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Model reliability

Mercedes-Benz Cls reliability

The Mercedes-Benz Cls fails its MOT less often than most cars 6 to 10 years old: 20.6% of 11,793 tests failed in 2023, against 24.4% on average.

Up to 5 years old
17.8% failed their MOT
Worse than most
From 2,419 MOT tests of Mercedes-Benz Clss this age.
Where it does worse than other cars this age
Fails 3× as oftenTyre condition9.3% vs 3.2%Fix about £90
Fails 47× as oftenWheel condition4.7% vs 0.1%
Fails 6× as oftenSuspension arms1.7% vs 0.3%
Advised 5× as oftenSuspension arms4.5% vs 1%
6 to 10 years old
20.6% failed their MOT
Better than most
From 11,793 MOT tests of Mercedes-Benz Clss this age.
Where it does worse than other cars this age
Fails 2× as oftenTyre condition8% vs 3.5%Fix about £90
Fails 42% more oftenSprings3.4% vs 2.4%Fix about £150
Fails 5× as oftenRigid brake pipes1.5% vs 0.3%Fix about £120
Fails 30% more oftenAnti-roll bars1.3% vs 1%
Advised 6× as oftenRigid brake pipes9.1% vs 1.6%Fix about £120
Advised 10× as oftenWheel bearings4% vs 0.4%
Over 10 years old
30.4% failed their MOT
Better than most
From 11,170 MOT tests of Mercedes-Benz Clss this age.
Where it does worse than other cars this age
Fails 54% more oftenTyre condition6.3% vs 4.1%Fix about £90
Fails 2× as oftenRigid brake pipes4.2% vs 1.7%Fix about £120
Advised 2× as oftenRigid brake pipes18.6% vs 8.3%Fix about £120
Advised 3× as oftenWheel bearings5.8% vs 1.7%
Safety recalls

46 DVSA recalls for the Mercedes-Benz Cls

Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.

R/2026/14821 Sept 2026Built 2019SRPC2603 - Drive Shaft Joint

Mercedes-Benz AG has determined that on certain 4MATIC E-Class (213 platform) S-Class Coupé (217 platform) S-Class (222 platform) E-Class Coupe/Convertible (238 platform) GLC (253 platform) and CLS (257 platform) vehicles increased wear of the universal joint on the drive shaft might occur.

Fix: As a remedy Mercedes-Benz AG via its Mercedes-Benz service partners will check the drive shaft on the affected vehicles and replace it if necessary.

Recalled models: CLS · 1 vehicles

R/2024/4744 Dec 2024Built 2021SRPC2419 Misfire Detection M264

The software of the engine control unit might not meet specifications regarding misfire detection.

Fix: Mercedes-Benz AG via its Mercedes-Benz service partners will update the software of the engine control unit on the affected vehicles.

Recalled models: CLS · 3 vehicles

R/2024/30524 Oct 2024Built 2018–2022SRPC2409 - Tightness of Transmission Wiring Harness Connector

The manufacturer has determined on affected vehicles the electrical connector of the transmission wiring harness might not have been correctly remedied.

Fix: Replace the two-part wiring harness including the connector a with a new one-part variant.

Recalled models: CLS · 96 vehicles

R/2024/30724 Oct 2024Built 2018–2021SRPC2412 - Tightness of Transmission Wiring Harness Connector

The manufacturer has determined on affected vehicles the electrical connector of the transmission wiring harness might not have been correctly remedied.

Fix: Replace the two-part wiring harness including the connector a with a new one-part variant

Recalled models: CLS · 25 vehicles

R/2024/26816 Jul 2024Built 2021SRPC2411 – Parameter Data Set of Airbag Control Unit

On affected vehicles the airbag control unit may not correspond to specifications. In the event of an accident the active bonnet may not be triggered.

Fix: Update the airbag control unit software.

Recalled models: CLS · 7 vehicles

R/2023/22329 Aug 2023Built 2022On affected vehicles the fuel pump impeller might not meet specifications and may deform.

On affected vehicles the fuel pump impeller might not meet specifications and may deform.

Fix: Replace the fuel pump module.

