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2006 Mercedes Benz CLS500

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

Other model years Selected year
Compare all CLS500 years →

Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

49 reports with mileage · 13 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Service Brakes. Review the 21 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 12 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 11 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

3 crash reports0 fire reports2 injury reports

What owners actually said

62 reports
105,000 miles · Sep 13, 2012
Fuel/propulsion System

I FILLED MY GAS TANK AND DROVE HOME, PARKED IN THE GARAGE OVERNIGHT. THE NEXT MORNING I ENTERED THE GARAGE AND WAS OVERWHELMED BY THE SMELL OF RAW GAS. THE GARAGE WAS CLOSED AND IT CONTAINS A HOT WATER HEATER WHICH COULD HAVE EASILY LIT THE GAS FUMES AND STARTED A FIRE OR EXPLOSION. MY 2 KIDS' BEDROOMS ARE ABOVE THE GARAGE. THRO…

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I FILLED MY GAS TANK AND DROVE HOME, PARKED IN THE GARAGE OVERNIGHT. THE NEXT MORNING I ENTERED THE GARAGE AND WAS OVERWHELMED BY THE SMELL OF RAW GAS. THE GARAGE WAS CLOSED AND IT CONTAINS A HOT WATER HEATER WHICH COULD HAVE EASILY LIT THE GAS FUMES AND STARTED A FIRE OR EXPLOSION. MY 2 KIDS' BEDROOMS ARE ABOVE THE GARAGE. THROUGH SOME CHECKING, GASOLINE SEEMS TO BE RUNNING OUT OF THE TOP OF THE GAS TANK WHEN IT IS FULL. IT IS NOT COMING FROM THE FUEL PUMP MODULE SEAL. THIS IS BOTH DANGEROUS AND A POLLUTION AND HEALTH RISK. I JUST BOUGHT THE CAR, SO I DON'T KNOW HOW LONG THE PROBLEM HAS EXISTED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10475312

91,900 miles · Jul 5, 2012
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service Brakes

DRIVING AT STEADY SPEED, TRIED TO BRAKE- BRAKE PEDAL SANK TO THE FLOOR, DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT WHEEL LOCKED UP- NO APPARENT BRAKING ACTUALLY HAPPENED, DESPITE PRESSING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. LOCKING UP OF DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT WHEEL CAUSED TOTAL LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, CAUSING A 360 DEGREE SPIN. CAR MALFUNCTIONED AFTERWARDS, COULD NOT …

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DRIVING AT STEADY SPEED, TRIED TO BRAKE- BRAKE PEDAL SANK TO THE FLOOR, DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT WHEEL LOCKED UP- NO APPARENT BRAKING ACTUALLY HAPPENED, DESPITE PRESSING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. LOCKING UP OF DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT WHEEL CAUSED TOTAL LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, CAUSING A 360 DEGREE SPIN. CAR MALFUNCTIONED AFTERWARDS, COULD NOT DRIVE UNTIL TURNED OFF THE ENGINE AND RESTARTED THE CAR. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS AFTERWARD- NO BRAKE LIGHT, NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, NO ERROR MESSAGE IN THE DASHBOARD RELATING TO BRAKE FAILURE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10464371

48,000 miles · Jun 21, 2012
Air BagsElectrical SystemFuel System, Gasoline

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ CLS 500. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE IN HIS HOME, HE COULD SMELL GASOLINE FUEL LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE PARKED IN THE RESIDENTIAL GARAGE. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE A FUEL LEAK AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE FUEL PUMP …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ CLS 500. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE IN HIS HOME, HE COULD SMELL GASOLINE FUEL LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE PARKED IN THE RESIDENTIAL GARAGE. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE A FUEL LEAK AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000.... UPDATED 08/15/12 *BF UPDATED 08/16/2012 *JS

NHTSA ODI #10462549

64,000 miles · Apr 30, 2012
Wheels

WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 65MPH, I HEARD A LOUD THUMP. IMMEDIATELY EXITED ON THE NEAREST OFF RAMP, THINKING THAT I HAD A FLAT TIRE. I CHECKED AND COULD NOT SEE A VISIBLE HOLE IN THE TIRE. WHEN THE TIRE WAS REMOVED, THE SHOP INDICATED THAT THERE WAS A HUGE RIP ON THE INSIDE OF THE RIM. ME BEING CONFUSED, I ADVISED HIM THAT…

