Recall 15V137 covers 30,141 2012-2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS550, CLS63, and CLS400 vehicles for side LED tail-light illumination. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 30,141 2012-2015 CLS550, CLS63, and CLS400 vehicles because the LED tail lights can fail to light on the sides, reducing rear side visibility. Reduced side marker illumination can make the vehicle harder for other drivers to see and increase crash risk; Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The LED tail lights on the 2012-2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS550, CLS63, and CLS400 include a rear side marker function. It lights the rear corners of the car so drivers approaching from the side or rear can see the vehicle in low light. That visibility depends on specific LEDs inside each tail lamp turning on at the right level.
On affected cars, the tail lamp units are not physically broken. The problem is software coding that keeps certain LEDs in both tail lamp units from activating. With those LEDs off, the rear side marker illumination falls below the required level at certain measuring points, reducing rear side visibility.
There is no warning sign before failure. The lights can look mostly normal from behind, while the side marker function still lacks the required illumination.
Who's affected?
Spans three CLS variants (CLS550, CLS63, CLS400) across the 2012-2015 model years, all tied to exterior lighting.
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 | Exterior lighting |
|---|---|
| 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 | Exterior lighting |
| 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 | Exterior lighting |
| 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 | Exterior lighting |
| 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 | Exterior lighting |
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 | Exterior lighting |
| 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 | Exterior lighting |
| 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS400 | Exterior lighting |
| 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 | Exterior lighting |
| Units affected | 30,141 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
Reduced rear side marker illumination makes the vehicle harder for other drivers to see and increases crash risk. Until the software update is completed, use extra care in low light and schedule the repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012-2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS550, CLS63, or CLS400 is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free lighting-controller software update that restores rear side marker illumination.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 15V137 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the software update is complete; use extra care in low light so other drivers can see the rear sides of the vehicle.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician updates the lighting controller software so the LED tail lights illuminate correctly at the sides of the vehicle. The software update and labor are free under the recall. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the new vehicle warranty, not through a separate pre notice reimbursement program. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| March 9, 2015 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
|---|---|
| March 10, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
| April 6, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V137?
Recall 15V137 covers 30,141 2012-2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS550, CLS63, and CLS400 vehicles with LED tail lights that do not illuminate on the sides as required. Reduced rear side visibility increases crash risk. Mercedes-Benz dealers update the lighting controller software for free.
What should I do if my 2012-2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS550, CLS63, or CLS400 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 15V137. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the lighting controller software update. Reference recall number 15V137 or Mercedes-Benz recall number 2015030005 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Mercedes-Benz dealers update the lighting controller software free of charge. The Mercedes-Benz recall record lists customer service at 1-800-367-6372 for owner questions.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced rear side marker illumination. When the side portions of the LED tail lights do not light as required, other drivers have less rear side visibility of the vehicle, which increases crash risk. The dealer software update corrects the lighting controller.
What if I bought my Mercedes-Benz CLS used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific CLS550, CLS63, or CLS400 is included, then call a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer and reference recall 15V137.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V137000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V137 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V137000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 1, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →