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U.S. public vehicle records

2002 Mercedes Benz CL500 problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

12 owner complaints analyzed

0 distinct recall campaigns

109,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2002 model year. Data updated: . 9 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 5 of 12 complaints (41.7%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Transmission and shifting18.3%
Electrical and battery issues18.3%
Steering behavior18.3%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Electrical System
5
Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel
3
Suspension
3
Engine
1
Engine And Engine Cooling
1
Exterior Lighting
1
Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings
1
Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection
1
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Electrical System5
Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel3
Suspension3
Engine1
Engine And Engine Cooling1
Exterior Lighting1
Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings1
Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection1

Electrical System: 5; Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel: 3; Suspension: 3; Engine: 1; Engine And Engine Cooling: 1; Exterior Lighting: 1; Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings: 1; Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
1
25,000 to 49,999
0
50,000 to 74,999
0
75,000 to 99,999
3
100,000 to 149,999
5
150,000 and above
0
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0001
25,000 to 49,9990
50,000 to 74,9990
75,000 to 99,9993
100,000 to 149,9995
150,000 and above0

Under 25,000: 1; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 3; 100,000 to 149,999: 5; 150,000 and above: 0

100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (5). 3 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2012
1
2014
1
2015
5
2016
4
2022
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20121
20141
20155
20164
20221

2012: 1; 2014: 1; 2015: 5; 2016: 4; 2022: 1

Pattern summary

Electrical System leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 1 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 1 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10722921 · 2015-06-02 (June 2, 2015)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ CL500. THE CONTACT TURNED THE IGNITION TO THE ON POSITION, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK. AFTER NUMEROUS FAILED ATTEMPTS, THE VEHICLE SHIFTED OUT OF THE PARK POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 77,000.

Owner-reported narrative. 77,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10722921 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11461445 · 2022-04-20 (April 20, 2022)

The Main Information center they notifies you of 99% of what is going on with the car stopped working completely. Can’t tell how Fast the car is moving or the RPM this also included the entire instrument cluster, In addition to that the battery and electric system just quits even Though the connections are tight. The battery Also drains quickly as A Result Even though the alternator works and the battery is new. I had the entire car shut off for no obvious cause. While I was driving. But because The entire dash is dead I can’t see if …

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11461445 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10820291 · 2016-01-14 (January 14, 2016)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ CL500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WAS ABNORMALLY LOWERING TO THE GROUND. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HYDRAULIC POWER STEERING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,000.

Owner-reported narrative. 122,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10820291 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

12 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

75.0%Usable mileage9 / 12 records
100.0%Valid incident date12 / 12 records
100.0%Valid filing date12 / 12 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates12 / 12 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component19992000200120022003200420052006
Electrical System
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

233.3%
ODI 10170960 · 54,118 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DID NOT ILLUMINATE PROPERLY ON TWO OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL #06V028000 REGARDING INTERIOR LIGHTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED DUE TO THE PART AVAILABILITY. THE CONTACT HAS BEEN WAITING OVER A MONTH FOR THE PART TO BE AVAILABLE FOR REPAIR.*AK UPDATED 10/31/2006 - THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER BLACKED OUT PLUS THERE WERE ADDITIONAL …

Look up ODI 10170960 at NHTSA ↗

240.0%
ODI 11172189 · 100,000 mi

DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WENT BLACK AND HAS NOT COME BACK ON. THIS INCLUDES THE SPEEDOMETER, THE FUEL GAUGE AND ALL THE OTHER ENGINE GAUGES. THE CRUISE CONTROL DOES NOT WORK. SEARCHING ONLINE, THIS APPEARS TO BE A PREVALENT PROBLEM AND THAT WAS CONFIRMED BY MY MECHANIC. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL FOR THIS VEHICLE AND THE MANY OTHERS AFFECTED. THE VEHICLE HAS ABOUT 100,000 MILES ON IT (I CAN'T SEE EXACTLY HOW MAY WITH THE DASH BLACK).

Look up ODI 11172189 at NHTSA ↗

541.7%
ODI 10643633 · 78,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2002 MERCEDES CL500. THE CONTACT STATED THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILED AND THE GAUGES WERE UNABLE TO BE READ. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTERS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.

