RoadVitals

2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLS53

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
6
Latest Jul 24, 2024
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
10
Latest Jun 14, 2024
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

Overview

Our database contains 6 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLS53, most frequently naming the other / unspecified, brakes and electrical categories. 10 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 176 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Other / unspecified450.0%
  • Brakes112.5%
  • Electrical112.5%
  • Engine112.5%
  • Steering112.5%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

10 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Jun 14, 2024
22,422 units potentially affected
The defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 CLS 53 4MATIC, 2019-2023 E 53 4MATIC Cabriolet, E 53 4MATIC Coupe, E 53 4MATIC Sedan, 2021-2024 GT 43 4MATIC, and 2019-2025 GT 53 4MATIC vehicles. The transmission wiring harness connection might not have been correctly wired during a prior recall repair, and during production. which can expose the electrical connector to corrosion, and result in an electrical short-circuit.
The risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the two-part wiring harness and connector, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 9, 2024. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024100002/3. This recall supersedes recall 22V-533. Vehicles repaired under the prior recall will still need to have the new remedy performed.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLCManufacturer number 2024100002/3View on NHTSA.gov

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

Sep 30, 2022
19,968 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: The inability to operate safety features (eCall system, hazard lights, electric seats, or automatic door locks) can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will secure the 12V battery, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 20, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022100009.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLCManufacturer number 2022100009View on NHTSA.gov

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Jul 22, 2022
16,977 units potentially affected
The defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2022 AMG GT43, 2019-2022 AMG E53, E53 Coupe, E53 Cabriolet, AMG GT53, and 2019-2021 AMG CLS53 vehicles. The transmission wiring harness may be misrouted, which can expose the electrical connector to corrosion, and result in an electrical short-circuit.
The risk: An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the electrical connector, as necessary. Dealers will also reroute the harness and install an additional bracket. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 14, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022080010.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLCManufacturer number 2022080010View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Other / unspecified
Filed Jul 24, 2024

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS53. The contact stated that the passenger’s side rear rim was cracked. The passenger’s side front rim was also cracked. The contact stated that the tire pressure was low. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a wheel repair shop, and the rims were replaced. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that there were no associated recalls for the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.

NHTSA ID
11604218
Incident
Jul 2, 2024
Mileage
66,000 mi
Other / unspecified
Filed Sep 25, 2023

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLS53. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH on a bumpy road surface, the vehicle started shuddering. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that an unknown wheel had cracked and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred several times while driving. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions, and the four wheels and tires had been replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the front passenger's side wheel needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.

NHTSA ID
11546407
Incident
Apr 15, 2022
Mileage
20,000 mi
Engine
Filed Jun 21, 2023

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS53 AMG. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH, there was an abnormal clicking sound detected. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who informed the contact that there were metal fragments inside the engine. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ID
11528126
Incident
May 26, 2023
Mileage
80,000 mi
BrakesOther / unspecifiedSteering
Filed Jan 26, 2023

Okay so I purchased my car at west covina dealer and found out they sold me a cracked rim when my tire pressure got low. I took it to the tire shop to find the nails on my tire but they found there were crack on my rim. I never had any accidents after I puchased it and I almost got killed because the rim is broken. I have photos and I fixed it at the body shop. Also after i fixed my rim, next day my wheel was about to fall off becasue the wheel lock was loose.

NHTSA ID
11503903
Incident
Dec 24, 2022
Other / unspecified
Filed Jul 3, 2021

i have never cracked a wheel before but 2 cracked wheels in 6 months.There was no single bump that said aha im cracked. the tire light just comes on. the first one killed the tire but the second one the tire was fine.first incident 10/2020 and second was 4/8/21

NHTSA ID
11423315
Incident
Apr 8, 2021
Electrical
Filed Feb 23, 2019

I PURCHASED A NEW MERCEDES CLS53 2019. THERE APPEARS TO BE AN ON-GOING ISSUE WITH THE STARTER BATTERY. WITHIN 60 DAYS OF THE PURCHASE, THE ORIGINAL STARTER BATTERY REQUIRED A REPLACEMENT BATTERY. IN ADDITION, THE CAR DASHBOARD AND THE MERCEDES ME APPLICATION CONTINUE TO REFLECT THIS ISSUE.

NHTSA ID
11182100
Incident
Feb 1, 2019

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

EW - DMTL

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

This NCU replaces the prior NCU issued on May 15, 2025, and contains additional MY 2023 and MY 2024 vehicles which are highlighted below. In our continuing efforts to ensure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (“MBUSA”) is extending the warranty coverage on the Diagnostic Module for Tank Leakage detection (DMTL) in certain Model Year (“MY”) vehicles listed below from the original New Vehicle Limited Warranty of 4 years/50,000 miles to 10 years/120,000 miles (vehicles certified as LEV II) and 15 years/150,000 miles (vehicles certified as LEV III), whichever occurs first, for the following condition: •Under certain circumstances, the DMTL may trigger erroneous Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) entries that may result in the illumination of the Check Engine Malfunction Indicator Lamp (‘MIL’).

