2008 MERCEDES-BENZ CLS-Class Problems

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Complaints Reported

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Complaints by Component

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

6 complaints

The failed component of the car was the drivers side fuel transfer pump. After noticing the faint smell of gas in my car i checked under the rear driver side passenger seat. I was shocked to find more than 16 fluid ounces of gas floating freely around the well of the gas pump.the insulation under the rear passenger seat is soaked in gas. I can only imagine what could’ve happened if there was an accident or if someone even sparked a cigarette in my car. Not only is this extremely dangerous, there are negative consequences that result from inhaling gas constantly while driving. Gas contains cancerous properties, people should not be subject to unknowingly driving around a car that is manufactured to the defect of releasing cancerous vapors. Who knows what damage inhaling gas fumes for the past months has done to me or my passengers. In the even that someone were to spark a cigarette in the car it was possible that the car could’ve caught fire. The passengers in the rear right seats would be affected the most, the insulation under their seat is soaked in gas. This problem has possibly been noticed by dealers and identified in a warranty that expired on 4/24/2023. This warranty was issued for fuel tanks and fuel components. I am not sure whether the gas pump was affected but the gas pump alone constitutes a recall. This is a very common problem as well, apparently there are multiple youtube videos demonstrating gas leaks in the back seat. Upon contacting dealer I was informed that they did not know if the gas pump was included in a warranty that expired in 4/24/2023. I would have to pay for an inspection to determine if the gas pump is related to the warranty. In the case that it was related the financial obligation to repair is my burden. The dealer wont inspect the vehicle unless I pay, I have documented photo and video of the gas well and the extent of the leakage. There was no warning or any indication that I was driving around with this dangerous issue.

Jan 24, 2025

LEAKING FUEL AROUND THE FUEL SENDING UNIT UNDER REAR SEAT BEHIND DRIVER, FILLING THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT WITH GASOLINE FUMES, AFTER FILLING THE CAR UP WITH GASOLINE.

Nov 15, 2016

I PULLED INTO A SERVICE STATION TO FILL MY TANK. AFTER ADDING FUEL TO CAPACITY I BEGAN TO SMELL FUEL IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. I ATTRIBUTED THE SMELL TO POSSIBLY SPILLING FUEL ON MYSELF. I DROVE THE VEHICLE TO WORK AND THEN HOME. THE NEXT MORNING I CONTINUED TO SMELL FUEL IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A LEAK IN THE TANK THAT WAS SPLASHING / VENTING INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN SHARED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE CLS. *TR

Jun 21, 2014

ON MARCH 10, 2012 MY WIFE STARTED THE AFOREMENTIONED VEHICLE AND IMMEDIATELY BEGAN TO SMELL GASOLINE FUMES IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. AS SHE EXITED THE PARKING GARAGE, THE TOXIC FUEL SMELL BECAME UNBEARABLE AND SHE IMMEDIATELY TURNED- AROUND, RE-ENTERED THE GARAGE, QUICKLY SHUT OFF THE CAR AND EXITED THE VEHICLE FOR FEAR OF FAINTING AND / OR AN EXPLOSION. THE MB REP EXPLAINED TO US THAT THERE WAS A FAILURE IN THE FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM; WHICH IS ACCESSIBLE UNDER THE BACKSEAT OF THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT; AND THE LEAKAGE CAUSED FUEL TO BE PUMPED INTO THE PASSENGER CABIN AND ACCUMULATE UNDER THE REAR SEAT; THEREBY SATURATING THE INSULATION, CARPET AND REAR SEAT CUSHIONS. THE MECHANICS REPLACED THE FUEL SYSTEM; AND REITERATED THAT THE GASOLINE LEAKED UP INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT (FROM THE FAULTY FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM LOCATED UNDER THE BACK SEAT OF THE VEHICLE), SATURATED THE CARPET, THE FLOOR INSULATION AS WELL AS THE ACTUAL SEAT CUSHIONS. IN OUR OPINION, A CRITICAL VEHICLE DESIGN SAFETY FEATURE (IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION) IS NOT TO PERMIT FUEL TO BE PUMPED INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT; WHICH WOULD INCREASE THE LIKELIHOOD OF AN INTERIOR EXPLOSION, AND AT A MINIMUM IMPAIR THE ABILITY OF THE OCCUPANTS TO SAFELY EXIT THE VEHICLE, BEFORE SUCCUMBING TO TOXIC FUMES. THE DEALER SERVICE REP?S RESPONSE WAS: ?MB HAS DETERMINED THAT THE SAFEST PLACE TO LOCATE THE FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM IS UNDER THE BACK SEAT OF THE VEHICLE?. I IMPLIED THAT HIS RESPONSE WAS NOT ACCEPTABLE. INTERESTINGLY, THE MB DEALER SERVICE REP CALLED US AND SAID MB INC. WOULD COVER THE COST OF THE REPAIR. HOWEVER, REPAIRING THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT DAMAGE AND DEFECTIVE FUEL SYSTEM DOES NOT ALLEVIATE THE CAUSE OF THIS DANGEROUS SITUATION. *TR

Mar 20, 2013

MY CAR HAS A FUEL TANK LEAK AND DEFECTIVE FUEL SENDING UNITS. A FEW DAYS AGO I NOTICED A VERY STRONG FUEL SMELL AFTER FILLING UP MY CAR AT THE GAS STATION. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THAT THE FUEL TANK IS LEAKING AND BOTH FUEL SENDING UNITS NEED TO BE REPLACED. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND THAT MBUSA NEEDS TO CORRECT THE UNDERLYING PROBLEM AND ISSUE A FORMAL SAFETY RECALL. *TR

Feb 05, 2013

+ 1 more complaint for this component

WHEELS

3 complaints

A CAST ALUMINUM WHEEL ON MY 2008 MERCEDES BENZ CLS63 AMG CRACKED DUE TO A CASTING DEFECT. IN THE INSIDE LIP OF THE RIM OF THE WHEEL AT THE OUTER DIAMETER IS A VOID, OR HOLE, THAT WAS CREATED BY A AN AIR BUBBLE THAT WAS ENTRAINED IN THE MOLTEN METAL BUT COULD NOT ESCAPE THE MOLD BEFORE THE METAL SOLIDIFIED. THIS VOID MAKES THE RADIUS OF THE WHEEL AT THAT POINT WEAK AND SUSCEPTIBLE TO CRACKING UNDER NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS. I AM ENTERING THIS COMPLAINT REGARDING THE CASTING DEFECT IN ORDER TO PRESENT INFORMATION THAT PROVES MERCEDES-BENZ MUST REPLACE ONE WHEEL ON MY VEHICLE. THE USA CONSUMER ACTION HANDBOOK CONTACTING NHTSA IS SUGGESTED. THE HANDBOOK MADE ONE THING CLEAR, NHTSA LAW STATES, IF A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS, THE MAKER MUST FIX IT AT NO COST TO YOU, EVEN IF YOUR WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED. TO BE FAIR, I AM ONLY ASKING MERCEDES-BENZ REIMBURSE ME FOR THE UNSAFE WHEEL WITH A REFURBISHED ONE COSTING $450, RATHER THAN A NEW ONE COSTING $1200. HAVE FURTHER SUBSTANTIATION THAT MERCEDES-BENZ WHEELS ARE PRONE TO CRACKING: A STUDY OF NHTSA COMPLAINTS FROM 2000 THROUGH 2011 REVEALS THAT FOR MANUFACTURING DEFECTS IN WHEELS: AUDI HAD 1 COMPLAINT, CADILLAC HAD 2, BMW HAD 14, INCLUDING A RECALL CAMPAIGN FOR DEFECTIVE WHEELS (00V383000) MERCEDES-BENZ HAD 47. MB REPLACED A NUMBER OF THESE WHEELS THAT WERE OUT OF WARRANTY AS DESCRIBED IN NHTSA COMPLAINTS. AS DEFINED IN THE USA CONSUMER ACTION HANDBOOK THIS COMPRISES A WARRANTY, THEREFORE MY WHEEL IS COVERED ALSO. MB HAS A 1 YEAR / 12,000 MILE WARRANTY ON WHEELS. WHEELS ARE NOT COVERED UNDER THE BASIC BUMPER -TO- BUMPER WARRANTY AS ARE BY AUDI, BMW, GM, FORD, CHRYSLER, TOYOTA, HONDA, AND HYUNDAI. IN LIGHT OF ALL OF THIS EVIDENCE, AND THE LAW, PLEASE HAVE MB REIMBURSE ME $450. (MERCEDES-BENZ CUSTOMER SUPPORT, 3 MERCEDES-BENZ DRIVE, MONTVALE, NJ, 07645).