Look up ODI 10643633 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

666.7%
ODI 10692683 · 154,930 mi

WHILE I WAS DRIVING HWY 1 TO MONTEREY CA. CLUSTER DASH LIGHTS BLACKED OUT. NOW DON'T KNOW HOW FAST I'M GOING DOWN THE ROAD AND CAN SEE INFORMATION FROM IT. *TR

Look up ODI 10692683 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Suspension
150.0%
ODI 10870892

NO TENSION IN SEAT BELTS.

Look up ODI 10870892 at NHTSA ↗

233.3%
ODI 10638560 · 74,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES CL500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE DROPPED TO THE GROUND. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACTIVE BODY CONTROL IS TOO LOW PLEASE STOP VEHICLE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT FLUIDS WAS LEAKING THROUGH SEALS OF THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE ABC HIGH PRESSURE HOSE AND THE HYDRAULIC PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANU…

Look up ODI 10638560 at NHTSA ↗

360.0%
ODI 10617744 · 137,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ CL500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACTIVE BODY CONTROL SENSOR ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY AND THEN REMAINED LIT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,000.

Look up ODI 10617744 at NHTSA ↗

325.0%
ODI 10670896 · 80,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ CL500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, SMOKE STARTED TO EMIT FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS FLUID LEAKING FROM THE ACTIVE BODY CONTROL MODULE. THE CONTACT WAS A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO REPLACED AN O-RING. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. IN ADDITION, THE DRIVE CAREFUL WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

Look up ODI 10670896 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

444.4%
ODI 10852256 · 65,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ CL500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE LOWERED INDEPENDENTLY AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER FAILED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 07V263000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING , SUSPENSION) AND 06V028000 (INTERIOR LIGHTING). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM WAS REPLACED BUT THE FAILURE REOCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED FOR THE MOST RECENT FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILU…

Look up ODI 10852256 at NHTSA ↗

150.0%
ODI 11326261 · 20 mi

THE ACTIVE BODY CONTROL IS OFF TERRIBLY. THE FRONT LEFT AND BACK RIGHT SIDES OF MY CAR SAG SO LOW BUT THE OPPOSITE SIDES DON'T. THIS CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT ETC.. *TR

Look up ODI 11326261 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Exterior Lighting
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

120.0%
ODI 11172189 · 100,000 mi

DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WENT BLACK AND HAS NOT COME BACK ON. THIS INCLUDES THE SPEEDOMETER, THE FUEL GAUGE AND ALL THE OTHER ENGINE GAUGES. THE CRUISE CONTROL DOES NOT WORK. SEARCHING ONLINE, THIS APPEARS TO BE A PREVALENT PROBLEM AND THAT WAS CONFIRMED BY MY MECHANIC. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL FOR THIS VEHICLE AND THE MANY OTHERS AFFECTED. THE VEHICLE HAS ABOUT 100,000 MILES ON IT (I CAN'T SEE EXACTLY HOW MAY WITH THE DASH BLACK).

Look up ODI 11172189 at NHTSA ↗

18.3%
ODI 10745510 · 119,981 mi

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT NIGHT AND IT WAS RAINING HAD THE WIPERS AND THE HIGH BEAMS ON. THEN ALL OF SUDDEN THE HIGH BEANS WENT OUT AND THE DASH WENT BLACK BLACK CAUSING LIMITED VISIBILITY. THIS IS THE REASON I'M FILING A COMPLAINT BECAUSE IT ALMOST CAUSED A ACCIDENT WITH THE LIGHT DIMMING AND THE CLUSTER GOING BLANK.

Look up ODI 10745510 at NHTSA ↗

1100.0%
ODI 10983840 · 200,000 mi

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DOESN'T ILLUMINATE.

Look up ODI 10983840 at NHTSA ↗

222.2%
ODI 10692683 · 154,930 mi

WHILE I WAS DRIVING HWY 1 TO MONTEREY CA. CLUSTER DASH LIGHTS BLACKED OUT. NOW DON'T KNOW HOW FAST I'M GOING DOWN THE ROAD AND CAN SEE INFORMATION FROM IT. *TR

Look up ODI 10692683 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

325.0%
ODI 10643633 · 78,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2002 MERCEDES CL500. THE CONTACT STATED THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILED AND THE GAUGES WERE UNABLE TO BE READ. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTERS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.

