Used Mercedes CLS 2018-2023 reliability

When viewing a used car, always follow our used car checklist.

All models come with parking sensors and a rear-view camera to aid with parking, but still check for any external damage to the bumpers and bodywork. Also, make sure there aren’t any large chunks missing or nasty graze marks on the alloy wheels, since repairs can quickly become expensive.

There are some light interior colours available in the Mercedes CLS that may show marks and dirt quite easily, so make sure there are no stains on the carpets and seats.

At the time of writing, the CLS has 17 recalls listed. Some only involve a handful of cars, but others are in the hundreds and a few are in the thousands. For instance, a recall of 108,971 Mercedes cars from 2021 were involved in a recall that says the emergency call system might not meet specifications. There was also another from 2022 relating to a coolant pump leak for 35,624 Mercedes diesel vehicles.

To check whether any of the recalls have affected a CLS, you can contact your local Mercedes dealer. You will not need to pay for anything involving the recall.

The CLS didn't get enough responses to rank in the executive car section of the What Car? Reliability Survey, but the closely related Mercedes E-Class did and it scored well, finishing in fourth place out of 23 cars with a rating of 97.3%. That's a better position than the Audi A6 (2018-2025), BMW 5 Series diesel (2017-2023) and Jaguar XF, but worse than the Alfa Romeo Giulia, BMW 3 Series (2019-present) petrol and Skoda Superb (2015-2024) diesel.

As a brand, Mercedes did much worse. It finished in 22nd place out of 30 manufacturers, which is above Audi and Jaguar but below BMW, Lexus and Porsche.

Used Mercedes CLS reliability: the owners' view

As part of our annual Reliability Survey, owners said the third-generation Mercedes CLS presents a mixed picture regarding dependability. While many owners reported trouble-free motoring, particularly with the smooth diesel engines, those who did encounter faults found repairs to be notably expensive.

Commonly cited issues include electrical glitches, specifically with the MBUX infotainment system and sensor malfunctions. More serious concerns were raised about the air suspension, which can develop leaks or compressor failures, leading to costly fix bills. Some owners also highlighted a significant recall concerning a fire risk related to the 48-volt battery ground connection on models built between 2021 and 2023.

Dealer service drew varied feedback. While the network is generally professional, the high cost of labour and parts remains a sticking point. Many owners recommend a comprehensive warranty to mitigate the risk of expensive repair costs as these complex cars age.