Four-door coupe glamour at E-Class money
The CLS is Mercedes' four-door coupe, sitting between the E-Class and S-Class with sleeker, sportier styling at a premium price. It appeals to buyers who want executive luxury with head-turning design and are willing to sacrifice some rear headroom and boot space for a more dramatic silhouette. It pioneered the four-door coupe segment and remains a prestige choice for style-conscious professionals.
We track 5 known issues across the Mercedes-Benz CLS range, including 1 rated as safety-critical. Knowing which variants and configurations to approach with caution can save you from expensive surprises after purchase.
Found a Mercedes-Benz CLS? Enter the reg to see which of our 5 known issues apply to that exact car, plus full MOT history and mileage checks.
C219 (2003–2010) — Petrol options included the 3.5, 5.0, 5.4, 5.5 AMG, 6.2 AMG, with 3.0 CDI, 3.5 CDI on the diesel side. Our database flags 4 known issues on this generation, 1 of which are rated as safety-critical. The most significant concern is Brake pipe corrosion and failure (£200–£800 to address).
C218 (2011–2018) — Petrol options included the 3.5, 5.5 AMG, with 2.1 CDI, 3.0 CDI on the diesel side. Our database flags 5 known issues on this generation, 1 of which are rated as safety-critical. The most significant concern is Brake pipe corrosion and failure (£200–£800 to address).
C257 (2018–2024) — Petrol options included the 3.0, with 2.0 CDI, 2.9 CDI on the diesel side. Our database flags 3 known issues on this generation, 1 of which are rated as safety-critical. The most significant concern is Brake pipe corrosion and failure (£200–£800 to address).
CLS models show significantly elevated brake pipe corrosion rates, with MOT data showing failure rates up to 8.1x the fleet average. The complex brake line routing around the air suspension components and extensive underfloor piping creates multiple corrosion points. Flexible brake hoses also fail at 28.6x the fleet average rate, particularly affecting diesel variants. This represents a critical safety defect that can lead to complete brake system failure.
Brake pipe failure can cause complete loss of braking on affected circuits. With the CLS using a dual-circuit system, failure of one circuit reduces braking performance by approximately 50% and illuminates the brake warning light. Complete system failure is possible if multiple pipes fail. Emergency repairs require immediate professional attention. Full brake line replacement typically costs £800-£1,500.
Check brake disc condition for lipping or scoring. Test braking at moderate speed for pulling to one side or vibration through the steering wheel. Review MOT advisories for brake-related items.
CLS models experience wheel bearing failure at 20.1x the fleet average rate, affecting all engine variants across the model range. The heavy weight of the CLS combined with its low-profile tyres and large wheel options places excessive loads on the wheel bearings. The complex multi-link suspension design also creates additional stress points. This is particularly prevalent on earlier generations with air suspension variants.
Worn wheel bearings create dangerous handling characteristics and can lead to wheel separation if completely failed. The bearing may seize suddenly, causing loss of control. Replacement typically requires the complete hub assembly and professional installation due to the integrated ABS sensor and complex suspension geometry requiring wheel alignment afterwards.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
The CLS features a complex multi-link rear suspension with numerous bushes and joints that wear at 16x the fleet average rate. The sophisticated suspension design uses many rubber components that deteriorate over time, particularly affecting ride quality and handling precision. Air suspension variants on earlier models have additional complexity with air spring and damper integration issues.
Worn suspension components compromise handling safety and accelerate tyre wear. Multiple components typically require replacement simultaneously due to the interconnected design. Complete suspension refurbishment can cost £2,000-£4,000 depending on variant. The car remains driveable but handling becomes progressively less predictable.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
Second-generation CLS models with electronic parking brake systems show failure rates 14.4x higher than the fleet average. The electronic parking brake actuator motors and associated control modules are prone to failure, particularly on diesel variants. This system replaces the traditional handbrake with electric motors that clamp the rear brake calipers, and when it fails the parking brake becomes completely inoperative.
Complete failure of the parking brake system means the car cannot be secured when parked on slopes, creating a safety hazard. The car may also fail its MOT test. Repair typically requires replacement of the actuator motors and possibly the control module, with costs ranging from £800-£1,500. The car can be driven but parking on inclines becomes dangerous.
Check brake disc condition for lipping or scoring. Test braking at moderate speed for pulling to one side or vibration through the steering wheel. Review MOT advisories for brake-related items.
CLS models show exhaust system failure rates 10.7x higher than the fleet average, particularly affecting performance variants with complex exhaust routing. The sophisticated exhaust systems with multiple silencers and complex pipework are prone to corrosion, especially at joints and mounting points. AMG variants have additional complexity with valve-controlled exhaust systems that can develop mechanical faults.
Exhaust system deterioration causes noise, emissions failures at MOT, and potential carbon monoxide hazards if fumes enter the cabin. Complete exhaust system replacement can cost £800-£2,000 depending on variant complexity. AMG variants with active exhaust systems are particularly expensive to repair due to specialised valve components.
Check for any engine warning lights on the dashboard. Ask about the car's MOT emissions history — repeated failures suggest underlying issues. A pre-purchase diagnostic scan is especially worthwhile to check for stored emissions fault codes.
For the full breakdown of all 5 tracked issues with repair costs, see the Mercedes-Benz CLS common problems page.
Based on 143k real DVSA MOT tests, the Mercedes-Benz CLS fails more often than average on several items. The biggest outlier is any fracture or welding defect on a wheel at 506x the fleet average, followed by parking brake inefficient (64x).
When viewing a specific car, check its MOT history for recurring advisories in these categories. See the full Mercedes-Benz CLS MOT failure breakdown for data at every mileage point.
Routine servicing (oil and filter change every 13k miles) typically costs £120–£180 at an independent garage.
See the full Mercedes-Benz CLS service schedule for every interval and cost breakdown.
The Mercedes-Benz CLS has some well-documented weak points, including 1 safety-critical issue that demand careful checking. The right example, properly maintained, can still be a sound purchase — but cutting corners on the pre-purchase inspection is not advisable. 2015-2017 CLS400/CLS350d models avoided the early AIRMATIC issues and offered refined engines with fewer problems. The 2012-2014 W218 diesels are also dependable. Avoid 2005-2008 first-generation cars with M272 engine balance shaft issues.
Before committing, check the car's full MOT history, verify the service record is complete, and if possible arrange a specialist inspection. Enter any registration into our free report to see the complete picture.
Get Car Wise maintains a database of known mechanical issues for every popular car on UK roads, tracking the faults that owners, specialists and DVSA data reveal.
When you run a report on a specific Mercedes-Benz CLS, we cross-reference the exact variant, engine and age against our database of 5 known issues. Combined with full MOT history analysis, mileage verification and DVLA data, you get a complete picture before viewing.
Enter the registration for MOT history, mileage verification, known faults for that exact variant, and a Get Car Wise Score.
This guide was compiled from independent expert reviews, DVSA MOT data, specialist workshops and our own database of 5 known Mercedes-Benz CLS issues. We are not affiliated with any source listed.