEM WITH THE 722.9 TRANSMISSION VALVEBODY, CONDUCTOR PLATE, AND/OR TCM. THIS SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED AS COUNTLESS OTHER PEOPLE ARE REPORTING THIS SAME ISSUE FOR SEVERAL YEARS NOW. Look up ODI 11163610 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11299919 · 44,600 mi DEFECTIVE INTERNAL SPEED SENSOR DOES NOT SEND SIGNAL TO TCM(TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE) CAUSING LOSS OF POWER WHILE MOVING. THE ONLY WAY TO GET CAR GOING AGAIN IS TO SHUT OFF CAR AND RESTART HOPING IT WILL RESET. IF THIS WERE TO HAPPEN IN CONSTRUCTION ZONE WITH NOWHERE TO PULL OVER, MAY BE DEADLY. Look up ODI 11299919 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10616261 · 61,000 mi ON MAY 19, 2014 I PURCHASED A 2009 MERCEDES CLS550 FROM MOSSY FORD DEALERSHIP IN SAN DIEGO, CA WITH A GUARANTEE OF NO CURRENT OR PRE-EXISTING MECHANICAL OR HAZARD ISSUES. DAYS AFTER PURCHASE I NOTICED ACCELERATION ISSUES, STRONG ODOR OF FUEL OR CHEMICALS, ENGINE NOISE AND GAS EFFICIENCY PROBLEMS. I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AND ASKED TO RETURN THE VEHICLE AND ALSO CANCEL THE SALES CONTRACT BUT WAS DENIED. I WAS ASKED TO BRING IN THE VEHICLE AND THE GAS TANK WAS FILLED BY THE DEALERSHIP STATING THAT PROBLEMS WERE LIKELY CAUSED BY LOW FUEL AS THE… Look up ODI 10616261 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

ComponentPeriod

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples

Monthly complaint and recall timeline
Month	Complaints	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-11	0	24V874000	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	1	None	ODI 11638320 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 inha… Look up ODI 11638320 at NHTSA ↗
2025-02	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	1	None	ODI 11693552 The fuel tank has a leak from a defect in the plastic, and my local Mercedes dealership is unwilling to honor the Warranty Coverage Extension that covered fuel tank components to replace the fuel tank. Look up ODI 11693552 at NHTSA ↗
2025-11	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09	1	None	ODI 11763093 A malfunction of the Sensotronic Brake System (SBC) which is covered under Mercedes campaign 2005110001 was amended to include model year 2006 CLS 500 W219 (my model). While driving the vehicle SBC warning light came on and the vehicle slowed canceling acceleration and braking causing the vehicle to limp while in traffic. This is the second occurrence of this issue the first only causing a loss of acceleration. This incident occurred 6 September 2026 with the first occurring 18 August 2026 Look up ODI 11763093 at NHTSA ↗
2026-10 (partial)	0	None	No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

2008: 0 complaints · 2009: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2008	0	0	0
2009	0	0	0

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2008	17	0	0
2009	4	0	0

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
Component	Fuel/Propulsion System	Fuel System, Gasoline	Suspension	Air Bags	Electrical System	Service Brakes	Engine	Power Train
Fuel/Propulsion System	—	1 ODI 10499826 · 57,500 mi STRONG SMELL OF GAS AFTER FILLING UP TANK WHILE PARKED IN GARAGE. SEEMS TO BE COMING FROM REAR DRIVER SIDE OF VEHICLE. PLEASE REFERENCE NHTSA ACTION# PE12001. *TR Look up ODI 10499826 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 11492439 Fuel/propulsion system failed during operation on X-Way. Squeaking noise front suspension. Wheel rims cracking. Replacement key fob not working. Look up ODI 11492439 at NHTSA ↗	0	1 ODI 11437059 Re 2006 MERCEDES BENZ CLS500_ 211017_114326 On August 9, 2021, my brakes went out on the freeway when trying to dodge debris and other vehicles, when the brakes completely went out and caused me to run over major wood pallet debris, and scared for my.life to get to the far right lane to make it off te exit with no brakes whatsoever. and causing major under-carriage repairs. Rather than hit the cars on each side of me, all I could do at that point was get over lanes with no brakes, and make it off the exit before I killed myself and/or s… Look up ODI 11437059 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 11437059 Re 2006 MERCEDES BENZ CLS500_ 211017_114326 On August 9, 2021, my brakes went out on the freeway when trying to dodge debris and other vehicles, when the brakes completely went out and caused me to run over major wood pallet debris, and scared for my.life to get to the far right lane to make it off te exit with no brakes whatsoever. and causing major under-carriage repairs. Rather than hit the cars on each side of me, all I could do at that point was get over lanes with no brakes, and make it off the exit before I killed myself and/or s… Look up ODI 11437059 at NHTSA ↗	2 ODI 10851440 EVERY TIME I FILL UP MY TANK WITH GASOLINE, ONCE I PARK IN THE GARAGE, THE GARAGE IS FILLED WITH STRONG GAS FUMES FROM MY CAR. I CHECKED FOR LEAKS UNDER THE CAR AND FOUND NOTHING. I HAVE TO RAISE THE GARAGE DOOR TO LET THE FUMES OUT, DUE TO GETTING LIGHTHEADED FROM THE FUMES. THE FUMES REMAIN WITH THE CAR FOR 7-10 DAYS. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR THE PAST FOUR YEARS. THIS PROBLEM IS A DANGER TO MY FAMILY'S HEALTH!!!! SURELY, THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM! 2ND ISSUE: I TURNED MY CAR OFF AND THE FAN KEPT RUNNING. I NOTICED THAT THE FAN W… Look up ODI 10851440 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10616261 · 61,000 mi ON MAY 19, 2014 I PURCHASED A 2009 MERCEDES CLS550 FROM MOSSY FORD DEALERSHIP IN SAN DIEGO, CA WITH A GUARANTEE OF NO CURRENT OR PRE-EXISTING MECHANICAL OR HAZARD ISSUES. DAYS AFTER PURCHASE I NOTICED ACCELERATION ISSUES, STRONG ODOR OF FUEL OR CHEMICALS, ENGINE NOISE AND GAS EFFICIENCY PROBLEMS. I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AND ASKED TO RETURN THE VEHICLE AND ALSO CANCEL THE SALES CONTRACT BUT WAS DENIED. I WAS ASKED TO BRING IN THE VEHICLE AND THE GAS TANK WAS FILLED BY THE DEALERSHIP STATING THAT PROBLEMS WERE LIKELY CAUSED BY LOW FUEL AS THE… Look up ODI 10616261 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10616261 · 61,000 mi ON MAY 19, 2014 I PURCHASED A 2009 MERCEDES CLS550 FROM MOSSY FORD DEALERSHIP IN SAN DIEGO, CA WITH A GUARANTEE OF NO CURRENT OR PRE-EXISTING MECHANICAL OR HAZARD ISSUES. DAYS AFTER PURCHASE I NOTICED ACCELERATION ISSUES, STRONG ODOR OF FUEL OR CHEMICALS, ENGINE NOISE AND GAS EFFICIENCY PROBLEMS. I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AND ASKED TO RETURN THE VEHICLE AND ALSO CANCEL THE SALES CONTRACT BUT WAS DENIED. I WAS ASKED TO BRING IN THE VEHICLE AND THE GAS TANK WAS FILLED BY THE DEALERSHIP STATING THAT PROBLEMS WERE LIKELY CAUSED BY LOW FUEL AS THE… Look up ODI 10616261 at NHTSA ↗
Fuel System, Gasoline	1 ODI 10499826 · 57,500 mi STRONG SMELL OF GAS AFTER FILLING UP TANK WHILE PARKED IN GARAGE. SEEMS TO BE COMING FROM REAR DRIVER SIDE OF VEHICLE. PLEASE REFERENCE NHTSA ACTION# PE12001. *TR Look up ODI 10499826 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	0	0	0	0	0
Suspension	1 ODI 11492439 Fuel/propulsion system failed during operation on X-Way. Squeaking noise front suspension. Wheel rims cracking. Replacement key fob not working. Look up ODI 11492439 at NHTSA ↗	0	—	0	0	0	0	0
Air Bags	0	0	0	—	1 ODI 11343649 · 95,000 mi 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. … Look up ODI 11343649 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0
Electrical System	1 ODI 11437059 Re 2006 MERCEDES BENZ CLS500_ 211017_114326 On August 9, 2021, my brakes went out on the freeway when trying to dodge debris and other vehicles, when the brakes completely went out and caused me to run over major wood pallet debris, and scared for my.life to get to the far right lane to make it off te exit with no brakes whatsoever. and causing major under-carriage repairs. Rather than hit the cars on each side of me, all I could do at that point was get over lanes with no brakes, and make it off the exit before I killed myself and/or s… Look up ODI 11437059 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	1 ODI 11343649 · 95,000 mi 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. … Look up ODI 11343649 at NHTSA ↗	—	1 ODI 11437059 Re 2006 MERCEDES BENZ CLS500_ 211017_114326 On August 9, 2021, my brakes went out on the freeway when trying to dodge debris and other vehicles, when the brakes completely went out and caused me to run over major wood pallet debris, and scared for my.life to get to the far right lane to make it off te exit with no brakes whatsoever. and causing major under-carriage repairs. Rather than hit the cars on each side of me, all I could do at that point was get over lanes with no brakes, and make it off the exit before I killed myself and/or s… Look up ODI 11437059 at NHTSA ↗	0	0
