Mercedes-Benz

CLS-Class (C257)

2019-2024 · Midsize Coupe · 1 engine
Best Engine ⚠️ Caution (3.4)
33 NHTSA Complaints
10 Recalls
0 Fire Reports
1 Crash Reports
Includes data from: AMG CLS53CLS-CLASS
View all 3 generations of the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class → 📋 Inspection checklist

Engine Reliability Ratings

M256

3.0L 6-cyl Turbo
⚠️ Caution (3.4)
33 complaints 6.6 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

wheels tires
17
electrical
10
engine
4
safety systems
3
steering
3

Known Issues

Wheels & Tires Issues (17 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (10 complaints)
Engine Issues (4 complaints)

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class regardless of engine variant.

Wheels & Tires Issues (17 complaints)
wheels_tires critical
Electrical System Issues (10 complaints)
electrical moderate

Recalls (10)

24V445000Jun 13, 2024serious
Electrical System

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 CLS 53 4MATIC, 2019-2023 E 53 4MATIC Cabriolet, E 53 4MATIC Coupe, E 53 4MATIC Sedan, 2021-2024 GT 43 4MATIC, and 2019-2025 GT 53 4MATIC vehicles. The transmission wiring harness connection might not have been correctly wired during a prior recall repair, and during production. which can expose the electrical connector to corrosion, and result in an electrical short-circuit.

24V100000Sep 1, 2024serious
Electrical System

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.

22V733000Sep 29, 2022serious
Electrical System

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, emergency call (eCall) system, electric seat adjustment, hazard warning lights, and automatic door locks.

22V189000Mar 24, 2022serious
Steering

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2022 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL, EClass Coupe/Convertible, CLS, AMG GT 4-doors Coupe, and EQS vehicles with a heated leather steering wheel. Due to a software error in the hand detection control unit, the hands-off detection might not detect when the driver's hands are away from the steering wheel when using the Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC system.

22V533000Jul 21, 2022serious
Electrical System

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2022 AMG GT43, 2019-2022 AMG E53, E53 Coupe, E53 Cabriolet, AMG GT53, and 2019-2021 AMG CLS53 vehicles. The transmission wiring harness may be misrouted, which can expose the electrical connector to corrosion, and result in an electrical short-circuit.

22V365000May 19, 2022serious
Electrical System

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. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.

21V483000Jun 24, 2021serious
Seat Belts

Mercedes-Benz, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 G550, AMG G63, E350, E450, AMG CLS53, AMG E53, AMG GT43, AMG GT53, AMG GT63, 2021-2022 CLS450, and AMG E63 vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

21V354000May 13, 2021serious
Back Over Prevention

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe and Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, and AMG GT-Class 4-door Coupe vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The MBUX multimedia system software may cause the display to remain black, or reboot after startup. This could result in the rearview camera image not displaying properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

21V527000Dec 6, 2021serious
Air Bags

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 CLS450, AMG E53, AMG CLS53, E350, E450, AMG GT43, AMG GT53, 2020 S450, S560, G550, AMG GLC63, 2020-2021 GLC300, and AMG G63 vehicles. The side crash sensor connectors may come loose, which could delay the activation of air bags and seatbelts during a side impact crash.

21V230000Jan 3, 2021serious
Seats

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 C-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe and Convertible, GLC, CLS, AMG GT 4-door Coupe and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. A faulty electrical contact within the seat position switch may prevent the driver and passenger air bags and seat belt force limiters from properly activating during a crash.

Alternatives in Midsize Coupe

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2019-2024 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class problems?

The 2019-2024 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class has accumulated 33 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Wheels & Tires, Electrical System, Engine. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class engine is most reliable?

The 2019-2024 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class was offered with 1 engine option. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.0L Turbo 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2019-2024 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class a good used car?

The 2019-2024 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 33 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2019-2024 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class have?

The 2019-2024 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class has 33 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2019-2024 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class?

There are 10 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2019-2024 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class?

Before buying a used Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Wheels & Tires, Electrical System, Engine, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

Does the CLS-Class have NHTSA crash test ratings?

NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2019-2024 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 33 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: moderate. Last updated: 2026-05-23.

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