AI Damage2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 4matic Coupe: common problems
Owners of the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 4matic Coupe filed 2 complaints with NHTSA, most often about powertrain and engine. The maker issued 68 service bulletins for this year. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 2
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 68
What fails most often
- 1 Powertrain 100% of all complaints
- 2 Engine 100% of all complaints
- 3 Fuel/propulsion system 50% of all complaints
- Powertrain: 2 complaints (100% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 3.
- Engine: 2 complaints (100% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 2.
- Fuel/propulsion system: 1 complaints (50% of all).
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 2 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| Engine | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 0 | 0 | 38 |
| Structure | 0 | 0 | 8 |
| Visibility | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| Steering | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| Suspension | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Seats | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Backover prevention | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Exterior lighting | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Service brakes | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Air bags | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Lane departure | 0 | 0 | 1 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
THROTTLE LAG With the 2026 Mercedes CLE 300, throttle lag is driven by a combination of software programming, transmission behavior, and turbocharger dynamics working simultaneously.The following situation is when it usually occurs:Transitioning from a slow roll up a ramp (like the parking ramp at my condo) or pulling…
Once the engine computer responds, the vehicle suddenly lunges forward in an abrupt, uncontrolled surge of power. I have to keep my foot ready over the brake âjust in caseâ.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 19,885 of 36,659 model years in the NHTSA data (among the 46% least complained about).
On average one model year of the CLE 300 4matic Coupe has 1 complaints (2 years in the data). This year has 2, above average.
What to check before buying
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Fuel/propulsion system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors
Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • If the noise continues to occur even with the door trim removed, then continue the diagnosis working towards the speaker and…
- Complaint Slight creaking noises when steering
Cause Noises may come from one or more sleeves of the horn contact plate. Remedy Remove the horn contact plate and check the sleeves for noise; see attached video. If necessary, apply lubricant to the sleeves.
- Complaint Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE
Although the symptom is similar to a tire or wheel vibration, it is usually readily noticeable that it is distinctly different if it happens at all times or only while braking. Cause Although the cause of the vibration…
- Complaint Whining / humming noises (described as foghorn‑like) from the drivetrain in the rear axle area…
Complaint Whining / humming noises (described as foghorn‑like) from the drivetrain in the rear axle area during cornering. (figure 1) On the above‑mentioned vehicles with a mileage up to 15,000 km (about 9,300 mi)…
- Complaint Traffic sign symbol for "Traffic Sign Assist" is blinking in instrument cluster without obvious…
Complaint Traffic sign symbol for "Traffic Sign Assist" is blinking in instrument cluster without obvious cause usually with one of the following scenarios: • Flashing without a speed limit ("‑ ‑"). • Flashing when…
- Complaint When using the one‑touch (automatic) window closing function on one or both front door windows,…
Complaint When using the one‑touch (automatic) window closing function on one or both front door windows, the customer may report one of the following concerns: • The window begins closing, then reverses direction…
- Complaint The Apple Music app is no longer available in the head unit apps menu after updating the…
Complaint The Apple Music app is no longer available in the head unit apps menu after updating the software of the (A26/17 ‑ MBUX multimedia system + instrument cluster (head unit)) to E333.8 / A236 904 19 00. Cause…
- Complaint Tailgate opens unintentionally
Cause Accidental or unnoticed activation of the button to open the tailgate on the vehicle key. EXAMPLE: when stored in trouser pocket, handbag etc. Remedy As of the 6th generation, the vehicle key can be recoded so…
- Dear Mercedes-Benz USA Dealers, The part numbers listed in the chart below should no longer be installed,…
Dear Mercedes-Benz USA Dealers, The part numbers listed in the chart below should no longer be installed, and any existing stock must be returned to your facing PDC. The deadline for all dealer returns is no later than…
- Complaint 1
General Diagnostic Tips 2. One or More PARK Sensor Activations 3. Red Ring Around Vehicle 4. "Active Parking and Parking Assist Inoperative" on Instrument Cluster 5. Cameras 6. Other Park Topics. Cause Various root…
- Complaint DAB, FM, or SDARS radio reception is limited, only a few stations are found
Cause The firmware installation was incomplete. Remedy In the A26/17 control unit "MBUX multimedia system" (head unit), use XENTRY to carry out the special process "All Modules"; this will reinstall the firmware…
- Complaint Leakage/oil leakage at drive pinion sealing ring (input shaft) (Figures 1-2) Minor…
Complaint Leakage/oil leakage at drive pinion sealing ring (input shaft) (Figures 1-2) Minor leakage/slight seepage at coupling flange nut at drive pinion (Figures 3-4) Cause Damage to sealing ring during production…
NHTSA lists 68 bulletins for this year; the 12 newest are shown here.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 4matic Coupe?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: powertrain, engine, fuel/propulsion system. Total complaints: 2. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: hesitation when accelerating (100%), jerking, harsh shifts (100%), unintended acceleration (50%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 4matic Coupe?
NHTSA lists 68 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 4matic Coupe from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2026 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-06.