The 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLS53 has 7 recalls, the most serious involving the transmission wiring harness, which can short-circuit and increase the risk of a vehicle fire.
The wiring harness concern has two related aspects: the harness may be misrouted in a way that exposes the electrical connector to corrosion, and in some cases a prior repair attempt left the connection incorrectly wired, both of which can lead to a short circuit. Three recalls address the vehicle's emergency call system, which automatically contacts emergency services after a crash. In some cases the system may be disabled entirely, in others it may report an inaccurate vehicle location, and in others it may dispatch responders to the wrong place altogether, all of which can delay help from reaching the scene. There is also a battery-related recall where the 12-volt battery can lose the ability to power certain safety features, including hazard lights, automatic door locks, and the emergency call system, during a crash. Finally, the rearview camera can fail to display an image due to a software error, reducing visibility when reversing.
At a glance
What can fail
The transmission wiring harness connection may not have been correctly wired during production or a prior recall repair, exposing the electrical connector to corrosion and potentially causing an electrical short-circuit.
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What the fix does
Dealers will replace the two-part wiring harness and connector at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The 12-volt battery in the trunk may not be properly secured. During a crash, it could shift and disconnect, disabling safety features like emergency calling, power seats, hazard lights, and automatic door locks.
What the fix does
Dealers will secure the 12-volt battery in the trunk to prevent movement during a crash.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The transmission wiring harness may be routed incorrectly, exposing the electrical connector to corrosion and causing an electrical short-circuit.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and repair the connector, reroute the harness, and install an additional bracket at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error in the communication module's SIM card can prevent mobile network connection, which disables the emergency call (eCall) system.
What the fix does
The communication module software will be updated at no cost through an over-the-air update or by a dealer.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error prevents the rearview camera from displaying the backup image on the screen.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the rearview camera software at no cost to restore the backup image display.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The communication module software may fail to send your vehicle's correct location to emergency services when the eCall system activates during a crash.
What the fix does
A dealer will update the communication module software, or the update will be sent over-the-air, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
An electrical circuit in the Emergency Call System communication module may be damaged, causing the system to send an inaccurate vehicle location during an emergency call.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the communication module at no cost to restore accurate location transmission.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