Recalled models: CLS · 8 vehicles

R/2023/02320 Feb 2023Built 2010–2016On affected vehicles the aluminium bolts of the steering gear could corrode and break due to the intrusion of moisture.

On affected vehicles the aluminium bolts of the steering gear could corrode and break due to the intrusion of moisture.

Fix: Replace the steering gear mounting bolts on the affected vehicles with steel bolts. Should the bolts break or already be broken change the steering gear.

Recalled models: CLS · 51,251 vehicles

R/2023/0206 Feb 2023Built 2004–2010The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame might not meet specifications.

On affected vehicles the bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame might not meet specifications. In consequence a separation of the glass panel from the vehicle cannot be excluded.

Fix: Check the glass panel and replace the sliding roof if necessary.

Recalled models: CLS · 3,267 vehicles

R/2022/31010 Nov 2022Built 2017–2022The attachment for the 12v battery in the luggage compartment may not withstand the loads in the event of an accident

On certain E-Class vehicles the attachment for the 12V battery in the luggage compartment may not withstand the loads in the event of an accident.

Fix: Install an additional fixation of the 12V battery on the affected vehicles.

Recalled models: CLS · 3,645 vehicles

R/2022/25014 Sept 2022Built 2017–2022The transmission wiring harness might not be routed according to specifications

The transmission wiring harness might not be routed according to specifications.

Fix: Fit additional bracket to optimise the wiring routing. Check the harness connections and rework if necessary.

Recalled models: CLS · 2,456 vehicles

R/2022/01910 Feb 2022Built 2020–2021The software of the engine control unit might not meet specifications

On certain vehicles the software of the engine control unit might not meet specifications.

Fix: Conduct an update the software of the engine control unit on the affected vehicles.

Recalled models: CLS · 51 vehicles

R/2021/43821 Jan 2022Built 2017–2021Coolant pump might have a leakage between the vacuum system and the coolant circuit

On certain vehicles with a Diesel engine the coolant pump which is controlled by vacuum might have a leakage between the vacuum system and the coolant circuit.

Fix: Update the software of the coolant pump and replace the electrical switch valve on the affected vehicles.

Recalled models: CLS · 35,624 vehicles

R/2021/38411 Jan 2022Built 2021Mounting screws of front axle brake callipers might not meet specifications

On vehicles with a fixed�caliper�brake system the mounting screws of the�calipers�on the front axle may not meet specifications.

Fix: Replace the screws on the front brake�calipers�on the affected vehicles.�

Recalled models: CLS · 72 vehicles

R/2021/37629 Nov 2021Built 2016–2021The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications

The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.

Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.

Recalled models: CLS(218) · 50,390 vehicles

R/2021/14528 May 2021Built 2005–2006The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame might not meet specifications

The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame might not meet specifications.

Fix: Check the glass panel bonding on the affected vehicles and replace the sliding roof if necessary.

Recalled models: CLS · 310 vehicles

R/2021/11013 May 2021Built 2016–2021The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications

The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.

Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.

Recalled models: CLS · 108,971 vehicles

R/2021/12011 May 2021Built 2016–2021The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications

The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.

Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.

Recalled models: CLS(218) · 86,604 vehicles

R/2021/11110 May 2021Built 2016–2021The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications

The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.

Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.

Recalled models: CLS(218) · 90,716 vehicles

R/2021/1325 May 2021Built 2016–2021The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications

The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.

Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.

Recalled models: CLS(218) · 10,410 vehicles

R/2021/1345 May 2021Built 2016–2021The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications

The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.

Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.

Recalled models: CLS(257) · 162,581 vehicles

R/2021/1315 May 2021Built 2016–2021The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications

The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.

Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.

Recalled models: CLS(218) · 81,267 vehicles

R/2021/1335 May 2021Built 2016–2021The emergency call system might not meet specifications

The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.

Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.

Recalled models: CLS(257) · 106,665 vehicles

R/2021/08330 Mar 2021Built 2017–2020The software of certain communication modules may not meet specifications

The software of certain communication modules may not meet specifications.

Fix: Carry out an update to the software of the communication module on affected vehicles.

