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2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class problems, recalls and owner complaints

What the 2015 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
  • 9owner complaints
  • 0crash reports
  • 1fire report
  • 18%fail the UK MOT

9 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 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class?

The components named most often in the 9 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.

  1. Electrical System3 (33.3%)
  2. Electronic Stability Control (ESC)2 (22.2%)
  3. Steering2 (22.2%)
  4. Engine1 (11.1%)
  5. Exterior Lighting1 (11.1%)
  6. Power Train1 (11.1%)
  7. Seats1 (11.1%)
  8. Service Brakes1 (11.1%)

Has the 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class been recalled?

NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2015 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 2015 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. Recall R/2023/023 · Feb 20, 2023 · built Oct 2010 to Feb 2017 · Risk and fix

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.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAEngine control unit software to be updated Recall R/2020/243 · Oct 6, 2020 · built Nov 2011 to May 2018 · Risk and fix

Risk: Improve the vehicle emissions via software updates.

Fix: Update the relevant control unit's software and if necessary replace the NOx sensors.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSATo achieve an improvement in the emissions via software updates Recall R/2019/256 · Sep 6, 2019 · built Jun 2012 to Nov 2017 · Risk and fix

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

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAFaulty control unit may cause vehicle to perform outside specification Recall R/2017/124 · Apr 19, 2017 · built Jan 2004 to Mar 2017 · Risk and fix

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.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSARisk of fire Recall R/2015/259 · Jan 21, 2016 · built Oct 2015 to Nov 2015 · Risk and fix

Risk: The high pressure fuel lines have not been manufactured to the correct specification which over time can lead to crack formation and fuel leaking. Fuel escaping in the presence of an ignition source could lead to fire.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the high pressure fuel lines.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAFire may occur Recall R/2015/171 · Aug 28, 2015 · built Apr 2015 to May 2015 · Risk and fix

Risk: The engine compartment seal may not be fully secure. There is a possibility that the seal may become dislodged and fall between the engine and the fire wall. If this occurs it is possible for the seal to contact very hot items such as the catalytic converter and a fire to start.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and fit a new seal with fittings.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAFire may occur Recall R/2015/041 · Mar 23, 2015 · built Jul 2012 to Dec 2014 · Risk and fix

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.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAOil may leak Recall R/2014/182 · Jan 16, 2015 · built Feb 2014 to Nov 2014 · Risk and fix

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.

Check on GOV.UK

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. Alert SR/03711/24 · reported by Germany · Dec 20, 2024 · Measures

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

View on EU Safety Gate

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. Alert A12/00185/23 · reported by Germany · Feb 3, 2023 · Measures

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

View on EU Safety Gate

EU Safety GateThe seal for the special plug-in contact of the gearbox designed to protect against contact with moisture and splashing water is…The seal for the special plug-in contact of the gearbox designed to protect against contact with moisture and splashing water is improperly installed. Thus splashed water can enter the socket contact when driving in wet conditions and can lead to a short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire. Alert A12/01237/22 · reported by Germany · Sep 2, 2022 · Measures

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

View on EU Safety Gate

EU Safety GateMoisture can penetrate into the busbar, giving rise to conductive contacts between the individual lines inside it.The resulting current flows could overheat the plastic material of the busbar, increasing the risk of fire. Alert A12/00618/20 · reported by Germany · Apr 24, 2020 · Measures

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

View on EU Safety Gate

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. Alert A12/0296/19 · reported by Germany · Feb 15, 2019 · Measures

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

View on EU Safety Gate

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. Alert A12/0164/19 · reported by Germany · Feb 1, 2019 · Measures

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

View on EU Safety Gate

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. Alert A12/0457/17 · reported by Germany · Apr 14, 2017 · Measures

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

View on EU Safety Gate

EU Safety GateCracks may form in the high-pressure fuel pipes leading to a fuel leak and a vehicle fire. Alert A12/0284/16 · reported by Germany · Mar 11, 2016 · Measures

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

View on EU Safety Gate

EU Safety GateThe seal of the engine compartment may come loose.Under certain circumstances, this could lead to a contact between the seal and hot components, posing a risk of fire. Alert A12/1139/15 · reported by Germany · Sep 18, 2015 · Measures

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

View on EU Safety Gate

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. Alert A12/0469/15 · reported by Germany · Apr 10, 2015 · Measures

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

View on EU Safety Gate

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. Alert A12/2167/14 · reported by Germany · Jan 9, 2015 · Measures

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

View on EU Safety Gate

How often does the 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class fail its MOT?

17.6% of 2,958 MOT tests in 2023 on Mercedes-Benz CLS-Classs first registered in 2015 were a fail6.9 points better than the average car of the same age
  1. Tyres52%
  2. Suspension21%
  3. Exhaust, emissions and leaks18%
  4. Brakes18%
  5. Lights and electrics13%
  6. Visibility (windscreen, wipers, mirrors)5%

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 2015, 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 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class owners report?

9 of the 9 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.

