2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 has 31 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 2.8x the segment average of 11. The most common issue is fuel system problems (26% of all complaints), specifically: "fuel leaking from gas tank" after smelling a strong fuel smell both inside and out side my vehicle i took to mercedes 9/17/18 to see if they knew of the issue of if there was some type or recall on my vehicle regarding a fuel issue. the smell always seemed stronger after i put in a full tank of ga.
31
Total Complaints
0
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
2.8x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
FUEL SYSTEM
8 complaints- • "FUEL LEAKING FROM GAS TANK" AFTER SMELLING A STRONG FUEL SMELL BOTH INSIDE AND OUT SIDE MY VEHICLE I TOOK TO MERCEDES 9/17/18 TO SEE IF THEY KNEW OF THE ISSUE OF IF THERE WAS SOME TYPE OR RECALL ON MY VEHICLE REGARDING A FUEL ISSUE. THE SMELL ALWAYS SEEMED STRONGER AFTER I PUT IN A FULL TANK OF GA
- • FUEL LEAK FROM UNKNOWN PART OF THE TANK
- • FUEL LEAK INTO REAR DRIVER SIDE BACK SEAT FROM BELOW. GAS LEAKED INTO PASSENGER CABIN DUE TO A SEAL THAT BROKE FROM GAS TANK. DANGEROUS SMELL AND FIRE HAZARD. LEAK HAPPENS ALL THE TIME, WHEN PARKED AND ESPECIALLY WHEN DRIVING. MBUSA AND DEALERSHIPS NOT ACCEPTING THE DEFECT AND DESIGN FLAW THAT CAUS
“"FUEL LEAKING FROM GAS TANK" AFTER SMELLING A STRONG FUEL SMELL BOTH INSIDE AND OUT SIDE MY VEHICLE I TOOK TO MERCEDES 9/17/18 TO SEE IF THEY KNEW OF THE ISSUE OF IF THERE WAS SOME TYPE OR RECALL ON MY VEHICLE REGARDING A FUEL ISSUE. THE SMELL ALWAYS SEEMED STRONGER AFTER I PUT IN A FULL TANK OF GA”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550
Based on 18 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 49K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550
Live EIA pricesBased 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 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Mercedes-Benz CLS550 Service Intervals
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
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 2012 CLS550, 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
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 31 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐FUEL SYSTEM: "FUEL LEAKING FROM GAS TANK" AFTER SMELLING A STRONG FUEL SMELL BOTH INSIDE AND OUT SIDE MY VEHICLE I TOOK TO MERCEDES 9/17/18 TO SEE IF THEY KNEW OF THE ISSUE OF IF THERE WAS SOME TYPE OR RECALL ON MY VEHICLE REGARDING A FUEL ISSUE. THE SMELL ALWAYS SEEMED STRONGER AFTER I PUT IN A FULL TANK OF GA
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ENGINE: DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH MY 6MONTH OLD BABY AND SUDDENLY MY CAR SURGES AND LOSES POWER. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FLASHES AND I MOVE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITH ALMOST NO ACCELERATION. TURN OFF THE ENGINE, WAIT A WHILE THEN TURN IT BACK ON AND HEAD BACK HOME. THE CEL STAYED ON BUT I STILL HAD ENGIN
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐BRAKES: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES BENZ CLS550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT DECELERATE. IN ADDITION, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED SIMULTANEOUSLY AND THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FO
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐TRANSMISSION: WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT DECELERATE. IN ADDITION, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED SIMULTANEOUSLY AND THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. T THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THEY WO
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Mercedes-Benz CLS550 — Year Comparison
How does 2012 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
Full years-to-avoid analysis →NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 31
- Recalls
- 0
- Fire reports
- 0
- Crash reports
- 3
- Injury reports
- 6
- Segment avg
- 11
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550