2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLS53Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 1 owner complaint about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLS53, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 10 safety recalls, and for recall 21V-354 the manufacturer reports only 81% of affected cars repaired.

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 14, 2024. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLS53 has problems

1 complaint grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Electrical system10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

10 recalls

2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLS53 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

87%repaired · 2026 Q3

Electrical system: wiring

Recall 24V-445 · Jun 14, 2024 · 22,422 vehicles · 19,404 repaired

Risk. An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

91%repaired · 2024 Q4

Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery

Recall 22V-733 · Sep 30, 2022 · 19,968 vehicles · 18,092 repaired

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.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

93%repaired · 2024 Q3

Electrical system: wiring

Recall 22V-533 · Jul 22, 2022 · 16,977 vehicles · 15,727 repaired

Risk. An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 6 more recalls
91%repaired · 2026 Q2

Communication: auto crash notification

Recall 22V-365 · May 20, 2022 · 242,722 vehicles · 219,931 repaired

Risk. A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

95%repaired · 2024 Q1

Steering: steering wheel/handle bar

Recall 22V-189 · Mar 25, 2022 · 8,396 vehicles · 8,015 repaired

Risk. Deactivated hands-off detection will prevent DISTRONIC system features from functioning, including warnings to grab the steering wheel and calling first…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

90%repaired · 2023 Q2

Sensor: side impact

Recall 21V-527 · Jul 12, 2021 · 542 vehicles · 490 repaired

Risk. Air bags and seatbelts that don't function as intended can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

92%repaired · 2023 Q2

Rear/other: retractor

Recall 21V-483 · Jun 25, 2021 · 4,917 vehicles · 4,538 repaired

Risk. An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

81%repaired · 2023 Q4

Sensing system: camera

Recall 21V-354 · May 14, 2021 · 343,191 vehicles · 279,011 repaired

Risk. A backup camera that displays a blank image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

94%repaired · 2023 Q1

Sensor: occupant classification

Recall 21V-230 · Apr 1, 2021 · 8,634 vehicles · 8,093 repaired

Risk. Air bags and seat belts that do not perform properly in a crash can increase the risk of injury.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Mercedes-Benz.

Best & worst years

2021 vs. every other AMG CLS53 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the AMG CLS53 median. How we score

'19'20'21
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What AMG CLS53 owners report

Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLS53. The contact stated that she drove the vehicle for two seconds when the active brake assist inadvertently engaged without warning. The failure occurred on numerous occasions. Additionally, the contact stated that the screen interactive system failed…
Complaint 11479794 · Aug 17, 2022 · 6,890 miles

Own a 2021 AMG CLS53?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.