2006 Mercedes Benz CLS500
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 2 |
| 2006 | 62 |
| 2007 | 2 |
| 2008 | 0 |
| 2009 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
37% of complaints: service brakes — 23 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
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 âSTOPâ displayed on the instrument panel.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240229
19% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 12 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171211
18% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tank assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120621
Also filed under AIR BAGS
8% of complaints: air bags — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES-BENZ CLS500. THE CONTACT REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED FRONT END DAMAGE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180102
2006 MERCEDES BENZ CLS500. LAST NIGHT WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT LOCATED IN A COMMERCIAL BUILDING, THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED FORWARD AND HIT THE OFFICE WALL GREATLY DAMAGING THE DRIVER'S FRONT SIDE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20100126
PULLING INTO PARKING SPACE CAR ACCELERATED AND HIT TREE. AIR BAGS DID NOT INFLATE AND SATELLITE DID NOT NOTIFY POLICE. COULD NOT STOP VEHICLE. MYSELF AND 2 OTHER PEOPLE WERE INJURED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20071101
Also filed under VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
6% of complaints: wheels — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rim.
Show complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 65MPH, I HEARD A LOUD THUMP. IMMEDIATELY EXITED ON THE NEAREST OFF RAMP, THINKING THAT I HAD A FLAT TIRE. I CHECKED AND COULD NOT SEE A VISIBLE HOLE IN THE TIRE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120430
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
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.
Campaign 19V918000 — check if this car was fixed
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2006-2007 C350, C230, C280, CLK350, E320CDI, E350 Wagon, E350, 2006 C55 AMG, CLK500, CLS500, CLS55 AMG, E500 Wagon, E500, E55 AMG, 2007 CLK550, CLS550, CLS63 AMG, E550, E63 AMG, and E63 Wagon...
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the glass panel bonding and replace the sliding roof, as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 7, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Campaign 21V196000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 24V874000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2006 Mercedes Benz CLS500 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (23 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 19V918000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V196000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V874000 (visibility) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2006 Mercedes Benz CLS500 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Mercedes Benz CLS500?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 37% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2006 Mercedes Benz CLS500 have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.