MERCEDES-BENZ CLS 450 · model year

2019 MERCEDES-BENZ CLS 450

17 NHTSA complaints, and 6 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2019MERCEDES-BENZCLS 450 carries 17 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2019 CLS 450 is wheels with 4 filings, followed by electrical system (3) and steering (2). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 6 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 15 investigation files overlapping the 2019 CLS 450. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

17
Complaints
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

17 filings

Crashes Reported

0 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
WHEELS4
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3
STEERING2
SUSPENSION2
TIRES2
ENGINE1
WHEELS:RIM1
SERVICE BRAKES1
BACK OVER PREVENTION1

Recalls (6)

18V85000029/11/2018

STEERING:RACK AND PINION:RACK

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Mercedes Benz C300, 2017-2019 C300 Cabrio, C300 Coupe, C63 Cabrio, 2015 C63S AMG, 2018-2019 C300, C350e, C63 AMG, C63S AMG Cabrio, 2018 C63 AMG Cabrio, C63 AMG Coupe, C63S AMG, C63S AMG Coupe, E300, E400 Cabrio, E400 Coupe, 2019 CLS450, E

22V36500020/05/2022

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model de

19V54000019/07/2019

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: RADAR

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 C300 Cabrio, C300A Cabrio 4MATIC, C300 Coupe, C300 Coupe 4MATIC, C300, C300 4MATIC, C43 AMG Cabrio 4MATIC, C43 AMG Coupe 4MATIC, C43 AMG 4MATIC, C63 AMG Cabrio, C63S AMG Cabrio, C63 AMG Coupe, C63S AMG Coupe, C63 AMG, C63S AMG, CLS450, CLS450

22V23200008/04/2022

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, C-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe/Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and CLS-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The rearview camera may not disp

21V05800005/02/2021

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle mod

19V78800001/11/2019

SEAT BELTS

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 E400 Wagon 4MATIC, E400 4MATIC, E43 AMG 4MATIC, 2018-2019 E63S AMG 4MATIC Wagon, E63 AMG 4MATIC Wagon, E300, E300 4MATIC, GLC63S Coupe AMG 4MATIC, 2019 CLS450, CLS450 4MATIC, CLS53 AMG 4MATIC, E450 Wagon, E53 AMG 4MATIC, GLC300, GLC63 AMG Cou

Recent Complaints

20250813ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS450. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the failure persisted; however, the contact was able to continue driving to the destination at slow speeds. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission wiring harness. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V445000 (Electrical System), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 46,000.

Mileage: 46,000

20250627BACK OVER PREVENTION

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS450. The contact stated while reversing, the rearview camera image was black. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V232000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

Mileage: 65,000

20241226TIRES

I have had 5 tire blow outs on my 2019 CLS 450 Mercedes. I purchased the car in August of 2023 and since that time I have experienced 5 tire blow outs on brand new tires within a 1-year time frame. When I got the tire blow outs all of them were while I was driving in local city traffic. This car uses run flat tires. I am having the tires replaced at Discount Tire stores in California. The tire is the following: BRI Potenza 245/35 R20 95 Y. This incident happened on several dates [XXX, XXX, XXX, XXX, XXX]. I have taken the car to the Mercedes dealership Escondido Mercedes. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20240815WHEELS

I am getting repeated flats in this car after hitting small bumps in the car. Whether I am on the freeway or driving around town. I have hit bumps that will blow out the tire. Here are more complaints from consumers : [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20240402ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My car started shaking and after putting it on the computer it was an electrical wiring harness issue. I was told it will be 6 k to replace both harnesses. It’s been 8 months and they just received the part. The service tech told me that these cars have this issue due to the position of the harnesses being to close to the exhaust. It dries out the wiring. I went to the Mercedes forum and found numerous complaints about this issue. Recently I baited the Mercedes of downtown Los Angeles and was advised they received another cls 450 with the same issues as myself and several other owners of the cls 450. I have been getting the run around for months. This should be a recall as even if I pay 6k it will happen again! Please help. I even reached out to BBB and the dealership never responded to them. I’ve been in contact with Mercedes head quarters and was advised to reach out to NHTSA

20231030WHEELS

I have had to replace 3 wheels at great cost due to cracks. I believe the wheels are defectively designed. The wheels cannot support the vehicle's weight. The cast iron aluminum wheels together with the low profile run flat tires contribute to a road hazard and dangerous condition. I understand that this problem has been encountered by many, many MBZ owners.

