2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 15 owner complaints about the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450, most often about the wheels. It is covered by 12 safety recalls, and for recall 20V-449 the manufacturer reports only 63% of affected cars repaired.

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 16, 2026. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 has problems

15 complaints 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
Wheels50
Electrical system40
Steering30
Suspension20
Tires20
Engine20
Service brakes10
Back over prevention10

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

12 recalls

2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 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.

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 →

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 →

89%repaired · 2024 Q2

Back over prevention: display function

Recall 22V-232 · Apr 8, 2022 · 126,443 vehicles · 112,211 repaired

Risk. An inoperable rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

95%repaired · 2023 Q4

Communication: auto crash notification

Recall 21V-058 · Feb 5, 2021 · 1,292,258 vehicles · 1,231,020 repaired

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.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 8 more recalls
63%repaired · 2022 Q2

Electrical system: software

Recall 20V-449 · Jul 31, 2020 · 56 vehicles · 35 repaired

Risk. Without the audible tone and blinking warning light to remind the front seat occupants that their seat belts are not buckled, they may forget to buckle their…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

91%repaired · 2021 Q2

Seat belts

Recall 19V-788 · Nov 1, 2019 · 29,720 vehicles · 26,970 repaired

Risk. The electric PRE-SAFE®-function and the seat belt pretensioners may not deploy during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

96%repaired · 2021 Q1

Electrical system: wiring

Recall 19V-605 · Aug 16, 2019 · 3,264 vehicles · 3,131 repaired

Risk. A malfunctioning engine coolant pump can increase coolant temperatures, possibly leading to an engine stall.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

96%repaired · 2020 Q4

Sensing system: radar

Recall 19V-540 · Jul 19, 2019 · 1,957 vehicles · 1,876 repaired

Risk. An impaired Active Brake Assist may not automatically apply partial or full braking as expected, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

91%repaired · 2020 Q2

Exterior lighting: headlights

Recall 18V-911 · Dec 19, 2018 · 104 vehicles · 95 repaired

Risk. If the headlights are not properly adjusted, the driver may have reduced visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

92%repaired · 2022 Q2

Rack and pinion: rack

Recall 18V-850 · Nov 29, 2018 · 6,373 vehicles · 5,857 repaired

Risk. A car that cannot be properly steered has an increased risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

80%repaired · 2020 Q1

Sensor: occupant classification

Recall 18V-515 · Aug 3, 2018 · 345 vehicles · 276 repaired

Risk. If a child seat is in the front seat and the passenger air bag is not deactivated, in the event of a crash, it 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

2019 vs. every other CLS 450 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 CLS 450 median. How we score

'19'20'21'22'23
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What CLS 450 owners report

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

I am getting repeated flats in this car after hitting small bumps in the car. Whether I am on the freeway or driving around town. I have hit bumps that will blow out the tire. Here are more complaints from consumers : [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5…
Complaint 11608756 · Aug 15, 2024
I have had to replace 3 wheels at great cost due to cracks. I believe the wheels are defectively designed. The wheels cannot support the vehicle's weight. The cast iron aluminum wheels together with the low profile run flat tires contribute to a road hazard and dangerous condition. I understand…
Complaint 11552658 · Oct 30, 2023
I had a slow leak in the rear passenger tire for a few weeks now so I took it to the neighborhood tire shop. No nail or puncture was discovered but a hairline crack in the rear wheel. The tire shop manager advised me to call the dealership and ask the part to be replaced as this is a very low…
Complaint 11536301 · Aug 3, 2023

Own a 2019 CLS 450?

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