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2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2020 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
- 6owner complaints
- 0crash reports
- 0fire reports
- 23%fail the UK MOT
6 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 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class?
The components named most often in the 6 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
Has the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class been recalled?
NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2020 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 2020 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 DVSASRPC2603 - Drive Shaft JointDrive Shaft Joint
Risk: Mercedes-Benz AG has determined that on certain 4MATIC E-Class (213 platform) S-Class Coupé (217 platform) S-Class (222 platform) E-Class Coupe/Convertible (238 platform) GLC (253 platform) and CLS (257 platform) vehicles increased wear of the universal joint on the drive shaft might occur.
Fix: As a remedy Mercedes-Benz AG via its Mercedes-Benz service partners will check the drive shaft on the affected vehicles and replace it if necessary.
UK DVSASRPC2409 - Tightness of Transmission Wiring Harness ConnectorTightness of Transmission Wiring Harness Connector
Risk: The manufacturer has determined on affected vehicles the electrical connector of the transmission wiring harness might not have been correctly remedied.
Fix: Replace the two-part wiring harness including the connector a with a new one-part variant.
UK DVSASRPC2412 - Tightness of Transmission Wiring Harness ConnectorTightness of Transmission Wiring Harness Connector
Risk: The manufacturer has determined on affected vehicles the electrical connector of the transmission wiring harness might not have been correctly remedied.
Fix: Replace the two-part wiring harness including the connector a with a new one-part variant
UK DVSAThe attachment for the 12v battery in the luggage compartment may not withstand the loads in the event of an accident
Risk: On certain E-Class vehicles the attachment for the 12V battery in the luggage compartment may not withstand the loads in the event of an accident.
Fix: Install an additional fixation of the 12V battery on the affected vehicles.
UK DVSAThe transmission wiring harness might not be routed according to specifications
Risk: The transmission wiring harness might not be routed according to specifications.
Fix: Fit additional bracket to optimise the wiring routing. Check the harness connections and rework if necessary.
UK DVSAThe software of the engine control unit might not meet specifications
Risk: On certain vehicles the software of the engine control unit might not meet specifications.
Fix: Conduct an update the software of the engine control unit on the affected vehicles.
UK DVSACoolant pump might have a leakage between the vacuum system and the coolant circuit
Risk: On certain vehicles with a Diesel engine the coolant pump which is controlled by vacuum might have a leakage between the vacuum system and the coolant circuit.
Fix: Update the software of the coolant pump and replace the electrical switch valve on the affected vehicles.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe software of certain communication modules may not meet specifications
Risk: The software of certain communication modules may not meet specifications.
Fix: Carry out an update to the software of the communication module on affected vehicles.
UK DVSAThe data documenting the correct mounting of the turbocharger oil feed as well as the oil return line may be missing
Risk: The HV battery pack can overheat and result in the venting of hot gas which can ignite vehicle components or in extreme cases the entire vehicle.
Fix: To prevent a vehicle fire the vehicles should not be charged using the external charging cable and the vehicles should only be driven using the default Auto EV mode only
UK DVSAThe software of the radar control unit may not meet specification
Risk: ; The software of the radar control unit might not meet the specification
Fix: Update the software of the radar sensor control unit on the affected vehicles.
EU Safety GateThe electrical connector of the transmission wiring harness may not have been correctly processed.This can lead to water entering the connector, which could cause short circuit and can create a thermal overload of the connector when the vehicle is parked, causing the risk of fire.
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 software of the airbag control module may be faulty.In the event of an accident, this can lead the active bonnet system not to be activated properly. This increases the risk of injury to other road users.
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 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.
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 vacuum-controlled coolant pump may not be tightly sealed between the coolant and vacuum circuits.This may result in the coolant leaking into the vacuum circuit leading to an electrochemical reaction, increasing the risk of fire.
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 GateA trapped particle may damage the sealing between the fuel rail and fuel injector, which could cause fuel to leak into the engine…A trapped particle may damage the sealing between the fuel rail and fuel injector, which could cause fuel to leak into the engine compartment. Consequently, leaking fuel may come into contact with hot parts of the engine, increasing the risk of fire.
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 electrical connector of the side-impact sensors might not be correctly latched and could become detached.This would lead to delayed activation of the restraint systems in the event of a side impact, reducing their restraining effect and increasing the risk of injury to the vehicle occupants.
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 GateDue to the lack of documentation, there is no confirmation that the screw connections of the turbocharger’s oil-supply and oil-return…Due to the lack of documentation, there is no confirmation that the screw connections of the turbocharger’s oil-supply and oil-return pipes were correctly executed during the assembly process. In the event of a loose screw connection, oil might leak at the oil-supply and/or oil-return pipe of the turbocharger.The leaking oil might then come into contact with hot components, increasing the risk of fire.
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 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.
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
How often does the 2020 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 2020, 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 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class owners report?
6 of the 6 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.
Rear view camera sticks open and shows a black screen in the car... there is a recall but not for my specific vehicle... when it sticks open its inoperable and using the same "button" to open the trunk is also inoperable..
I purchased my 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 with approximately 12,000 miles on 08/16/2022. Throughout the course of my ownership the vehicle has had multiple sets of tires replaced due to them either being prematurely bald, developing multiple bubbles, or shredding due to cracked rims. Along with the tires being constantly replaced, I have had to replace 8 rims that have cracked under normal driving conditions. Upon doing research into why my rims crack so frequently, I discovered that this is a common occurrence with my model of Mercedes, as well as several other models. The online forums…
******* DELETE VOQ ******* THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING MARKED FOR DELETION BECAUSE IT IS AN INADVERTENT DUPLICATE OF ODI# 11496545*DJR ******* DELETE VOQ *******
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.
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.
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…
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2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class: questions owners ask
Is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 6 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class; the most common categories were electrical system (4, 66.7%), back over prevention (1, 16.7%), engine (1, 16.7%). There are no safety recalls listed for this model year.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class?
Across 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are electrical system (66.7% of complaints), back over prevention (16.7% of complaints), engine (16.7% of complaints), wheels (16.7% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class have any recalls?
As of October 2026, NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2020 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 2020 only.