2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class problems
Light NHTSA footprint — 6 owner complaints. Either a clean record or thin data; we'll show what's there.
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class has 6 NHTSA owner complaints on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is electrical at 4 complaints, typically surfacing around 12,000 miles (~$850 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
| Model year | Owner complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 CLS-Class | 2 | 0 |
| 2019 CLS-Class | 20 | 0 |
| 2020 CLS-Class (this page) | 6 | 0 |
| 2021 CLS-Class | 1 | 0 |
| 2022 CLS-Class | 3 | 0 |
| 2023 CLS-Class | 3 | 0 |
Limited NHTSA data — only 6 complaints on file. The score reflects what's reported, but a small sample skews easily.
Only 6 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident reliability call. Could be a clean record or just thin data.
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.
Top trouble spots 1 category with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
******* delete voq ******* this complaint is being marked for deletion because it is an inadvertent duplicate of odi# 11496545*djr ******* delete voq *******
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS450. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V733000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time…
The 2020 Mercedes cls has a known defect in their 48v system that turns the engine off in locations with high het zones. I was told by the Mercedes service department this has been occurring in arizona, new mexico, florida, nevada and saudi arabia. It's a know issue that they…
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS450. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V533000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had…
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class reliable?
Limited NHTSA data. Only 6 owner complaints have been filed for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, which is not enough for a meaningful reliability score. Active recalls (if any) are listed on this page and remain authoritative — those are verified defects regardless of complaint volume. For a confident reliability read we look for at least 10 owner complaints in the federal database.
Should you avoid the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class?
Only 6 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident reliability call. Could be a clean record or just thin data. We don't issue a buy/avoid verdict on the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class without a meaningful complaint sample — doing so off a handful of filings would be guesswork.
What should I check before buying a used 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class to flag a standout failure pattern. Run the VIN for open recalls — those are free to fix regardless of warranty — get a standard pre-purchase inspection, and ask the seller for service records.
Is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class a good used car to buy?
Hard to say from federal data alone — only 6 owner complaints have been filed. Lean on the recall list above, a pre-purchase inspection, and a vehicle-history report on the specific VIN. Our data tells you what the model is known for; a history report tells you what that exact car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 4 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 12,000 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 12,000 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 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class?
Hard to say from NHTSA data alone with only 6 complaints on file. A quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. The decision comes down to your specific situation: vehicle cost, miles on it, how long you plan to keep it, and whether you can absorb a $3K–$8K repair without straining cashflow. With limited public data on this vehicle, lean on the recall list above and check owner forums before committing.