I purchased my 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 with approximately 12,000 miles on 08/16/2022. Throughout the course of my ownership the vehicle has had multiple sets of tires replaced due to them either being prematurely bald, developing multiple bubbles, or shredding due to cracked rims. Along with the tires being constantly replaced, I have had to replace 8 rims that have cracked under normal driving conditions. Upon doing research into why my rims crack so frequently, I discovered that this is a common occurrence with my model of Mercedes, as well as several other models. The online forums state, “This is not as a result of your driving, potholes, etc. but due to a design defect with some Mercedes vehicle. This is due to the fact that the factory installed cast aluminum rims coupled with low profile stiff run-flat tires and a relatively stiff suspension result in the rims momentarily exceeding their yield strength during typical driving conditions and failing by cracking, bending and so on which usually also causes the run-flat tires to be damaged as well. This will continue to happen over and over several times per year because this is a design defect.” According to several sources, Mercedes-Benz is aware of this situation and has done little to counteract this situation, only offering a comprehensive tire and wheel package to drivers, at an extra cost of course and paying a few settlements under the table to those who threaten to expose this situation to the public. Mercedes- Benz has ultimately developed, and put into circulation, several models of vehicles with wheels that cannot support the vehicles weight while the vehicle is stationary, let alone while in operation. This flaw in their design is not only costly to replace or an inconvenience to try to resolve, but deadly if the right combination of failures were to occur.
The worst 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Electrical4
- Engine1
- Wheels1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical4
- Engine1
- Wheels1
Recalls 5
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
Communication
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2019 C300, E300, 2018-2020 CLA250, 2020 CLS450, AMG E53, AMG GT53, GLE450, 2018 AMG E63, AMG GTA, 2017-2020 GLA250, GLC300, 2019 GLC350, AMG GLC43, 2017-2018 GLE350, 2019 AMG GLC 43, GLC350, GLE400, 2017 GLS450, S550, C300 Cabrio, and 2018-2019 S560 vehicles. On June 18, 2021, an additional 9 vehicles were added, including certain 2021 GLA250, GLC300, 2018 S450, E400, and 2017 CLA250 vehicles. The communication module might have been inadvertently deactivated during a service visit, which could have disabled the Emergency Call (eCall) function.
- Risk
- A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting emergency services through the call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the communication module and activate it, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Letters for the owners of the 9 additional vehicles were mailed July 9, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021030005.
Recall number 21V072000 · 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
Technical service bulletins for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 187
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...
- 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
- Customer complaints relating to automatic transmission 725.0 (NAG3 Classic / 9G‑TRONIC automatic...
What 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS450. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V733000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms remedy not available.
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS450. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V533000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The 2020 mercedes cls has a known defect in their 48v system that turns the engine off in locations with high het zones. I was told by the mercedes service department this has been occurring in arizona, new mexico, florida, nevada and saudi arabia. It's a know issue that they are unable to fix currently. I had my children in the car when I was making a left hand turn in a major intersection and the car just stalled on me, leaving me in a panic to try to start the car again before getting into an accident. Mercedes provided me a loaner while they tried to fix my car. I waited 9 weeks to see if they can fix it, but they are not able to. I have contacted the mercedes dealership as well as the local dealership and told them I no longer want to lease tis vehicle as it is a danger to my family. They would not take the car back nor offer a buyback option. The only option given was a trade in lease, but the options for a car comparable was non existent in the united states as their inventory is extremely limited. I asked again since they had no cars to offer me to get my money back and look for another company. I was told no so I had very little options and took that car back last week. Michael faul the general manager that I have been working with told me in our first meeting that of course they will reimburse me for the 2 months of leases I paid when I didn't have my car. Today I received an email from this mercedes that has a letter attached to this email that said they will pay back the two month's of leases if I sign this release that they are not liable for any damages or if me or my family get hurt they are not responsible. (I have attached letter for your review) I have tried very much to work with mercedes corporate in atlanta as well as the local dealership in scottsdale, az. I feel this is blackmail and a terrible way of hiding a dangerous car.
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Questions about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450
Is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 reliable?
Owners have filed 5 complaints about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450, 1.7 times a typical CLS 450 model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450?
Electrical system, with 4 complaints. Next is engine (1).
How many recalls does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 have?
5 recalls, covering electrical system, back over prevention and communication.
Was there a recall on the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 electrical?
Yes, 4 recalls: 22V733000, 22V365000, 21V072000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
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