repaired · 2018 Q3
Frontal: sensor/control module-inactive
Risk. If the air bags do not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, there would be an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 23 owner complaints about the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550, most often about the fuel/propulsion system. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 17V-177 the manufacturer reports only 86% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 5, 2025. Updated daily. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 has problems
23 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
8Fuel/propulsion system
4Engine
3Power train1 crash/fire/injury
3Service brakes1 crash/fire/injury
3Electrical system
2Steering1 crash/fire/injury
2Suspension
2Visibility
1Wheels
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel/propulsion system | 8 | 0 |
| Engine | 4 | 0 |
| Power train | 3 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 3 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 3 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 1 |
| Suspension | 2 | 0 |
| Visibility | 2 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 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.
repaired · 2016 Q3
Exterior lighting
Risk. Reduced rear side marker illumination may prevent other drivers from seeing the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
no report yet
Hood: latch
Risk. The reduced torque of the striker bolts might lead to a loosening of the bolts.
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
2012 vs. every other CLS550 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 CLS550 median. How we score
'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550, and the recalls they led to.
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
In owners' words
What CLS550 owners report
Recent fuel/propulsion system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
For several months I been smelling different odors from my 2012 CLS550, getting stronger as the weeks go by now smelling like gas, would noticed puddles whenever I parked from rear driver side area towards middle, just got the news from the mechanic that the driver side fuel gas pump is cracked and…
There is a strong odor of gasoline coming from the drivers side rear. I conducted a Google search on the issue and there are a lot of instances of the same thing. It appears to be the Gas Tank Sending Unit, they have a tendency to crack and leak.
I have Mercedes Benz CLS 550. Whenever I fill up a tank full, I smell gas in the CAR and in my garage. After researching the cause of this issue, I found its a common issue with Mercedes Benz older vehicles where the fuel sender unit cracks and start leaking Gas which is located under the rear seat…
Own a 2012 CLS550?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.