mercedes-benz CLS-Class problems
0 safety recalls. 24 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
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
The rear subframe rusted from the inside out causing structural failure of the subframe. This lead to twisting of the chassis under hard braking causing difficulty in controlling the vehicle. As you can imagine, controlling a vehicle when needing to abruptly stop is very…
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…
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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.
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. 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. 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 aren't always better value.