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2011 Mercedes-Benz

CL550 4matic

Auto 7-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L, Turbo

Mercedes-Benz CL550: best and worst years

Overview

Body
Compact CarsEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Drivetrain
4-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Transmission
Automatic 7-spdEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Powertrain
GasEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Fuel
PremiumEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Engine & performance

Cyl
8EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Aspiration
TurbochargedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Efficiency

MPG Hwy
23 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
MPG City
15 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
MPG Comb
18 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Fuel $/yr
$4,300EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Smog score
5/10
Elec. Range
0 miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
SmartWay certified
No

Safety NHTSA, model year

Recalls
0
Owner complaints
0

Federal investigations NHTSA defect investigations, model year

  • EA13008opened Dec 20, 2013EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL

    Loss of rear lighting assembly

Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year

46 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year

  • May 19, 2026VISIBILITY/WIPERLI82.30-P-059239

    Complaint There are several types of complaint about noises or poor windshield wiper wiping performance: A: Wiper blades squeaking, chattering, shuddering B: The windshield is not wiped completely (streaking) C: During the downward movement water is pulled back onto the windshield from the A-pillar (Figure 1) D: After windshield cleaning, water keeps spraying onto the windshield for several wipe cycles (Figure 2) A1: The windshield and wiper blades are contaminated with residues from car washing

  • Apr 16, 2026EXTERIOR LIGHTINGLI82.10-P-078301

    Complaint Headlamp, 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. 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: 1. Drive vehicle into workshop (temperature higher than +18 °C/+64.4 °F) and connect the exhaust extra

  • Feb 25, 2026EXTERIOR LIGHTINGLI82.10-P-078307

    Complaint 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 "Headlamp/front fog lamp leaky or fogged". 1. Prepare headlamp/check for external damage: For headlam

  • Feb 24, 2026EXTERIOR LIGHTINGLI82.10-P-078896

    Complaint 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 Check for external damage: You can identify a damaged headlamp in the following way: For headlamps with a closed system 1. Check the headl

  • Nov 15, 2025POWER TRAINLI33.30-P-056665

    Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse (and vice versa). Note: Sound file in attachment Cause If the complaint is eliminated by experimentally loosening the outboard collar nut (by 1 turn), the problem is due to micromovement in the connection between the wheel bearing inner race and the joint housing of the side shaft. Note: The collar nut must always be re

  • Sep 17, 2025POWER TRAINLI27.19-P-072588

    Complaint 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 For vehicles with 722.9 transmission: Ensure LI54.15-P-057373 is performed before replacing any component parts. After processing and complying with the above document(s): 1. Perform an ignition reset on Y3/8n4 (VGS) 2. Inspect transmission connector for loose connections, damaged wiring or

  • Apr 1, 2025ENGINELI83.20-P-051802

    Complaint Vehicle with atypical reduced heat output. Cause Silicate granulate may have escaped from a damaged bag in the expansion reservoir (not visible), reducing the coolant flow in the heater heat exchanger (see picture). Remedy With the aforementioned complaint, make sure that the cooling circuit is inspected for silicate residues after all standard tests are completed. The silicate residues tend to accumulate upstream of the shutoff valve for the heater hot water pulsed valve. If there are

  • Mar 5, 2025ELECTRICAL SYSTEMLI82.70-P-077433

    Complaint 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

  • and 38 more

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic
4 yr / 50k mi
Powertrain
4 yr / 50k mi
Roadside assistance
4 yr / 50k mi
EV battery
10 yr / 155k mi

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.