Service Brakes	1 ODI 11437059 Re 2006 MERCEDES BENZ CLS500_ 211017_114326 On August 9, 2021, my brakes went out on the freeway when trying to dodge debris and other vehicles, when the brakes completely went out and caused me to run over major wood pallet debris, and scared for my.life to get to the far right lane to make it off te exit with no brakes whatsoever. and causing major under-carriage repairs. Rather than hit the cars on each side of me, all I could do at that point was get over lanes with no brakes, and make it off the exit before I killed myself and/or s… Look up ODI 11437059 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	1 ODI 11437059 Re 2006 MERCEDES BENZ CLS500_ 211017_114326 On August 9, 2021, my brakes went out on the freeway when trying to dodge debris and other vehicles, when the brakes completely went out and caused me to run over major wood pallet debris, and scared for my.life to get to the far right lane to make it off te exit with no brakes whatsoever. and causing major under-carriage repairs. Rather than hit the cars on each side of me, all I could do at that point was get over lanes with no brakes, and make it off the exit before I killed myself and/or s… Look up ODI 11437059 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	0
Engine	2 ODI 10851440 EVERY TIME I FILL UP MY TANK WITH GASOLINE, ONCE I PARK IN THE GARAGE, THE GARAGE IS FILLED WITH STRONG GAS FUMES FROM MY CAR. I CHECKED FOR LEAKS UNDER THE CAR AND FOUND NOTHING. I HAVE TO RAISE THE GARAGE DOOR TO LET THE FUMES OUT, DUE TO GETTING LIGHTHEADED FROM THE FUMES. THE FUMES REMAIN WITH THE CAR FOR 7-10 DAYS. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR THE PAST FOUR YEARS. THIS PROBLEM IS A DANGER TO MY FAMILY'S HEALTH!!!! SURELY, THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM! 2ND ISSUE: I TURNED MY CAR OFF AND THE FAN KEPT RUNNING. I NOTICED THAT THE FAN W… Look up ODI 10851440 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10616261 · 61,000 mi ON MAY 19, 2014 I PURCHASED A 2009 MERCEDES CLS550 FROM MOSSY FORD DEALERSHIP IN SAN DIEGO, CA WITH A GUARANTEE OF NO CURRENT OR PRE-EXISTING MECHANICAL OR HAZARD ISSUES. DAYS AFTER PURCHASE I NOTICED ACCELERATION ISSUES, STRONG ODOR OF FUEL OR CHEMICALS, ENGINE NOISE AND GAS EFFICIENCY PROBLEMS. I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AND ASKED TO RETURN THE VEHICLE AND ALSO CANCEL THE SALES CONTRACT BUT WAS DENIED. I WAS ASKED TO BRING IN THE VEHICLE AND THE GAS TANK WAS FILLED BY THE DEALERSHIP STATING THAT PROBLEMS WERE LIKELY CAUSED BY LOW FUEL AS THE… Look up ODI 10616261 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0	0	—	1 ODI 10616261 · 61,000 mi ON MAY 19, 2014 I PURCHASED A 2009 MERCEDES CLS550 FROM MOSSY FORD DEALERSHIP IN SAN DIEGO, CA WITH A GUARANTEE OF NO CURRENT OR PRE-EXISTING MECHANICAL OR HAZARD ISSUES. DAYS AFTER PURCHASE I NOTICED ACCELERATION ISSUES, STRONG ODOR OF FUEL OR CHEMICALS, ENGINE NOISE AND GAS EFFICIENCY PROBLEMS. I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AND ASKED TO RETURN THE VEHICLE AND ALSO CANCEL THE SALES CONTRACT BUT WAS DENIED. I WAS ASKED TO BRING IN THE VEHICLE AND THE GAS TANK WAS FILLED BY THE DEALERSHIP STATING THAT PROBLEMS WERE LIKELY CAUSED BY LOW FUEL AS THE… Look up ODI 10616261 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train	1 ODI 10616261 · 61,000 mi ON MAY 19, 2014 I PURCHASED A 2009 MERCEDES CLS550 FROM MOSSY FORD DEALERSHIP IN SAN DIEGO, CA WITH A GUARANTEE OF NO CURRENT OR PRE-EXISTING MECHANICAL OR HAZARD ISSUES. DAYS AFTER PURCHASE I NOTICED ACCELERATION ISSUES, STRONG ODOR OF FUEL OR CHEMICALS, ENGINE NOISE AND GAS EFFICIENCY PROBLEMS. I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AND ASKED TO RETURN THE VEHICLE AND ALSO CANCEL THE SALES CONTRACT BUT WAS DENIED. I WAS ASKED TO BRING IN THE VEHICLE AND THE GAS TANK WAS FILLED BY THE DEALERSHIP STATING THAT PROBLEMS WERE LIKELY CAUSED BY LOW FUEL AS THE… Look up ODI 10616261 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0	0	1 ODI 10616261 · 61,000 mi ON MAY 19, 2014 I PURCHASED A 2009 MERCEDES CLS550 FROM MOSSY FORD DEALERSHIP IN SAN DIEGO, CA WITH A GUARANTEE OF NO CURRENT OR PRE-EXISTING MECHANICAL OR HAZARD ISSUES. DAYS AFTER PURCHASE I NOTICED ACCELERATION ISSUES, STRONG ODOR OF FUEL OR CHEMICALS, ENGINE NOISE AND GAS EFFICIENCY PROBLEMS. I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AND ASKED TO RETURN THE VEHICLE AND ALSO CANCEL THE SALES CONTRACT BUT WAS DENIED. I WAS ASKED TO BRING IN THE VEHICLE AND THE GAS TANK WAS FILLED BY THE DEALERSHIP STATING THAT PROBLEMS WERE LIKELY CAUSED BY LOW FUEL AS THE… Look up ODI 10616261 at NHTSA ↗	—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