2015 mercedes benz CLS 400 - Engine caught fire while in a parking lot approximately 10 minutes after i parked it and went inside department store. The vehicle had no open recalls
EngineFireNHTSA complaint 11504181 · Jan 28, 2023
while going on freeway at 70 mph car came up with code service required do not shift see dealer and lost power had to pull off lane onto shoulder luckily was able to, could not get car to shift or go anywhere could not contact their roadside assistance, this is the third time it has done it too me, this last time could have resulted in a crash and possible death
Power TrainNHTSA complaint 11475315 · Jul 22, 2022
The steering wheel power adjustment function stopped working. The steering wheel went to the topmost position and got stuck there. It still telescopes in and out, but the up and down function stopped working, and it's stuck at the highest position and won't move down. The car has 52K miles and was not in an accident. Due to the strange position of the steering wheel, it is more difficult to control the car. There were no warning lights about this.
SteeringNHTSA complaint 11457710 · Mar 21, 2022
A FEW TIMES A MONTH, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHT COMES ON AND THE CAR'S ENGINE AND VOLUME START TO DECREASE. THE TEMPORARY FIX, IS TO RELEASE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE.
Service BrakesNHTSA complaint 11319021 · Mar 23, 2020
THE DRIVER'S SEAT WITH NOT MOVE FORWARD OR BACKWARDS
SeatsNHTSA complaint 11318825 · Mar 20, 2020
CLS 400 4 MAGIC 2015. REAR TIRES WEARING FROM INSIDE OF TIRE AT 36,000 MILES. LOOKING AT TIRES FROM OUTSIDE AND TOP LOOKS GREAT AS IF TIRES ARE IN GOOD SHAPE. LUCKILY WHILE ON HIGH WAY TIRE BEGAN TO DEFLATE BEFORE COMING APART AT 60 MPH. 😥
WheelsNHTSA complaint 11283121 · Dec 1, 2019
TOTAL ELECTRICAL FAILURE WHICH IS CAUSING COMMAND SYSTEM TO POWER ON/OFF WHILE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN,NOT ALLOWING ME TO USE NAVIGATION,WINDOWS(ROLLING UP&DOWN OR NOT WORKING AT ALL),SIDE VIEW MIRRORS(FLIPPING OUT & IN,WHILE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN)AIR CONDITIONING,RADIO TURNING ITSELF OFF/ON.ELECTRONIC BREAKING SYSTEM ACTIVATING ITSELF WHILE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN,SPEEDOMETER NOT WORKING.KEYLESS FUNCTIONS NOT WORKING HAD TO REMOVE HARD KEY MANUALLY TO OPEN CAR DOOR & REMOVE PUSH BUTTON STARTER MANUALLY TO INSERT KEY.THE CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE ESPECIALLY WITH THE BRAKING SYSTEM ACTIVATING…
Steering, Electrical System, Electronic Stability Control (ESC)NHTSA complaint 10783487 · Oct 19, 2015
THIS IS THE 2ND TIME MY 2015 CLS400 MERCEDES HAS BEEN RETURNED TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR THIS REOCCURRING PROBLEM OF THE ELECTRONIC COMMAND SYSTEM TOTALLY SHUTTING DOWN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN ON THE STREET AND FRWY.NAVIGATION BLINKS ON & OFF,SIDE VIEW MIRRORS FOLD IN & OUT WHILE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN,RADIO TURNS ON & OFF,ELECTRONIC BRAKING SYSTEM ACTIVATED ITSELF WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE FRWY & AROUND TOWN,KEYLESS ENTRY WOULD NOT WORK SO I HAD TO USE THE MANUAL KEY TO GET INTO VEHICLE & REMOVE PUSH START BUTTON TO INSERT THE KEY TO START VEHICLE,WINDOWS WOULD NOT WORK NOR AIR…
Electrical System, Exterior Lighting, Electronic Stability Control (ESC)NHTSA complaint 10778277 · Sep 28, 2015
DESPITE NHTSA RECALL # 15V137 WAS ISSUED ON MARCH 12TH,2015 I WAS SOLD A CLS400 ON MARCH 14TH. NEITHER AT TIME OF SALE NOR THEREAFTER I WAS NOTIFIED ABOUT THIS RECALL. IT SEEMS THAT DEALERSHIP WAS IN VIOLATION OF MERCEDES BENZ USA'S STOP-SALE ORDER ISSUED TO DEALERS ON MARCH 13TH.
Electrical SystemNHTSA complaint 10721652 · May 27, 2015

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2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class: questions owners ask

Is the 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class reliable?

NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 9 complaints with NHTSA about the 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class; the most common categories were electrical system (3, 33.3%), electronic stability control (esc) (2, 22.2%), steering (2, 22.2%). There are no safety recalls listed for this model year. 1 mentions a fire.

What are the most common problems with the 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class?

Across 9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are electrical system (33.3% of complaints), electronic stability control (esc) (22.2% of complaints), steering (22.2% of complaints), engine (11.1% of complaints), exterior lighting (11.1% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.

Does the 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class have any recalls?

As of October 2026, NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2015 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 2015 only.

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