Mercedes-Benz

CLS-Class (C219)

2006-2011 · Midsize Coupe · 4 engines
Best Engine ⚠️ Caution (3.4)
177 NHTSA Complaints
0 Recalls
0 Fire Reports
5 Crash Reports
View all 3 generations of the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class → 📋 Inspection checklist

Engine Reliability Ratings

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Unidentified Engine

⚠️ Caution (3.4)
19 complaints 4.8 per year
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Complaint Breakdown

fuel system
9
brakes
3
safety systems
3
engine
2
cooling
2

Known Issues

Fuel System Issues (9 complaints)
Brakes Issues (3 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (3 complaints)

5.5-V8-Gas

5.5L 8-cyl
⚠️ Caution (3.0)
52 complaints 10.4 per year Gasoline
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5.4-V8-Gas

5.4L 8-cyl / 469 hp
⚠️ Caution (2.4)
32 complaints 32.0 per year Gasoline
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Complaint Breakdown

fuel system
25
wheels tires
4
brakes
2
other
1
electrical
1

Known Issues

Fuel System Issues (25 complaints)
Wheels & Tires Issues (4 complaints)
Brakes Issues (2 complaints)

5.0-V8-Gas

5.0L 8-cyl / 302 hp
⚠️ Caution (2.0)
67 complaints 67.0 per year Gasoline
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Complaint Breakdown

fuel system
26
brakes
24
wheels tires
8
electrical
7
transmission
7

Known Issues

Fuel System Issues (26 complaints)
Brakes Issues (24 complaints)
Wheels & Tires Issues (8 complaints)
Show 2 additional engine variants with limited data
These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints and aren't included in the main ratings above. Low counts can mean a genuinely clean record, but they can also reflect VIN-decode anomalies in NHTSA data. Treat as informational, not as a confident rating.

6.2-V8-Gas

6.2L 8-cyl
Recommended (3.9)
6 complaints 2.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

wheels tires
4
fuel system
1
electrical
1

Known Issues

Wheels & Tires Issues (4 complaints)
Fuel System Issues (1 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (1 complaints)

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class regardless of engine variant.

Fuel System Issues (88 complaints)
fuel_system serious
Brakes Issues (30 complaints)
brakes serious
Wheels & Tires Issues (16 complaints)
wheels_tires cosmetic
Transmission Issues (6 complaints)
transmission moderate
Engine Issues (6 complaints)
engine moderate

Alternatives in Midsize Coupe

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2006-2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class problems?

The 2006-2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class has accumulated 177 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Fuel System, Brakes, Wheels & Tires. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class engine is most reliable?

The 2006-2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class was offered with 6 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 5.5L 8-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2006-2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class a good used car?

The 2006-2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 177 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2006-2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class have?

The 2006-2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class has 177 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2006-2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class?

There are 0 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2006-2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class?

Before buying a used Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Fuel System, Brakes, Wheels & Tires, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

Does the CLS-Class have NHTSA crash test ratings?

NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2006-2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 177 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-07-24.

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