2010 Mercedes-Benz CL550

Owner complaints

Latest complaints

• Feb 22, 2018NY120 mi
  Air bags
  Mercedes has a recall on airbags the defect could cause serious injury or death.. They have put out that statement but they have no available partas to fix it...we bought a gl550 and we can not put on the road because of that recall, we can't have the car registered,,,mercedes IS telling us that…

  Mercedes has a recall on airbags the defect could cause serious injury or death.. They have put out that statement but they have no available partas to fix it...we bought a gl550 and we can not put on the road because of that recall, we can't have the car registered,,,mercedes IS telling us that it could be 6 months or more before they can do anything,,so for now we have 3 tons of metal junk that we spend $22,000 thousands on.. What to do????? Please..

• Mar 23, 2017FL
  Air bags
  Takata airbag recall we have approached both the dealer and mercedes benz. they both state that they can do nothing as this whole recall IS being handled and managed by the nhtsa and they have no power to do anything. the car IS dangerous and needs to be repaired. They do not know when this will…

  Takata airbag recall we have approached both the dealer and mercedes benz. they both state that they can do nothing as this whole recall IS being handled and managed by the nhtsa and they have no power to do anything. the car IS dangerous and needs to be repaired. They do not know when this will be so are asking me and other drivers to bear all risks associated with using this car until the nhtsa, your agency comes up with a solution. as the user I am concerned that if the airbag fails neither nhtsa nor mercedes benz will accept responsibility for my or my passengers injuries and neither the nhtsa nor mercedes benz feel under any obligation to assist in mitigation of this risk. Mercedes benz complains they are unable to sell cars with the defective airbags and this somehow should make me feel they are in the same position as I am. I do not feel this IS anything more than an evasion of responsibility. The car IS dangerous and needs to be fixed or the car needs to be replaced with another until such time as either your organization or mercedes benz can put it in a safe condition. I am sure mercedes benz IS still making and selling cars with safe airbags today yet while this seems to be ok with nhtsa. I thought nhtsa would have ensured the problem cars would be fixed at a faster rate than mercedes benz was permitted to build new cars. IS it a fact that mercedes benz has no power to assist owners? IS it a fact that all decisions affecting my car are made by nhtsa and not by mercedes? IS it true that mercedes has no obligation to provide a safe alternative vehicle until the defective cars are fixed? I look forward to your advice . [xxx] *dl information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6).'*jb

Defect investigations

NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.

• Loss of rear lighting assembly

  EA13008Opened Dec 20, 2013Closed May 12, 2014Recall 14V177000
  The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of loss of rear lighting in model year (MY) 2008-2011 Mercedes Benz C-Class vehicles.Complainants alleged that one or both rear lighting assemblies fail to illuminate (i.e., all lights housed within the assembly extinguish…

