Model year
2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
NHTSA does not list the EPA model name CLS-Class for 2012. Under the matched names CLS, CLS550, and CLS63, NHTSA lists 3 recalls and 24 complaints (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints for CLS550 are FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (8), ENGINE (4), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3). NHTSA lists 1 investigation with no close date in the file. NHTSA lists crash-test variants for this model year and marks the overall rating Not Rated. EPA rates it 19–20 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $4,100–$4,350, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2006 6 complaints
- 2007 40 complaints
- 2008 22 complaints
- 2009 6 complaints
- 2010 1 complaints
- 2011 7 complaints
- 2012 24 complaints
- 2013 4 complaints
- 2014 11 complaints
- 2015 9 complaints
- 2016 0 complaints
- 2017 2 complaints
- 2018 0 complaints
- 2019 21 complaints
- 2020 6 complaints
- 2021 2 complaints
- 2022 3 complaints
- 2023 3 complaints
Matched NHTSA names
The EPA model name is not itself a name in the NHTSA file for 2012. The counts in the answer are the sum of the names below. Overlap between those names is not removed.
| NHTSA name | Recalls | Complaints | Investigations |
|---|---|---|---|
| CLS | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| CLS550 | 3 | 23 | 1 |
| CLS63 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Recalls for CLS550
17V177000 · Mar 14, 2017
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 AMG GT-S, GLC300, CLA250 and GLE300d 4Matic vehicles, 2013 C250, E350 BlueTec and G63 AMG vehicles, 2008-2014 C300 vehicles, 2013-2014 C300 4Matic and ML350 4Matic vehicles, 2009 C350 vehicles, 2014 CLS550, E350 4Matic,…
15V137000 · Mar 10, 2015
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2015 CLS 400 and CLS 400 4matic, 2012-2015 CLS 550 and CLS 550 4matic, 2012-2013 CLS 63, 2014 CLS 63, and 2014-2015 CLS 63P. The affected vehicles have LED tail lights that may not light on the sides, reducing the…
12V533000 · Nov 6, 2012
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
Mercedes-Benz is recalling certain model year 2012 CLS550 and CLS550 4Matic vehicles, manufactured December 01, 2011, through December 13, 2011. The bolts that hold the hood's secondary latch striker may have been insufficiently tightened.
Complaints for CLS550
23 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 1, fire flag on 0, injury field 2, deaths field 0. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Investigations for CLS550
| Action | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA21002 | Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture · AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE; AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE | Sep 17, 2021 | No close date in the file |
Safety ratings
| Variant | Overall | Front | Side | Pole | Rollover | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 DR AWD | Not rated | Not Rated | Not Rated | Not Rated | Not Rated · possibility 0 | — |
| 4 DR RWD | Not rated | Not Rated | Not Rated | Not Rated | Not Rated · possibility 0 | — |
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLS550 · 4.7L · Automatic 7-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 17 | 25 | 20 | — | — | $4,100 |
| CLS550 4matic · 4.7L · Automatic 7-spd · 4-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 16 | 25 | 19 | — | — | $4,350 |
| CLS63 AMG · 5.5L · Automatic 7-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 16 | 25 | 19 | — | — | $4,350 |
Open this model year in the fuel-cost calculator. The calculator starts with no fuel price filled in.
Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.