2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450, most often about electrical system. There are 5 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
5
Recalls
5
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Median mileage
12,000 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Electrical System is the most-reported problem area, named in 4 of 5 complaints (80%).
  • Engine (1) and wheels & tires (1) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 12,000 mi.
  • The 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 has 5 recalls on file.
  • It ranks 3rd of 5 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
  • That is 55% fewer complaints than the 2019 model year (11).

2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 problems by category

  • Electrical System
    4 complaints
  • Engine
    1 complaints
  • Wheels & Tires
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Electrical system4
Engine1
Wheels1

When problems happen (mileage)

1Under 10k110k–30k30k–60k60k–100k100k–150k150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 complaints that list mileage.

2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 recalls (5)

  • Recall 22V733000Sep 30, 202219,968 vehicles
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

    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 22V365000May 20, 2022242,722 vehicles
    COMMUNICATION: AUTO CRASH NOTIFICATION · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

    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 22V232000Apr 8, 2022126,443 vehicles
    BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

    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 21V072000Feb 12, 202167 vehicles
    COMMUNICATION · COMMUNICATION: AUTO CRASH NOTIFICATION

    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 21V058000Feb 5, 20211,292,258 vehicles
    COMMUNICATION: AUTO CRASH NOTIFICATION · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

    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.

Recent 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Mar 24, 2024ARWheels & Tires
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11579206 · source
  2. Filed Dec 8, 2022ARElectrical System
    ******* delete voq ******* this complaint is being marked for deletion because it is an inadvertent duplicate of odi# 11496545*djr ******* delete voq *******
    NHTSA complaint #11496546 · source
  3. Filed Dec 8, 2022ARElectrical System
    The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS450. The contact received notification of NHTSA 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.
    NHTSA complaint #11496545 · source
  4. Filed Aug 24, 202222,000 miCAElectrical System
    The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS450. The contact received notification of NHTSA 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…
    NHTSA complaint #11481015 · source
  5. Filed Nov 4, 20202,000 miAZElectrical SystemEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11373086 · source

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Other 2020 Mercedes-Benz models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology