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2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 0safety recalls
- 11owner complaints
- 1crash report
- 0fire reports
- 24%fail the UK MOT
11 complaints, against an average of 9 for the other 8 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class model years.
Every Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class?
The components named most often in the 11 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
Has the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class been recalled?
NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class as of October 25, 2026. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN before you rely on this.
Is the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSAOn affected vehicles the aluminium bolts of the steering gear could corrode and break due to the intrusion of moisture.
Risk: On affected vehicles the aluminium bolts of the steering gear could corrode and break due to the intrusion of moisture.
Fix: Replace the steering gear mounting bolts on the affected vehicles with steel bolts. Should the bolts break or already be broken change the steering gear.
UK DVSAEngine control unit software to be updated
Risk: Improve the vehicle emissions via software updates.
Fix: Update the relevant control unit's software and if necessary replace the NOx sensors.
UK DVSATo achieve an improvement in the emissions via software updates
Risk: Improve the vehicle emissions via software updates.
Fix: Update the diesel engine control unit software and add a supplementary booklet for the operator's manual
UK DVSAFaulty control unit may cause vehicle to perform outside specification
Risk: Where a control unit coding was updated in a workshop between 3 December 2016 and 5 December 2016 the coding may not correspond to the specification and may trigger unplanned action in the vehicle. The safety and emissions systems may not react as design intent.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and update the software in the corresponding control units.
UK DVSAFire may occur
Risk: A seal between bonnet and engine compartment may when the bonnet is opened temporarily stick to the bonnet. If this happens the seal may detach form its fixing and can fall into the gap between engine and partition wall. It is then possible the seal can make contact with the exhaust and under certain conditions catch fire.
Fix: On affected vehicles install additional clips to retain the seal.
UK DVSAOil may leak
Risk: On certain diesel engines the 'O' ring may not have been produced to the correct specification. This may allow oil to leak and contaminate the environment. If excessive oil is lost engine damage may occur.
Fix: On affected vehicles replace the chain tensioner sealing ring.
EU Safety GateThe three aluminium screws of the steering box may corrode due to exposure to spray water and aggressive road-grit (salt) used for melting…The three aluminium screws of the steering box may corrode due to exposure to spray water and aggressive road-grit (salt) used for melting ice. Advanced corrosion could weaken the screws, leading to potential breakage during manoeuvring or parking. If all fixing screws fail, the power-assisted steering could detach, resulting in a loss of power steering and an increased risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe aluminium bolts of the steering box may break.This can lead to detachment of the steering box from the power block, creating a risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateIn vehicles with rear-wheel drive, a lock nut in the steering gear may be cracked.Consequently, when the steering is placed under high forces it could break, which would block the steering gear and increase the risk of accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThere may be cracks in a securing nut in the steering gear of rear-wheel-drive vehicles.The nut could consequently break if the steering system is subject to a very high lateral force, which could result in rotating parts in the steering gear affecting the casing and thereby blocking the steering system.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateFollowing the update of the control unit coding, the coding parameters of the control unit could be defective.This could give rise to various unplanned reactions in the vehicle: the wrong airbag could be triggered in the event of an accident, the airbag control unit may not recognise the belt buckle status, the engine control unit could be coded with a false maximum speed or various assistance systems may not function.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe engine compartment seal of the partition plate could come loose.Under certain circumstances, this could lead to contact between the seal and hot components and the risk of a fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe gasket seal for the engine's chain tensioner may display incorrect settling behaviour.Over time, this may result in the chain tensioner detaching from the threaded hole on the cylinder head and the leakage of engine oil. The loss of large amounts of engine oil may contaminate the road, leading to a possible hazard for traffic following behind.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2014, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class owners report?
11 of the 11 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
After the Mercedes dealer replaced the corroded rear sub frame under the 20 year extended warranty, my brake line failed so I took it back & found out that the brake lines were corroded. I paid nothing for the subframe since it was under the warranty but I ended up paying $4114 to replace the corroded brake lines. The dealer should have checked for corrosion while the subframe was out of the car, especially since this is a known issue. The parts were only $380 and $3800+ was labor. My brakes completely failed while driving on Christmas Eve. I took the car to the dealership on 12/26/25 and they…
I just had 2 tires replaced and on the way home I hit a pothole both front air shocks failed. I filed a claim and the insurance company won’t pay out either. Normal wear and tear does not make both air shocks failed.
the car started showing a low coolant message around 2017 about twice a year. I felt it was too often the message would come up. I would too off coolant each time to address it without seeing any leaks ever under the car. then 2018 thru 2019 the message would appear about 3 or 4.times per year. had it checked by Mercedes service and they advised nothing was leaking from the car and found no codes indicating urgency in repair to address. my car started failing to turnover after cranking and in July 2021 it failed to turnover at all ever again. took it to the factory sego r dealer and they…
have a 2014 cls-550 with extensive subframe rust. It is currently sitting at the dealership for $3,158 in repairs for a vehicle that is less than 10 years old. There needs to be a recall on the subframe for the c, cls, e, and like models. This is not the Mercedes’-Benz quality I expected. After extensive research, members all over the globe are experiencing the same issue. This isn’t user error. It’s manufacturer error. You need to make this right with your customers. Period. I have attached photos of my subframe. I’m severely disappointed with having to perform major maintenance on a vehicle…
Front passenger assembly strut went out suddenly while driving almost caused an accident.No warning signs just gave out. Vehicle is in the shop but cannot be repaired because the part is out of stock and no ETA on when vendor will restock them.
WHILE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY IN GARAGE, WE BEGAN NOTICING A PROFUSE GAS/FUEL SMELL. IT BECAME INCREASINGLY STRONG IN AND OUT OF THE VEHICLE. APPROXIMATELY 3 DAYS AFTER SMELL WAS NOTICED, I CONTACTED THE LOCAL MERCEDES BENZ DEALERSHIP TO ADVISE OF THE ISSUE. I ALSO DID SOME RESEARCH ONLINE, AND DISCOVERED THAT PREVIOUS YEARS SPECIFICALLY; 2006-2011 CLS CLASS VEHICLES EXHIBITED THE SAME DEFECT WHICH WAS ADDRESSED WITH THE NHTSA AND TO WHICH MB-USA AGREED TO EXTEND THE WARRANTY FOR "COVERED FUEL TANK COMPONENTS" FROM THE ORIGINAL 4 YEARS TO 15 YEARS. THE DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED THE LEFT SIDE SENDER…
ON MARCH 8 2020 I WAS DRIVING MY 2014 MERCEDES BENZ CLS550 STRAIGHT ON THE FREEWAY WHEN MY SUNROOF EXPLODED, GLASS SHATTERING EVERYWHERE. GLASS HIT MY FACE AND WENT DOWN MY BACK AND CUT MY HANDS. I DIDN'T CRASH THE CAR NOR WAS ANY OTHER DAMAGE DONE THAN THE SUNROOF. I PULLED OVER WHEN IT WAS SAFE TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND NO OBJECT HAD CAME THROUGH THE SUNROOF. THE FRONT OF THE SUNROOF WAS INDENTED INWARD AND GLASS WAS ANGLED OUTWARD AS IF IT HAD EXPLODED FROM THE INSIDE OUT. I RESEARCHED ONLINE TO FIND THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR 760,000 MERCEDES BENZ YEARS 2001-2011 FOR DEFECTIVE SUNROOF…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 MERCEDES BENZ CLS550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS AND OR REVERSING WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY SHIFTED INTO PARK WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF WILMINGTON LOCATED AT (3801 LANCASTER PIKE, WILMINGTON, DE 19805 (302) 995-2211) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE GPS/TRACKING DEVICE NEEDED TO BE REMOVED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE SAME DEALER WHERE DIAGNOSED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ELECTRONIC IGNITION…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 MERCEDES-BENZ CLS550. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 20 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STRUCK ON THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE FENDER BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BRAIN, NECK, AND LOWER BACK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE INSURANCE LOT AND DEEMED DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000.
I RECENTLY PURCHASED A VEHICLE FROM THE NAME DEALERSHIP ONLINE. THE VEHICLE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONS WITHIN APPROX. 20 MINS AFTER VEHICLE IS DRIVEN RENDERING THE VEHICLE UNSAFE FOR OPERATION. I WAS TOLD BY THE SELLER AND DEALERSHIP... TEXT MESSAGE SAVED, THAT THEY STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCTS AND THAT THE VEHICLE BEING SOLD ONLINE HAD NO PROBLEMS AND PASS ALL REQUIRED USED CAR INSPECTIONS, CARFAX TO BE IN GOOD WORKING ORDER. I RESIDE IN MS, SEARCHED ONLINE SOME TIME PRIOR TO BUYING. I READ THE DEALERSHIP REVIEWS WHICH WERE SATISFACTORY UNTIL I LATER, AFTER I PAID, FOUND SOME CONCERNING…
WHILE DRIVING ON CHICAGO EXPRESSWAY, VEHICLE STOPPED ACCELERATING AND BECAME INOPERATIVE. ADDITIONALLY, WHILE WAITING FOR TOW TRUCK ON EXPRESSWAY, THERE WAS A BURNING SMELL COMING FROM CAR. MESSAGE ON CAR DISPLAY WAS "INOPERATIVE" "SEE OPERATOR'S MANUAL". *TR
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2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class: questions owners ask
Is the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 11 complaints with NHTSA about the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class; the most common categories were power train (2, 18.2%), suspension (2, 18.2%), air bags (1, 9.1%). There are no safety recalls listed for this model year. 1 complaint mentions a crash, 1 injury was reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class?
Across 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are power train (18.2% of complaints), suspension (18.2% of complaints), air bags (9.1% of complaints), engine (9.1% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (9.1% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class have any recalls?
As of October 2026, NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check your own CLS-Class
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2014 only.