The most-reported CLS-Class run is WDDDJ75X86A (2006 builds) with 13 complaints, 6.2× the typical run. Fuel/propulsion system problems make up 27% of reports; 2006 is the worst model year at 4.3 complaints per run; NHTSA lists 36 recall campaigns for CLS-Class model years 2006–2023.
Which build runs owners report most
A production run is the first 11 characters of the VIN: plant, model year, body and engine. The Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class has 106 of them on record. The five runs at the top of this table hold 20% of every CLS-Class complaint on file.
| Production run (VIN 1–11) | Year | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WDDDJ75X86A•••••• | 2006 | — | — | |
| WDDDJ75X76A•••••• | 2006 | — | — | |
| WDDDJ75X46A•••••• | 2006 | — | — | |
| WDDDJ75X16A•••••• | 2006 | 1 | — | |
| WDDDJ75XX6A•••••• | 2006 | — | — | |
| WDDDJ75X56A•••••• | 2006 | — | — | |
| WDDDJ72XX7A•••••• | 2007 | — | — | |
| WDDDJ76X96A•••••• | 2006 | — | — | |
| WDDDJ76X86A•••••• | 2006 | — | — | |
| WDDDJ76X06A•••••• | 2006 | — | — | |
| WDDDJ75X96A•••••• | 2006 | — | — | |
| WDDDJ75X06A•••••• | 2006 | — | — |
Each of the other 94 CLS-Class runs has 4 complaints or fewer. ForCar has checked 45 CLS-Class VINs so far, most often 2016, 2019, 2006 builds; 1 of them belong to one of the 12 runs above.
Which model years to check twice
Complaints per production run, so a year that simply sold more does not top the list. On the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class the gap between build years is 4.3×: a 2006 car draws 4.3 complaints per run, a 2009 one 1.
| Year | Per run | Complaints | Runs | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 | 3 | — | |
| 2019 | 6 | 5 | — | |
| 2015 | 7 | 6 | — | |
| 2014 | 11 | 8 | 1 | |
| 2013 | 4 | 4 | — | |
| 2012 | 23 | 17 | 1 | |
| 2011 | 7 | 7 | — | |
| 2009 | 5 | 5 | 2 | |
| 2008 | 18 | 11 | — | |
| 2007 | 34 | 14 | — | |
| 2006 | 102 | 24 | 2 |
Heaviest year here is 2006 at 4.3 complaints per run; lightest is 2009 at 1. The 2023 line is still collecting reports, so it reads low.
What to inspect on this car
One system accounts for 27% of everything Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class owners report: Fuel/propulsion System, 62 of 222 complaints. Start the pre-purchase inspection there.
| System | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel/propulsion System | — | — | |
| Service Brakes | 1 | — | |
| Fuel System | — | — | |
| Gasoline | — | — | |
| Power Train | 1 | — | |
| Electrical System | — | 1 | |
| Wheels | — | — | |
| Engine | — | 1 |
Recalls to check against your VIN
NHTSA has 36 recall campaigns on the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class; the 6 below cover build years 2006 to 2022. These are for the model and year; whether one is still open on a given car, only that VIN can tell.
| Campaign | Component | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| 22V954000 | Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly | 2006–2011 |
| 24V874000 | Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly | 2006–2011 |
| 19V918000 | Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly | 2006–2011 |
| 21V058000 | Electrical System:software | 2017–2021 |
| 22V733000 | Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery | 2019–2022 |
| 22V365000 | Electrical System:software | 2019–2022 |
22V954000 was opened in 2022 on cars built from 2006: 16 years on the road before the recall.
The CLS-Class against its rivals
The CLS-Class draws 2.1 complaints per production run; the Kia K900 1.9. That is the highest rate of the 2.
| Model | Complaints | Runs | Per run | Involved a crash |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class | 222 | 106 | 2.7% | |
| Kia K900 | 68 | 35 | 1.5% |
How serious were they
Of the 222 reports on the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, 2.7% involved a crash against 5.8% across all vehicles, below the norm.
| Outcome | Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class | All vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints filed | 222 | 1,115,966 |
| Involved a crash | 6 (2.7%) | 64,194 (5.8%) |
| Involved a fire | 2 (0.9%) | 26,974 (2.4%) |
| Injuries reported | 13 | 58,013 |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 2,728 |
Crash-related reports run 53% below the all-vehicle rate.
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How this check works
The file behind this page holds 1,115,966 complaints filed with NHTSA between 1981 and 2026, across 298,921 production runs. The Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class share of that is 222 complaints over 106 runs, 0.02% of everything on record.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check a Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class VIN for free?
Enter the 17 characters above. ForCar matches the first eleven, the production run, against 222 NHTSA complaints from 106 CLS-Class runs and 36 recall campaigns. No account, no card.
Which CLS-Class production run has the most complaints?
WDDDJ75X86A, a 2006 build, with 13 complaints. The typical CLS-Class run has 2.1.
Which CLS-Class years have the most complaints?
Per production run, 2006 is heaviest at 4.3 complaints per run and 2009 lightest at 1.
Does the CLS-Class get more complaints than the Kia K900?
Yes: 2.1 complaints per production run for the CLS-Class against 1.9 for the Kia K900.
How many CLS-Class complaints involve a crash?
2.7% of 222 reports, against 5.8% across all vehicles; 2 involved a fire.
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