20230803WHEELS

I had a slow leak in the rear passenger tire for a few weeks now so I took it to the neighborhood tire shop. No nail or puncture was discovered but a hairline crack in the rear wheel. The tire shop manager advised me to call the dealership and ask the part to be replaced as this is a very low mileage vehicle. The crack according to the shop is definitely a defect in the wheel as there was no evidence of impact damage. I contacted the dealer for a warranty replacement as it should be covered under my CPO warranty coverage and they will get back to me. In the meantime I did some research and found several MB Forums that stated the same issue with the CLS 450 and CLS 53 AMG. The forum stated that the issue is with the run flat tire combined with the original factory wheel. Most of them stated that because of the hard sidewall of run flat tire, the pressure causes the wheel to have hairline fractures as American roads are not as perfect as German highways. If my wheel is replaced u

20230305TIRES

I was scared for my life. I was driving on the freeway and went to change lanes then all of a sudden i lost control and slid sideways and luckily didn’t hit anything. These tires only have 3000 miles on them and are COMPLETELY BALD!! This is not safe and horrible. Falken needs to make this right

20210927ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

While driving on an interstate highway, I received a yellow "48V Battery malfunction" notice. Because this battery had failed before, I had read on internet forums that the car could just stop working, so I took the next exit (about 3-4 miles). At the top of the ramp, I had a red "Battery Malfunction" (red=stop driving); then, within 15 seconds the car had no power and gave me a critical "engine overheated" message. I was able to coast into a parking lot. Had I not exited, the loss of power would have likely resulted in an accident and we could have been killed. I believe the battery powers the water pump (amongst other things) and that caused the engine to overheat and shut down - but with no warning of overheating. This is the second time the battery has failed - first at 15 months and approx 17,000 miles. I had to wait 3 1/2 months for a new battery (they can't keep up with demand - this tells me the problem is widespread) ) and now around 22,000 miles and 5 months after gett

20200117STEERING

I AM ALSO HAVING THE IDENTICAL PROBLEM ISSUE AS STATED IN: NHTSA ID NUMBER: 11280637

Mileage: 1,100

20200117SUSPENSION

I AM ALSO HAVING THE IDENTICAL PROBLEM ISSUE AS STATED IN: NHTSA ID NUMBER: 11280637

Mileage: 1,100

20200117WHEELS

I AM ALSO HAVING THE IDENTICAL PROBLEM ISSUE AS STATED IN: NHTSA ID NUMBER: 11280637

Mileage: 1,100

20191117SERVICE BRAKES

UPON DRIVING OVER CERTAIN BUMPS IN THE ROAD, THE SUSPENSION HAS THE SENSATION THAT THE WHEELS AND/OR LUG NUTS ARE LOOSE. THIS PRODUCES A DISTURBING SIDE TO SIDE MOVEMENT THAT FEELS LIKE THE VEHICLE LACKS CONTROL. THIS CONDITION IS RELATED TO THE FACT THAT ROTORS WEAR OUT PREMATURELY; TWO SETS IN 4700 MILES. BAD ROTORS PRODUCE A SHAKING STEERING WHEEL WHEN COMING TO A STOP. EVEN AFTER REPLACING ROTORS AND THE REPAIRS APPEARS TO BE DONE, THE SHAKING STEERING WHEEL COMES BACK READILY AFTER AN EPISODE OF HITTING BUMPS THAT PRODUCE THE SIDE TO SIDE MOVEMENT. THE SIDE TO SIDE, FISHTAIL, SENSATION HAPPENS ON THE FREEWAY AND SURFACE STREETS AROUND 40-60 MILES AN HOUR. THIS CONDITION IS DISTURBING AND MAKES IT SEEM THAT THE NEXT WELL-PLACED BUMP ON THE ROAD WOULD CAUSE THE CAR TO LOSE CONTROL.

Mileage: 250

20191117STEERING

UPON DRIVING OVER CERTAIN BUMPS IN THE ROAD, THE SUSPENSION HAS THE SENSATION THAT THE WHEELS AND/OR LUG NUTS ARE LOOSE. THIS PRODUCES A DISTURBING SIDE TO SIDE MOVEMENT THAT FEELS LIKE THE VEHICLE LACKS CONTROL. THIS CONDITION IS RELATED TO THE FACT THAT ROTORS WEAR OUT PREMATURELY; TWO SETS IN 4700 MILES. BAD ROTORS PRODUCE A SHAKING STEERING WHEEL WHEN COMING TO A STOP. EVEN AFTER REPLACING ROTORS AND THE REPAIRS APPEARS TO BE DONE, THE SHAKING STEERING WHEEL COMES BACK READILY AFTER AN EPISODE OF HITTING BUMPS THAT PRODUCE THE SIDE TO SIDE MOVEMENT. THE SIDE TO SIDE, FISHTAIL, SENSATION HAPPENS ON THE FREEWAY AND SURFACE STREETS AROUND 40-60 MILES AN HOUR. THIS CONDITION IS DISTURBING AND MAKES IT SEEM THAT THE NEXT WELL-PLACED BUMP ON THE ROAD WOULD CAUSE THE CAR TO LOSE CONTROL.

