The solenoid of the camshaft adjuster is sealed from the factory by nothing more than a plain sealing ring, and over time that starts to leak.
Applies to the engine M276DE35, M276DE35AL, M278DE46AL.
Repair: from 31 EUR
2010–2018. The fault list covers this generation and the engines in it. If the listing gives the exact version, pick it below.

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What to watch for
The list covers the generation, the engines and the transmissions. Once you pick the version, only the faults that apply to it stay.
The solenoid of the camshaft adjuster is sealed from the factory by nothing more than a plain sealing ring, and over time that starts to leak.
Applies to the engine M276DE35, M276DE35AL, M278DE46AL.
Repair: from 31 EUR
The swirl flaps sit in the intake of both cylinder banks, and a central electric actuator moves them through a linkage.
Applies to the engine OM642LSDE30LA.
The chain tensioner seal starts to leak and engine oil can drip onto the exhaust system.
Applies to the engine OM651DE22LA.
The sealing ring of the chain tensioner starts to let through, and engine oil escapes at the tensioner.
Applies to the engine OM651DE22LA.
At a cold start a brief, metallic rattle comes from the front of the engine, and it has two causes.
Applies to the engine M276DE35, M276DE35AL.
In the Mercedes 7 speed 722.9 automatic (7G-Tronic / 7G-Tronic Plus) the mechatronics unit and the conductor plate (Leiterplatte) age over time: jerking on shifts, delayed engagement, a "Getriebe schützen" message, and fault codes on the gearbox electronics.
Applies to the transmission MB7229.
The Mercedes Airmatic system holds the ride height with air springs and electronically controlled dampers.
It can affect every car in this generation.
At a cold start a rattle comes from the top of the engine, and it is loudest when the car has stood for hours.
Applies to the engine M157DE55AL.
9 more faults belong to this generation. On the version page, only the ones that apply stay.
The manufacturer fixes these for free at a franchised dealer. Ask with the VIN whether it was done. The list covers the whole generation. We did not filter it by model year. Some apply only to a narrower production window.
Most recent: 7 June 2017
A12/0904/17Safety recallInjuries7 June 2017 · EU Safety GateThe underbody panelling under the engine compartment may not be properly connected to the front bumper. In the event of a collision with a pedestrian, this would increase the risk of injury to the pedestrian's legs.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: 07/06/2017
A12/00017/22Safety recallFireno date · EU Safety GateA trapped particle may damage the sealing between the fuel rail and fuel injector, which could cause fuel to leak into the engine compartment. Consequently, leaking fuel may come into contact with hot parts of the engine, increasing the risk of fire. The product does not comply with the requirements laid down in the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
A12/00045/22Safety recallFireno date · EU Safety GateThe vacuum-controlled coolant pump may not be tightly sealed between the coolant and vacuum circuits. This may result in the coolant leaking into the vacuum circuit leading to an electrochemical reaction, increasing the risk of fire. The product does not comply with the requirements laid down in the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of Motor Vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
A12/00280/20Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateThe adhesive bond between the glass panel and the sliding-roof frame may not meet the specifications. As a result, the glass panel could become completely detached from the vehicle, posing the risk to the following traffic.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
A12/00391/23Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateDue to improper adhesive bonding of the glass panel to the sliding roof frame, the panel may detach from the moving vehicle, creating a risk of an accident, injuries. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
A12/00598/21Safety recallFireno date · EU Safety GateCracks could occur in the high pressure lines between the fuel rail and the injectors. As a result, diesel fuel could leak into the engine compartment, increasing the risk of fire. Moreover, due to the fuel leak the engine might not start, or the emergency operating mode might be activated.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
A12/00618/20Safety recallFireno date · EU Safety GateMoisture can penetrate into the busbar, giving rise to conductive contacts between the individual lines inside it. The resulting current flows could overheat the plastic material of the busbar, increasing the risk of fire.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
A12/01237/22Safety recallFireno date · EU Safety GateThe seal for the special plug-in contact of the gearbox designed to protect against contact with moisture and splashing water is improperly installed. Thus splashed water can enter the socket contact when driving in wet conditions and can lead to a short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
A12/01336/20Safety recallFire, Injuriesno date · EU Safety GateDue to the lack of documentation, there is no confirmation that the screw connections of the turbocharger’s oil-supply and oil-return pipes were correctly executed during the assembly process. In the event of a loose screw connection, oil might leak at the oil-supply and/or oil-return pipe of the turbocharger. The leaking oil might then come into contact with hot components, increasing the risk of fire.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
A12/0164/19Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateThere may be cracks in a securing nut in the steering gear of rear-wheel-drive vehicles. The nut could consequently break if the steering system is subject to a very high lateral force, which could result in rotating parts in the steering gear affecting the casing and thereby blocking the steering system.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
A12/01979/24Safety recallFireno date · EU Safety GateThe electrical connector of the transmission wiring harness may not have been correctly processed. This can lead to water entering the connector, which could cause short circuit and can create a thermal overload of the connector when the vehicle is parked, causing the risk of fire. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
A12/0296/19Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateIn vehicles with rear-wheel drive, a lock nut in the steering gear may be cracked. Consequently, when the steering is placed under high forces it could break, which would block the steering gear and increase the risk of accident.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
A12/0457/17Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateFollowing the update of the control unit coding, the coding parameters of the control unit could be defective. This could give rise to various unplanned reactions in the vehicle: the wrong airbag could be triggered in the event of an accident, the airbag control unit may not recognise the belt buckle status, the engine control unit could be coded with a false maximum speed or various assistance systems may not function.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
A12/0783/19Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateThe riveting of the front seat belt housing covers may be inadequate under low temperatures (below -17.5°C). In the event of an accident, the rivets could fail and release the housing cover. This can result in a loss of the seat belt’s restraining effect, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
A12/1130/19Safety recallFireno date · EU Safety GateThe fixing screws for the turbocharger oil return line and the crankcase breather pipe may have been interchanged. Due to a screw being too long, the pre-tensioning force of the screw connection may be insufficient and oil could leak from the turbocharger oil return line. As a result, oil could come into contact with hot components, increasing the risk of fire.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
A12/1447/18Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateThe calibration of the occupant classification system for the passenger seat does not work correctly. If a child seat is installed on the passenger seat, the airbag might not be deactivated and be deployed in the event of an accident.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
SR/03711/24Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateThe three aluminium screws of the steering box may corrode due to exposure to spray water and aggressive road-grit (salt) used for melting ice. Advanced corrosion could weaken the screws, leading to potential breakage during manoeuvring or parking. If all fixing screws fail, the power-assisted steering could detach, resulting in a loss of power steering and an increased risk of an accident. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
