VehicleVerdict

2009 Mercedes-Benz Cls550 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 6 complaints on file for the 2009 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. Complainants reported 16 injuries in total across these filings.

6

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

16

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2009 compare to other Cls550 years?

Cls550 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 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, 2009 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Cls550 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2009 Mercedes-Benz Cls550 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags117%
Engine117%
Fuel System117%
Suspension117%
Tires & Wheels117%
Transmission117%

Does the 2009 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.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCEDES-BENZ CLS550 EQUIPPED WITH SENTRY THUNDER D7 TIRES, SIZE: 275/30/R20. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR TIRES EXHIBITED THREAD SEPARATION. THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT IT WAS DUE TO A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THE TIRES WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · July 20, 2016

“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,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · June 3, 2017 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · April 10, 2017

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 23, 2014

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · May 23, 2014

2009 Mercedes-Benz Cls550 — common questions

Is the 2009 Mercedes-Benz Cls550 reliable?

The record is thin — 6 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2009 Mercedes-Benz Cls550 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2009 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 2009 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.