  The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of loss of rear lighting in model year (MY) 2008-2011 Mercedes Benz C-Class vehicles.Complainants alleged that one or both rear lighting assemblies fail to illuminate (i.e., all lights housed within the assembly extinguish, including the stop, tail, and turn signal functions) or illuminate dimly.In some reports, complainants also alleged that the failure was accompanied by a burning smell emanating from the trunk of the vehicle.When examined, these vehicles showed evidence of overheating at the lighting assembly harness connector, including damaged (blackened) wiring and plastic.The rear lighting failures typically involved one side of the vehicle however in some cases both assemblies failed (although probably not simultaneously).ODI identified 5 fire and one injury allegations during the course of this investigation.Two fires occurred while the vehicles were parked.One originated in the vicinity of the driver?s side light assembly where the fire and associated damage was confined to the trunk area, and the fire self extinguished due to oxygen starvation.As a result of the fire, the vehicle was repurchased by Mercedes and salvaged.The second fire originated on the passenger's side and required fire department response to extinguish; the fire damaged the tail light and surrounding body panels as well as the trunk area and wiring.The vehicle was repaired and returned to service.Two firesoccurred while the vehicle was being driven.In the first instance, the driver detected an odor and pulled over to observe smoking and a small flame at the lighting assembly wiring in the trunk.The owner was able to extinguish the fire before any significant damage occurred.In the second instance, the driver smelled smoke, pulled over, and opened the trunk to find smoke and sparks emanating from the forward facing side of the tail light.The driver was able to extinguish the sparks and drive the vehicle to the dealer. A fifth fire was reported by a fleet manager who observed a vehicle with fire damage originating near one of the tail light assemblies.The injury incident occurred when a technician burned their hand while diagnosing a failed light.The technician touched the tail light wiring which was hot enough to burn him although the injury did not require medical attention.On April 10th, 2014, Mercedes notified ODI that it would conduct a safety recall to remedy the rear light assemblies in approximately 252,867 MY 2008 - 2011 C-Class vehicles including the C300, C350 and C63 AMG models.Each rear light assembly has separate bulbs that act as brake, tail lamp, backup and turn signal indicators.The bulbs are mounted in a bulb carrier which uses a common electrical ground circuit at the harness connection.According to Mercedes, oxidation due to the use of dissimilar metals on the harness and bulb carrier electrical connectors can result in increased resistance and a subsequent dimming or loss of lighting function.The heat caused by the increased resistance/oxidation can also lead to the melting of the surrounding plastic, or in some cases, present a fire hazard.In conducting recall 14V-171, Mercedes dealers will inspect the left and right bulb carriers and harness connectors for the presence of dissimilar electrical connectors and/or evidence of related thermal damage; affected bulb carriers and/or harness connectors will be replaced free of charge.Mercedes notes that service replacement bulb carriers produced from January 2012 eliminate the dissimilar metal condition and that these bulb carriers will not requ

Service bulletins

Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.

