Hybrid issue. Cuts off when driving and have to pull over to start back up. Car says to pull over and let the car run
The worst 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Wheels5
- Electrical4
- Steering3
- Engine2
- Suspension2
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Wheels5
- Electrical4
- Steering3
- Engine2
- Suspension2
- Tires2
- Brakes1
- Driver assistance1
Recalls 12
Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- The inability to operate safety features (eCall system, hazard lights, electric seats, or automatic door locks) can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
- 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.
Recall number 22V733000 · Recall details
Electrical system: software
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.
- 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. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on July 8, 2022, May 17, 2024, July 29, 2024, and September 27, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372. MBUSA's numbers are for this recall is 2022060005 and 2023110006.
Recall number 22V365000 · Recall details
Back over prevention: display function
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, C-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe/Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and CLS-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The rearview camera may not display the rearview image due to a software error. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Risk
- An inoperable rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 15, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022060007.
Recall number 22V232000 · Recall details
Electrical system: software
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.
- Risk
- Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
- Remedy
- MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑877‑762‑8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.
Recall number 21V058000 · Recall details
Electrical system: software
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 C300, C300 Coupe, CLS450, E450 Coupe and S450, 2017-2019 E300, 2018 E400 Coupe, E400 Stationwagon, and 2018-2019 S560 vehicles that have previously had the instrument cluster replaced. The software in the replaced instrument cluster may cause the seat belt warning system to not operate properly, only displaying a solid warning light if either the driver or passenger seat belt is unfastened, instead of a blinking light with an audible tone.
- Risk
- Without the audible tone and blinking warning light to remind the front seat occupants that their seat belts are not buckled, they may forget to buckle their seat belt, increasing their risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- Remedy
- MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. The recall began September 8, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020080015.
Recall number 20V449000 · Recall details
Seat belts
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 E400 Wagon 4MATIC, E400 4MATIC, E43 AMG 4MATIC, 2018-2019 E63S AMG 4MATIC Wagon, E63 AMG 4MATIC Wagon, E300, E300 4MATIC, GLC63S Coupe AMG 4MATIC, 2019 CLS450, CLS450 4MATIC, CLS53 AMG 4MATIC, E450 Wagon, E53 AMG 4MATIC, GLC300, GLC63 AMG Coupe 4MATIC, G550 4MATIC, G63 AMG, GLC300 Coupe 4MATIC, GLC300 4MATIC, GLC350e 4MATIC, GLC43 AMG Coupe 4MATIC, GLC43 AMG 4MATIC, GLC63 AMG 4MATIC, GT63 AMG four-door 4MATIC, and GT63S AMG four-door 4MATIC vehicles. Although correctly fastened, the front seat belts may be inaccurately detected as being unfastened, which may cause the electric PRE-SAFE®-function and the pretensioner to be deactivated.
- Risk
- The electric PRE-SAFE®-function and the seat belt pretensioners may not deploy during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seat belt buckles, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 13, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020020017.
Recall number 19V788000 · Recall details
Electrical system: wiring
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 CLS 450 Coupe and CLS 450 Coupe 4MATIC vehicles equipped with 6-cylinder gasoline engines. The electrical line that supplies power to the engine coolant pump may contact the engine fan and chafe, possibly causing a malfunction of the coolant pump or a deactivation of the 48V on-board electrical system.
- Risk
- A malfunctioning engine coolant pump can increase coolant temperatures, possibly leading to an engine stall. Deactivation of the 48V on-board electrical system can cause the vehicle to not restart after using the ECO start/stop function or "Glide" mode. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the coolant pump electrical line for damage, repairing it and rerouting it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 1, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019090019.
