2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLS53: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
1 owner complaints analyzed
10 distinct recall campaigns
6,890 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2021 model year. Data updated: . 1 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.
Most common problems
Electrical System:Adas:Autonomous/Self Driving is the most frequently named component, appearing in 1 of 1 complaints (100.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 1 | 100.0% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Electrical System:Adas:Autonomous/Self Driving | 1 |
Electrical System:Adas:Autonomous/Self Driving: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 1 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 1; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (1). 0 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 |
2022: 1
Pattern summary
Electrical System:Adas:Autonomous/Self Driving leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11479794 · 2022-08-17 (August 17, 2022)
The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLS53. The contact stated that she drove the vehicle for two seconds when the active brake assist inadvertently engaged without warning. The failure occurred on numerous occasions. Additionally, the contact stated that the screen interactive system failed to properly operate, and without warning the screen illuminated then failed on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that she manually disengaged the active brake assist to…
Owner-reported narrative. 6,890 miles reported. Look up ODI 11479794 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
10 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
21V230000 · Seat Belts:Pretensioner | Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification | Seats
Reported: 2021-04-01 (April 1, 2021)
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 C-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe and Convertible, GLC, CLS, AMG GT 4-door Coupe and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. A faulty electrical contact within the seat position switch may prevent the driver and passenger air bags and seat belt force limiters from properly activating during a crash.
Consequence: Air bags and seat belts that do not perform properly in a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat position switches, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 21, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021040016.
NHTSA campaign record ↗21V354000 · Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera | Electrical System:Software
Reported: 2021-05-14 (May 14, 2021)
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe and Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, and AMG GT-Class 4-door Coupe vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The MBUX multimedia system software may cause the display to remain black, or reboot after startup. This could result in the rearview camera image not displaying properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence: A backup camera that displays a blank image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: The multimedia system software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 28, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6373. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021050012.
NHTSA campaign record ↗21V483000 · Seat Belts:Rear/Other:Retractor
Reported: 2021-06-25 (June 25, 2021)
Mercedes-Benz, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 G550, AMG G63, E350, E450, AMG CLS53, AMG E53, AMG GT43, AMG GT53, AMG GT63, 2021-2022 CLS450, and AMG E63 vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owners notified of the voluntary recall campaign by an interim letter on August 13, 2021. A final letter was mailed on September 24, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
NHTSA campaign record ↗21V527000 · Air Bags:Sensor:Side Impact
Reported: 2021-07-12 (July 12, 2021)
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 CLS450, AMG E53, AMG CLS53, E350, E450, AMG GT43, AMG GT53, 2020 S450, S560, G550, AMG GLC63, 2020-2021 GLC300, and AMG G63 vehicles. The side crash sensor connectors may come loose, which could delay the activation of air bags and seatbelts during a side impact crash.
Consequence: Air bags and seatbelts that don't function as intended can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the side impact crash sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021070032/33.
NHTSA campaign record ↗22V189000 · Steering: Steering Wheel/Handle Bar
Reported: 2022-03-25 (March 25, 2022)
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2022 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL, EClass Coupe/Convertible, CLS, AMG GT 4-doors Coupe, and EQS vehicles with a heated leather steering wheel. Due to a software error in the hand detection control unit, the hands-off detection might not detect when the driver's hands are away from the steering wheel when using the Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC system.
Consequence: Deactivated hands-off detection will prevent DISTRONIC system features from functioning, including warnings to grab the steering wheel and calling first responders as part of the Active Emergency Stop Assist, which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will update the hand detection control unit software for the DISTRONIC system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 6, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022040010.
NHTSA campaign record ↗22V365000 · Electrical System:Software | Communication: Auto Crash Notification
Reported: 2022-05-20 (May 20, 2022)
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.
Consequence: A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on July 8, 2022, May 17, 2024, July 29, 2024, and September 27, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers are for this recall is 2022060005 and 2023110006.
NHTSA campaign record ↗22V533000 · Electrical System:Wiring
Reported: 2022-07-22 (July 22, 2022)
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.
Consequence: An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗22V733000 · Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery
Reported: 2022-09-30 (September 30, 2022)
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.
Consequence: 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.
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗24V100000 · Electrical System:Wiring
Reported: 2024-02-09 (February 9, 2024)
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2023 CLS450, E450, E450 All-Terrain, AMG E53, AMG GT43, AMG GT53, and 2021 AMG CLS53 vehicles. The 48-volt ground cable connection located in the engine compartment may not be tightened properly and may result in the ground cable overheating.
Consequence: An overheated ground cable increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the 48-volt ground cable connection and repair it as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 22, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024MMNNNN.
NHTSA campaign record ↗24V445000 · Electrical System:Wiring
Reported: 2024-06-14 (June 14, 2024)
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.
Consequence: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗Vehicle analysis explorer
Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.
Data completeness
1 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-05.
Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.
Problems by model year
Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.
| Component | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheels | 350.0%ODI 11423315i 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 | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 1100.0%ODI 11625622Rear 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.. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Electrical System | 116.7%ODI 11182100I 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. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Electrical System:Adas:Autonomous/Self Driving | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 1100.0%ODI 11479794 · 6,890 miThe contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLS53. The contact stated that she drove the vehicle for two seconds when the active brake assist inadvertently engaged without warning. The failure occurred on numerous occasions. Additionally, the contact stated that the screen interactive system failed to properly operate, and without warning the screen illuminated then failed on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that she manually disengaged the active brake assist to… |
| Engine | 116.7%ODI 11528126 · 80,000 miThe 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 approximatel… | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Service Brakes | 116.7%ODI 11503903Okay 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. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Steering | 116.7%ODI 11503903Okay 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. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Unknown Or Other | 116.7%ODI 11182100I 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. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.
Failure mileage by component
Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.
| Component | Mileage range (25th–75th percentile) | Median | Usable records | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System:Adas:Autonomous/Self Driving | Too few reports for a range | 6,890 mi | 1 (sparse) | ODI 11479794 · 6,890 miThe contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLS53. The contact stated that she drove the vehicle for two seconds when the active brake assist inadvertently engaged without warning. The failure occurred on numerous occasions. Additionally, the contact stated that the screen interactive system failed to properly operate, and without warning the screen illuminated then failed on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that she manually disengaged the active brake assist to… |
Complaint and recall timeline
Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.
Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.
Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
| Month | Complaints | Campaigns announced | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2024-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-09 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-10 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-09 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-10 (partial) | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
Emerging complaint spikes
Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.
This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.
No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.
Equal-age model-year comparison
Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.
2020: 0 complaints · 2021: 1 complaints
| Model year | Through age 0 | Through age 1 | Through age 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Date coverage across each selected cohort
| Year | Incident dates used | Filing date fallbacks | Excluded dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.
Components reported together
Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.
| Component | Electrical System:Adas:Autonomous/Self Driving |
|---|---|
| Electrical System:Adas:Autonomous/Self Driving | — |
Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.
Recurring narrative patterns
Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.
0 patterns with matching reports.
No narratives match the published patterns.