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When it comes to luxury models, enthusiasts are always talking about the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS. With the newest lineup, the automaker claims it offers “character you can see.” While the character might not be evident with the 2019 CLS, defects sure are. Customers continue to complain about the electrical system, suspension and wheels.
Click on other model year to view more problems: 2020
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NHTSA Complaints for the 2019 Mercedes Benz CLS
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Steering | |
| Suspension | |
| Tires | |
| Electrical System | |
| Wheels | |
| Service Brakes | |
| Wheels:rim | |
| Engine |
Problems with the Electrical System
With a luxury focus, the CLS is meant to provide every high-tech feature necessary to enjoy the ride, except nothing seems to work right.
One NHTSA complaint says, “While driving on an interstate highway, I received a yellow “48V Battery malfunction” notice. Because this battery had failed before, I had read on internet forums that the car could just stop working, so I took the next exit (about 3-4 miles). At the top of the ramp, I had a red “Battery Malfunction” (red=stop driving); then, within 15 seconds the car had no power and gave me a critical “engine overheated” message. I was able to coast into a parking lot. Had I not exited, the loss of power would have likely resulted in an accident and we could have been killed. I believe the battery powers the water pump (amongst other things) and that caused the engine to overheat and shut down – but with no warning of overheating. This is the second time the battery has failed – first at 15 months and approx 17,000 miles. I had to wait 3 1/2 months for a new battery (they can’t keep up with demand – this tells me the problem is widespread) and now around 22,000 miles and 5 months after getting the new battery. A review of the MB internet forums shows this problem is pervasive in Mercedes models that use the 48V batteries and I believe this is extremely dangerous – if I hadn’t already been aware of the issue from the previous failure, I wouldn’t have known to exit the interstate before the car failed and could easily have been badly injured or even killed in a collision.”
It’s not a shocker that the electrical system is defective in this Mercedes-Benz. There are five recalls based on the system alone. One of the most important to read is NHTSA Campaign Number 19V605000. It states that the electrical line running from the engine coolant pump to the motor can chafe because of contact with the fan. When it malfunctions, it deactivates the 48V onboard electrical system and coolant pump, leading to increasing temperatures and possible engine damage. It’s unclear what kind of “character” this actually portrays other than that resembling a small yellow fruit (lemon).
Problems with the Suspension
The ride in the CLA should be top-notch, especially for the price that is paid, but it’s not.
Another NHTSA complaint reads, “Upon driving over certain bumps in the road, the suspension has the sensation that the wheels and/or lug nuts are loose. This produces a disturbing side to side movement that feels like the vehicle lacks control. This condition is related to the fact that rotors wear out prematurely; two sets in 4700 miles. Bad rotors produce a shaking steering wheel when coming to a stop. Even after replacing rotors and the repairs appear to be done, the shaking steering wheel comes back readily after an episode of hitting bumps that produce the side to side movement. The side to side, fishtail, sensation happens on the freeway and surface streets around 40-60 miles an hour. This condition is disturbing and makes it seem that the next well-placed bump on the road would cause the car to lose control.”
There’s another recall that’s alarming, showing issues with the steering and suspension. NHTSA Campaign Number 18V85000 has a locknut in the steering rack that could break when under a load. If this happens, the steering could become stuck in one position, which creates a serious risk of a collision while driving. Apparently, having control of the luxury vehicle is considered an optional feature, no longer standard.
Problems with the Wheels
Ending with the wheels on the CLA, it’s simple to see that this Mercedes-Benz hasn’t been built to the standards it should be.
One final NHTSA review says, “I have never cracked a wheel before but 2 cracked wheels in 6 months. There was no single bump that said aha I’m cracked. The tire light just comes on. The first one killed the tire but the second one the tire was fine. First incident 10/2020 and second was 4/8/21.”
While not related to the wheels, this next recall illustrates how poorly made this car actually is. NHTSA Campaign Number 18V911000 says that the horizontal adjustment screw of the headlights wasn’t adjusted correctly. This problem causes reduced visibility and can increase the chance of an accident. People are starting to wonder if any part of this Mercedes was built to luxury standards, and it just doesn’t seem so. Its “character” is coming into question.
