MERCEDES CLS Common Problems & Reliability

Based on 2,664 MOT tests from 207 vehicles analysed by VehicleScore. The figures below describe that VehicleScore sample. Recurring issues seen in VehicleScore MOT data are not a claim that every MERCEDES CLS has the same fault.

MERCEDES CLS's have a slightly over average reliability rating of 569/999. The score was calculated from the average of every MERCEDES CLS that has had a registered MOT.

We calculated all of the below figures by getting the score from each vehicle make/model/year/fuel, which are each calculated a score. We then generate the average score, taking into account factors such as mileage and emissions.

MERCEDES CLS (example)

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Fuel Type	Year	Reliability Score	Avg Mileage	Sample Size
Diesel	2017	718/999Very good	93,182 miles	1,679 vehicles
Diesel	2014	629/999Good	83,589 miles	2,216 vehicles
Diesel	2013	586/999Above average	80,502 miles	1,600 vehicles
Diesel	2012	566/999Above average	83,072 miles	826 vehicles
Diesel	2011	526/999Above average	87,007 miles	659 vehicles
Diesel	2008	481/999Average	86,092 miles	719 vehicles
Diesel	2007	477/999Average	84,623 miles	1,067 vehicles

How reliable is the MERCEDES CLS?

Based on 2,664 MOT tests from 207 vehicles analysed by VehicleScore.

Vehicles

207

MOT tests

2,664

Pass rate

82.1%

Median mileage

100,704 mi

Recurring issues seen in VehicleScore MOT data are inspection findings from this sample. They are not a statement that every MERCEDES CLS has the same fault. The median VehicleScore in this sample is 654 out of 999.

Common MERCEDES CLS MOT problems

These groups combine equivalent MOT comments, such as the same tyre note on different corners. Counts are comment occurrences in the sample, not a percentage of cars.

Tyre wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 383 advisory comments and 93 failure comments in this group. Seen as both an advisory and a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record tyres that were worn, damaged, or close to the legal tread depth when the car was inspected.

What to inspect

Check the tread depth and look for uneven wear, cracking, or damage on all four tyres.

Example MOT wording: OFFSIDE REAR TYRE WORN CLOSE TO LEGAL LIMIT/WORN ON EDGE (5.2.3 (E))

Corrosion

VehicleScore MOT data includes 229 advisory comments and 46 failure comments in this group. Seen as both an advisory and a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record corrosion the tester could see on the body or structure. Corrosion already named on a spring, brake, or other component is counted with that component.

What to inspect

Inspect the underside, sills, and subframe for heavy corrosion, especially where an advisory mentions it.

Example MOT wording: OFFSIDE FRONT BRAKE PIPE CORRODED, COVERED IN GREASE OR OTHER MATERIAL (1.1.11 (C))

Brake pad wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 103 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record brake pads that were worn or below the inspection limit.

What to inspect

Ask for recent pad replacement and look at the remaining pad thickness.

Example MOT wording: FRONT BRAKE PAD(S) WEARING THIN (1.1.13 (A) (II))

Oil leak

VehicleScore MOT data includes 70 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record an oil leak noted by the tester. Shock absorber misting is counted as a damper issue, not as an engine oil leak.

What to inspect

Look under the engine for fresh oil, and check the oil level.

Example MOT wording: OIL LEAK, BUT NOT EXCESSIVE (8.4.1 (A) (I))

Coil spring issues

VehicleScore MOT data includes 50 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record coil springs that were corroded, fractured, or otherwise defective. They are counted separately from shock absorbers.

What to inspect

Look for a broken or heavily corroded spring and compare the ride height on both sides.

Example MOT wording: OFFSIDE REAR COIL SPRING FRACTURED OR BROKEN (5.3.1 (B) (I))

Parking brake faults

VehicleScore MOT data includes 14 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record a parking brake that did not hold well enough or had a component defect.

What to inspect

Test that the parking brake holds the car on a slope and releases cleanly.

Example MOT wording: PARKING BRAKE EFFICIENCY BELOW REQUIREMENTS (1.4.2 (A) (I))

MERCEDES CLS MOT reliability by year

A model year is only commented on when VehicleScore has at least 5 vehicles from that year.

Year	Vehicles	MOT tests	Pass rate	Recurring issues seen
2019	10	62	83.9%	Tyre wear, Ball joint wear
2018	8	57	86%	Tyre wear, Shock absorber issues
2017	7	58	84.5%	Tyre wear, Brake disc wear
2016	19	162	87%	Tyre wear, Brake pad wear
2015	23	244	79.5%	Tyre wear, Brake pad wear
2014	17	188	86.7%	Tyre wear, Brake disc wear
2013	27	334	83.5%	Corrosion, Tyre wear
2012	19	251	83.3%	Tyre wear, Corrosion
2011	14	199	81.4%	Tyre wear, Corrosion
2010	11	190	76.8%	Tyre wear, Coil spring issues
2008	7	108	75.9%	Corrosion, Tyre wear
2007	13	250	77.2%	Tyre wear, Corrosion
2006	12	224	83.5%	Tyre wear, Corrosion
2005	12	248	83.9%	Tyre wear, Brake pad wear

What to check when buying a used MERCEDES CLS

This is an inspection checklist based on MOT comments in the VehicleScore sample. It does not mean the car you are looking at has these defects.

Tyre wear. Check the tread depth and look for uneven wear, cracking, or damage on all four tyres.
Corrosion. Inspect the underside, sills, and subframe for heavy corrosion, especially where an advisory mentions it.
Brake pad wear. Ask for recent pad replacement and look at the remaining pad thickness.
Oil leak. Look under the engine for fresh oil, and check the oil level.
Coil spring issues. Look for a broken or heavily corroded spring and compare the ride height on both sides.
Parking brake faults. Test that the parking brake holds the car on a slope and releases cleanly.

Buying a MERCEDES CLS?

Common problems tell you what can affect MERCEDES CLSs generally. VehicleScore can check the history of the actual car you're considering.

Where does this data come from?

VehicleScore analyses MOT histories from vehicles in its own dataset. Sample sizes vary by model, and a small sample is labelled as such. MOT data records roadworthiness and inspection defects. It does not capture every mechanical or electronic problem a car can have, and a comment on one test is not proof that the model has an inherent fault.

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