2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 recalls and problems
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 has 3 safety recalls and 23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 recalls
Recall 17V-177: Electrical System, Air Bags
Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 AMG GT-S, GLC300, CLA250 and GLE300d 4Matic vehicles, 2013 C250, E350 BlueTec and G63 AMG vehicles, 2008-2014 C300 vehicles, 2013-2014 C300 4Matic and ML350 4Matic vehicles, 2009 C350 vehicles, 2014 CLS550, E350 4Matic, E350 Coupe 4Matic, E350 Wagon 4Matic, GLK350 and SL550 vehicles, 2012 CLS550 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2016 E350 vehicles, 2016-2017 GL450 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2014 ML350 4Matic BlueTec vehicles, 2015 S550, S550 4Matic and C300 4Matic Sedan vehicles, 2015-2016 C300 Sedan vehicles, and 2017 SL63 AMG vehicles. Various control units on these vehicles may have been updated with incorrect software, potentially affecting the correct deployment of the air bags in the event of a crash.
Risk: If the air bags do not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, there would be an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update software in the affected control units, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Recall 15V-137: Exterior Lighting
Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2015 CLS 400 and CLS 400 4matic, 2012-2015 CLS 550 and CLS 550 4matic, 2012-2013 CLS 63, 2014 CLS 63, and 2014-2015 CLS 63P. The affected vehicles have LED tail lights that may not light on the sides, reducing the rear side visibility of the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk: Reduced rear side marker illumination may prevent other drivers from seeing the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the lighting controller software, free of charge. The recall began April 6, 2015. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2015030005.
Recall 12V-533: Latches/Locks/Linkages
Problem: Mercedes-Benz is recalling certain model year 2012 CLS550 and CLS550 4Matic vehicles, manufactured December 01, 2011, through December 13, 2011. The bolts that hold the hood's secondary latch striker may have been insufficiently tightened.
Risk: The reduced torque of the striker bolts might lead to a loosening of the bolts. If two of the four bolts securing the striker became loose, the secondary hood latch function would become ineffective. If this problem combines with a failure of the primary hood lock or if the hood is not properly closed, the hood could open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix: Mercedes-Benz will notify owners, and dealers will check and retighten the bolts as necessary. Mercedes-Benz notified the owners by phone for this campaign starting on 11/21/2012. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 8 | |
| Engine | 4 | |
| Service Brakes | 3 | |
| Power Train | 3 | |
| Electrical System | 3 | |
| Unknown or Other | 3 | |
| Steering | 2 | |
| Visibility | 2 | |
| Suspension | 2 | |
| Wheels | 1 |
Most reported parts
- Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 54,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Mercedes-Benz CLS550 years
Compare all Mercedes-Benz CLS550 years · All Mercedes-Benz models
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550: 17V-177 (electrical system, air bags), 15V-137 (exterior lighting), 12V-533 (latches/locks/linkages). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550?
Owners report fuel/propulsion system problems most often (8 reports), followed by engine (4). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 54,000 miles.
Are Mercedes-Benz recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Mercedes-Benz dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.