2008 Mercedes Benz CLS550
Only 17 complaints on file — too few 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.
Only 17 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2006 | 6 |
| 2007 | 35 |
| 2008 | 17 |
| 2009 | 4 |
| 2011 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 17 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
5 of 17 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250124
ON MARCH 10, 2012 MY WIFE STARTED THE AFOREMENTIONED VEHICLE AND IMMEDIATELY BEGAN TO SMELL GASOLINE FUMES IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130320
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20121116
3 of 17 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
I see there was a recall on instrument clusters on my vehicle in 2001. My instrument cluster is completely black and I canât see speed or any thing at night.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230928
3 of 17 total reports mention: air bags.
Show complaint excerpts
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
NHTSA ODI report, 20190531
2 of 17 total reports mention: suspension.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140621
2 of 17 total reports mention: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20200723
SAFETY TIMELINE
Loss of rear lighting assembly
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 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. This recall expands NHTSA recall number 19V-918.
Campaign 22V954000 — 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
2008 Mercedes Benz CLS550 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 19V918000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V954000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V874000 (visibility) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2008 Mercedes Benz CLS550 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 2008 Mercedes Benz CLS550?
The most-reported component is fuel/propulsion system, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Mercedes Benz CLS550 have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.