Makes › Mercedes-Benz › CLS-Class

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class reliability

A · Excellent

MOT pass rates and common problems from 197,506 MOT tests of cars first registered 2005–2019.

Jump to: YearsEnginesCommon failures
74.0%pass first time
+7.0 ptsvs typical car
Beats 81%of cars
197,506MOT tests

Verdict

The Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class passes its MOT first time on 74.0% of tests, 7.0 points higher than a typical car of the same age and mileage (67.1%). That puts it ahead of 81% of cars on UK roads once age and mileage are taken into account.

By year of first registration, the 2013 CLS-Class does best (beats 79% of cars) and the 2015 worst (beats 75%).

Of its engines, the 3.0 Diesel does best (beats 83%) and the 2.1 Diesel worst (beats 71%).

Better than average on suspension, lights & electrics, emissions & leaks.

Watch these weak spots

Tyres1.4×as often as a typical car
Wheels2.8×as often as a typical car
Tyre damage & cracking1.9×as often as a typical car
Brake pipes2.8×as often as a typical car

MOT pass rate by age

First-time pass rate at each MOT by the car’s age in years.

50%60%70%80%90%3456789101112131415161718192085%81%79%75%71%67%67%67%69%
Mercedes-Benz CLS-ClassTypical car, same age & mileage

Best and worst years

By year of first registration, ranked against all cars on UK roads after adjusting for age and mileage. Green = better than half of cars.

2005
Beats 94%
2006
Beats 88%
2007
Beats 84%
2008
Beats 82%
2009
Beats 76%
2010
Beats 74%
2011
Beats 94%
2012
Beats 86%
2013
Beats 79%
2014
Beats 75%
2015
Beats 75%
2016
Beats 72%
2017
Beats 57%
2018
Beats 62%
2019
Beats 46%

Engines

All years, most common first. Grades compare each car with cars of the same age and mileage (A = best 20% of cars on UK roads, E = worst 20%), so an older or higher-mileage car can grade above one with a higher pass rate.

EngineYearsTestsPass rateRankGrade
3.0 Diesel2005–2017112,98471.8%Beats 83%A
2.1 Diesel2012–201758,60177.9%Beats 71%B
3.5 Petrol2005–20158,26370.2%Beats 87%A
2.9 Diesel2018–20198,10283.9%Beats 55%C
3.5 Diesel2009–20103,70367.1%Beats 76%B
5.0 Petrol2005–20063,61672.8%Beats 97%A
5.4 Petrol2005–20051,21179.2%Beats 100%A
5.5 Petrol2013–20131,02680.7%Beats 91%A

Where it fails

Each area compared with a typical car of the same age and mileage, in points of pass rate. Tap or hover an area to see what to check.

Exhaust: 2.8% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 3.6% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.Suspension: 8.0% of tests fail on suspension, against 10.9% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.Lights: 5.7% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 14.0% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.Tyres: 10.2% of tests fail on tyres, against 7.3% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.Brakes: 6.5% of tests fail on brakes, against 8.1% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.Lights: 5.7% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 14.0% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.Lights+8.3 ptsTyres: 10.2% of tests fail on tyres, against 7.3% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.Tyres−2.9 ptsBrakes: 6.5% of tests fail on brakes, against 8.1% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.Brakes+1.5 ptsSuspension: 8.0% of tests fail on suspension, against 10.9% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.Suspension+2.9 ptsExhaust: 2.8% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 3.6% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.Exhaust+0.8 ptsSuspension: 8.0% of tests fail on suspension, against 10.9% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.Brakes: 6.5% of tests fail on brakes, against 8.1% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.Tyres: 10.2% of tests fail on tyres, against 7.3% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.Lights: 5.7% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 14.0% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.Exhaust: 2.8% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 3.6% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.Lights: 5.7% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 14.0% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.Lights+8.3 ptsTyres: 10.2% of tests fail on tyres, against 7.3% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.Tyres−2.9 ptsBrakes: 6.5% of tests fail on brakes, against 8.1% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.Brakes+1.5 ptsSuspension: 8.0% of tests fail on suspension, against 10.9% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.Suspension+2.9 ptsExhaust: 2.8% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 3.6% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.Exhaust+0.8 pts
Better than typicalTypicalWorse than typical
Tyres: 10.2% of tests fail on tyres, against 7.3% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.

Every MOT area

Share of tests failing on each area, against a typical car of the same age and mileage (black line).

Tyres
10.2% vs 7.3%
Suspension
8.0% vs 10.9%
Brakes
6.5% vs 8.1%
Lights & electrics
5.7% vs 14.0%
Emissions & leaks
2.8% vs 3.6%
Visibility
2.0% vs 5.3%
Steering
1.4% vs 2.2%
Wheels
1.2% vs 0.4%
Body & structure
1.0% vs 4.0%
Seat belts & airbags
0.4% vs 1.2%

Buying one or MOT due? Check these

  • Tyre damage & cracking 1.9× typical
    Look for cuts, bulges and cracking on both sidewalls of every tyre.
  • Coil springs
    Look behind each wheel for a snapped coil (often the bottom one) and listen for clunks over bumps.
  • Tyre tread depth
    Check every tyre, including the inner edge, has at least 3 mm of tread. Uneven wear can point to alignment or suspension problems.
  • Suspension ball joints
    Listen for knocks over speed bumps and feel for wandering or vague steering.
  • Headlight aim
    Park facing a wall at night: both dipped beams should sit level and dip to the left.
  • Brake pads
    Ask when the pads were last replaced and look for a brake-wear warning on the dash.