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WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 65MPH, I HEARD A LOUD THUMP. IMMEDIATELY EXITED ON THE NEAREST OFF RAMP, THINKING THAT I HAD A FLAT TIRE. I CHECKED AND COULD NOT SEE A VISIBLE HOLE IN THE TIRE. WHEN THE TIRE WAS REMOVED, THE SHOP INDICATED THAT THERE WAS A HUGE RIP ON THE INSIDE OF THE RIM. ME BEING CONFUSED, I ADVISED HIM THAT I DID NOT HIT A POT HOLE, THE TECHNICIAN INDICATED THAT HE CAN TELL THE WAS THE METAL WAS RIPPED, AND THE TIRE WAS NOT PUNCTURED. I IMMEDIATELY CONTACTED THE DEALER THAT I PURCHASED THE CAR FROM AND NEEDLESS TO SAY THAT THEY WERE NO HELP AT ALL. I HAVE ONLY HAD THE CAR FOR 1 MONTH. *JS

NHTSA ODI #10456902

Mileage unknown · Dec 12, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline

LEAKING FUEL FROM CRACK IN FUEL TANK. SERVICE ADVISOR AT LOCAL MERCEDES BENZ DEALERSHIP STATES CRACK IS FROM SEAL FOUND ON TOP OF TANK. REQUIRED REPLACING OF FUEL TANK AND FUEL PUMP SEALS FUMES FROM FUEL SEEPED INTO VEHICLE AND BACK SEAT CUSHIONS WITH VERY STRONG SMELL OF FUEL. SEATS STILL SMELL LIKE FUEL, THUS CAR WITH SMELL OF…

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LEAKING FUEL FROM CRACK IN FUEL TANK. SERVICE ADVISOR AT LOCAL MERCEDES BENZ DEALERSHIP STATES CRACK IS FROM SEAL FOUND ON TOP OF TANK. REQUIRED REPLACING OF FUEL TANK AND FUEL PUMP SEALS FUMES FROM FUEL SEEPED INTO VEHICLE AND BACK SEAT CUSHIONS WITH VERY STRONG SMELL OF FUEL. SEATS STILL SMELL LIKE FUEL, THUS CAR WITH SMELL OF FUEL. VERY UNCOMFORTABLE WITH BURNING SENSATION TO NOSE. SERVICE ADVISOR STATES THIS IS SECOND INCIDENT WITH CRACKED FUEL TANK THIS YEAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10439428

79,500 miles · Oct 29, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control

I WAS DRIVING DOWN I-10 ON WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8TH, 2010 BETWEEN 5:10 AND 5:15 P.M. AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY CAR TOOK OFF AT SPEEDS OVER 100MPH OUT OF CONTROL. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR ON THE SHOULDER OF THE INTERSTATE AND COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. I WAS HORRIFIED AND COULD NOT BELIEVE WHAT HAD JUST HAPPENED.IT IS A MIRACLE NO O…

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I WAS DRIVING DOWN I-10 ON WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8TH, 2010 BETWEEN 5:10 AND 5:15 P.M. AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY CAR TOOK OFF AT SPEEDS OVER 100MPH OUT OF CONTROL. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR ON THE SHOULDER OF THE INTERSTATE AND COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. I WAS HORRIFIED AND COULD NOT BELIEVE WHAT HAD JUST HAPPENED.IT IS A MIRACLE NO ONE WAS KILLED OR INJURED. MY 14 YEAR OLD SON AND HIS FRIEND WERE IN THE CAR DURING THIS WHOLE ORDEAL. I CALLED MY HUSBAND AND HE ADVISED ME AND THE KIDS TO BE CALM AND TO TURN THE CAR OFF, WHICH I DID. I THEN DESCRIBED TO HIM IN DETAIL WHAT HAD JUST HAPPENED. AFTER ABOUT 60-90 SECONDS LATER, BECAUSE THE HEAT INSIDE THE VEHICLE WAS UNBEARABLE, I TURNED THE CAR BACK ON TO GET SOME AIR. THE CAR THEN VIOLENTLY LEAPT FORWARD WITH THE GEAR SHIFT IN PARK POSITION AND TOOK OFF FOR ANOTHER 50 YARDS. I WAS ABLE TO USE THE BRAKES TO GET THE CAR UNDER CONTROL ONCE AGAIN. AT THIS TIME I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND SCREAMED TO THE BOYS " GET OUT OF THE CAR". AFTER THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP THEIR SERVICE PEOPLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME NIGHTMARE AS I DID. MY CAR ALMOST HIT ANOTHER CAR ON THE LOT WHEN IT ONCE AGAIN LUNGED FORWARD OUT OF CONTROL. THE CAR HAS BEEN "REPAIRED" BUT I WILL NOT PUT MY FAMILY IN IT AGAIN. GOOGLING THIS PROBLEM, I FOUND SEVERAL SIMILAR REPORTS, AND WANTED TO MAKE SURE MINE WAS FILED AS WELL SO MAYBE MERCEDES WILL RECOGNIZE THIS IS A SERIOUS, LIFE THREATENING PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI #10363342

