Saturday, August 8, 2026
RecallGazette

Vehicle problems, recalls & safety intelligence

Ford Focus 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.

Ford Focus

Total complaints
22,023
Avg per model year
1,102
Recall campaigns (all years)
35
Most complained year
2012 (3,759)
Top problems: Power Train, Electrical System, Engine

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

YearFord FocusMercedes-Benz CLS550
20142,59210
20132,1054
20123,75923
20111134
20092294
200825017
200739135
20062046
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.