MYRModel Year Report

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550

○ Not enough data
2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550
RENDERED 2026-08-02T12:16:45.373Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Mercedes-Benz CLS550 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2012 highlighted. 2010: 1 complaints 2010 2011: 4 complaints 2011 2012: 23 complaints 2012 2013: 4 complaints 2013 2014: 10 complaints 2014 2015: 1 complaints 2015 2017: 1 complaints 2017
2012: 23 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
20101
20114
201223
20134
201410
20151
20171

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, 20180825

SERVICE BRAKES

3 of 23 total reports mention: service brakes.

CRASH INJURY
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, 20121005

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, 20240830

POWER TRAIN

3 of 23 total reports mention: power train.

CRASH INJURY
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, 20121005

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 of 23 total reports mention: electrical system.

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, 20180825

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, 20180227

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20121121 — latches/locks/linkages

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 striker

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 contact

Campaign 12V533000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20150406 — exterior lighting

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.

Campaign 15V137000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20170421 — air bags, electrical system

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.

Campaign 17V177000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20210917 — EA (open)

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (8 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 12V533000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 15V137000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 17V177000 (air bags, electrical system) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.