VehicleVerdict

2008 Mercedes-Benz Cls550 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 22 complaints on file for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Cls550 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

22

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other Cls550 years?

Cls550 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted44 complaints2006: 10 complaints2007: 44 complaints2008: 22 complaints2009: 6 complaints2010: 1 complaints2011: 4 complaints2012: 31 complaints2013: 5 complaints2014: 11 complaints2015: 1 complaints2017: 1 complaints
Cls550 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Cls550 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Mercedes-Benz Cls550 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System523%
Electrical System418%
Airbags314%
Engine29%
Suspension29%
Tires & Wheels15%
Transmission15%
Brakes15%
Lighting15%
Other15%
Steering15%

Does the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Cls550 have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

24V874000Visibility & WipersNovember 19, 2024 · 33,456 units

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.

Consequence

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.

22V954000Visibility & WipersDecember 23, 2022 · 131,653 units

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.

Consequence

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.

19V918000Visibility & WipersDecember 20, 2019 · 747,928 units

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

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · October 8, 2016

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 2, 2023

“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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · May 28, 2019

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · June 21, 2014

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 20, 2020

2008 Mercedes-Benz Cls550 — common questions

Is the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Cls550 reliable?

The record is thin — 22 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2008 Cls550 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (5 complaints), electrical system (4 complaints), airbags (3 complaints).

Does the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Cls550 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Cls550. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Cls550 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Mercedes-Benz Cls550 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Cls550 years to avoid are 2007, 2012, 2014, 2013, 2015, 2017. The cleanest record among Cls550 years belongs to 2010.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.