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2023 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class: problems, recalls and fuel economy
The 2023 CLS-Class has few owner complaints on file, 3 in all, and every one points at the wheels[1][2]. It also has 3 recalls, so check that each one was done[3][4][5].
Most reported problems
NHTSA lists 3 owner complaints for this model year[1]. None mention a crash, a fire, an injury or a death[1]. All 3 name the wheels group[2].
In a sample of complaints we read, owners describe two kinds of trouble[2]:
- Tire sidewalls that bubble or tear after ordinary bumps in the road.
- Wheels that bend or crack during normal driving, with some owners saying the maker would not help.
These are unverified reports from a very small sample. They show what a few owners went through. They do not tell us how often it happens across all cars[1].
Recalls
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for this model year[3][4][5]. Newest first:
- Ground cable (24V100). A 48-volt ground cable in the engine bay[3] may not be tightened well and could overheat. That raises the risk of a fire. Dealers inspect the connection and repair it if needed, at no charge. The recall covers 12,191 vehicles across several models[3].
- Exit warning software (23V574). A software error can keep the exit warning from alerting people about approaching vehicles, which raises the risk of a crash or injury. Dealers update the software at no charge. It covers 880 vehicles[4].
- Fuel pump (23V445). The fuel pump may shut down, causing a loss of drive power and raising crash risk. Dealers replace the pump at no charge. It covers 143,551 vehicles across many Mercedes models[5].
Before you buy or keep one, ask a dealer to check the VIN against these recalls.
Fuel economy
The EPA rates the CLS450 4matic at 22 mpg city, 30 highway and 25 combined[7]. It has a 3.0L 6-cylinder turbo, a 9-speed automatic and all-wheel drive, and it takes premium fuel[7].
The EPA puts annual fuel cost at $3,300[7]. That figure uses the EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new[7].
Engine and size
The 3.0L 6-cylinder is rated at 362 hp[8]. Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications for the CLS 450 4MATIC 4-door coupe and can differ slightly from US models[9].
How 2023 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 75 | 5 |
| 2007 | 37 | 4 |
| 2008 | 17 | 3 |
| 2009 | 5 | 3 |
| 2010 | 1 | 3 |
| 2011 | 4 | 3 |
| 2012 | 23 | 3 |
| 2013 | 4 | 3 |
| 2014 | 10 | 4 |
| 2015 | 9 | 4 |
| 2016 | 0 | 1 |
| 2017 | 1 | 1 |
| 2018 | 0 | 1 |
| 2019 | 15 | 12 |
| 2020 | 5 | 5 |
| 2021 | 1 | 8 |
| 2022 | 3 | 6 |
| 2023 | 3 | 3 |
The 2023 model year has 3 complaints and 3 recalls[6]. Several years have fewer complaints: 2010, 2017 and 2021 have 1 each[6], and 2016 and 2018 have none[6]. 2022 matches 2023 with 3[6].
On recalls, 2023 sits in the middle. 2016, 2017 and 2018 have 1 each, while 2019 has 12, 2021 has 8 and 2022 has 6[6]. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so treat them as a rough guide.
Should you buy a used 2023 CLS-Class?
The complaint record is light, but the sample is small and all of it concerns wheels and tires[1][2]. If you shop for one, look closely at the wheels and ask about tire history. Make sure the three recalls have been completed, since the remedies are available[3][4][5]. Our data does not cover reliability scores or safety ratings, so a pre-purchase inspection is a sensible step.
Frequently asked questions
- What problems does the 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class have?
- NHTSA lists 3 owner complaints[1], all about wheels[2]. None report crashes, fires or injuries[1].
- Are there recalls on the 2023 CLS-Class?
- Yes, 3: a ground cable (24V100), exit warning software (23V574) and the fuel pump (23V445)[3][4][5].
- What is the gas mileage of the 2023 CLS450?
- The EPA rates it at 22 city, 30 highway and 25 combined mpg on premium fuel[7].
- How much horsepower does the 2023 CLS-Class have?
- The 3.0L 6-cylinder is rated at 362 hp[8].
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 3 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class (0 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 0 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 3 complaints name the wheels component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 24V100, filed February 9, 2024: Electrical System › Wiring. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 23V574, filed August 11, 2023: Electrical System › Adas › Blindspot › Sensors. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 23V445, filed June 26, 2023: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump. NHTSA recall database
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for CLS450 4matic, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic 9-spd, Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 30 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,300. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class with 3.0L 6-cylinder: rated 362 hp. www.epa.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CLS 450 4MATIC 4DR COUPE: length 196 in, width 73 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 116 in, curb weight 4,255 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov