AI Damage2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS Class: common problems
Owners of the 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS Class filed 6 complaints with NHTSA, most often about powertrain and air bags. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 6
What fails most often
- 1 Powertrain 33% of all complaints
- 2 Air bags 17% of all complaints
- 3 Engine and cooling 17% of all complaints
- 4 Equipment 17% of all complaints
- 5 Fuel/propulsion system 17% of all complaints
- 6 Latches, locks, linkages 17% of all complaints
- 7 Seats 17% of all complaints
- 8 Service brakes 17% of all complaints
- Powertrain: 2 complaints (33% of all).
- Air bags: 1 complaints (17% of all).
- Engine and cooling: 1 complaints (17% of all).
- Equipment: 1 complaints (17% of all).
- Fuel/propulsion system: 1 complaints (17% of all).
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 5 L · petrol · 8 cyl
- 5.4 L · petrol · turbo · 8 cyl
- automatic, 5-speed
- automatic, 7-speed
Drive: RWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 6 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Equipment | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Latches, locks, linkages | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
If the hot water heater decided to ignite, it could have caused a fire or explosion. I believe this is a similar issue to nhtsa investigation ea 13-003. The cls class and the e class share the same chassis and fuel tank. If possible, please expand your investigation to include cls class vehicles.
My sprinter 2500 diesel van year 2006 just shuts down without any warning. I am driving along on a main street in savannah and the van just shuts down without any warning. It has happened about 8 times since I bought the van. They keep replacing the alternator but that is obviously not the answer. I need help.
Specifically we've had a number of warranty defects including: - windshield fluid clogging - sunroof motor repair - door locking mechanism failure - battery/engine failure while driving - cracked keys - radio failure - seat adjustment knob falling off (2x) - center console breakage - rear view mirror dimming problems…
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 15 mph, the transmission slipped into neutral. To remove the transmission from neutral, the vehicle was either turned off and back on or placed into park and back into drive.
Dt*: the contact stated when applying the brakes there was a grinding and squeaking noise and diminished stopping power. There were no lights illuminated on the dash. The dealership was contacted.
For over 60 days, mercedes has failed to provide parts to their dealership in fort worth, texas to accomplish a repair for safety recall #2006-020005.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 13,281 of 36,659 model years in the NHTSA data (top 36% most complained about).
What to check before buying
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Air bags. Check the SRS light, stored codes and airbag/curtain status after any impact.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Fuel/propulsion system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS Class?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: powertrain, air bags, engine and cooling. Total complaints: 6. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: A/C or heater (17%), door locks, latches, handles (17%), engine failure or replacement (17%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS Class?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS Class from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2006 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-06.