Reliability
Mercedes-Benz

CLS-Class (C257)

2019-2024 · Midsize Coupe · 1 engine
34 NHTSA Complaints
10 Recalls
0 Fire Reports
1 Crash Reports
Data covers 2 NHTSA model names
AMG CLS53CLS-CLASS
View all 3 generations of the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class → Inspection checklist

Reliability Score

8.4 / 10

Reliability score

Fewer owner complaints than similar midsize coupes

The class average is 7.0. Based on complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the engine, transmission or drivetrain.

Owners filed 4 powertrain complaints. A typical midsize coupe fleet of this size and age would have drawn about 9.

Scores this high have held: three years on they had moved 0.2 points in the typical case.

Covers the 2019 to 2023 model years only (the generation ran 2019 to 2024).

Breakdown
Complaints overall4 complaints against about 9 for similar vehicles
8.4
Last three years
n/aNot enough data
Engine, transmission or drive unit failed or replaced
n/aNot enough data
Oil consumption, fuel in the oil or overheating
n/aNot enough data

Each line scores one view of the same complaints the same way, so the lines overlap. The mark on each bar is the class average. A line needs 20 expected complaints to show a number.

By model year
  • 20198.6
  • 2020n/a
  • 2021n/a
  • 2022n/a
  • 2023n/a

Similar vehicles are others in the same class, compared at the same age and in the same years. The score counts complaints owners filed with NHTSA, per vehicle built, which is different from the share of vehicles that fail. How the score is worked out

On the record

No serious powertrain recall covering 5% or more of this generation and no escalated investigation in NHTSA's files. Warranty extensions and settlements have not been researched.

Complaints by Engine Code

M256

3.0L 6-cyl Turbo
34 complaints 6.8 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

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

Owner Complaints by System

Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.

Wheels & Tires: 17 owner complaints
Electrical System: 10 owner complaints

Recalls (10)

24V445000Jun 14, 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.

24V100000Feb 9, 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 30, 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.

22V533000Jul 22, 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 20, 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.

Show 5 older recalls
22V189000Mar 25, 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.

21V527000Jul 12, 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.

21V483000Jun 25, 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 14, 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."

21V230000Apr 1, 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 complaints?

Owners have filed 34 complaints with NHTSA about the 2019-2024 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class. The systems they name most often are the wheels and tires, the electrical system and the steering.

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

That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 34 complaints with NHTSA about the 2019-2024 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.

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

NHTSA has 34 owner complaints on file for the 2019-2024 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.

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

NHTSA lists 10 recalls covering some 2019-2024 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.

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

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the wheels and tires, the electrical system and the steering, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and 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. 34 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: moderate. Last updated: 2026-10-12.

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