Cam link sensor leaks oil onto engine harness, frying all electric components, causing vehicle to stutter while operating
2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class electrical problems
moderate 3 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Complaints
3
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
When does it fail?
Of the 3 electrical complaints filed for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Among the 6 model years of Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class in our records for electrical problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 5 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Driving on the highway with my 6month old baby and suddenly my car surges and loses power. The check engine light flashes and I move to the side of the road with almost no acceleration. Turn off the engine, wait a while then turn it back on and head back home. The CEL stayed on but I still had engine power so I thought it was a fluke. This car just has 60k miles on it and I take it to Mercedes…
Had electrical trouble with your 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 3 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Based on the 3 complaints filed, electrical issues most often appear around 58,187 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2012/Mercedes-Benz/CLS-Class.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.