2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550
Only 23 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 23 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 23
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2012
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2012: 23 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2011 | 4 |
| 2012 | 23 |
| 2013 | 4 |
| 2014 | 10 |
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2017 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Only 23 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Fuel/propulsion system
8 of 23 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.
Engine
4 of 23 total reports mention: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
Driving on the highway with my 6MONTH old baby and suddenly my car surges and loses power. The check engine light flashes and I move to the side of the road with almost no acceleration.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-08-25
Also filed under Electrical system
Service brakes
3 of 23 total reports mention: service brakes.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving 45 MPH, the brakes were applied however, the vehicle would not decelerate. In addition, the steering wheel seized simultaneously and the contact lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnosis.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-10-05
Also filed under Power train and steering
Premature rusting on brake and fuel lines which lead to further issues with driveability and saftey. This us caused by the same defects leading to the Premature rust on the subframe that can cause a serious wreck on the interstate.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-08-30
Power train
3 of 23 total reports mention: power train.
Electrical system
3 of 23 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
The very day I brought my car home from a used car purchase, the moment I pulled in my driveway to park, the message center said, " Sos service not activated" In a warning in the center cluster.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-02-27
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2012-11-21Latches/locks/linkages12V533000 Mercedes-Benz is recalling certain model year 2012 CLS550 and CLS550 4Matic vehicles, manufactured December 01, 2011, through December 13, 2011. The bolts that hold the hood's secondary latch…
Remedy: Mercedes-Benz will notify owners, and dealers will check and retighten the bolts as necessary. Mercedes-Benz notified the owners by phone for this campaign starting on 11/21/2012. Owners may…
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2015-04-06Exterior lighting15V137000 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2015 CLS 400 and CLS 400 4matic, 2012-2015 CLS 550 and CLS 550 4matic, 2012-2013 CLS 63, 2014 CLS 63, and 2014-2015 CLS 63P.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the lighting controller software, free of charge. The recall began April 6, 2015. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2015030005.
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2017-04-21Air bags, electrical system17V177000 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 AMG GT-S, GLC300, CLA250 and GLE300d 4Matic vehicles, 2013 C250, E350 BlueTec and G63 AMG vehicles, 2008-2014 C300 vehicles, 2013-2014 C300 4Matic and ML350 4Matic vehicles, 2009 C350...
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update software in the affected control units, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
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I
2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Buy-smart checklist
2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Fuel/propulsion system: 8 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 3 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 12V533000 · Latches/locks/linkages
- Recall 15V137000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 17V177000 · Air bags, electrical system
FAQ
- Is the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550?
- The most-reported component is fuel/propulsion system, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.