Avoid: 2003 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)
Best: 2013 (few owner reports)
11 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 7 model years, the Mercedes-Benz CL has 66 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 0 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and suspension. 2003 drew the most complaints (20), 2005 the fewest (5).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Mercedes-Benz CL vehicles (US, public record).
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
Highest: 2003 (20 complaints). Lowest: 2005 (5).
Owner sentiment is highly conditional, centered on the significant and well-documented maintenance costs associated with the complex Active Body Control (ABC) hydraulic suspension system.
Includes leaking struts, failing accumulators (spheres), valve block issues, and pump failures. Very expensive to repair, with full system replacement sometimes required.
Attributed to the car's complex technology and luxury status. Electronics, plastic engine bay components, and other wear items are costly.
For 2007+ models (C216 generation, M273 V8), balance shaft sprocket/chain wear leading to potential engine failure is noted as a major issue. For the twin-turbo V12 (M275) and later V8s (M157), cylinder wall scoring and other turbo-related defects are mentioned as known risks.
Optional seats are very expensive to repair when their numerous adjustments fail.
Mentioned as a concern for vehicles in certain climates, particularly underneath the car and around the rear axle.
Owner insights cover all generations of the CL. Individual model years are broken down above.
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