Mileage unknown · Feb 9, 2010
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

BRAKES ON 2006 MBZ CLS 500. REPLACED TWICE WITH BRAND NEW BRAKES FROM MBZ DEALER, DROVE LESS THAN 3000 MILES, BRAKES SQUEAK LIKE A TRAIN THREE WEEKS AFTER EACH INSTALLATION. DEALER WANTS TO WASH THEIR HANDS BY SAYING ITS NORMAL. HOW CAN BRAND NEW BRAKES SQUEAK TWICE AFTER NEW REPLACEMENT AND VERY FEW MILES OF DRIVING? THEY REALL…

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BRAKES ON 2006 MBZ CLS 500. REPLACED TWICE WITH BRAND NEW BRAKES FROM MBZ DEALER, DROVE LESS THAN 3000 MILES, BRAKES SQUEAK LIKE A TRAIN THREE WEEKS AFTER EACH INSTALLATION. DEALER WANTS TO WASH THEIR HANDS BY SAYING ITS NORMAL. HOW CAN BRAND NEW BRAKES SQUEAK TWICE AFTER NEW REPLACEMENT AND VERY FEW MILES OF DRIVING? THEY REALLY NEED A CHECK UP AND RECALL. ITS RIDICULOUS FOR NEW BRAKES TO SQUEAK THAT LOUD, YOU CAN HEAR ME FROM ANOTHER CORNER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10307695

Mileage unknown · Jan 26, 2010
Air BagsVehicle Speed ControlCrash

2006 MERCEDES BENZ CLS500. LAST NIGHT WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT LOCATED IN A COMMERCIAL BUILDING, THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED FORWARD AND HIT THE OFFICE WALL GREATLY DAMAGING THE DRIVER'S FRONT SIDE. I HAD ALREADY EASED UP ON THE GAS PEDAL HARDLY PRESSING THE GAS AS ABOUT TO STOP THE CAR AND PLACE IT IN PARK. I FILED…

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2006 MERCEDES BENZ CLS500. LAST NIGHT WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT LOCATED IN A COMMERCIAL BUILDING, THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED FORWARD AND HIT THE OFFICE WALL GREATLY DAMAGING THE DRIVER'S FRONT SIDE. I HAD ALREADY EASED UP ON THE GAS PEDAL HARDLY PRESSING THE GAS AS ABOUT TO STOP THE CAR AND PLACE IT IN PARK. I FILED THE CLAIM AND KNOW THAT THIS LOOKS LIKE I ACCIDENTALLY PRESSED THE GAS INSTEAD OF THE BRAKE. HOWEVER, THE ACCELERATION WAS ROCKET-SPEED. ONCE I GOT HOME, I REALIZED THE SAME THING HAPPENED A MONTH BACK (JAN - THE WEEK FOLLOWING CHRISTMAS). I WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE WITH THE BACK OF THE AREA WHERE I HAD PARKED COMPLETELY FREE WHEN SUDDENLY THE CAR JOLTED BACK (AGAIN AT WHAT SEEM ROCKET-LIKE SPEED). I APPLIED THE BRAKES AND STOPPED THE CAR. THE CAR IN THE PAST AS JOLTED IN THE PROCESS OF ACCELERATION FEELING LIKE IT IS ALMOST "STUCK." I DID NOT HAVE IT QUESTION THE FIRST INCIDENT FURTHER BECAUSE I HAD NOT BEEN DRIVING THE CAR LONG - IT IS MY HUSBAND'S CAR AND HE NOW HAS A DEMO FROM WORK. ALSO, THE AIR BAGS NEVER CAME OUT ALTHOUGH THE IMPACT WAS HEAVY. I AM VERY CONCERNED - EVEN IF THE CAR CAN BE REPAIRED, I HAVE REPORTED MY CONCERN TO MY INSURER. I COULD HAVE DONE MUCH MORE DAMAGE THAN I HAD DONE AND AM WORRIED NOW THAT IT HAS HAPPENED TWICE. I HAVE EMAILED MERCEDES WAITING FOR THEIR RESPONSE, BUT I FOUND OTHER PEOPLE WITH SIMILAR COMPLAINTS INCLUDING #10206072 THAT IS ALMOST THE SAME CASE AS MINE AND THE SAME YEAR AND MODEL CAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10302307