Dec 04, 2013

A MERCEDES-BENZ 2008 CLS63 AMG HAS FOUR OEM CAST ALUMINUM WHEELS WITH LARGE CASTING DEFECTS IN THE FORM OF DEBRIS COLLECTED AT A KNIT LINE AROUND ITS CIRCUMFERENCE. THE OTHER THREE PICTURES SHOW THE KNIT LINE AS WELL AS MOLD DEBRIS. THE DEFORMITY, OR KNIT LINE, IS THE LOCATION WHERE THE TWO MOLD FRONTS MEET WHEN THE MOLD IS FILLED. ONE OF THESE DEFECTS LOOKS LIKE IT GOES ALL OF THE WAY THROUGH THE WHEEL. THIS ONE SHOULD LEAK AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN CAUGHT ON A LEAK TEST. WHEELS ARE SCRAP. THEY HAVE ANOTHER CASTING DEFECT FROM MOISTURE IN MOLTEN AL. WHEN CAST THE WATER BOILS AND OUTGASSES FORMING PITS ON THE SURFACE OF THE PART. THIS CAUSES WEAKNESS. IT SHOULD NOT HAPPEN. THE VEHICLES NOW HAS 53,000 MILES ON IT. THESE DEFECTS CREATE A WEAK SPOT ON THE WHEEL. WITH THE CONSTANT LOADING AND UNLOADING OF FORCE ON THE DEFECT A CRACK HAS DEVELOPED AND ENLARGED BY WAY OF FATIGUE. THE WHEELS HAVE BEEN DEFECTIVE FROM THE TIME OF MANUFACTURE AND HAVE BEEN UNSAFE AND WILL REMAIN UNSAFE AS LONG AS THEY ARE IN USE. THEY CANNOT BE REPAIRED. THEY MUST BE REPLACED. THEREFORE, I HAVE ASKED MBUSA TO RECALL THESE WHEELS AND REPLACE THEM AT MANUFACTURER'S EXPENSE. THEY DENIED RESPONSIBILITY STATING THE WHEELS ARE OUT OF WARRANTY. (WHEELS, IT TURNS OUT, ONLY CARRY A ONE YEAR, 12,000 MILE WARRANTY. THIS TELLS ME THAT MB IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND IS TRYING TO SWEEP IT UNDER THE TABLE.) ACCORDING TO NHTSA COMPLAINT DATABASE ID # 103234408, THE OWNER IS HAVING REPEATED CRACKING PROBLEMS WITH THE IDENTICAL AUTO AT 9,000 MILES, WITHIN WARRANTY, AND MB WILL NOT REPLACE THEM. SINCE THESE DEFECTS ARE CAUSED BY THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS, NEARLY ALL OF THE CAST ALUMINUM WHEELS MADE BY THE SAME METHOD WILL HAVE THESE SAME DEFECTS. (WHAT ARE THE ODDS THAT ALL FOUR WHEELS ON ONE CAR HAVE THIS DEFECT?) *TR

Oct 27, 2013

MY VEHICLE HAD 9,000 MILES ON IT AND IS DRIVEN IN MODERATION. ONE OF THE RIMS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE IT WAS CRACKED - THE OTHER 3 ARE BENT. WITHIN 1,500 MILE, I HAVE LEARNED THAT THE REPLACED RIM IS NOW ALSO BENT. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE VEHICLE'S SAFTEY WHILE DRIVING AT FREEWAY SPEEDS - THE CAR SHAKES. THE MANUFACTURER REFUSES TO REPLACE THE WHEELS STATING NO DEFECTS OR RECALLS HAVE BEEN ISSUED.

Apr 01, 2010

ENGINE

2 complaints

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES-BENZ CLS550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AT START-UP THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED OR INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.

Jul 23, 2020

ENGINE IS MAKINE A TICKING NOISE AND LOSE OF POWER

Dec 08, 2016

AIR BAGS

2 complaints

THE AIRBAGS LOCATED IN THE ROOF JUST DEPLOYED OUT OF NO WHERE WHEN I WAS ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK ONLY THE 2 SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS

May 31, 2019

HAVE GOTTEN AIRBAG CODE B9223. DRIVERS SIDE IGINITION SQUIB RESISTED CENTER IS HIGH R12/9 MESSAGE. TOOK IT TO.LOCAL.MB DEALER AND THEY WANT $1800 TO FIX A AIRBAG PROBLEM, WHICH IS SOMETHING THAT SHOULD BE DEFECT FREE REGARDLESS OF WARRANTY. THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUES WITH MB AND IT HONESTLY SEEMS THAT THIS IS DONE DELIBERATELY TO GENERATE REVENUE BY SELLING SERVICE FOR ALMOST $2000 TO REPLACE A $50 CONNECTOR THEY KNOW IS MANUFACTURED IN A SUBPAR FASHION, EXPECTING IT TO FAIL. MB HAS FAILED MYSELF AND COUNTLESS OTHERS WITH THIS ONE SIMPLE PROBLEM. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL AND THEY SHOULD BE FORCED TO FIX THIS PROBLEM FOR THEIR CUSTOMERS. PEOPLES LIVES ARE AT STEAK.