Recall number 19V605000 · Recall details
Forward collision avoidance: sensing system: radar
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 C300 Cabrio, C300A Cabrio 4MATIC, C300 Coupe, C300 Coupe 4MATIC, C300, C300 4MATIC, C43 AMG Cabrio 4MATIC, C43 AMG Coupe 4MATIC, C43 AMG 4MATIC, C63 AMG Cabrio, C63S AMG Cabrio, C63 AMG Coupe, C63S AMG Coupe, C63 AMG, C63S AMG, CLS450, CLS450 4MATIC, CLS53 AMG 4MATIC, E300, E300 4MATIC, E450 Cabrio, E450 Cabrio 4MATIC, E450 Coupe, E450 Coupe 4MATIC, E450 Wagon 4MATIC, E450 4MATIC, E53 AMG Cabrio 4MATIC, E53 AMG Coupe 4MATIC, E53 AMG 4MATIC, E63S AMG 4MATIC, E63S AMG Wagon 4MATIC, S450, S450 4MATIC, S560 Cabrio, S560 Coupe 4MATIC, S560, S560 4MATIC, S560 4MATIC Maybach, S63 AMG Cabrio 4MATIC, S63 AMG Coupe 4MATIC, S63 AMG 4MATIC, S65 AMG Cabrio, S65 AMG, and AMG GT53 Coupe 4MATIC vehicles, and 2020 GLC300 Coupe 4MATIC, GLE350 4MATIC, and GLE450 4MATIC vehicles equipped with the Driver Assistance Package. A software error in the radar sensor control unit may impair the functionality of the Active Brake Assist.
- Risk
- An impaired Active Brake Assist may not automatically apply partial or full braking as expected, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the radar sensor control unit software, free of charge. The recall began September 13, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019080008.
Recall number 19V540000 · Recall details
Exterior lighting: headlights
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 CLS450, CLS450 4MATIC, and CLS53 AMG vehicles. The horizontal adjustment screw may not be effectively sealed, allowing the headlights to be improperly adjusted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, & Associated Equipment."
- Risk
- If the headlights are not properly adjusted, the driver may have reduced visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- MBUSA has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the horizontal headlight adjustment screws, sealing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 15, 2019. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019020007.
Recall number 18V911000 · Recall details
Steering: rack and pinion: rack
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Mercedes Benz C300, 2017-2019 C300 Cabrio, C300 Coupe, C63 Cabrio, 2015 C63S AMG, 2018-2019 C300, C350e, C63 AMG, C63S AMG Cabrio, 2018 C63 AMG Cabrio, C63 AMG Coupe, C63S AMG, C63S AMG Coupe, E300, E400 Cabrio, E400 Coupe, 2019 CLS450, E450 Cabrio, and E450 Coupe rear-wheel drive vehicles. A locknut in the steering rack may break under high load, possibly causing the steering to become stuck in one position.
- Risk
- A car that cannot be properly steered has an increased risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering rack, free of charge. The recall began August 23, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019080012.
Recall number 18V850000 · Recall details
Electrical system: software
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 Mercedes-Benz C300, C300 4Matic, C300 4Matic Cabrio, C300 4Matic Coupe, C300 Coupe, C300 Cabrio, C43 AMG, C43 AMG Cabrio, C43 AMG Coupe, CLS450, CLS450 4Matic, CLS53 AMG 4Matic, E53 AMG 4Matic, E450 4Matic, E450 4Matic Coupe, E53 AMG 4Matic Coupe, G550, and G63 AMG vehicles. The Central Powertrain Controller (CPC) control unit could reset while driving, possibly causing an engine stall.
- Risk
- An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the CPC control unit software, free of charge. The recall began April 12, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019030012.
Recall number 18V761000 · Recall details
Air bags: sensor: occupant classification
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 Mercedes-Benz E300, E300 4Matic, E43 AMG 4Matic, E400 4Matic, E63S AMG 4Matic+, and 2019 CLS450 4Matic vehicles. The Occupant Classification System (OCS) may not be properly calibrated, resulting in the front passenger air bag not being deactivated if a child seat is in the front seat.
- Risk
- If a child seat is in the front seat and the passenger air bag is not deactivated, in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger seat cushion, free of charge. The recall began November 26, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372.
Recall number 18V515000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 196
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Dear Mercedes-Benz Owner: In our continuing efforts to ensure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz...
- Fuel/propulsion system
- In our continuing efforts to ensure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the...
- Sporadic warning message in instrument cluster "Engine oil pressure, stop switch off vehicle" (or similar)...
- Customer complaints relating to automatic transmission 725.0 (NAG3 Classic /9G‑TRONIC automatic...
- Noises in the steering column area when steering
- Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is...