Look up ODI 10643633 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

111.1%
ODI 10852256 · 65,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ CL500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE LOWERED INDEPENDENTLY AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER FAILED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 07V263000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING , SUSPENSION) AND 06V028000 (INTERIOR LIGHTING). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM WAS REPLACED BUT THE FAILURE REOCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED FOR THE MOST RECENT FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILU…

Look up ODI 10852256 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

116.7%
ODI 10523798 · 96,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ CL500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 80 MPH, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED. THE CONTACT STOPPED AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE LATER STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED AND THE CRANK SHAFT POSITION SENSOR WAS DAMAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE WAS REPORTED TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 96,000.

Look up ODI 10523798 at NHTSA ↗

120.0%
ODI 11131003 · 45,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES-BENZ CL500. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE AIRMATIC WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. UPON INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED FLUID LEAKING FROM UNDER THE HOOD ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED BY AN UNKNOWN DEALER PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V263000 (SUSPENSION, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), BUT THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL BODY SHOP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FLUID WAS DUE TO THE COMPRESSOR THAT FRACTURED AND THE COMPRESSOR NEEDED TO BE…

Look up ODI 11131003 at NHTSA ↗

18.3%
ODI 10681604

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ CL500. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, SMOKE APPEARED NEAR THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO DRIVE AND THE ACTIVE BODY CONTROL (ABC) WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE ABC HIGH PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION HOSE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V263000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, SUSPENSION). THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.

Look up ODI 10681604 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

111.1%
ODI 10762189 · 124,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ CL500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE FRONT END CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THERE WAS A FIRE REPORT AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE FIRE STARTED FROM THE UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V263000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, SUSPENSION). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,000. UPDATED 01/06/16*L…

Look up ODI 10762189 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Service Brakes
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

111.1%
ODI 11337154 · 127,600 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES-BENZ CL500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN, THE VEHICLE HESITATED MOMENTARILY TO SHIFT FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS MOST EVIDENT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN AT SPEEDS UNDER 40 MPH. ADDITIONALLY, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND SEVERAL GAUGES FAILED TO PROVIDE ACCURATE INFORMATION OR READINGS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT TRUNK FAILED TO REMAIN UPRIGHT WHEN OPENED; THE ACTIVE BODY CONTROL (ABC) WORKSHOP WARNING LIG…

Look up ODI 11337154 at NHTSA ↗

150.0%
ODI 10713566 · 86,237 mi

THE SBC PUMP STOP WORKING CAUSING THE BRAKES TO NOT WORK THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS DEFECT IN THERE DESIGN AND I COULD SEE IF CAUSING AN ACCIDENT AND INJURIES. THE MANUFACTURING KNEW THIS WAS A DEFECTIVE DESIGN AND HAD OFFERED AN 10 YEAR WARRANTY BUT I FEEL IT SHOULD BE REPLACED ON ALL CARS THAT HAVE AN SBC PUMP, I WAS TRAVELING 65 MPH ON THE FREEWAY WHEN I HAD TO APPLY THE BRAKES AND THE BRAKES DID NOT WORK IF IT WAS NOT FOR MY QUICK THINKING AND BEING ABLE TO SWITCH TO ANOTHER LANE THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A MAJOR CAR PILE UP WITH WHO KNOWS HOW MA…

Look up ODI 10713566 at NHTSA ↗

114.3%
ODI 11191027 · 152,000 mi

I WAS DRIVING MY MERCEDES ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE LIGHT FLASHED ON FOR THE BRAKES SAYING BRAKING POWER REDUCED. ALL OF A SUDDEN I COULD NOT STOP MY CAR, I WAS SO SCARED ON THE HIGHWAY I REALLY THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO DIE. ME AND MY BOYFRIEND WAS IN THE CAR AT THE TIME. SOMEHOW I GOT OVER TO THE FAR LANE TOWARDS THE GUARDRAIL WHERE NO ONE NORMALLY DRIVES AND THEN I ROLLED THE CAR UNTIL IT SLOWED ALL THE WAY DOWN AND THEN I FORCED IT INTO PARK. SMH THERE SHOULD REALLY BE SOMETHING ABOUT THIS. NOW I FEAR TO DRIVE MY CAR EVER AGAIN.

