Summary
The Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 has 8 recalls spanning 2017 through 2023, with the most serious being a loose 48-volt ground cable in the engine compartment on 2021-2023 models that can overheat and start a fire.
On the same 2021-2023 vehicles, a separate recall covers seat components where airbags and seatbelts may not perform correctly in a crash. The 2019 model year carries the heaviest recall load of any single year. A software defect on 2019 models can cause an unexpected engine stall while driving, raising the risk of a crash. Also on 2019 models, a wiring issue affects the coolant pump power line, which can contact the engine fan, chafe through, and cause the coolant pump to fail or the 48-volt electrical system to shut down, both of which can result in an engine stall. The 2019-2020 model years have a radar sensor issue that can impair the automatic emergency braking system, preventing it from applying partial or full braking when the system would otherwise intervene. On 2019 models specifically, the horizontal adjustment screws on the headlights can admit moisture and allow the aim to drift out of position, reducing visibility at night. Going back to 2018-2019, the passenger seat sensor may not be properly calibrated on certain 4Matic models, meaning the front passenger airbag might not deactivate when a child seat is placed in the front seat, which raises the risk of injury to a child in a crash. Finally, on 2017-2019 vehicles that have had the instrument cluster replaced, the seatbelt reminder chime and warning light may not function, removing the prompt that alerts front occupants to buckle up.