- Red coolant warning in instrument cluster
- Only vehicles with a variable transfer case are affected
- Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors
What 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
My vehicle steering wheel completely disengaged/malfunctioned when driving home. The steering wheel continuously rotates however there is no shifting of wheels. This is hazardous as I had to brake the car and call roadside assistance. It is currently at the Mercedes dealership and will be inspected tomorrow. The car displayed the following error after the steering malfunctioned: ESP® is malfunctioning Other driving systems and driving safety systems may also malfunction. The brake system continues to operate normally. The braking distance in an emergency braking situation can increase. WARNING: Risk of skidding if ESP® is malfunctioning • Drive on carefully.
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS450. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the failure persisted; however, the contact was able to continue driving to the destination at slow speeds. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission wiring harness. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V445000 (Electrical System), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 46,000.
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS450. The contact stated while reversing, the rearview camera image was black. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V232000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
I have had 5 tire blow outs on my 2019 CLS 450 Mercedes. I purchased the car in August of 2023 and since that time I have experienced 5 tire blow outs on brand new tires within a 1-year time frame. When I got the tire blow outs all of them were while I was driving in local city traffic. This car uses run flat tires. I am having the tires replaced at Discount Tire stores in California. The tire is the following: BRI Potenza 245/35 R20 95 Y. This incident happened on several dates [XXX, XXX, XXX, XXX, XXX]. I have taken the car to the Mercedes dealership Escondido Mercedes. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I am getting repeated flats in this car after hitting small bumps in the car. Whether I am on the freeway or driving around town. I have hit bumps that will blow out the tire. Here are more complaints from consumers : [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
My car started shaking and after putting it on the computer it was an electrical wiring harness issue. I was told it will be 6 k to replace both harnesses. It’s been 8 months and they just received the part. The service tech told me that these cars have this issue due to the position of the harnesses being to close to the exhaust. It dries out the wiring. I went to the Mercedes forum and found numerous complaints about this issue. Recently I baited the Mercedes of downtown Los Angeles and was advised they received another cls 450 with the same issues as myself and several other owners of the cls 450. I have been getting the run around for months. This should be a recall as even if I pay 6k it will happen again! Please help. I even reached out to BBB and the dealership never responded to them. I’ve been in contact with Mercedes head quarters and was advised to reach out to the federal safety agency
I have had to replace 3 wheels at great cost due to cracks. I believe the wheels are defectively designed. The wheels cannot support the vehicle's weight. The cast iron aluminum wheels together with the low profile run flat tires contribute to a road hazard and dangerous condition. I understand that this problem has been encountered by many, many MBZ owners.
I had a slow leak in the rear passenger tire for a few weeks now so I took it to the neighborhood tire shop. No nail or puncture was discovered but a hairline crack in the rear wheel. The tire shop manager advised me to call the dealership and ask the part to be replaced as this is a very low mileage vehicle. The crack according to the shop is definitely a defect in the wheel as there was no evidence of impact damage. I contacted the dealer for a warranty replacement as it should be covered under my CPO warranty coverage and they will get back to me. In the meantime I did some research and found several MB Forums that stated the same issue with the CLS 450 and CLS 53 AMG. The forum stated that the issue is with the run flat tire combined with the original factory wheel. Most of them stated that because of the hard sidewall of run flat tire, the pressure causes the wheel to have hairline fractures as American roads are not as perfect as German highways. If my wheel is replaced under warranty then I risk having the same issue happen again. I am also taking chances driving back and forth from work until the replacement is done. With the number of complaints related to the tire and wheel package offered by Mercedes, is there going to be a recall/replacement that will be implemented for affected vehicles. These cars are not cheap by any standard and hope something will be done. Replacing all four wheels and tires on this vehicle is a big expense and something I don't expect to do after investing in an expensive ride. I hope that something is done because waiting for the next crack to happen certainly affects the enjoyment you get in driving these vehicles. I really do love these cars, this is my second vehicle from this brand.
I was scared for my life. I was driving on the freeway and went to change lanes then all of a sudden i lost control and slid sideways and luckily didn’t hit anything. These tires only have 3000 miles on them and are COMPLETELY BALD!! This is not safe and horrible. Falken needs to make this right
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Questions about the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450
Is the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 reliable?
Owners have filed 15 complaints about the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450, 5.0 times a typical CLS 450 model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450?
Wheels, with 5 complaints. Next is electrical (4).
How many recalls does the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 have?
12 recalls, covering electrical system, back over prevention and seat belts.
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