Recalled models: CLS · 36 vehicles

R/2020/2366 Oct 2020Built 2017–2018THE EMERGENCY CALL SYSTEM (eCall) DOES NOT MEET THE SPECIFICATION

On affected vehicles the software of the communication module for the emergency call system does not meet the specification

Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system

Recalled models: CLS · 3,127 vehicles

R/2020/2406 Oct 2020Built 2016–2019The seat belt warning function does not meet the specification

The seat belt warning function does not meet the specification

Fix: Activate the correct seat belt warning scenario in the instrument cluster

Recalled models: CLS · 45 vehicles

R/2020/2436 Oct 2020Built 2011–2018Engine control unit software to be updated

Improve the vehicle emissions via software updates.

Fix: Update the relevant control unit�s software and if necessary replace the NOx sensors.

Recalled models: CLS · 994 vehicles

R/2020/22525 Aug 2020Built 2018–2020The data documenting the correct mounting of the turbocharger oil feed as well as the oil return line may be missing

The HV battery pack can overheat and result in the venting of hot gas which can ignite vehicle components or in extreme cases the entire vehicle.

Fix: To prevent a vehicle fire the vehicles should not be charged using the external charging cable and the vehicles should only be driven using the default Auto EV mode only

Recalled models: CLS · 124 vehicles

R/2019/3723 Aug 2020Built 2018Certain front seat belt buckles may not have been manufactured according to specification

A correctly fastened seat belt could be detected as not fastened impairing the restraint system

Fix: Check the relevant seat belt buckles in the affected vehicles and replace if necessary

Recalled models: CLS · 15,652 vehicles

R/2019/4584 May 2020Built 2000–2010The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame may not meet specifications

The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame might not meet specifications

Fix: Check the glass panel bonding on the affected vehicles and replace the sliding roof if necessary

Recalled models: CLS · 18,132 vehicles

R/2019/2816 Nov 2019Built 2017–2019The engine coolant pump electric line may contact and chafe the engine fan

The electric line for the power supply of the engine coolant pump might chafe on the engine fan.

Fix: Check and repair damage if required. The routing of the electric line will be modified in order to prevent potential contact with the engine fan.

Recalled models: CLS · 230 vehicles

R/2019/26918 Sept 2019Built 2017–2019The software of the radar control unit may not meet specification

; The software of the radar control unit might not meet the specification

Fix: Update the software of the radar sensor control unit on the affected vehicles.

Recalled models: CLS · 294 vehicles

R/2019/2566 Sept 2019Built 2012–2017To achieve an improvement in the emissions via software updates

Improve the vehicle emissions via software updates.

Fix: Update the diesel engine control unit software and add a supplementary booklet for the operator's manual

Recalled models: CLS · 25,647 vehicles

R/2019/10817 Apr 2019Built 2016–2018A reset in the cpc control unit could occur whilst driving

The ECO Start-Stop function may be disabled and cause the vehicle to stall.

Fix: The affected vehicles are to be recalled and the software updated.

Recalled models: CLS · 69 vehicles

R/2018/29618 Dec 2018Built 2017–2018Front passenger seat occupant classification system calibration may not correspond to the specifications

Incorrect calibration of the front passenger occupant classification system.

Fix: Replace the seat cushion of the front passenger seat.

Recalled models: CLS · 151 vehicles

R/2018/26719 Oct 2018Built 2017–2018Riveting of the seat belt housing cover at front seats may not comply with specification and rivets may fail

The riveting of the seat belt housing cover at the front seats may not comply with the specification.

Fix: Replace the driver and front passenger side seat belts in the affected vehicles.

Recalled models: CLS · 52 vehicles

R/2017/12419 Apr 2017Built 2004–2017Faulty control unit may cause vehicle to perform outside specification

Where a control unit coding was updated in a workshop between 3 December 2016 and 5 December 2016 the coding may not correspond to the specification and may trigger unplanned action in the vehicle. The safety and emissions systems may not react as design intent.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and update the software in the corresponding control units.