34,400 miles · May 27, 2009
Electrical SystemPower Train

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ CLS500. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE ENGINE STALLS. THE VEHICLE LOSES ALL POWER, INCLUDING BRAKING AND POWER STEERING. THE VEHICLE GLIDED DOWN INTO A CURB DUE TO THE FAILURE. WHEN SHIFTED INTO PARK, THE VEHICLE RESTARTS NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY COULD…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ CLS500. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE ENGINE STALLS. THE VEHICLE LOSES ALL POWER, INCLUDING BRAKING AND POWER STEERING. THE VEHICLE GLIDED DOWN INTO A CURB DUE TO THE FAILURE. WHEN SHIFTED INTO PARK, THE VEHICLE RESTARTS NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY COULD NOT REPAIR THE FAILURE. OTHER ELECTRICAL ISSUES WERE DISCOVERED, BUT NOT THE CAUSE OF THE STALLING FAILURE. THE VEHICLE ALSO HAS TRANSMISSION FAILURE, IN WHCIH THE CONTACT BELIEVES IS THE CAUSE OF THE STALLING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,400.

NHTSA ODI #10270109

Mileage unknown · Nov 1, 2007
Air BagsVehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury

PULLING INTO PARKING SPACE CAR ACCELERATED AND HIT TREE. AIR BAGS DID NOT INFLATE AND SATELLITE DID NOT NOTIFY POLICE. COULD NOT STOP VEHICLE. MYSELF AND 2 OTHER PEOPLE WERE INJURED. SIMILAR SITUATION HAPPENED EARLIER THIS YEAR WHEN VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP, STRUCK CAR IN FRONT OF ME, AIR BAGS DID NOT INFLATE AND SATELLITE DID…

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PULLING INTO PARKING SPACE CAR ACCELERATED AND HIT TREE. AIR BAGS DID NOT INFLATE AND SATELLITE DID NOT NOTIFY POLICE. COULD NOT STOP VEHICLE. MYSELF AND 2 OTHER PEOPLE WERE INJURED. SIMILAR SITUATION HAPPENED EARLIER THIS YEAR WHEN VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP, STRUCK CAR IN FRONT OF ME, AIR BAGS DID NOT INFLATE AND SATELLITE DID NOT NOTIFY POLICE. IN BOTH INSTANCES THERE WAS EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE, THE MOST RECENT OVER $20,000. THE CAR IS STILL IN REPAIR SHOP 4 WEEKS AFTER ACCIDENT. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR BECAUSE I AM FEARFUL THE SAME THING WILL HAPPEN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10207663

Official recalls

3

24V874000 · Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly

Nov 19, 2024

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 & remedy

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.

21V196000 · Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly

Mar 19, 2021

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2006-2007 C350, C230, C280, CLK350, E320CDI, E350 Wagon, E350, 2006 C55 AMG, CLK500, CLS500, CLS55 AMG, E500 Wagon, E500, E55 AMG, 2007 CLK550, CLS550, CLS63 AMG, E550, E63 AMG, and E63 Wagon AMG vehicles. The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame may deteriorate, possibly causing the glass panel to detach from the vehicle.

Consequence & remedy

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. Owner letters were mailed May 7, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of recall number 19V-918. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021040012.

19V918000 · Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly

Dec 20, 2019

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 & remedy

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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.