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The first Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class car was launched in 2004. The original C219 model was a sedan that was based on the existing E-Class platform. The second-generation C218 was launched in 2010, and the third generation C257, in 2018.
An executive series, it was hugely popular at first, but sales figures show its popularity consistently fading.
Click on other model year to view more problems: 2019
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NHTSA Complaints for the 2020 Mercedes Benz CLS
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | |
| Engine |
Sales of the 2020 model are the highest of the third generation, although dramatically lower than initial sales. For example, in 2005, sales peaked at 14,835, dropping to 10,763 a year later. There were ups and downs after that, with 8,065 being the next highest sales figure in 2012. By 2017 the figures were down to 1,839, 943 and 941 in 2018 and 2019, and up a little to 1,206 in 2020.
Nevertheless, complaints to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) don’t mirror any consistent dissatisfaction. There were no complaints about the 2018 CLS-Class, 7 in 2019, and only 1 about the 2020 model.
The Most Common Problems with the 2020 Mercedes Benz CLS
The only complaint about the 2020 CLS-Class relates to its 48V battery. It’s worth noting that 2 of the 7 complaints about the 2019 model were also related to the battery. There are further details in our articles that highlight 2019 CLS problems and top complaints.
Lemberg Law has identified that this is a common issue with several Mercedes-Benz models. If you have a similar 48-volt issues with your 2020 CLS, you are welcome to contact us. You might have a lemon law claim.
2020 Mercedes Benz CLS 48V Battery Problems
The battery problem complaint is filed on the NHTSA website under 2 categories, Electrical System and Engine.
“The 2020 Mercedes CLS has a known defect in their 48V system that turns the engine off in locations with high heat 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 known issue that they are unable to fix currently.
“I had my children in the car when I was making a left-hand turn in a major intersection and the car just stalled on me, leaving me in a panic to try to start the car again before getting into an accident.
“Mercedes provided me a loaner while they tried to fix my car. I waited 9 weeks to see if they can fix it, but they are not able to. I have contacted the Mercedes dealership as well as the local dealership and told them I no longer want to lease this vehicle as it is a danger to my family. They would not take the car nor offer a buyback option. The only option given was a trade-in lease. But the options for a car comparable was non-existent in the United States as their inventory is extremely limited.”
Ultimately, this complainant was advised that Mercedes-Beanz would reimburse the equivalent of 2 months of the lease payments. But this was on condition that, “I sign this release that they are not liable for any damages or if me or my family get hurt they are not responsible.”
The complaint continues, “I feel this is blackmail and a terrible way of hiding a dangerous car.”
2020 Mercedes Benz CLS Battery TSBs
Mercedes-Benz has issued three technical services bulletins (TSBs) about faulty 48V batteries. All three apply to the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS.
- The original TSB was issued on February 19, 2021: NHTSA ID Number: 10189404
- Issued on December 1, 2021: NHTSA ID Number: 10206063
- Issued on March 31, 2022: NHTSA ID Number 10209877
What to do if Your 2020 Mercedes Benz CLS is a Lemon? Your Lemon Rights
If you believe you have a lemon and the dealership refuses a settlement deal, you need a legal firm like Lemberg Law to negotiate on your behalf. We have negotiated many settlement deals for our clients.
So, if you think you’ve bought or are leasing a lemon, contact our Helpline so that we can assess your problems. You’ve got nothing to lose because the law says Mercedes-Benz has to pay all the legal fees of lemon law cases.
Complaint Data
| Category | Electrical System |
| Date | Dec 08, 2022 |
| State | AR |
| Description | 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 for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms remedy not available. |
| Category | Electrical System |
| Date | Aug 24, 2022 |
| State | CA |
| Description | 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 exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000. Vin tool confirms parts not available. |
| Category | Electrical System, Engine |
| Date | Nov 04, 2020 |
| State | AZ |
| Description | 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 are unable to fix currently. I had my children in the car when I was making a left hand turn in a major intersection and the car just stalled on me, leaving me in a panic to try to start the car again before getting into an accident. Mercedes provided me a loaner while they tried to fix my car. I waited 9 weeks to see if they can fix it, but they are not able to. I have contacted the mercedes dealership as well as the local dealership and told them I no longer want to lease tis vehicle as it is a danger to my family. They would not take the car back nor offer a buyback option. The only option given was a trade in lease, but the options for a car comparable was non existent in the united states as their inventory is extremely limited. I asked again since they had no cars to offer me to get my money back and look for another company. I was told no so I had very little options and took that car back last week. Michael faul the general manager that I have been working with told me in our first meeting that of course they will reimburse me for the 2 months of leases I paid when I didn't have my car. Today I received an email from this mercedes that has a letter attached to this email that said they will pay back the two month's of leases if I sign this release that they are not liable for any damages or if me or my family get hurt they are not responsible. (I have attached letter for your review) I have tried very much to work with mercedes corporate in atlanta as well as the local dealership in scottsdale, az. I feel this is blackmail and a terrible way of hiding a dangerous car. |
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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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