IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2013–2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS (C218)

We've identified 3 known issues that can affect the 2013–2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS (C218). 1 of these are serious faults that could be expensive to repair.

3
Known Issues
1
Serious
2
Moderate
0
Minor

The 2013–2014 period has 2 more issues than the Mercedes-Benz CLS (C218) average across all year periods.

All Known Issues

Airmatic air suspension leaks

SeriousSuspension & Chassis

Air springs leak and compressors wear out, causing the car to sag on one corner and throw suspension warnings.

Most affected: Models with Airmatic

Estimated cost: £800–£2,000Affects: 2010–2018Often appears around: 60,000–120,000 miles

Typical symptoms

  • •One corner sits low
  • •Suspension warning light
  • •Noisy compressor

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Check ride height after overnight stand
  • ✓Listen for compressor noise
  • ✓Check for recent Airmatic work

NOx sensor and AdBlue system faults

ModerateExhaust & Emissions

BlueTEC diesel models regularly trigger engine lights, limp mode or no-restart countdowns when NOx sensors or AdBlue heaters fail.

Most affected: CLS 220 BlueTEC, CLS 300 BlueTEC

Estimated cost: £400–£1,000Affects: 2013–2018Often appears around: 40,000–100,000 miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Engine management light
  • •AdBlue countdown warning
  • •Limp mode

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Check for recent NOx sensor invoices
  • ✓Drive until fully warm
  • ✓Confirm warnings do not return after restart

7G-Tronic conductor plate failure

ModerateGearbox & Transmission

The 7-speed automatic gearbox conductor plate can fail, causing harsh shifts, limp mode and gear reading errors.

Most affected: All 7G-Tronic models

Estimated cost: £400–£1,200Affects: 2010–2018Often appears around: 80,000–140,000 miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Harsh shifts when warm
  • •Limp mode
  • •Gearbox warning

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Drive until fully warm
  • ✓Check for smooth shifts
  • ✓Look for recent gearbox electrical work

Buying Tips for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS (C218)

  • ✓Check the OM642 V6 diesel engine for oil leaks around the oil cooler in the V-valley, a common and labour-intensive fix.
  • ✓Test the Airmatic air suspension (standard on the rear of the Shooting Brake and V8 models); ensure it doesn't drop overnight.
  • ✓Inspect the frameless door windows; they must drop slightly when pulling the handle to clear the weather seals and prevent wind noise.
  • ✓Verify the 7G-Tronic automatic gearbox shifts smoothly and check the history for the vital 40,000-mile fluid and filter changes.
  • ✓On diesel models, check for AdBlue or DPF warnings, especially if the car has been used primarily for short urban trips.
  • ✓Examine the alloy wheels for cracks; the CLS uses large wheels with very low-profile tyres, making them susceptible to pothole damage.
2011–2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (C218)2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS (C218)

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View MOT history, registration data, and reliability scores for 2013–2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS (C218) vehicles.

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Other Mercedes-Benz CLS (C218) Year Periods

20102011–20122013–201420152016–20172018

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