Defect Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2022 CLS450 Coupe and AMG E53, 2019-2021 AMG CLS53 Coupe, and 2021-2022 E450 vehicles. The 12-Volt battery in the trunk may not be properly secured, which, in the event of a crash, can cause electrical connection failure, disabling various safety features including, emergency call (eCall) system, electric seat adjustment, hazard warning lights, and automatic door locks.
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Executive Vehicle Verdict
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS is associated with 6 official NHTSA owner defect complaints and 5 safety recall campaigns in the federal safety database.
The most frequently reported component area is Electrical System, accounting for 3 reports (50% of total complaints). EPA testing covers 3 certified vehicle configurations spanning 3L 6-Cyl hybrid powertrain configurations. Gasoline and hybrid variants deliver 23 to 26 MPG combined. Detailed NHTSA crash-test ratings are not available in the current AutoUtility dataset for this model year.
- • NHTSA Owner Complaints: 6 consumer reports filed
- • Safety Recall Campaigns: 5 official campaigns
- • Primary Defect Domain: Electrical System (3 / 50%)
- • NCAP Crash Safety: Not rated by NHTSA
- • EPA Certified Range: 23–26 MPG across 3 powertrain trims
What is the fuel economy and range of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS?
Official EPA laboratory test ratings, electric driving range, and annual energy cost estimates by certified vehicle variant
| Variant | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Highway | Combined | EV Range | Est. Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLS450 Hybrid | 3L 6-Cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic 9-spd | 24 MPG | 31 MPG | 26 MPG | — | $2,900 / yr |
| CLS450 4matic Hybrid | 3L 6-Cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic 9-spd | 23 MPG | 30 MPG | 26 MPG | — | $2,900 / yr |
| AMG CLS53 4matic Plus Hybrid | 3L 6-Cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic 9-spd | 21 MPG | 27 MPG | 23 MPG | — | $3,300 / yr |
What are the crash test safety ratings for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS?
Official 5-Star Safety Ratings evaluated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
| Tested Drivetrain / Cab Variant | Overall Rating | Frontal Crash | Side Crash | Rollover Rating | Rollover Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| -Class 4 DR 4WD | — | ||||
| -Class 4 DR RWD | — |
No and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is documented as No in official NHTSA records for tested 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS models.
What defect complaints are reported for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS?
Summary of 6 verified consumer defect submissions filed with the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI)
Top Reported Problem Categories
Ranked by total consumer complaint submissions recorded by NHTSA
Data Attribution & Context: Complaints are self-reported by vehicle owners to NHTSA and represent unverified consumer submissions. Complaint volume does not equal a statistically controlled failure rate and is not adjusted for total vehicles sold or cumulative mileage driven.
View all 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS problems & component breakdown (4 categories) →Are there open safety recalls on the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS?
Manufacturer safety recall campaigns monitored and recorded by NHTSA
Defect Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.
Defect Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, C-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe/Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and CLS-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The rearview camera may not display the rearview image due to a software error. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Quick Answers: Key Questions Drivers Ask About the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS
Direct, deterministic answers synthesized from verified United States government databases for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS
How many safety recalls does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS have?
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS is associated with 5 official NHTSA safety recall campaigns in AutoUtility's current federal records.
If your individual vehicle is affected by an open safety recall, NHTSA advises owners to contact an authorized franchised dealership for the recall remedy at no charge. Because recall campaigns apply to specific production runs and equipment batches, vehicle owners should verify their 17-digit VIN at NHTSA.gov.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS?
NHTSA records list 6 consumer defect complaints for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS. The most frequently referenced vehicle system is Electrical System, appearing in 3 filings (50% of submissions).
Consumer complaints represent unverified owner submissions filed under federal reporting guidelines and describe reported component behavior rather than audited failure rates.
Is there an official NHTSA crash safety rating for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS?
An official NHTSA 5-Star NCAP crash test rating is not available for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS in AutoUtility's current federal dataset.
NHTSA publishes crash safety evaluations for a selected sample of passenger vehicles each model year. Consult NHTSA.gov for active safety equipment records and vehicle safety bulletins.
What fuel economy (MPG) does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS get?
Official EPA laboratory estimates for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS range from 23 to 26 MPG combined (55% city / 45% highway weighted) depending on engine, transmission, and drivetrain configuration.
Using AutoUtility's standardized operating cost model (15,000 miles/year, $3.50/gal gas, $0.16/kWh electricity), annual energy expenditures range across certified configurations based on official EPA laboratory test baselines.
The specifications, safety ratings, defect reports, and recall campaigns published on this page are retrieved directly from official United States Government agency databases:
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI): Consumer complaints and defect reports.
- NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP): Frontal, side, and rollover 5-Star crash safety test ratings.
- U.S. EPA / FuelEconomy.gov: Standardized multi-cycle dynamometer fuel economy, MPGe, and electric driving range ratings.
Local Production Store Compiled: August 2026 • Deterministic Audited Dataset • Zero Dynamic External API Runtime Latency.