Your Lemon Law Legal Rights
Think your CLS is a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work out your lemon case at no cost to you. The law makes Mercedes-Benz pay legal fees. You may be able to get your lemon out of your life. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners like you.
Complaint Data
| Category | Tires |
| Date | Mar 05, 2023 |
| State | CA |
| Description | I was scared for my life. I was driving on the freeway and went to change lanes then all of a sudden I lost control and slid sideways and luckily didn't hit anything. These tires only have 3000 miles on them and are completely bald!! This is not safe and horrible. Falken needs to make this right |
| Category | Electrical System |
| Date | Sep 27, 2021 |
| State | NC |
| Description | While driving on an interstate highway, I received a yellow "48v battery malfunction" notice. Because this battery had failed before, I had read on internet forums that the car could just stop working, so I took the next exit (about 3-4 miles). At the top of the ramp, I had a red "battery malfunction" (red=stop driving); then, within 15 seconds the car had no power and gave me a critical "engine overheated" message. I was able to coast into a parking lot. Had I not exited, the loss of power would have likely resulted in an accident and we could have been killed. I believe the battery powers the water pump (amongst other things) and that caused the engine to overheat and shut down - but with no warning of overheating. This is the second time the battery has failed - first at 15 months and approx 17,000 miles. I had to wait 3 1/2 months for a new battery (they can't keep up with demand - this tells me the problem is widespread) ) and now around 22,000 miles and 5 months after getting the new battery. A review of the mb internet forums shows this problem is pervasive in mercedes models that use the 48v batteries and I believe this is extremely dangerous - if I hadn't already been aware of the issue from the previous failure, I wouldn't have known to exit the interstate before the car failed and could easily have been badly injured or even killed in a collision. |
| Category | Steering, Suspension, Wheels |
| Date | Jan 17, 2020 |
| State | NE |
| Description | I am also having the identical problem issue as stated in: nhtsa id number: 11280637 |
| Category | Service Brakes, Steering, Suspension |
| Date | Nov 17, 2019 |
| State | CA |
| Description | Upon driving over certain bumps in the road, the suspension has the sensation that the wheels and/or lug nuts are loose. This produces a disturbing side to side movement that feels like the vehicle lacks control. This condition is related to the fact that rotors wear out prematurely; two sets in 4700 miles. Bad rotors produce a shaking steering wheel when coming to a stop. Even after replacing rotors and the repairs appears to be done, the shaking steering wheel comes back readily after an episode of hitting bumps that produce the side to side movement. The side to side, fishtail, sensation happens on the freeway and surface streets around 40-60 miles an hour. This condition is disturbing and makes it seem that the next well-placed bump on the road would cause the car to lose control. |
| Category | Wheels:rim |
| Date | Jun 26, 2019 |
| State | NY |
| Description | Tl* the contact owns a 2019 mercedes-benz cls450. The contact stated that the vehicle's wheels were not designed for daily driving. The rims were bending underneath the vehicle while it was in motion, which caused a bumpy ride. The vehicle was taken to mercedes-benz of massapequa (101 sunrise hwy, amityville, ny 11701, (631) 213-2023) seven times. The rims were removed and shipped off for repairs multiple times, but the failure recurred after each visit to the dealer. The manufacturer was contacted and they stated that the rims and wheels were not covered under the factory warranty; therefore, they could not assist. The vehicle was currently at the dealer for the same failure. The failure mileage was 10. |
| Category | Engine |
| Date | Jun 03, 2019 |
| State | CA |
| Description | My car cut off on the busy 405 freeway as I was driving. I have had the brand new car 3 months . I stared to receive the following alerts on the car panel:"blind spot assist inoperative , "active brake assist functioned limited" ,"attention assist, system suspended". The call slowly stalled on the freeway. I had to exit on the shoulder of the freeway with my hazard lights on. The car cut off. It started again. I tried to continue my trip, but the same issue happened 2 more times. I exited the freeway near ucla . Mercedes roadside assistance picked up the car for tow. This happened on may 28th. I still do not have answers as to what is wrong with my car. The roadside rep said this could be due to sensitivity of safety feature that detect cars around the car. If reading incorrectly , car can slow down or beep - but this car stalled. I could have hit from behind of killed. I will report this to mercedes corp |
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About the Author:
Brian Jones spent more than 20 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
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