repaired · 2026 Q3
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
Risk. A detached sunroof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS550Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 17 owner complaints about the 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS550, most often about the fuel/propulsion system. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 24V-874 the manufacturer reports only 10% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through January 24, 2025. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 has problems
17 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
5Fuel/propulsion system
3Electrical system
3Air bags
2Suspension
2Engine
1Steering
1Tires
1Electronic stability control (ESC)
1Exterior lighting
22 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel/propulsion system | 5 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 3 | 0 |
| Air bags | 3 | 0 |
| Suspension | 2 | 0 |
| Engine | 2 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 1 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 0 |
| 2 other systems | 2 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2025 Q4
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
Risk. A detached sunroof panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2026 Q1
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
Risk. A detached glass panel can separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Mercedes-Benz.
Best & worst years
2008 vs. every other CLS550 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the CLS550 median. How we score
'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS550, and the recalls they led to.
- Loss of rear lighting assemblyLed to recall 14V-177
In owners' words
What CLS550 owners report
Recent fuel/propulsion system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
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.
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…
Own a 2008 CLS550?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.