LI35.30-P-058566

POWER TRAIN

Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. Note: Sound file in attachment Cause If the complaint is eliminated by experimentally loosening the outboard collar nut (by 1 turn), the problem is due to cracking of the microweld between the wheel bearing inner race and the joint housing of the side shaft. Note: The collar nut must always be replaced after being loosened. See also LI33.20-P-078406 Remedy Coat contact surface of side shaft with wheel bearing with Molykote paint. To do this, proceed as follows: 1. Remove side shafts 2. Clean contact surface A (see image file in attachment "Outer joint housing before") before coating with Molykote, using "spirit" (free of dust and grease) 3. Coat contact surface A (see image file in attachment "Outer joint housing after") with Molykote and leave to dry for "one hour" in removed condition 4. Reinstall side shafts Note: Before using the antifriction coating (Molykote), stir it or shake it thoroughly for (at least 1 minute).

PSL-NCU Return Parts 6/19

ENGINE; VISIBILITY/WIPER

Dear Mercedes-Benz USA Dealers, The part numbers listed in the chart below should no longer be installed, and any existing stock must be returned to your facing PDC. The deadline for all dealer returns is no later than Thursday, July 9, 2026. After July 9th, returns of these parts will no longer be accepted. These parts should be returned via ZSR Special Return, using item category SCM Authorized Part Return. Please include a copy of this NCU as your authorization to return these parts. This procedure will not affect your return allowance. All returned parts will be replaced in accordance with the chart provided below.

LI00.20-P-080703

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Complaint Service code B1 displayed in the customer menu does not match the workshop code displayed in the workshop menu, e.g., 505 or 550A, which includes a service A. Cause The root cause is currently being investigated. Remedy To determine the cause, the instrument cluster control unit (N133/1) and powertrain control unit (N127) logs are required before confirming the service or correction using XENTRY Diagnosis. Please open a TIPS case to BCE inbox with the requested information in the attachments.

LI82.85-P-080559

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Complaint The customer requests deactivation of the N112/9 HERMES communication module Note: Deactivation of the HERMES control unit (N112/9) is not supported for gray-market vehicles. Cause Before deactivating the HERMES control unit (N112/9), it must be clarified by the legal department of the respective MPC whether and under what conditions deactivation may be carried out. If deactivation is not permissible under applicable law, the HERMES control unit (N112/9) must not be deactivated. Remedy Please inform the customer that, following deactivation, the vehicle will no longer be able to place an automatic emergency call, nor will the customer be able to place a manual emergency call. After deactivation, the Mercedes-Benz Digital Extras will also no longer be available. Please have the attached sample form checked by your market's legal department, adapted to local requirements if necessary, and approved. Furthermore, after informing the customer about the effects of deactivation, please have the workshop complete and sign the approved form together with the customer, and send it to the MPC via a TIPS case for audit-compliant documentation. Furthermore, the workshop must affix a sticker to the emergency call button cover on the overhead control panel and to the emergency call button itself. After affixing, pictures of the overhead control panel need to be attached to the TIPS case for audit-proof documentation. After deactivation, the HERMES control unit (N112/9) is in the "Out of Service" operating status, and the display "SOS NOT READY" appears in the Audio/COMAND system. This display message tells the customer that the emergency call function is not available. In detail, the following steps must be carried out 1. The workshop must inform the customer about the effects of deactivation (see above) 2. Legal review by the MPC Legal department to determine whether deactivation is permissible for the vehicle and provision of a market-specific customer form based on the examples (see "Example - Deactivation communication module HERMES customer declaration English V3.0.pdf") 3. Completion of the market-specific customer form by the workshop and obtaining the customer’s signature 4. Creation of a XSS ticket by the workshop for the MPC with the signed customer form attached 5. Written confirmation of legally reviewed and approved deactivation by the MPC in the TIPS case (see attachment How+to+request+adding+Code+09o+via+XSS+v2.pdf, point 1) 6. Creation of an XSS ticket for documentation of the SA code "09o" (zero nine oh) in the Vehicle Documentation System (see attachment How+to+request+adding+Code+09o+via+XSS+v2.pdf, steps 2–7) 7. Ordering of stickers (part number A9078172900), quantity: 2 8. Affixing of the sticker (part number A9078172900) to the cover of the emergency call button on the overhead control panel (see attachment HERMES-Deactivation_+pictures+of+sticker.png) 9. Affixing of the sticker (part number A9078172900) to the emergency call button on the overhead control panel (see attachment HERMES-Deactivation_+pictures+of+sticker.png) 10. Taking photos of the applied stickers and attaching them to the TIPS case 11. After the XSS ticket has been successfully processed, the communication module must be deactivated using XENTRY: • Connect XENTRY Diagnosis • Access the HERMES control unit (N112/9) • "Adaptation" tab, menu item "Teach-in processes" -> "Deactivation" • Follow the instructions

LI82.85-P-080507

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Complaint After successful commissioning of the HERMES control unit (N112/9) with XENTRY Diagnosis DVD 03/2026, the message "SOS - service not activated" appears on the instrument cluster. In addition, the following two conditions are also met: • HERMES (N112/9) control unit: event code B15CE00 is ACTIVE and STORED (A+S) • Vehicle Documentation System: For the HERMES control unit, the EID1, EID2, ICCID, IMEI, IMSI, TELNR fields in the "Identification/Serial number" column have the value "-" Cause Still under analysis Remedy Recommission the HERMES control unit (N112/9) with XENTRY Diagnosis 03/2026 and add-on 33399 installed or carry out the procedure with a newer version of XENTRY Diagnosis: XENTRY→ "N112/9 - Control unit for telematics services (HERMES)" -> "Adaptations" -> "Control unit commissioning" -> "Commissioning of previously installed control unit"

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Mercedes-Benz AMG CLS53 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
20211100
2020170
2019Viewing6100

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.