Search patterns

6 patterns with matching reports.

Fuel smell or leak mentions

13 mentions · 20.6% of complaints

Median mileage: 57,500 mi (11 usable records).

ODI 10400684 · 24,272 mi

Look up ODI 10400684 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10468843 · 28,000 mi

Look up ODI 10468843 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10499826 · 57,500 mi

STRONG SMELL OF GAS AFTER FILLING UP TANK WHILE PARKED IN GARAGE. SEEMS TO BE COMING FROM REAR DRIVER SIDE OF VEHICLE. PLEASE REFERENCE NHTSA ACTION# PE12001. *TR

Look up ODI 10499826 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

6 mentions · 9.5% of complaints

Median mileage: 100,000 mi (3 usable records).

ODI 11448635

Look up ODI 11448635 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11763093

A malfunction of the Sensotronic Brake System (SBC) which is covered under Mercedes campaign 2005110001 was amended to include model year 2006 CLS 500 W219 (my model). While driving the vehicle SBC warning light came on and the vehicle slowed canceling acceleration and braking causing the vehicle to limp while in traffic. This is the second occurrence of this issue the first only causing a loss of acceleration. This incident occurred 6 September 2026 with the first occurring 18 August 2026

Look up ODI 11763093 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10515297 · 61,585 mi

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. READS P0456 EVAP SMALL LEAK DETECTED. AFTER FILLING GAS TANK FULL OR ANYTHING OVER 3/4 FULL. STRONG GAS FUMES SMELL INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF CAR. CHECKED TOP OF FUEL PUMP UNDER REAR DRIVER'S SEAT. FUEL WAS PUDDLED ON TOP OF THIS UNIT. (I HAVE PICTURES IF NEEDED) REPLACED FUEL PUMP SEAL RING AND GAS CAP WITH NEW PARTS. PROBLEM HAS CAME BACK WITH MORE CHECK ENGINE CODES AND STRONG GAS SMELL/FUMES INSIDE CAR. I BELIEVE E-CLASS 03-06 HAVE SAME SAFETY ISSUES, AND HOPE MY 07 CLS550 WILL BE INCLUDED IN A POSSIBLE RECALL, ETC.…

Look up ODI 10515297 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Stalling or loss of power

3 mentions · 4.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 18,800 mi (3 usable records).

ODI 10229593 · 18,800 mi

Look up ODI 10229593 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10246439 · 5,000 mi

Look up ODI 10246439 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11299919 · 44,600 mi

DEFECTIVE INTERNAL SPEED SENSOR DOES NOT SEND SIGNAL TO TCM(TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE) CAUSING LOSS OF POWER WHILE MOVING. THE ONLY WAY TO GET CAR GOING AGAIN IS TO SHUT OFF CAR AND RESTART HOPING IT WILL RESET. IF THIS WERE TO HAPPEN IN CONSTRUCTION ZONE WITH NOWHERE TO PULL OVER, MAY BE DEADLY.

Look up ODI 11299919 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Hard or delayed shifting

2 mentions · 3.2% of complaints

Median mileage: 79,000 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10299073 · 42,000 mi

Look up ODI 10299073 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11163610 · 116,000 mi

Look up ODI 11163610 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Battery drain and no-start mentions

1 mentions · 1.6% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 10851440

Look up ODI 10851440 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Brake response concerns

1 mentions · 1.6% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 11443620

Look up ODI 11443620 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule