Recalls: Mercedes-Benz C257 CLS-Class
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Mercedes-Benz C257 CLS-Class
2017-18 Mercedes-Benz C257 CLS: front passenger airbag may not deactivate for child seat
In December 2018, a recall was issued for Mercedes-Benz C257 CLS Coupes that were available for sale from 2 October 2017 to 29 June 2018. If a child seat was installed in the front passenger seat, it was possible that the front passenger airbag might not be switched off as intended and could be triggered in the event of a collision – this increased the risk of injury for a child in a rearward-facing child seat. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2018/17209.
2018-19 Mercedes-Benz C257 CLS Class: engine may shutdown or not restart
In March 2019, recall campaign RC2647 was issued for Mercedes-Benz C257 CLS Class vehicles that were available for sale from 22 May 2018 to 4 February 2019. Software in the powertrain control unit may not operate as intended and the engine warning light may not activate to warn the driver of the fault. As a result, the engine control unit may reset such that –
- The engine may not restart if the reset occurred during an ‘ECO’ stop; and,
- The engine may lose power and cause the vehicle to coast if the reset occurred while the vehicle was being driven.
Unexpected engine failure therefore posed a hazard to vehicle occupants and other road users. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2019/17430.
2019 Mercedes-Benz W257 CLS-Class: radar sensor control unit failure
In August 2019, recall campaign RC2707 was issued for Mercedes-Benz W257 CLS-Class vehicles that were available for sale in Australia from 1 March 2019 to 30 July 2019. Due to an error in the active brake assist software, one of the radar sensor control units may fail. If the radar sensor control unit failed, the ‘Active Brake Assist’ function may not activate and this increased the risk of a collision and injury to both vehicle occupants and other road users. To fix, the software for the radar sensor control unit was to be updated. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2019/17768.
2018-19 model year Mercedes-Benz C257 CLS Class: coolant pump power supply and stall
In October 2019, recall campaign RC2725 was issued for Mercedes-Benz C257 CLS Class vehicles. In these vehicles, the electric line for the power supply of the coolant pump could make contact with the engine fan and cause damage. This, in turn, could cause a malfunction of the coolant pump or a deactivation of the 48 volt on-board electrical system, potentially causing:
- The engine to stall due to extremely high coolant temperature; or,
- The engine to not restart after shut-off by the ECO start/stop or ‘glide mode’ functions.
In both cases, the vehicle could stall and this increased the risk of a collision. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2019/17873.
2018-19 Mercedes-Benz C257 CLS Class: front seatbelt buckle housings
In July 2020, recall campaign RC27650 was issued for Mercedes-Benz C257 CLS Class vehicles that were available for sale in Australia from 1 August 2018 to 29 March 2019. In these vehicles, the front seatbelt buckle housings may not have been correctly manufactured. As a result, a correctly-fastened seatbelt may be detected as not fastened – this would cause the seatbelt warning light to remain illuminated and a warning tone would sound when the vehicle was being driven. In the event of a collision, neither of the vehicle’s seatbelt tensioning systems would be activated – this increased the risk of injury to occupants in the event of a collision. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2020/18344.
2019-20 Mercedes-Benz C257 CLS-Class: incorrect tension for oil feed and oil return line screws
In August 2020, recall campaign RC2807 was issued for Mercedes-Benz C257 CLS-Class vehicles that were available for sale in Australia from 1 April 2019 to 31 July 2020. During the assembly process, the screws for the turbocharger oil feed and oil return lines may not have been correctly tensioned. If the screws were loose, oil could leak out at the turbocharger oil feed and/or return line. If leaking oil came into contact with hot components parts, a fire could occur – this posed a hazard to vehicle occupants and other road users. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2020/18496.
2018-20 Mercedes-Benz C257 CLS: eCall system may not contact emergency services
In December 2021, recall campaign RC2932-RC2933 was issued for 2018-20 Mercedes-Benz C257 CLS vehicles. Due to a software issue, the automatic network search of the emergency call system (eCall) communication module may be deactivated. If this occurred, the automatic and manual emergency call function may not be available outside of the network coverage of certain providers. If the eCall system was deactivated, it would not be possible for vehicle occupants to contact emergency services in the event of an emergency (either manually or automatically). As a consequence, emergency vehicles may not be directed to the affected vehicle or may be delayed and this could increase the risk of death if a serious injury had occurred. For this recall, no action was required by consumers since the software would be updated ‘over the air’ (i.e. without requiring a workshop visit). For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see REC-004979.
2018-20 Mercedes-Benz C257 CLS Coupe: emergency call may not contact emergency services
In April 2022, recall campaign RC2957 was issued for 2018-20 Mercedes-Benz C257 CLS Coupe vehicles. Due to a software issue, the automatic network search of the emergency call system (‘eCall’) communication module may be deactivated. If the eCall system was deactivated, it would not be possible for the vehicle occupants to connect with emergency services, either manually or automatically, in the event of an emergency. As a result, emergency vehicles may not be directed to the affected vehicle or may be delayed; this could increase the risk or severity of injury. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see REC-005401.
2018-22 Mercedes-Benz C257 CLS Class: potential short-circuit and fire
In September 2022, recall campaign RC3066 was issued for 2018-22 Mercedes-Benz C257 CLS Class Coupes. Due to a manufacturing defect, the transmission wiring harness may be damaged. This damage could allow moisture into the wiring harness, which could cause a short circuit and vehicle fire. A vehicle fire posed a risk of injury to vehicle occupants, other road users, bystanders and/or damage to property. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see REC-005517.
2018-22 Mercedes-Benz C257 CLS-Class: 12 volt battery connections
In November 2022, recall campaign RC3089 was issued for 2018-22 Mercedes-Benz C257 CLS Class Coupes. Due to a manufacturing defect, the electrical connections for the 12 volt battery in the boot may detach in the event of a collision. As a result, the eCall, seat adjustment, hazard warning lights and the automatic remote vehicle unlocking functions may not operate as intended. If the eCall system was deactivated, it would not be possible for vehicle occupants to connect with emergency services, either manually or automatically. Separately, it may not be possible to unlock and/or start the vehicle. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see REC-005570.
2022 Mercedes-Benz C257 CLS-Class: warning systems may not alert the driver when exiting
In August 2023, recall campaign RC3192 was issued for 2022 Mercedes-Benz C257 CLS-Class vehicles. When exiting the vehicle, the visual and acoustic warning system may not alert the driver if other vehicles and/or traffic were approaching. If the driver was not made aware of approaching vehicles and/or traffic, there was an increased risk of a collision and injury to vehicle occupants and other road users. To fix, the vehicle’s software was to be updated by a Mercedes-Benz dealership. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see REC-005758.
2021-22 Mercedes-Benz C257 CLS-Class: fuel delivery unit failure
In August 2023, recall campaign RC3170 was issued for 2021-22 Mercedes-Benz C257 C-Class vehicles. Due to a manufacturing defect, the fuel delivery unit may fail and this could cause the fuel pump to switch off. If this occurred, fuel supply to the engine would be impaired and the vehicle may experience a loss power. If this occurred while driving, there was an increased risk of a collision and injury to vehicle occupants and other road users. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see REC-005747.
Problems and faults: Mercedes-Benz C257 CLS-Class
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
Problems and faults: Mercedes-Benz C257 CLS-Class
No information regarding common problems and faults for the Mercedes-Benz C257 CLS is currently available.