Look up ODI 11191027 at NHTSA ↗

Power Train
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

18.3%
ODI 10722921 · 77,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ CL500. THE CONTACT TURNED THE IGNITION TO THE ON POSITION, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK. AFTER NUMEROUS FAILED ATTEMPTS, THE VEHICLE SHIFTED OUT OF THE PARK POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 77,000.

Look up ODI 10722921 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

111.1%
ODI 11337154 · 127,600 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES-BENZ CL500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN, THE VEHICLE HESITATED MOMENTARILY TO SHIFT FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS MOST EVIDENT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN AT SPEEDS UNDER 40 MPH. ADDITIONALLY, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND SEVERAL GAUGES FAILED TO PROVIDE ACCURATE INFORMATION OR READINGS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT TRUNK FAILED TO REMAIN UPRIGHT WHEN OPENED; THE ACTIVE BODY CONTROL (ABC) WORKSHOP WARNING LIG…

Look up ODI 11337154 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Seat Belts
2100.0%
ODI 10763537 · 75,000 mi

THE VEHICLE'S SAFETY BELTS TENSION MECHANISMS ARE NON-FUNCTIONAL. THE SEAT BELT HANGS LOOSE AROUND THE BODY MAKING IT COMPLETELY USELESS IN ANY COLLISION. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE (POOR DESIGN) THAT SHOULD BE FIXED FREE OF CHARGE BY THE FACTORY.

Look up ODI 10763537 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Electrical SystemToo few reports for a range78,000 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10643633 · 78,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2002 MERCEDES CL500. THE CONTACT STATED THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILED AND THE GAUGES WERE UNABLE TO BE READ. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTERS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.

Look up ODI 10643633 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10745510 · 119,981 mi

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT NIGHT AND IT WAS RAINING HAD THE WIPERS AND THE HIGH BEAMS ON. THEN ALL OF SUDDEN THE HIGH BEANS WENT OUT AND THE DASH WENT BLACK BLACK CAUSING LIMITED VISIBILITY. THIS IS THE REASON I'M FILING A COMPLAINT BECAUSE IT ALMOST CAUSED A ACCIDENT WITH THE LIGHT DIMMING AND THE CLUSTER GOING BLANK.

Look up ODI 10745510 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10853432 · 130 mi

I HAVE A MERCEDES CL500 WHILE DRIVING THE CAR THE LIGHTS IN THE SPEEDOMETER EVERYTHING WENT OUT I HAD TO CHECK IT WHEN I GOT HOME I WAS ABLE TO GET SPEEDOMETER WORKING AGAIN GAS GAUGE BY REPLACING FUSE THE LIGHTS IN THE BACKGROUND ARE STILL NOT WORKING ALSO I HAVE AN ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLE ACTIVE BODY CONTROL I HAVE A LEAK SUSPENSION GOES ALL THE WAY DOWN I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE IS A RECALL TO GET THIS FIXED AND HOW I GO ABOUT THIS.

Look up ODI 10853432 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/PanelToo few reports for a range122,000 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10643633 · 78,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2002 MERCEDES CL500. THE CONTACT STATED THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILED AND THE GAUGES WERE UNABLE TO BE READ. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTERS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.

Look up ODI 10643633 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10735836 · 137,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ CL500. WHILE DRIVING HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS DIMMED UNTIL THEY COMPLETELY FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS MADE AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 06V028000 (INTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND NOTIFIED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED ON THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,000.

Look up ODI 10735836 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10845957 · 122,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ CL500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Look up ODI 10845957 at NHTSA ↗

SuspensionToo few reports for a range80,000 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10670896 · 80,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ CL500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, SMOKE STARTED TO EMIT FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS FLUID LEAKING FROM THE ACTIVE BODY CONTROL MODULE. THE CONTACT WAS A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO REPLACED AN O-RING. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. IN ADDITION, THE DRIVE CAREFUL WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

Look up ODI 10670896 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10820291 · 122,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ CL500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WAS ABNORMALLY LOWERING TO THE GROUND. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HYDRAULIC POWER STEERING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,000.

Look up ODI 10820291 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10853432 · 130 mi

I HAVE A MERCEDES CL500 WHILE DRIVING THE CAR THE LIGHTS IN THE SPEEDOMETER EVERYTHING WENT OUT I HAD TO CHECK IT WHEN I GOT HOME I WAS ABLE TO GET SPEEDOMETER WORKING AGAIN GAS GAUGE BY REPLACING FUSE THE LIGHTS IN THE BACKGROUND ARE STILL NOT WORKING ALSO I HAVE AN ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLE ACTIVE BODY CONTROL I HAVE A LEAK SUSPENSION GOES ALL THE WAY DOWN I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE IS A RECALL TO GET THIS FIXED AND HOW I GO ABOUT THIS.