• 11010818Complaint Transmission control unit Y3/8n4 (fully integrated transmission control unit (VGS)) not listed in quick test and/or no communication possible with VGS. Cause Transmission control unit Y3/8n4 Remedy It is important that LI54.15-P-057373 is processed before replacing any component parts (transmission 722.9). After processing and complying with the above documents, perform a reset on the transmission control unit Y3/8n4 (VGS) (ignition reset), check that the transmission connector is seated correctly and inspect the PINs for concerns. If communication with the VGS cannot be established afterwards, the component part 'electrohydraulic controller unit (EHS)' must be replaced, as it is not possible to transfer the valve characteristics under the above-mentioned conditions. Installation of a VGS repair kit is not permitted in this case.
• 11009122Complaint Washer fluid system leaks Cause Various possible causes: 1. Washer fluid reservoir itself. 2. Seal on washer fluid pump/washer fluid reservoir. 3. Washer fluid pump. 3.1. Distributor housing leaks. 3.2. Pump fitting leaks. 3.3. Washer fluid hose cannot be snapped into place on pump fitting. 3.4. Washer fluid hose will not stay on pump fitting, although connector OK. 4. Washer fluid line. 4.1 Connector will not stay on pump fitting because it is broken. 4.2 Sealing ring in connector missing. 4.3 Sealing ring in connector fitted, but deformed and therefore leaks. 4.4 Damage to washer line by animal. 5. Seal on heating washer fluid reservoir/washer fluid reservoir. Remedy Replace defective component parts only. Do not replace any adjacent component parts that are intact. Note: Repair kits for washer line hoses do exist to allow patches for line damage.
• 11008323Complaint Headlamps fogged or droplets forming. Cause Due to its outlet openings, the headlamp is an "open system". This means that acidic gases, moisture, dirt and exhaust gases can penetrate into the headlamp. This can lead to the formation of condensation on the lens of the headlamp. The headlamps comply with all applicable US standards and regulations. Remedy Check housing cover of lamp unit for natural fogging or condensation as per LI82.10-P-078301. If a reduction in the degree of fogging is visible, the desiccant packs can be used once the condensation has completely evaporated. Note: Order service covers and desiccant packs based on the validity description. 1. Remove headlamps. 2. Remove all grommets from outlet openings. 3. Seal vent openings with sealing profile. Important: All openings must be sealed carefully for the pressure compensation diaphragm to work properly! 4. Remove existing service cover. 5. Place desiccant packs into the new service covers and bolt down (Picture_01). 6. Glue the new diaphragm onto the intended surface at the service cover (Picture_02). Note: The bonding surface must be clean and dry. 7. Attach service cover with desiccant pack at headlamp. 8. Install headlamp. To ensure that the desiccant pack (absorption) acts effectively, the headlamp has to be air-sealed. Observe or check the following points for this: 1. Seals at the central connector must all be present and correctly fitted (Picture_03). 2. The new transparent diaphragm must be correctly bonded (Picture_04). 3. Check headlamp housing for any external damage.
• 11008091Complaint During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or interference/background noises are audible to the called party during a call. It becomes increasingly difficult to understand as the speed rises. Cause A. Seating of the microphones in the headliner. Side edges are covered by the textile cover (see picture "1") B. Assembly of microphones (B25/20 or B25/21) in the headliner. C. Dirt inside the microphone housing Remedy 1. Press finger on rear of microphone (on adhesive tape) 2. Remove microphone cap from the front 3. Eliminate protruding material residues of the microphone cutout at the headliner, e.g. with a soldering iron. The microphone must be seated in the headliner as shown in picture "2". 4. Push microphone from behind until it is firmly pressed into the headliner 5. Maintain pressure and press/clip cap into microphone from the front. Note: The cover cap must be clearly heard and felt to engage. 6. This procedure must be carried out on both microphones (B25/20 and B25/21) Note: It is recommended to replace the cover caps. The non-woven cloth in the cover cap protects the microphone from soiling and must not be removed. NOTE: The information contained in this document is intended for use by trained, professional technicians with the knowledge to properly and safely perform diagnosis and repairs on Mercedes-Benz vehicles, using Mercedes-Benz approved tools and equipment. It informs service technicians about conditions that could occur in certain vehicles and provides information that could assist in proper vehicle diagnosis, service, or repair. It does not indicate that a defect is present in any vehicle referenced in this document nor does it imply warranty coverage. DO NOT assume that a symptom or condition, or a described cause of a symptom or condition, affects any particular vehicle or groups of vehicles, or that a described repair applies to any particular vehicle or groups of vehicles. There can be multiple causes resulting in the same or similar symptoms or conditions described in this document, and trained professional service technicians must use their diagnostic skills to make evaluations on a case-by-case basis. The information contained in this document does not guarantee warranty coverage nor does it extend the vehicles warranty in any way.
• 11007974Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging does not result in a technical impairment of the headlamp. A leak test must be performed to determine if physical fogging exists or if the headlamp is leaky. Remedy In advance, observe LI82.10-P-078301 "Headlamps or Front Fog Lamps Leaking or Fogged". 1. Prepare headlamp/check for external damage: For headlamps with a closed system 1. Check the headlamps for any external damage and check also for correct seating of the Gore-diaphragm/correct latching of the cover caps. 2. If the headlamp exhibits any external damage, replace the headlamp. For headlamps with an open system 1. Check the headlamps for any external damage and seal off the vent then make sure the cover caps are latched correctly into place. 2. If the headlamp exhibits any external damage, replace the headlamp. Note: A headlamp with external damage is not a warranty or goodwill case. 2. Leak test of headlamp with overpressure: Connect test adapter to pressure tester. (Figure 1) Check test adapter for leak tightness. To do so, connect plug and coupling (picture 2) and apply a maximum overpressure of 30 mbar. The pressure must remain constant. If the pressure does not remain constant, use a new adapter. Seal all the outlet openings using sealing compound and the given diaphragm with the plunger (picture 3). (Picture 4) Make allowance for the different headlamp variants here (there are different outlet openings). Check if the headlamp needs to be removed to gain access to the diagnostic socket on the headlamp housing. Plug the adapter onto the diagnostic socket on the headlamp housing. (Picture 5). Apply a maximum of 30 mbar overpressure to the headlamp housing. Note: If the maximum overpressure of 50 mbar is exceeded the headlamp seal will be damaged. If a pressure drop of less than 10 mbar is measured within 30 seconds, the headlamp is not leaky and the problem is down to natural physical fogging. If a pressure drop of more than 10 mbar is measured within 30 seconds, the headlamp is leaky. Note: The leaky position can be localized with the aid of soap suds. Replace any leaky headlamps. Note: Desiccant packs can be installed for headlamps that are not leaky. See: LI82.10-P-064766 Fogged headlamp, desiccant pack installed - open ventilation system LI82.10-P-078304 Fogged headlamp, desiccant pack installed - closed ventilation system
• 11007753Complaint Headlamp or 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. Headlamps comply with all applicable standards. If a pressure compensation diaphragm is fitted in the housing cover, then the lamp unit is a "closed system". Remedy Headlamp: Remedy 1 Clearing fogged/condensed LED headlamps and LED rear lamps: 1. Drive vehicle into workshop (temperature higher than +18 C/+64.4 F) and connect the exhaust extraction. Note: Do not perform an engine wash before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine and connect battery support via a charger. 3. Open the hood or trunk. 4. Switch on the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Clearing fogged/condensed halogen/xenon headlamps: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 C/+64.4F). Note: Do not perform an engine wash before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine. 3. Open the hood. 4. Switch off the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Note: If there is no visible reduction in the formation of condensation, check the headlamp for a defect. (See Remedy 2) It is not physically possible to defog the headlamps completely. Fogging does not impair the operation or the service life of the headlamp. Remedy 2 A Damaged headlamp can be identified as follows: 1. Check the headlamp for external damage and that the cover caps and the diaphragm are correctly seated. 2. Check the electrical connectors of the plugs and pins. 3. Check for leak tightness in accordance with LI82.10-P-078307. The test can only be conducted on headlamps. 4. If the headlamp or the rear lamp has any external damage, replace the component part in accordance with the WIS instructions. Note: External damage to the headlamp/rear lamp or faulty seating of the cover caps does not present a warranty or goodwill case. With headlamps, it is possible to install desiccant packs if the problem occurs repeatedly. Open ventilation system: LI82.10-P-064766. Closed ventilation system LI82.10-P-078304
• 11005294Complaint Rear lamps fogged up/not leaktight. Cause Fogging of the rear lamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. This does not lead to any technical impairment of the rear lamps. Remedy Rear lamp: Remedy 1: Clearing fogged/condensed rear lamps: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 C/+64.4 F) Note: Do not wash the vehicle or subject it to high-pressure cleaning before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine and connect battery support via a charger. 3. Open the trunk. 4. Switch on the exterior lighting. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation -> a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (defogging progress).
• 10248162Crease formation on genuine leather seat covers in vehicles with low mileage Objects left on the seats for extended periods of time (pressure marks). Objects wedged between the seat backrest and seat cushion (e.g. seat belt buckle). Light initial creases due to vehicle handling. Light creases in the outer covers originating from the production process (missing finish). Heat treatment of the seat covers using heat gun and plastic wedge. Be very careful to not overheat the seat material!
