VehicleVerdict

2011 Mercedes-Benz Cls550 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 4 complaints on file for the 2011 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.

4

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2011 compare to other Cls550 years?

Cls550 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 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, 2011 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Cls550 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 Mercedes-Benz Cls550 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System125%
Fuel System125%
Seats125%
Transmission125%

Does the 2011 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 2011 MERCEDES BENZ CLS 550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD AFTER BEING SHIFTED INTO DRIVE AND DRIVEN OUT OF A DRIVEWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION CODES NEEDED TO BE RESET. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 15, 2011

“SITTING @ RED LIGHT NOT MOVING AND BOTH HEAD RESTS DEPLOYED. HADN'T HIT ANY POT HOLES NOR WAS MY VEHICLE JARRED IN ANY WAY. HAD TO PAY $165 FOR DEALER TO RESET THEM AS IT WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY....UPDATED 09/22/15 *BF THE HEADREST MECHANISM MUST BE DEFECTIVE TO DEPLOY WHILE THE VEHICLE IS SITTING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · July 1, 2015

“I SMELL GAS FUMES IN AND AROUND THE VEHICLE. I AM WORRY BECAUSE THE SMELL IS VERY STRONG WERE THE BABY CAR SEAT IS, HE IS INHALING ALL THAT FUMED.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · January 3, 2015

“TODAY, I WAS INFORMED BUY THE MERCEDES BENZ DEALER SERVICE SPECIALIST AT INTAKE, AT THE ONLY DEALER IN FAYETTEVILLE N.C. 3203 BRAGG BLVD. WHEN TAKING THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE THAT THE REVERSE CAMERA FOR BACKING UP SAFELY, COAXIAL CABLE WAS DAMAGED CAUSING THE CAMERA TO MALFUNCTION DUE TO OPENING AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 17, 2014

2011 Mercedes-Benz Cls550 — common questions

Is the 2011 Mercedes-Benz Cls550 reliable?

The record is thin — 4 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2011 Mercedes-Benz Cls550 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2011 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 2011 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.