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 perfectly still. Updated 12/9/2015
The worst 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Electrical1
- Fuel system1
- Seats1
- Transmission1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical1
- Fuel system1
- Seats1
- Transmission1
Recalls 3
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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 the federal safety agency recall number 22V‑954. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024120001/2/3.
Recall number 24V874000 · Recall details
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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 the federal safety agency recall number 19V‑918. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023010004, 2023010005, and 2023010006.
Recall number 22V954000 · Recall details
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
- What is wrong
- 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:
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 19V918000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 86
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- The warranty on the SBC Hydraulic Unit for MY 2003-2006 Model 211, MY 2006 Model 219, and Model Year...
- In our continuing efforts to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) has...
- Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is...
- Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors
- Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end)
- There are several types of complaint about noises or poor windshield wiper wiping performance: A: Wiper...
- Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged
- Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged
- Headlamps leaking or fogged
- Transmission control unit Y3/8n4 (fully integrated transmission control unit (VGS)) not listed in quick...
What 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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.
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 closing the truck. Apparently, the truck slices the coaxial cable each time you open and close the truck until the cable breaks, stopping the connection of the camera to the viewer. I don't believing this defect in the use of the truck causing the cable to be cut up should be at the consumers expense to fix each time it happens from simply using our trunks. I also have a disability retirement due to injures to my neck and back working as a law enforcement officer, and that back up camera helps to insure safe back ups for people such as myself.
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. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 4,000 and the current mileage was 18,000. Updated 04/25/12*lj the consumer stated when he shifted from reverse to drive, there was a long delay to engage. Updated 05/02/12
Compare the 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS550
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Questions about the 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS550
Is the 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 reliable?
Owners have filed 4 complaints about the 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS550, close to a typical CLS550 model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS550?
Electrical system, with 1 complaint. Next is fuel system (1).
How many recalls does the 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 have?
3 recalls, covering visibility.
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