Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 | typical | 3 | Wheel & Tire | Few |
| 2022 | 3 | −29% | 6 | Airbag | Average |
| 2021 | 1 | −67% | 8 | Wheel & Tire | Average |
| 2020 | 5 | — | 5 | Electrical | Few |
| 2019 | 15 | — | 12 | Wheel & Tire | Limited data |
* Complaints compared with the median CLS450 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Mercedes-Benz CLS450 problems
Latest Mercedes-Benz CLS450 recalls
Electrical system › Wiring
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2023 CLS450, E450, E450 All-Terrain, AMG E53, AMG GT43, AMG GT53, and 2021 AMG CLS53 vehicles. The 48-volt ground cable connection located in the engine compartment may not be tightened properly and may result in the ground cable overheating.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the 48-volt ground cable connection and repair it as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 22, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Electrical system › ADAS › Blindspot › Sensors
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2023 E450, E350, AMG E63 S, AMG E53, CLS450, AMG GT53, and AMG GT43 vehicles. Due to a software error, the exit warning system audio and visual warnings may fail to alert occupants about approaching vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will update the exit warning system software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2023 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS, SL, GT, GLC, GLE, GLS, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The fuel pump may shutdown, which can result in a loss of drive power.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 14, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2023070012.
Electrical system › 12V/24V/48V battery
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2022 CLS450 Coupe and AMG E53, 2019-2021 AMG CLS53 Coupe, and 2021-2022 E450 vehicles. The 12-Volt battery in the trunk may not be properly secured, which, in the event of a crash, can cause electrical connection failure, disabling various safety features including,…
Remedy: Dealers will secure the 12V battery, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 20, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022100009.
Communication › Auto crash notification
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details.
Remedy: The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Mercedes-Benz CLS450 should you avoid?
None of the Mercedes-Benz CLS450 years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.
What is the best year for the Mercedes-Benz CLS450?
2021 has the fewest complaints compared with other CLS450 years at the same age, followed by 2022. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Mercedes-Benz CLS450 problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the wheels & tires (13), electrical system (9) and engine & cooling (4). Wheel & Tire complaints peak in the 2019 model year.
How many recalls has the Mercedes-Benz CLS450 had?
21 recalls across 2019–2023. The model year with the most is 2019. See all Mercedes-Benz CLS450 recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.