Across 2 model years, the Mercedes-Benz CLE has 13 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are engine and electrical system. 2024 drew the most complaints (12), 2025 the fewest (1).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Mercedes-Benz CLE vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $47,251–$61,398.
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
Highest: 2024 (12 complaints). Lowest: 2025 (1).
Sentiment is mixed and highly dependent on the specific powertrain and trim.
Includes complete infotainment screen failures, system freezes requiring restarts, modules crashing during updates, and the vehicle not properly shutting down when locked.
Noted as very slow, with sluggish acceleration especially at highway speeds (60-80 mph/97-129 km/h), conservative tuning, and delayed throttle response.
Described as "horrible for a performance type vehicle" in at least one direct comparison, though specific details are isolated.
Mentioned in the context of the CLE 53 having non-stop issues, with units in the shop for rear-wheel steering problems under 10,000 km.
One report of panel gaps being better than the previous E-Class, but another citing non-stop issues on new CLE 53 models.
Owner insights cover all generations of the CLE. Individual model years are broken down above.
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