Engines and transmissions in this generation
A fault is often tied to the engine, not to the whole generation. You find the engine code in the registration document.
C218 · 2010–2018
The fault list opens on the version page.
43 versions
2.1 l · 2143 cm³
OM651DE22LA · MB7250
CLS 220 d
2014–2018 · CLS 220 d
2.1 l · 2143 cm³
OM651DE22LA · MB7229
CLS 220 d Shooting Brake
2014–2018 · CLS 220 d Shooting Brake
2.1 l · 2143 cm³
OM651DE22LA · MB7229
CLS 250 CDI
2010–2014 · CLS 250 CDI
2.1 l · 2143 cm³
OM651DE22LA · MB7229
CLS 250 d
2014–2018 · CLS 250 d
2.1 l · 2143 cm³
OM651DE22LA · MB7229
CLS 250 d 4MATIC
2014–2018 · CLS 250 d 4MATIC
2.1 l · 2143 cm³
OM651DE22LA · MB7229
CLS 250 d 4MATIC Shooting Brake
2014–2018 · CLS 250 d 4MATIC Shooting Brake
2.1 l · 2143 cm³
OM651DE22LA · MB7229
CLS 250 d Shooting Brake
2014–2018 · CLS 250 d Shooting Brake
2.1 l · 2143 cm³
OM651DE22LA · MB7229
CLS Shooting Brake 250 CDI
2012–2014 · CLS Shooting Brake 250 CDI
3.0 l · 2987 cm³
OM642LSDE30LA · MB7229
CLS 350 BlueTEC
2010–2014 · CLS 350 BlueTEC
3.0 l · 2987 cm³
OM642LSDE30LA · MB7229
CLS 350 BlueTEC 4Matic
2010–2014 · CLS 350 BlueTEC 4Matic
3.0 l · 2987 cm³
OM642LSDE30LA · MB7229
CLS 350 d
2014–2018 · CLS 350 d
3.0 l · 2987 cm³
OM642LSDE30LA · MB7250
CLS 350 d 4MATIC
2014–2018 · CLS 350 d 4MATIC
3.0 l · 2987 cm³
OM642LSDE30LA · MB7229
CLS 350 d 4MATIC Shooting Brake
2014–2018 · CLS 350 d 4MATIC Shooting Brake
3.0 l · 2987 cm³
OM642LSDE30LA · MB7229
CLS 350 d Shooting Brake
2014–2018 · CLS 350 d Shooting Brake
3.0 l · 2987 cm³
OM642LSDE30LA · MB7229
CLS 350 CDI
2010–2014 · CLS 350 CDI
3.0 l · 2987 cm³
OM642LSDE30LA · MB7229
CLS 350 CDI 4Matic
2010–2014 · CLS 350 CDI 4Matic
3.0 l · 2987 cm³
OM642LSDE30LA · MB7229
CLS Shooting Brake 350 CDI
2012–2014 · CLS Shooting Brake 350 CDI
3.0 l · 2987 cm³
OM642LSDE30LA · MB7229
CLS Shooting Brake 350 CDI 4Matic
2012–2014 · CLS Shooting Brake 350 CDI 4Matic
3.5 l · 3498 cm³
M276DE35 · MB7229
CLS 350
2010–2014 · CLS 350
3.5 l · 3498 cm³
M276DE35 · MB7229
CLS Shooting Brake 350
2012–2014 · CLS Shooting Brake 350
3.5 l · 3498 cm³
M276DE35AL · MB7229
CLS 400
2014–2018 · CLS 400
3.5 l · 3498 cm³
M276DE35AL · MB7229
CLS 400 4MATIC
2014–2018 · CLS 400 4MATIC
3.5 l · 3498 cm³
M276DE35AL · MB7229
CLS 400 4MATIC Shooting Brake
2014–2018 · CLS 400 4MATIC Shooting Brake
3.5 l · 3498 cm³
M276DE35AL · MB7229
CLS 400 Shooting Brake
2014–2018 · CLS 400 Shooting Brake
4.7 l · 4663 cm³
M278DE46AL · MB7229
CLS 500
2010–2014 · CLS 500
4.7 l · 4663 cm³
M278DE46AL · MB7229
CLS 500 4Matic
2010–2014 · CLS 500 4Matic
4.7 l · 4663 cm³
M278DE46AL · MB7229
CLS 500 4MATIC
2014–2018 · CLS 500 4MATIC
4.7 l · 4663 cm³
M278DE46AL · MB7229
CLS 500 4MATIC Shooting Brake
2014–2018 · CLS 500 4MATIC Shooting Brake
4.7 l · 4663 cm³
M278DE46AL · MB7229
CLS 500 Shooting Brake
2014–2018 · CLS 500 Shooting Brake
4.7 l · 4663 cm³
M278DE46AL · MB7229
CLS Shooting Brake 500
2012–2014 · CLS Shooting Brake 500
4.7 l · 4663 cm³
M278DE46AL · MB7229
CLS Shooting Brake 500 4Matic
2012–2014 · CLS Shooting Brake 500 4Matic
5.5 l · 5461 cm³
M157DE55AL
CLS 63 AMG
2010–2014 · CLS 63 AMG
5.5 l · 5461 cm³
M157DE55AL
CLS Shooting Brake 63 AMG
2012–2014 · CLS Shooting Brake 63 AMG
5.5 l · 5461 cm³
M157DE55AL
CLS 63 AMG
2014–2018 · CLS 63 AMG
5.5 l · 5461 cm³
M157DE55AL
CLS 63 AMG 4MATIC
2014–2018 · CLS 63 AMG 4MATIC
5.5 l · 5461 cm³
M157DE55AL
CLS 63 AMG 4MATIC Shooting Brake
2014–2018 · CLS 63 AMG 4MATIC Shooting Brake
5.5 l · 5461 cm³
M157DE55AL
CLS 63 AMG
2010–2014 · CLS 63 AMG
5.5 l · 5461 cm³
M157DE55AL
CLS 63 AMG 4Matic
2010–2014 · CLS 63 AMG 4Matic
5.5 l · 5461 cm³
M157DE55AL
CLS Shooting Brake 63 AMG 4Matic
2012–2014 · CLS Shooting Brake 63 AMG 4Matic
5.5 l · 5461 cm³
M157DE55AL
CLS 63 AMG S 4Matic
2010–2014 · CLS 63 AMG S 4Matic
5.5 l · 5461 cm³
M157DE55AL
CLS 63 AMG S 4MATIC
2014–2018 · CLS 63 AMG S 4MATIC
5.5 l · 5461 cm³
M157DE55AL
CLS 63 AMG S 4MATIC Shooting Brake
2014–2018 · CLS 63 AMG S 4MATIC Shooting Brake
5.5 l · 5461 cm³
M157DE55AL
CLS Shooting Brake 63 AMG S 4Matic
2012–2014 · CLS Shooting Brake 63 AMG S 4Matic
Neighbouring generations
C218 (2010-2018). If the listing is from the changeover year, look at the neighbour too.
Common questions
2010–2018. The changeover year can fall in two generations. If the listing is from that year, look at the neighbour too.
No. It depends on the engine and the transmission too.
The fault list is.
We write the descriptions, and we put the source next to them. A person reviews them before they go out. They are still information, not a technical expert opinion.