2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Transmission & Drivetrain
Transmission & Drivetrain leads by volume: 1 of 4 complaints (25%) mentions it.
Complaints filed fell from 24 in 2012 to 4 in 2013.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | vs. 2013 Compact Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 4,850–5,550 | 3,900–4,100 | 3,900–4,100 | 3,900–4,300 | 3,250–4,300 | |
| Combined MPG | 14–16 | 19–20 | 19–20 | 18–20 | 18–24 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 12–14 / 18–21 | 16–17 / 25 | 16–17 / 25 | 16–17 / 22–25 | 16–20 / 22–29 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 555–635 | 444–468 | 454–469 | 443–495 | 377–495 | |
| Complaints filed | 6 | 24 | 4 | 11 | 9 | |
| Recalls issued | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |
| Injuries reported | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 2 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 5 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class have?
3 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class get?
EPA rates it 19–20 MPG combined across 3 configurations.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class?
EPA estimates $3,900–$4,100 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (3)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 7-spd | 8 | 4.7L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 17 mpg (high) | 25 mpg | 20 mpg (high) | $3,900 (low) | 454 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic 7-spd | 8 | 4.7L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 16 mpg (low) | 25 mpg | 19 mpg (low) | $4,100 (high) | 458 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 7-spd | 8 | 5.5L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 16 mpg (low) | 25 mpg | 19 mpg (low) | $4,100 (high) | 469 g/mi (high) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (3)
COMMUNICATION · Campaign 19V787000 · Nov 4, 2019
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2017 vehicles due to a software fault that may cause the date and time for the emergency call system (eCall) to differ from the actual date and time, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V787-4620.pdf
Consequence: An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: MBUSA has initiated an Over the Air (OTA) remote update. MBUSA will also notify owners, and dealers will check software for a successful OTA or update the communication module software as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019120008.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING · Campaign 15V137000 · Mar 10, 2015
Defect: 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 rear side visibility of the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: Reduced rear side marker illumination may prevent other drivers from seeing the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the lighting controller software, free of charge. The recall began April 6, 2015. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2015030005.
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD · Campaign 15V088000 · Feb 13, 2015
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 E350 Sedan, E350 4Matic Sedan, E350 4Matic Station Wagon, E400 Hybrid Sedan, CLS 550 CGI, and CLS550 4Matic, 2013-2014 E550 4Matic Sedan, 2013 E63 Sedan, E63 Station Wagon and CLS63, 2014-2015 CLS63 4Matic, E63 4Matic Sedan, E63 4Matic Sedan "S", and E63 4Matic Station Wagon, 2015 CLS400, 2015 E400 Sedan, E400 4Matic Sedan and CLS400 4Matic and 2014 CLS63 "S". The affected vehicles have a rubber seal at the back of the engine bay that may temporarily stick to the hood when it is opened and then may fall into the engine bay when the hood is closed.
Consequence: If the rubber seal falls into the engine compartment, it may contact parts of the exhaust system, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will attach four additional retaining clips to the rubber seal, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2015. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-201-573-5339. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2015020001.