• 10205238"Metadata Loss" or navigation constantly diplays "Activating".
• 10181124Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D or R
• 10181123Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D
• 10176670To enhance the satisfaction of our customers, avoid further costs of litigation and return focus to its core businesses, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) has entered into a settlement regarding claims relating to alleged mold and mildew type odors originating from the HVAC system in certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles. As part of the settlement, MBUSA has agreed to offer sliding-scale warranty coverage for certain vehicles diagnosed as having mold or mildew type odors originating from the HVAC system?although that coverage will not take effect until the settlement is judicially approved and other events occur; likely not until December 7, 2020 at the earliest (see below). If the settlement becomes effective, coverage will include cleaning of the evaporator and replacement of the HVAC filters
• 10167546FC 2783 (Friction power of torque converter lockup clutch is too high) or FC 0741 (Actuation of torque converter lockup clutch not possible) stored in transmission control unit. One possible additional customer complaint could be "poor acceleration" e.g. due to engine intervention. This can affect all NAT2FE+ (7G-TRONIC PLUS) vehicles with engines OM651, OM642LS and M278 in the production period from 04/2011 to 02/2012 and with more than 10,000 km. The two fault codes can also occur in combination with rpm sensor faults (see also GI27.50-P-035556). The rpm sensor fault is not connected with this complaint.
• 10166976Message in instrument cluster "DISTRONIC PLUSCurrently Unavailable - See Owner's Manual"
• 10166975This Customer 1 Action has been initiated because certain mbrace subscribers were recently contacted by mbrace informing them that they need to have an i-button call performed to ensure their mbrace device has registered with the Verizon Telematics systems. If the i-button call failed or if the customer was unable to perform the i-button call, the mbrace agent instructed the customer to make an appointment with their dealer to have the issue corrected and/or i-button call performed. The vehicles impacted range from model year 2002 to 2014.
• 10166102No inflation of one or more air cushions on the massage/multicontour/dynamic seat modules (driver, front passenger and rear) Bubble formation in one or more seats with massage/multicontour/dynamic seat modules (driver, front passenger and rear)
• 10166099Pneumatic comfort systems with insufficient performance, entirely inoperative or leaky.
• 10166091Front seat backrest locks at folded-forward position
• 10166086Squeaking/creaking noises from area of seat adjuster
• 10166080The pneumatic 4-way lumbar support fails. Lumbar support pockets cannot be filled up or they drain.
• 10151959Seat belt extender toothed rack sluggish or makes noises
• 10135974Rattling noise after engine start for several seconds
• 10135635Message in instrument cluster "ESP Malfunction - Service Required"
• 10048279Mercedes: camshaft adjustment solenoid may leak oil due to settling properties of seal and the engine wiring harness will be retrofitted with four adapter harnesses as a precautionary measure. Models 2005-2011 164, 171, 203, 204, 207, 209, 211, 212, 216. 219, 221, 230, 251, 463. Updated 12/18/12. Updated 3/18/2013
• 10044181Xentry: rattling/thumping noises from the area of the steering on rough roads or when driving over road undulations. No model years given. Also included models 168 and 172.
• 10044165Xentry: mercedes benz: high beam assist temporarily nonfunctional. Replace mfk and calibrate with the aid of the 'calibration target for night view assist' special tool. Also included glk350 and S550 model year 2011. Model CLS year 2010-2011.
• 10043733Mercedes: update instrument cluster software. Models 216 and 221 years 2010.
• 10041650Mercedes: software update for fuel system control module.
• 10041645Mercedes: transmission control module software update.
• 10041644Mercedes: engine control module update with software calibration number code.
• 10041208Mercedes benz: engine light IS on with stored trouble codes.
• 10041065Mercedes-benz: when the reverse gear IS engaged the central display shows a blue or black screen. The tv picture appears instead of reverse camera.
• 10039257Mercedes-benz: the engine warning light IS on with stored trouble codes. Idle speed limits were set too narrow.
• 10039256Mercedes-benz: the malfunction light IS on with multiple possible trouble codes stored. There could be a problem with the camshaft and/or scoring of a piston.
• 10039254Mercedes-benz: there IS a transmission trouble code stored. It IS a diagnostic problem with the wet start-up clutch.
• 10039114Mercedes-benz: the vehicle jolts during start-offs, steady driving, or acceleration. The control valve temporary jams. Updated 12/28/11.
• 10038977Mercedes-benz: the auto-transmission switches to limp home mode or has no power. There are multiple possible fault codes. A piston may be damaged.
• 10038975Mercedes-benz: blind spot assist and distronic inoperative messages. Four possible fault codes stored. There IS a safety shutoff of systems due to a disruption with the sensor.
• 10038064Mercedes-benz: there IS a whining noise from the steering pump when turning.
• 10037918Mercedes-benz: esp malfunction or bas malfunction light shows up in the instrument panel because of a wheel speed sensor problem. Updated 2/15/13.

Every Mercedes-Benz CL550 model year

Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.