Pass rate by mileage

First-time pass rate by mileage at the test.

50%60%70%80%90%100%10k20k30k40k50k60k70k80k90k100k110k120k130k140k150k88%83%79%74%71%68%67%66%
Mercedes-Benz CLS-ClassTypical car

Most common MOT failures

ItemThis carTypicalvs typical
Tyre damage & cracking7.1%3.8%1.9×
Coil springs3.0%3.0%1.0×
Tyre tread depth3.0%3.1%1.0×
Brake pipes2.6%0.9%2.8×
Suspension ball joints2.4%1.8%1.3×
Headlight aim2.2%3.8%0.6×
Brake pads1.4%2.3%0.6×
Headlight bulbs & units1.2%2.6%0.5×
Engine warning light1.2%1.3%0.9×
Handbrake performance1.1%1.7%0.7×

Specific defects found

Tester wording for the most frequent failure items, per 1,000 tests.

Defectper 1,000
A tyre seriously damaged38.2
A tyre cords visible or damaged33.3
A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn31.4
A spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened30.2
Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements30.2
Brake pipe damaged or excessively corroded24.1
The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements21.5
Engine MIL illuminated indicating a malfunction18.0
Check another car

Pick a make and model to see its MOT pass rate, best and worst years and weak spots.

Every year and engine

Tap a year to see its engines. Grades compare each car with cars of the same age and mileage (A = best 20% of cars on UK roads, E = worst 20%), so an older or higher-mileage car can grade above one with a higher pass rate.

2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class1 engine83.7% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.9 Diesel4,36983.7%Beats 46%C
2018 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class1 engine84.3% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.9 Diesel3,73384.3%Beats 62%B
2017 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class2 engines82.1% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.1 Diesel5,55881.8%Beats 56%C
3.0 Diesel4,38282.5%Beats 59%C
2016 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class2 engines82.0% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.1 Diesel9,34881.4%Beats 69%B
3.0 Diesel6,49482.9%Beats 77%B
2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class3 engines80.4% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.1 Diesel16,72079.7%Beats 71%B
3.0 Diesel7,55281.8%Beats 84%A
3.5 Petrol1,04980.9%Beats 67%B
2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class2 engines77.6% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.1 Diesel7,75875.9%Beats 67%B
3.0 Diesel7,48379.4%Beats 83%A
2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class3 engines75.4% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.1 Diesel16,28974.4%Beats 75%B
3.0 Diesel10,32076.5%Beats 83%A
5.5 Petrol1,02680.7%Beats 91%A
2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class2 engines75.0% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
3.0 Diesel6,21375.5%Beats 88%A
2.1 Diesel2,92874.0%Beats 81%A
2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class1 engine76.1% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
3.0 Diesel9,16476.1%Beats 94%A
2010 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class2 engines66.7% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
3.0 Diesel7,97666.7%Beats 74%B
3.5 Diesel2,25766.9%Beats 73%B
2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class2 engines65.6% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
3.0 Diesel9,20765.3%Beats 75%B
3.5 Diesel1,44667.5%Beats 80%B
2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class1 engine65.7% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
3.0 Diesel13,03565.7%Beats 82%A
2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class2 engines65.9% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
3.0 Diesel16,43565.7%Beats 83%A
3.5 Petrol1,17468.7%Beats 85%A
2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class3 engines67.0% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
3.0 Diesel12,16365.8%Beats 87%A
3.5 Petrol2,36970.2%Beats 91%A
5.0 Petrol1,01673.8%Beats 97%A
2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class4 engines70.0% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
3.5 Petrol3,67167.7%Beats 87%A
5.0 Petrol2,60072.4%Beats 97%A
3.0 Diesel2,56066.4%Beats 89%A
5.4 Petrol1,21179.2%Beats 100%A

FAQ

What is the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class MOT pass rate?

74.0% of MOT tests on the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class were passed first time, based on 197,506 tests between 2018 and 2026 of cars first registered 2005–2019. A typical car of the same age and mileage passes 67.1% of the time.

Is the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class reliable?

On MOT results it rates A (excellent): it passes first time more often than a typical car of the same age and mileage and does better than 81% of cars on UK roads. MOT results cover safety and emissions items, not every kind of breakdown.

Which Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class year is best?

Among years with enough data, the 2013 CLS-Class does best for its age and mileage: it beats 79% of cars on UK roads. The 2015 does worst: it beats 75%.

Which Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class engine is best?

Across all years, the 3.0 Diesel does best: it beats 83% of cars on UK roads. The 2.1 Diesel does worst: it beats 71%.

What are the most common MOT failures on the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class?

The most common failure items are tyre damage & cracking, coil springs, tyre tread depth. Compared with similar cars, tyre damage & cracking comes up 1.9× as often.

How we calculate this. We use official MOT results for cars tested in Great Britain from 2018 to 2026. Each car is compared with typical cars of the same age and mileage, so old and new cars are judged fairly; “pts” are percentage points above or below them. Differences also reflect how cars are used and maintained, not only how they are built.