2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 5 owner complaints about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 5 safety recalls, and for recall 21V-072 the manufacturer reports only 82% of affected cars repaired.

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through March 24, 2024. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 has problems

5 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
Electrical system40
Engine10
Wheels10

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

5 recalls

2020 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 →

82%repaired · 2023 Q3

Communication

Recall 21V-072 · Feb 12, 2021 · 67 vehicles · 55 repaired

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 1 more recall
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 →

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

2020 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 electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

******* DELETE VOQ ******* THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING MARKED FOR DELETION BECAUSE IT IS AN INADVERTENT DUPLICATE OF ODI# 11496545*DJR ******* DELETE VOQ *******
Complaint 11496546 · Dec 8, 2022
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.…
Complaint 11496545 · Dec 8, 2022
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…
Complaint 11481015 · Aug 24, 2022 · 22,000 miles

Own a 2020 CLS 450?

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