Is the 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL550 reliable?

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL550 has 7 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.0x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL550?

Top problems: ENGINE (2 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (2 complaints, avg repair $500); TRANSMISSION (1 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL550?

No recalls have been issued for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL550.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL550?

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL550 gets 18 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2667. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL550?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL550 is approximately $1,821/year (sedan-luxury class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2011 Mercedes-Benz CL550

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL550 has 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 7. The most common issue is engine problems (29% of all complaints), specifically: 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. ⚠️ 3 fire reports filed.

3 fire reports

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.0x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 5)

ENGINE

2 complaints

29%

• 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
• 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 NO

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 1 fire reports

“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”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL550

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,667

Per month

$222

Per mile

22.2¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$3,201/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$2,087/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL550

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,821

Full coverage / month

$152

Liability only / year

$710

vs US avg

+9%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-luxury)1.28x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.85x

= Full coverage estimate$1821

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Mercedes-Benz CL550 Service Intervals

Oil change

10K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

10K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

40K mi

Engine coolant

150K mi

Spark plugs

60K mi

Cabin air filter

20K mi

Engine air filter

40K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

40K mi

Service A / Service B alternating schedule. Requires MB-approved oil (229.5 spec typically).

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Mercedes-Benz New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

4 yr / 50K mi

Powertrain

4 yr / 50K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

10 yr / 155K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

4 yr / 50K mi

Roadside assistance

4 yr / unlimited mi

EQ EV battery warranty is 10 years/155,000 miles

These are the terms for a new Mercedes-Benz. If you're buying a used 2011 CL550, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Mercedes-Benz dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 7 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: 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
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
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
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: 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
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
FUEL 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
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)

Mercedes-Benz CL550 — Year Comparison

How does 2011 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.

2011

7Below Average

Full years-to-avoid analysis →

NHTSA Safety Rating

No NHTSA safety rating available

At a Glance

Complaints: 7
Recalls: 0
Fire reports: 3
Crash reports: 0
Injury reports: 0
Segment avg: 7

Check a Specific VIN

See recalls for YOUR 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL550

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