Skip to main content
Check
Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz CLS reliability by build year

Coverage 2005-20243 named generationsSaloonPETROL / DIESEL

We've only got 1,155 MOT tests for Mercedes-Benz CLS models built around 2018 (7 years old). Treat these numbers as a rough guide.

At a glance

Mercedes-Benz CLS built around 2018: fails its MOT more often than average

Mercedes-Benz CLS models built around 2018 fail their MOT more often than similar cars the same age. Look closely at the tyres on any car you view.

Check a Mercedes-Benz CLS by number plate

Key figure

15% of MOT tests on Mercedes-Benz CLS models built around 2018 ended in a fail (retests included), against 10% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Mercedes-Benz CLS models built around 2018 involves the tyres.

Before you view it

What to check before viewing

The Mercedes-Benz CLS's most common MOT issues, turned into things to ask about or look for.

Independent inspection

High priority

Have an independent specialist inspect the car before you commit.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Brake pads

High priority

Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

By build year

How build years differ

Fail rates have been steady over the last three years. Use the build-year guide below to separate newer build years from older ones.

Find your CLS's generation

Each card below is a different generation. Select your year and we'll highlight the match.

CLS C257

C257 (2018-2024)

Not enough tests to rate
DIESELPETROLHYBRID ELECTRIC

15.0% fail rate, built around 2018 (7 years old)

Fails about as often as the average car this age (about 1 in 6 MOTs, 16.6%)

From 1,155 MOT tests at this ageView details →
CLS C218

C218 (2011-2017)

Not enough tests to rate
DIESELPETROL

17.7% fail rate, built around 2017 (8 years old)

Fails about as often as the average car this age (about 1 in 5 MOTs, 18.7%)

From 1,028 MOT tests at this ageView details →
CLS C219

C219 (2005-2010)

Excellent
DIESELPETROL

24.6% fail rate, built around 2008 (17 years old)

Fails less often than the average car this age (about 3 in 10 MOTs, 31.2%)

From 1,806 MOT tests at this ageView details →

Not sure which one you're looking at?

Match your build year to its generation, then see the fail rates for those build years of the Mercedes-Benz CLS.

See every build year for the Mercedes-Benz CLS

Side-by-side

Mercedes-Benz CLS generations compared

Each generation is shown at 7 years old if it has at least 100 MOT tests at that age. If not, or if its cars are too new to be 7, it's shown at another age. We try ages close to 7 first. Newer generations have fewer years of data.

GenerationRatingFail rate
C257 (2018-2024)
No ratingNot enough tests to rate
No ratingNot enough tests to rate15.0%built around 2018 (7 years old)from 1,155 MOT tests at this age
C218 (2011-2017)
No ratingNot enough tests to rate
No ratingNot enough tests to rate17.7%built around 2017 (8 years old)from 1,028 MOT tests at this age
C219 (2005-2010)
Excellent
Excellent24.6%built around 2008 (17 years old)from 1,806 MOT tests at this age

Each row is one generation of the CLS, shown at the age printed under its fail rate. So rows can be different ages. Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail, retests included. A rating is given only when there are enough tests to place the fail rate in one rating band with 95% confidence.

By age

Mercedes-Benz CLS fail rate by age

This chart combines every Mercedes-Benz CLS ever sold. It's good for the big picture. For one generation, scroll up to the build-year cards.

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rate
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
4 yearsbuilt around 2021
13518.5%
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
54015.7%
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
1,32616.1%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
1,15515.0%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
2,27717.2%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
2,88617.3%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
2,81718.1%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
2,96722.6%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
2,74222.1%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
1,32221.3%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
1,28924.4%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
1,34425.2%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
1,17925.4%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
1,80624.6%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
1,60225.6%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
1,28622.4%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
49624.0%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 18 years old.

All generations of this model

What goes wrong most often on 7-year-old Mercedes-Benz CLS models

These issues come from 7-year-old Mercedes-Benz CLS models, every generation combined.

All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    17.4%
    Advisory: 298Fail: 17 (5% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    9.2%
    Advisory: 81Fail: 59 (42% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    8.5%
    Advisory: 122Fail: 5 (4% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    7.7%
    Advisory: 141Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Tyre has a cut that does not reach the ply or cords

    4.8%
    Advisory: 39Fail: 26 (40% of the times it was found)

Based on 1,155 MOT tests on 7-year-old Mercedes-Benz CLS models, every generation combined.

All generations of this model

Issues that often appear together

The pairs seen most often when an MOT on 7-year-old Mercedes-Benz CLS models notes problems with more than one part of the car.

Issues that often appear together on this model

All generations of this modelEnough data
  1. Brakes + Tyres42%
  2. Other + Tyres26%
  3. Suspension + Tyres22%
  4. Brakes + Other16%

Both were noted at the same test. That doesn't mean one caused the other.

Across 215 MOT tests on Mercedes-Benz CLS cars built around 2018 (7 years old) where more than one part of the car was noted.

Still registered

How many are still registered, and recalls

How many of these are still registered in the UK, and what's been recalled across the model.

How many are still registered

83%of this model's cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · Fewer than typical

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

53 recalls in all

37 of the 53 Mercedes-Benz CLS recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 2 Critical
  • 35 more

Top concerns

  • Risk of fire
  • Fire may occur
  • SRPC2603 - drive shaft joint

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

Like-for-like

Other saloons to compare

Other saloons to compare

  1. 1

    Lexus IS

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    9%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.4%
    Dangerous
    3.8%
    Still registered at 10 years
    79.4%

    Lower fail rate: 9.0%, against 15.0% for the Mercedes-Benz CLS, both built around 2018.

    1,615 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  2. 2

    BMW 7 Series

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    8.9%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.5%
    Dangerous
    3.9%
    Still registered at 10 years
    79.9%

    Lower fail rate: 8.9%, against 15.0% for the Mercedes-Benz CLS, both built around 2018.

    6 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    1,659 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  3. 3

    BMW M3

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    9.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    3.2%
    Dangerous
    3.9%

    Lower fail rate: 9.8%, against 15.0% for the Mercedes-Benz CLS, both built around 2018.

    10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    1,139 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  4. 4

    Porsche Panamera

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    9.2%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    4%
    Dangerous
    5.5%
    Still registered at 10 years
    86.2%

    Lower fail rate: 9.2%, against 15.0% for the Mercedes-Benz CLS, both built around 2018.

    1,105 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2018 (7 years old), the Mercedes-Benz CLS across all generations combined fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. It has the 9th lowest fail rate of 15 Mercedes-Benz models with enough MOT tests to rank, at this age. This is based on 1,155 7-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

These figures come from DVSA's MOT records. Across every Mercedes-Benz CLS ever sold: 27,169 tests. The main figures are for cars built around 2018 (7 years old): 1,155 tests. They are a guide, not a guarantee. Always inspect the car or have a mechanic check it.