2008 Mercedes Benz CLS550 problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
17 owner complaints analyzed
3 distinct recall campaigns
80,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2008 model year. Data snapshot: . 13 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Fuel/Propulsion System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 5 of 17 complaints (29.4%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 1 | 5.9% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 1 | 5.9% |
| Steering behavior | 1 | 5.9% |
| Fuel system concerns | 1 | 5.9% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 5 |
| Air Bags | 3 |
| Electrical System | 3 |
| Engine | 2 |
| Suspension | 2 |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 |
| Power Train | 1 |
Fuel/Propulsion System: 5; Air Bags: 3; Electrical System: 3; Engine: 2; Suspension: 2; Electronic Stability Control (Esc): 1; Exterior Lighting: 1; Power Train: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 1 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 1 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 3 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 5 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 2 |
| 150,000 and above | 1 |
Under 25,000: 1; 25,000 to 49,999: 1; 50,000 to 74,999: 3; 75,000 to 99,999: 5; 100,000 to 149,999: 2; 150,000 and above: 1
75,000 to 99,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (5). 4 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 1 |
| 2013 | 1 |
| 2014 | 2 |
| 2016 | 3 |
| 2017 | 2 |
| 2018 | 1 |
| 2019 | 1 |
| 2020 | 2 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 1 |
2012: 1; 2013: 1; 2014: 2; 2016: 3; 2017: 2; 2018: 1; 2019: 1; 2020: 2; 2022: 1; 2023: 1; 2024: 1; 2025: 1
Pattern summary
Fuel/Propulsion System leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 1 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 1 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10937133 · 2016-12-22 (December 22, 2016)
PARKING BRAKE INOPERATIVE AND A YELLOW PARK TRIANGLE WARNING AT LEFT CORNER OF THE DASHBOARD DISPLAY.
Owner-reported narrative. 80,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10937133 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11465666 · 2022-05-22 (May 22, 2022)
My doors will open without the keyfob being in close proximity to the vehicle. My car has been stolen d/t this feature. Also the electrical lighting system malfunctions causing dimmer lights especially when driving at night
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11465666 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10935341 · 2016-12-14 (December 14, 2016)
I WAS DRIVING G THROUGH A PARKING LOT WHEN THE SERPENTINE BELT BROKE. NATURALLY, THE CAR BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER BUT MANAGEABLE. AS I ATTEMPTED TO TURN INTO A PARKING SPOT I HEARD A 'POP' UNDER THE HOOD. WHEN THIS OCCURRED, THE WHEEL WENT INTO A FREE SPIN. THERE WAS NO INPUT FROM THE STEERING WHEELS TO THE RACK AND PINION. UPON INVESTIGATION I FOUND THE LOWER STEERING SHAFT BROKEN ABOUT 2 INCHES ABOVE THE RACK SPLINE. THE STEERING SHAFT WAS BROKEN IN TWO. THE INCREASED FORCE REQUIRED TO TURN THE WHEEL WAS TOO MUCH FOR THE SHAFT TO HANDLE. *T…
Owner-reported narrative. 65,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10935341 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10484967 · 2012-11-16 (November 16, 2012)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES-BENZ 550 CLS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FUEL COULD BE SMELLED INSIDE THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING AND WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS SITTING IN PARK. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE TEST RESULTS SHOWED THAT A VENT INSIDE THE FUEL TANK WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT DID NOT HAVE THE VENT REPLACED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THE FAILURE HAD BECOME A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THE PARTICULAR YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL BUT A RECALL HAD NOT BEE…
Owner-reported narrative. 30,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10484967 at NHTSA ↗