BMW 328I vs Mercedes-Benz CLS550
Owner complaints, worst years and recall history side by side, from official NHTSA data. Last verified Aug 8, 2026. Raw complaint counts are not adjusted for sales volume.
BMW 328I
- Total complaints
- 2,565
- Avg per model year
- 161
- Recall campaigns (all years)
- 25
- Most complained year
- 2011 (573)
Top problems: Electrical System, Engine, Air Bags
Mercedes-Benz CLS550
- Total complaints
- 58
- Avg per model year
- 13
- Recall campaigns (all years)
- 11
- Most complained year
- 2007 (35)
Top problems: Fuel/propulsion System, Fuel System, Gasoline, Power Train
Complaints by model year
| Year | BMW 328I | Mercedes-Benz CLS550 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 151 | 10 | ||
| 2013 | 257 | 4 | ||
| 2012 | 130 | 23 | ||
| 2011 | 573 | 4 | ||
| 2009 | 193 | 4 | ||
| 2008 | 239 | 17 | ||
| 2007 | 397 | 35 |
Method. Complaints are unique NHTSA reports per model year. A model that sold more units will naturally accumulate more complaints — compare the shape across years, not just the raw totals, and read the year pages for what actually fails.