This page covers 3 recalls, 23 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Cls550.
20 mpg combined
11.8 L/100km
Compact Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted.
The dominant pattern in 2012 CLS550 complaints centers on the fuel system. Owners repeatedly describe smelling gasoline inside the cabin and noticing fuel puddles under the vehicle, typically traced to cracked fuel sender units located beneath the rear seat on the driver's side. Several owners report the problem on both sides of the tank, and the fuel smell often intensifies over time before the source is identified. Engine and powertrain complaints round out the complaint picture but appear in smaller numbers without a single clear recurring symptom tying them together. One isolated report describes the panoramic sunroof shattering spontaneously while driving on the highway with no apparent impact. The fuel sender cracking and leaking is clearly the most consistent issue owners of this model year describe.
23
Total Complaints
1
Crash-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 has 3 recalls, the most serious being a software defect that can prevent airbags from deploying correctly in a crash, raising the risk of injury to occupants.
A separate recall covers the hood's secondary latch striker, where bolts may not have been tightened fully at the factory. If enough of those bolts work loose over time, the secondary latch stops functioning, and the hood can fly open while driving. The third recall involves the LED taillights, which may fail to illuminate on the sides of the vehicle, making the car harder for other drivers to see from behind and increasing the risk of a collision.
At a glance
What can fail
Control unit software may be incorrect, potentially preventing airbags from deploying properly during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the control unit software at no cost to restore proper airbag deployment function.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The LED tail lights may fail to illuminate on the sides of the vehicle, reducing rear side visibility and not meeting federal lighting standards.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the lighting controller software at no cost to restore proper tail light function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The bolts securing the hood's secondary latch striker may not be tight enough, potentially allowing the hood to open unexpectedly while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the bolts and retighten them as needed to ensure the hood latch functions properly.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
