2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS53 AMG

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS53 AMG is a sleek and stylish four-door coupe that blends performance with luxury. It comes standard with a 3.0-liter inline-6 turbocharged engine paired with an electric auxiliary compressor and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. This engine delivers 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. While owners often praise its elegant design, powerful engine, and comfortable ride, some common complaints revolve around the complexity of the infotainment system and occasional electrical glitches.

Engine

3.0L Inline-6 Turbocharged (M256)

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can develop around the oil filter housing or valve cover gasket. Symptoms include visible oil leaks, a burning smell, and low oil levels.
  • Solution: Replacing the oil filter housing gasket or valve cover gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ depending on location and repair shop.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Auxiliary Water Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The auxiliary water pump, responsible for cooling the turbocharger and other components, can fail. Symptoms include overheating, reduced engine performance, and error codes.
  • Solution: Replacing the auxiliary water pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $700+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9-speed automatic (9G-Tronic)

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported rough shifting, particularly between gears 2-3 and 3-4. Hesitation during acceleration has also been noted.
  • Solution: A software update or transmission fluid flush may resolve the issue. In more severe cases, valve body replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (fluid flush) - $2000+ (valve body replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Issues (If Equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: The optional air suspension can experience leaks or compressor failures, leading to uneven ride height, a bumpy ride, and error messages.
  • Solution: Replacing the air struts or air suspension compressor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+ per strut, $800 - $1,500+ for the compressor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Rebooting
  • Description/Symptoms: The MBUX infotainment system can sometimes freeze, become unresponsive, or spontaneously reboot.
  • Solution: Software updates are typically the first step. In more persistent cases, hardware replacement may be required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $1,500+ (hardware replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Issues with sensors, such as the parking sensors or blind-spot monitoring sensors, can occur. Symptoms include false alerts or system failures.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ per sensor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• Sunroof Rattling
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling or squeaking noises emanating from the sunroof area, especially on uneven road surfaces.
  • Solution: Adjustment or lubrication of the sunroof mechanism.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS53 AMG is generally a reliable vehicle, but owners have reported some issues, primarily related to the engine (oil leaks, auxiliary water pump), transmission (rough shifting), air suspension (if equipped), and electrical system (infotainment glitches, sensor malfunctions). While some issues, like infotainment freezing, can be minor, others, such as air suspension problems, can be costly to repair. Overall, the severity of potential issues ranges from minor inconveniences to more significant mechanical failures. Addressing these issues promptly is essential to maintain the vehicle’s performance and reliability.