Look up ODI 10853432 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine CoolingToo few reports for a range109,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10472814 · 109,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING MY 2002 MERCEDES CL500, I NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE BAY AND THE SMELL OF SOMETHING BURNING. UPON INSPECTION IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT A HYDRAULIC SUSPENSION HOSE RUPTURED AND SPRAYED FLUID ONTO A CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THIS RESULTED IN A LARGE AMOUNT OF SMOKE AND SMALL FLAMES STARTING TO APPEAR RIGHT BEFORE THE PASSENGER SIDE ENGINE BAY WAS HOSED DOWN WITH WATER. THE MERCEDES DEALERSHIP ADVISED THIS WAS A KNOWN ISSUE AND A RECALL WAS ISSUED/PERFORMED BACK IN 2005/2007. MERCEDES ADVISED ME NO FURTHER WORK WOULD BE DONE UND…

Look up ODI 10472814 at NHTSA ↗

Exterior LightingToo few reports for a range119,981 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10745510 · 119,981 mi

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT NIGHT AND IT WAS RAINING HAD THE WIPERS AND THE HIGH BEAMS ON. THEN ALL OF SUDDEN THE HIGH BEANS WENT OUT AND THE DASH WENT BLACK BLACK CAUSING LIMITED VISIBILITY. THIS IS THE REASON I'M FILING A COMPLAINT BECAUSE IT ALMOST CAUSED A ACCIDENT WITH THE LIGHT DIMMING AND THE CLUSTER GOING BLANK.

Look up ODI 10745510 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-112026-10

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-10 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 24 reports

2005: 0 complaints · 2006: 4 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2005000
2006334
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
2005200
2006700

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentElectrical SystemElectrical System: Instrument Cluster/PanelSuspensionEngineEngine And Engine CoolingExterior LightingForward Collision Avoidance: WarningsLane Departure: Blind Spot Detection
Electrical System—
1
ODI 10643633 · 78,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2002 MERCEDES CL500. THE CONTACT STATED THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILED AND THE GAUGES WERE UNABLE TO BE READ. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTERS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.

Look up ODI 10643633 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 10853432 · 130 mi

I HAVE A MERCEDES CL500 WHILE DRIVING THE CAR THE LIGHTS IN THE SPEEDOMETER EVERYTHING WENT OUT I HAD TO CHECK IT WHEN I GOT HOME I WAS ABLE TO GET SPEEDOMETER WORKING AGAIN GAS GAUGE BY REPLACING FUSE THE LIGHTS IN THE BACKGROUND ARE STILL NOT WORKING ALSO I HAVE AN ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLE ACTIVE BODY CONTROL I HAVE A LEAK SUSPENSION GOES ALL THE WAY DOWN I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE IS A RECALL TO GET THIS FIXED AND HOW I GO ABOUT THIS.

Look up ODI 10853432 at NHTSA ↗

00
1
ODI 10745510 · 119,981 mi

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT NIGHT AND IT WAS RAINING HAD THE WIPERS AND THE HIGH BEAMS ON. THEN ALL OF SUDDEN THE HIGH BEANS WENT OUT AND THE DASH WENT BLACK BLACK CAUSING LIMITED VISIBILITY. THIS IS THE REASON I'M FILING A COMPLAINT BECAUSE IT ALMOST CAUSED A ACCIDENT WITH THE LIGHT DIMMING AND THE CLUSTER GOING BLANK.