Aug 14, 2017

SUSPENSION

2 complaints

PLEASE ADVISE OF ANY MERCEDES BENZ RECALLS ON AIR SUSPENSION ISSUE WITH CLS CLASS VEHICLES, IN PARTICULAR, CLS550 MODEL. THERE SEEMS TO BE A RECURRING ISSUE WITH LEAK OR MALFUNCTION WITH HYDRAULIC AIR SUSPENSION CAUSING VEHICLE TO LEAN TO ONE SIDE AND INCUR WARNING OF "STOP VEHICLE IS TOO LOW".

Apr 24, 2017

WHILE APPROACHING INTERSTATE ON RAMP BEGAN TO HEAR A LOUD WHISTLING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL WELL. I PULLED OVER AND FOUND THE LEFT FRONT SUSPENSION BEGINNING TO SINK. THE STRUT LOWER TO A POINT WHERE THE BODY OF THE CAR WAS ONLY 2-3 INCHES ABOVE THE TIRE. WHEN I CHECKED THE DASHBOARD INDICATORS I HAD AN ERROR LIGHT INDICATING THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TOO LOW TO DRIVE. *TR

Jun 21, 2014

POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

I bought a 2008 mercedes cls and have had it for a while now and with no warning it has started making a banging noise while idling. It idles very rough and shakes my car. I'm unable to drive it safely at this point. The engine is also mimicking symptoms of an idler gear/ balance shaft wearing down due to poor building materials from factory allowing movement of the timing chain. Apparently causing the engine to blow. I don't know what to do now. I don't know if it is covered by mercedes. But I know I am not alone on needing this to become a recall...

May 30, 2024

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

I see there was a recall on instrument clusters on my vehicle in 2001. My instrument cluster is completely black and I can’t see speed or any thing at night. You cant replace the bulb or cluster unless mercedes reprogram it which the price is rediculous. I did some research and seen that Mercedes did some recalls for my vehicle but it doesn’t show up. I was told to contact you guys in regards to this.

Sep 28, 2023

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

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

May 22, 2022

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 complaint

MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AFTER ON DAY OF DRIVING HOME FROM A DAY BABYSITTING MY NIECE AND NEPHEW I GOT HOME PARKED MY CAR IN THE GARAGE AND THAT WHOLE NIGHT FROM 11 AT NIGHT UNTILL ABOUT 330 IN THE MORNING THE LOUDEST SOUND I'VE EVER HERD THE EQUIVALENT OF A BOMB DETONATION EXPLOSION WENT OFF AND IM 10 15 FEET AWAY PAINTING MY GARAGE AND NEXT THING I KNOW I LOOK AT MY MERCEDES-BENZ CLS550 2008. ALL THE AIRBAGS IN THE ROOF AND BY THE BACK WINDOW DETONATING! I CANT UNDERSTAND WHY TO THIS DAY THE CAR WAS LOCKED KEYS WHERE IN MY ROOM IN THE HOUSE. AND I HAVE NO IDEA HOW THIS COULD OF HAPPENED. ! PLEASE GET AHOLD OF ME AT YOUR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE BECAUSE THIS IS ABSOLUTELY INSANE SOMETIMES LIKE THIS COULD HAPPEN IN A HIGH END LUXURY CAR. AGAIN IT'S A 2008 MERCEDES-BENZ CLS550. VIN# [XXX]. YOU CAN REACH ME IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS AT [XXX]. OR MY EMAIL [XXX]. THANK-YOU. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY AT ELITE MERCEDES BENZ GETTING LOOKED AT I WILL HAVE THEM SEND ME PHOTOS TO SEND TO IF YOU WOULD LIKE. REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *CC

Aug 06, 2020

TIRES

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES-BENZ CLS550 EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL EXTREMECONTACT SPORT TIRES, SIZE: 245/40/ZR18 (NA). WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE TPMS WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE BLEW OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF STOCKTON (LOCATED AT 10777 TRINITY PKWY, STOCKTON, CA 95219, (209) 944-5511). THE CONTACT REQUESTED THAT THE TIRES BE REPLACED, BUT THE DEALER DECLINED TO ASSIST WITH HAVING THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000 AND THE APPROXIMATE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000.

Aug 30, 2018

SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

PARKING BRAKE INOPERATIVE AND A YELLOW PARK TRIANGLE WARNING AT LEFT CORNER OF THE DASHBOARD DISPLAY.

Dec 22, 2016

STEERING,ENGINE

1 complaint

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. *TR

Dec 14, 2016

4.3/5.0

102 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 2008 MERCEDES-BENZ CLS-Class have?

The 2008 MERCEDES-BENZ CLS-Class currently has 22 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 2008 MERCEDES-BENZ CLS-Class?

The most common problems reported for the 2008 MERCEDES-BENZ CLS-Class are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 2008 MERCEDES-BENZ CLS-Class problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2008 MERCEDES-BENZ CLS-Class comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.