2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class problems
Light NHTSA footprint — 6 owner complaints. Either a clean record or thin data; we'll show what's there.
The 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class has 6 NHTSA owner complaints on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
| Model year | Owner complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 CLS-Class | 110 | 0 |
| 2007 CLS-Class | 40 | 0 |
| 2008 CLS-Class | 22 | 0 |
| 2009 CLS-Class (this page) | 6 | 0 |
| 2010 CLS-Class | 1 | 0 |
| 2011 CLS-Class | 7 | 0 |
| 2012 CLS-Class | 24 | 0 |
Limited NHTSA data — only 6 complaints on file. The score reflects what's reported, but a small sample skews easily.
Only 6 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident reliability call. Could be a clean record or just thin data.
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-benz cls550. While driving 60 MPH, the vehicle hydroplaned and crashed into a guardrail. None of the air bags deployed. A police report was filed. The contact sustained injuries to the shoulders, neck, and back. Medical attention was not…
Airbags did not deploy with crash in 2009 clk 550 Mercedes. Impact was at 50 miles per hour and struck the front drivers side bumper. The bumper was on the ground and the aluminum frame bent. Restrained by seat belt, my daughter's head struck the steering wheel and suffer from…
On may 19, 2014 I purchased a 2009 Mercedes cls550 from mossy Ford dealership in san diego, ca with a guarantee of no current or pre-existing mechanical or hazard issues. Days after purchase I noticed acceleration issues, strong odor of fuel or chemicals, engine noise and gas…
I received a warning on my dashboard that my rear tail light blinker was not functioning correctly. The passenger side blinker was not functioning correctly. Upon testing the hazard lights the blinker was correcting and after restarting the car the light functioned correctly.…
Common questions
Is the 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class reliable?
Limited NHTSA data. Only 6 owner complaints have been filed for the 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, which is not enough for a meaningful reliability score. Active recalls (if any) are listed on this page and remain authoritative — those are verified defects regardless of complaint volume. For a confident reliability read we look for at least 10 owner complaints in the federal database.
Should you avoid the 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class?
Only 6 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident reliability call. Could be a clean record or just thin data. We don't issue a buy/avoid verdict on the 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class without a meaningful complaint sample — doing so off a handful of filings would be guesswork.
What should I check before buying a used 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on the 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class to flag a standout failure pattern. Run the VIN for open recalls — those are free to fix regardless of warranty — get a standard pre-purchase inspection, and ask the seller for service records.
Is the 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class a good used car to buy?
Hard to say from federal data alone — only 6 owner complaints have been filed. Lean on the recall list above, a pre-purchase inspection, and a vehicle-history report on the specific VIN. Our data tells you what the model is known for; a history report tells you what that exact car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class?
No problem area has crossed our reporting threshold yet, which is a good sign for this vehicle.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
Major repair items haven't been flagged often enough on this vehicle to single one out.
How do I check if my Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class?
Hard to say from NHTSA data alone with only 6 complaints on file. A quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. The decision comes down to your specific situation: vehicle cost, miles on it, how long you plan to keep it, and whether you can absorb a $3K–$8K repair without straining cashflow. With limited public data on this vehicle, lean on the recall list above and check owner forums before committing.