2011 Mercedes-Benz Cl550 problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Power Train (1) · Fuel/Propulsion System (1) · Engine (1)
Safety recalls (1)
Fuel System, Gasoline 2012-12-03 · campaign 12V557000 · 5,800 vehicles
Defect: Mercedes-Benz is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 S400, S550, S550 4Matic, S63 AMG, C300, C300 4Matic, E350, GLK350, GLK350 4Matic, CL550 4Matic, and CL63 AMG vehicles manufactured from April 18, 2011, through July 12, 2011. Due to an irregularity stemming from the molding process of the fuel filter flange, the fuel filter flange may crack when operated in high temperatures.
Risk: If the fuel filter flange cracks, it will leak fuel which may lead to a fire if an external ignition source is present.
Fix: Mercedes-Benz will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel filter, free of charge. The recall campaign is expected to begin in February 2013. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
Service bulletins (61)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Service Brakes 2026-09-22 · LI42.10-P-078779 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60mph. note: although the symptom is similar to a tire or wheel vibration, it is usually readily noticeable that it is distinctly different if it happens at all times or only while braking. cause although the cause of the vibra
Structure:body 2026-09-14 · LI82.62-P-078631 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. cause under analysis. remedy to narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • if the noise continues to occur even with the door trim removed, then continue the diagnosis working towards the speaker and if necessary,
Structure:body 2026-08-06 · LI82.62-P-078631 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. cause under analysis. remedy to narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • if the noise continues to occur even with the door trim removed, then continue the diagnosis working towards the speaker and if necessary,
Power Train 2026-07-14 · LI35.30-P-058566 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). the noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. note: sound file in attachment cause if the complaint is eliminated by experimentally loosening the outboard collar n
Visibility/Wiper 2026-05-19 · LI82.30-P-059239 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint there are several types of complaint about noises or poor windshield wiper wiping performance: a: wiper blades squeaking, chattering, shuddering b: the windshield is not wiped completely (streaking) c: during the downward movement water is pulled back onto the windshield from the a-pillar
Exterior Lighting 2026-04-16 · LI82.10-P-078301 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged. cause fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. it does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. if a pressure compensation diaphragm is fitted in the housing cover, then the l
Showing the 6 most recent of 61 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2023-10-21 · Unknown Or Other · 🔥 fire“on october 17, 2023, my vehicle experienced a significant issue—a fire incident—while i was leaving the garage of my house. according to the fire department & my insurance adjuster, it appeared that electrical components started the fire. separately, on june 22, 2023, i was stuck inside the vehicle as i could not open the doors of the car. the ba…”
2022-12-01 · Unknown Or Other“my back up just stops producing an image. i can restart the car and it might or might not come back on. for the most part the camera is on but i’ve been reading on all the mb forums this is a very common issue, with these w216 and also it’s sister car, the w221. the problem is, these were extremely low production vehicles and i’m sure not many are …”
2022-09-09 · Fuel/Propulsion System“my 2011 mercedes-benz cl550 4matic with 63,335 miles. it has a strong gas smell in the inside. there was a recall pertaining to, "due to the irregularity stemming from the molding process of the fuel filter flange, the filter may crack when operated in high temperatures." i live in california and it has been very hot here. when i put my vin into th…”
2015-03-02 · Engine · 39,000 mi · 🔥 fire“tl* the contact owns a 2011 mercedes benz cl550. after parking the vehicle, it caught fire. the fire initiated in the engine compartment and the contact was able to extinguish the fire. the vehicle was taken to a dealer. the technician was unable to determine what caused the fire. the vehicle had not been repaired. the failure mileage was 39,000. …”
2011-12-29 · Power Train“i was driving on the highway when the speed just dropped from 80 mph to 40 mph and brake lights, of course, did not turn on. because of that, the driver behind me was not warned and almost crashed behind me. it was not only this incident but this happened numerous times and the problem was still not fixed. *kb…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.