Mercedes CLS

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 17 model years from 55,100 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

84%

Total Tests

55,100

Highest Pass Rate

2019 (90%)

Years Covered

About the Mercedes CLS

The Mercedes CLS was MOT tested 55,100 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 17 model years (2005 to 2021), with an average pass rate of 84%. That's slightly above the average of 82% across all models in our data. Our records list diesel versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 90% from 2,938 tests. The 2009 model has the lowest at 78%. The 12 point gap means pass rates vary somewhat between years, but no year is dramatically different. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Newer Mercedes CLSs pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 7 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (2005) averages 108,622 miles, while the newest (2021) averages 25,838 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2925cc)

£1,676

Road Tax

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£200

Total per year£2,131

Per month£178/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2021 details

How reliable is the Mercedes CLS?

vs average of all models+2% (82% avg)

vs Mercedes brand average-3% (87% avg)

Best to worst year spread12 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

Mercedes CLS by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	90%	149	25,838 mi
2020	85%	708	33,613 mi
2019	90%	2,938	42,687 mi
2018	89%	2,552	49,336 mi
2017	87%	3,475	61,581 mi
2016	87%	4,786	69,870 mi
2015	87%	6,871	81,130 mi
2014	85%	4,192	86,883 mi
2013	83%	7,096	95,825 mi
2012	83%	2,664	97,844 mi
2011	82%	2,675	100,976 mi
2010	79%	2,428	110,846 mi
2009	78%	2,541	114,393 mi
2008	78%	2,982	122,863 mi
2007	78%	3,915	122,774 mi
2006	79%	3,184	117,836 mi
2005	81%	1,944	108,622 mi

Questions about the Mercedes CLS

Is the Mercedes CLS reliable?

Across its 17 model years in our data (2005 to 2021), the Mercedes CLS averages an 84% MOT pass rate, from 55,100 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 2 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2019 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 90%.

Which year Mercedes CLS has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 Mercedes CLS has the highest MOT pass rate at 90%, while the 2009 model has the lowest at 78%, a 12 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.