Recalled models: CLS · 42 vehicles

R/2015/25921 Jan 2016Built 2015Risk of fire

The high pressure fuel lines have not been manufactured to the correct specification which over time can lead to crack formation and fuel leaking. Fuel escaping in the presence of an ignition source could lead to fire.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the high pressure fuel lines.

Recalled models: CLS · 1,327 vehicles

R/2015/17128 Aug 2015Built 2015Fire may occur

The engine compartment seal may not be fully secure. There is a possibility that the seal may become dislodged and fall between the engine and the fire wall. If this occurs it is possible for the seal to contact very hot items such as the catalytic converter and a fire to start.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and fit a new seal with fittings.

Recalled models: CLS · 3 vehicles

R/2015/04123 Mar 2015Built 2012–2014Fire may occur

A seal between bonnet and engine compartment may when the bonnet is opened temporarily stick to the bonnet. If this happens the seal may detach form its fixing and can fall into the gap between engine and partition wall. It is then possible the seal can make contact with the exhaust and under certain conditions catch fire.

Fix: On affected vehicles install additional clips to retain the seal.

Recalled models: CLS · 3,863 vehicles

R/2014/18216 Jan 2015Built 2014Oil may leak

On certain diesel engines the 'O' ring may not have been produced to the correct specification. This may allow oil to leak and contaminate the environment. If excessive oil is lost engine damage may occur.

Fix: On affected vehicles replace the chain tensioner sealing ring.

Recalled models: CLS · 61,672 vehicles

R/2012/1484 Dec 2012Built 2011Bonnet catch may release

It is possible that the bonnet striker may not have been correctly torqued. If the striker works loose for any reason it is possible that the bonnet may not be secure fly up and obstruct the drivers view to the front.

Fix: Recall affected vehicles check the bonnet striker and re-torque if required.

Recalled models: CLS · 1 vehicles

R/2011/17226 Jan 2012Built 2009–2011Fuel may leak

Fuel leaks in the plug area of the drain opening may occur at the fuel filter with integrated fuel heaters. Fuel can escape and is noticeable to the customer due to a corresponding diesel odour. The diesel can reach the road and as a result friction between the tyres and road surface may be decreased.

Fix: Check filter and replace as necessary.

Recalled models: CLS · 22,298 vehicles

R/2011/11624 Oct 2011Built 2010–2011Steering may become heavy

Power steering assistance may be lost due to an implausible signal occurring in the control unit. The mechanical steering of the vehicle is maintained but greater input from the driver will be required. When the fault occurs warning will be delivered both visually on the vehicle display and audibly via a signal tone.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the electric power steering units.

Recalled models: CLS · 316 vehicles

R/2011/11721 Oct 2011Built 2010–2011Passenger air bag may not deploy correctly

It is possible that due to a faulty electrical connection and high air temperature only the first stage of the air-bag will only ignite and the second stage will not. This could result in the non-deployment or full deployment of the passenger air-bag. If the vehicle is involved in a serious collision it is possible that the passenger may receive increased head injuries.

Fix: Recall all the affected vehicles and replace the passenger air-bag.

Recalled models: CLS · 1,279 vehicles

R/2008/14917 Nov 2008Built 2006–2007Engine could lose power.

The electrical connection in the interior of the crankshaft sensor's chip housing may be interrupted which may result in loss of power and the inability to restart engine

Fix: Recall affected vehicles and replace crankshaft sensor

Recalled models: CLS · 19,331 vehicles

R/2005/05627 Jul 2005Built 2001–2005Brake pedal may require more effort than expected

In isolated cases it is possible for vibrations within the vehicle to in turn vibrate the wiring harness connected to the Sensotronic Brake Control unit. This causes the internal contacts within the unit to suffer abrasion and subsequent resistance increase. The resultant affect is that more effort will be required on the brake pedal to stop the vehicle.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and mount an additional bracket to the electrical harness to prevent relative movement.

Recalled models: CLS · 58,022 vehicles

DVSA vehicle safety recalls (Crown copyright, Open Government Licence).

Checking a Mercedes-Benz Cls before you buy

Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.

Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2023 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Failure rates compare this model with all cars in the same age band. Fix prices are typical independent-garage estimates.
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