Mileage: 250

20191117SUSPENSION

UPON DRIVING OVER CERTAIN BUMPS IN THE ROAD, THE SUSPENSION HAS THE SENSATION THAT THE WHEELS AND/OR LUG NUTS ARE LOOSE. THIS PRODUCES A DISTURBING SIDE TO SIDE MOVEMENT THAT FEELS LIKE THE VEHICLE LACKS CONTROL. THIS CONDITION IS RELATED TO THE FACT THAT ROTORS WEAR OUT PREMATURELY; TWO SETS IN 4700 MILES. BAD ROTORS PRODUCE A SHAKING STEERING WHEEL WHEN COMING TO A STOP. EVEN AFTER REPLACING ROTORS AND THE REPAIRS APPEARS TO BE DONE, THE SHAKING STEERING WHEEL COMES BACK READILY AFTER AN EPISODE OF HITTING BUMPS THAT PRODUCE THE SIDE TO SIDE MOVEMENT. THE SIDE TO SIDE, FISHTAIL, SENSATION HAPPENS ON THE FREEWAY AND SURFACE STREETS AROUND 40-60 MILES AN HOUR. THIS CONDITION IS DISTURBING AND MAKES IT SEEM THAT THE NEXT WELL-PLACED BUMP ON THE ROAD WOULD CAUSE THE CAR TO LOSE CONTROL.

Mileage: 250

20190626WHEELS:RIM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 MERCEDES-BENZ CLS450. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S WHEELS WERE NOT DESIGNED FOR DAILY DRIVING. THE RIMS WERE BENDING UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE WHILE IT WAS IN MOTION, WHICH CAUSED A BUMPY RIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF MASSAPEQUA (101 SUNRISE HWY, AMITYVILLE, NY 11701, (631) 213-2023) SEVEN TIMES. THE RIMS WERE REMOVED AND SHIPPED OFF FOR REPAIRS MULTIPLE TIMES, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED AFTER EACH VISIT TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY STATED THAT THE RIMS AND WHEELS WERE NOT COVERED UNDER THE FACTORY WARRANTY; THEREFORE, THEY COULD NOT ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER FOR THE SAME FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10.

Mileage: 10

20190603ENGINE

MY CAR CUT OFF ON THE BUSY 405 FREEWAY AS I WAS DRIVING. I HAVE HAD THE BRAND NEW CAR 3 MONTHS . I STARED TO RECEIVE THE FOLLOWING ALERTS ON THE CAR PANEL:"BLIND SPOT ASSIST INOPERATIVE , "ACTIVE BRAKE ASSIST FUNCTIONED LIMITED" ,"ATTENTION ASSIST, SYSTEM SUSPENDED". THE CALL SLOWLY STALLED ON THE FREEWAY. I HAD TO EXIT ON THE SHOULDER OF THE FREEWAY WITH MY HAZARD LIGHTS ON. THE CAR CUT OFF. IT STARTED AGAIN. I TRIED TO CONTINUE MY TRIP, BUT THE SAME ISSUE HAPPENED 2 MORE TIMES. I EXITED THE FREEWAY NEAR UCLA . MERCEDES ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE PICKED UP THE CAR FOR TOW. THIS HAPPENED ON MAY 28TH. I STILL DO NOT HAVE ANSWERS AS TO WHAT IS WRONG WITH MY CAR. THE ROADSIDE REP SAID THIS COULD BE DUE TO SENSITIVITY OF SAFETY FEATURE THAT DETECT CARS AROUND THE CAR. IF READING INCORRECTLY , CAR CAN SLOW DOWN OR BEEP - BUT THIS CAR STALLED. I COULD HAVE HIT FROM BEHIND OF KILLED. I WILL REPORT THIS TO MERCEDES CORP

Mileage: 2,380

Compare 2019MERCEDES-BENZCLS 450 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2019 MERCEDES-BENZ CLS 450 have?
The 2019 MERCEDES-BENZ CLS 450 has 17 NHTSA complaints, 0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2019 MERCEDES-BENZ CLS 450?
Yes, the 2019 MERCEDES-BENZ CLS 450 has 6 recall(s). The most common affected component is STEERING:RACK AND PINION:RACK. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 MERCEDES-BENZ CLS 450?
The most-complained component for the 2019 MERCEDES-BENZ CLS 450 is WHEELS with 4 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and STEERING.
Is the 2019 MERCEDES-BENZ CLS 450 safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.