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.
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.
SRPC2603 - 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
SRPC2419 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
SRPC2409 - 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
SRPC2412 - 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
SRPC2411 – 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
On 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
On 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
The 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
The 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
The 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
The 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
Coolant 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
Mounting 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
The 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
The 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
The 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
The 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
The 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
The 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
The 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
The 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
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) · 106,665 vehicles
The 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
THE 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
The 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
Engine 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
The 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
Certain 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
The 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
The 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
The 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
To 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
A 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
Front 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
Riveting 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
Faulty 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
Risk 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
Fire 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
Fire 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
Oil 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
Bonnet 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
Fuel 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
Steering 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
Passenger 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
Engine 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
Brake 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
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.