2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class problems
Light NHTSA footprint — 24 owner complaints. Either a clean record or thin data; we'll show what's there.
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class has 24 NHTSA owner complaints on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is electrical at 3 complaints, typically surfacing around 58,187 miles (~$850 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
| Model year | Owner complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 CLS-Class | 6 | 0 |
| 2010 CLS-Class | 1 | 0 |
| 2011 CLS-Class | 7 | 0 |
| 2012 CLS-Class (this page) | 24 | 0 |
| 2013 CLS-Class | 4 | 0 |
| 2014 CLS-Class | 11 | 0 |
| 2015 CLS-Class | 9 | 0 |
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally.
- No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record
- Reliability score 8.4/10 — above the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Buying a used 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
- electrical — 3 owner reports · tends to show around 58,187 mi · ~$850 to fix
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — no active recalls on this model right now, but confirm none were opened after this car was built.
Verdict for buyers: 8.4/10 model. The priciest documented failure is electrical (~$850) — get the seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
See the full pre-purchase inspection checklist →Ask anything about your 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
Top trouble spots 1 category with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
Cam link sensor leaks oil onto engine harness, frying all electric components, causing vehicle to stutter while operating
Mercedes-Benz offers an extended warranty, effectively a 20-year/unlimited mileage coverage, for the rear subframe due to corrosion with perforation, covering specific model years my vehicles make and model are included. I’m having the issues they claim free repair for.
While driving 45 MPH, the brakes were applied however, the vehicle would not decelerate. In addition, the steering wheel seized simultaneously and the contact lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnosis. T the manufacturer has been contacted…
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, upon adjusting the sun visor, the sun visor detached, compromising driving visibility. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the sun visor…
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.4 out of 10 based on 24 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class?
On the NHTSA data, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class does not need avoiding. Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally. The record behind that call: No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record; Reliability score 8.4/10 — above the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class?
Inspect the electrical first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 3 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 58,187 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class a good used car to buy?
It scores 8.4 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 24 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is electrical. Typical failure occurs around 58,187 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 3 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 58,187 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 58,187 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 24 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.