Look up ODI 10745510 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 11461445

The Main Information center they notifies you of 99% of what is going on with the car stopped working completely. Can’t tell how Fast the car is moving or the RPM this also included the entire instrument cluster, In addition to that the battery and electric system just quits even Though the connections are tight. The battery Also drains quickly as A Result Even though the alternator works and the battery is new. I had the entire car shut off for no obvious cause. While I was driving. But because The entire dash is dead I can’t see if …

Look up ODI 11461445 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 11461445

The Main Information center they notifies you of 99% of what is going on with the car stopped working completely. Can’t tell how Fast the car is moving or the RPM this also included the entire instrument cluster, In addition to that the battery and electric system just quits even Though the connections are tight. The battery Also drains quickly as A Result Even though the alternator works and the battery is new. I had the entire car shut off for no obvious cause. While I was driving. But because The entire dash is dead I can’t see if …

Look up ODI 11461445 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel
1
ODI 10643633 · 78,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2002 MERCEDES CL500. THE CONTACT STATED THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILED AND THE GAUGES WERE UNABLE TO BE READ. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTERS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.

Look up ODI 10643633 at NHTSA ↗

—000000
Suspension
1
ODI 10853432 · 130 mi

I HAVE A MERCEDES CL500 WHILE DRIVING THE CAR THE LIGHTS IN THE SPEEDOMETER EVERYTHING WENT OUT I HAD TO CHECK IT WHEN I GOT HOME I WAS ABLE TO GET SPEEDOMETER WORKING AGAIN GAS GAUGE BY REPLACING FUSE THE LIGHTS IN THE BACKGROUND ARE STILL NOT WORKING ALSO I HAVE AN ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLE ACTIVE BODY CONTROL I HAVE A LEAK SUSPENSION GOES ALL THE WAY DOWN I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE IS A RECALL TO GET THIS FIXED AND HOW I GO ABOUT THIS.

Look up ODI 10853432 at NHTSA ↗

0—00000
Engine000—0000
Engine And Engine Cooling0000—000
Exterior Lighting
1
ODI 10745510 · 119,981 mi

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT NIGHT AND IT WAS RAINING HAD THE WIPERS AND THE HIGH BEAMS ON. THEN ALL OF SUDDEN THE HIGH BEANS WENT OUT AND THE DASH WENT BLACK BLACK CAUSING LIMITED VISIBILITY. THIS IS THE REASON I'M FILING A COMPLAINT BECAUSE IT ALMOST CAUSED A ACCIDENT WITH THE LIGHT DIMMING AND THE CLUSTER GOING BLANK.

Look up ODI 10745510 at NHTSA ↗

0000—00
Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings
1
ODI 11461445

The Main Information center they notifies you of 99% of what is going on with the car stopped working completely. Can’t tell how Fast the car is moving or the RPM this also included the entire instrument cluster, In addition to that the battery and electric system just quits even Though the connections are tight. The battery Also drains quickly as A Result Even though the alternator works and the battery is new. I had the entire car shut off for no obvious cause. While I was driving. But because The entire dash is dead I can’t see if …

Look up ODI 11461445 at NHTSA ↗

00000—
1
ODI 11461445

The Main Information center they notifies you of 99% of what is going on with the car stopped working completely. Can’t tell how Fast the car is moving or the RPM this also included the entire instrument cluster, In addition to that the battery and electric system just quits even Though the connections are tight. The battery Also drains quickly as A Result Even though the alternator works and the battery is new. I had the entire car shut off for no obvious cause. While I was driving. But because The entire dash is dead I can’t see if …

Look up ODI 11461445 at NHTSA ↗

Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection
1
ODI 11461445

The Main Information center they notifies you of 99% of what is going on with the car stopped working completely. Can’t tell how Fast the car is moving or the RPM this also included the entire instrument cluster, In addition to that the battery and electric system just quits even Though the connections are tight. The battery Also drains quickly as A Result Even though the alternator works and the battery is new. I had the entire car shut off for no obvious cause. While I was driving. But because The entire dash is dead I can’t see if …

Look up ODI 11461445 at NHTSA ↗

00000
1
ODI 11461445

The Main Information center they notifies you of 99% of what is going on with the car stopped working completely. Can’t tell how Fast the car is moving or the RPM this also included the entire instrument cluster, In addition to that the battery and electric system just quits even Though the connections are tight. The battery Also drains quickly as A Result Even though the alternator works and the battery is new. I had the entire car shut off for no obvious cause. While I was driving. But because The entire dash is dead I can’t see if …

Look up ODI 11461445 at NHTSA ↗

—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

2 patterns with matching reports.

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

2 mentions · 16.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 80,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10670896 · 80,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ CL500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, SMOKE STARTED TO EMIT FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS FLUID LEAKING FROM THE ACTIVE BODY CONTROL MODULE. THE CONTACT WAS A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO REPLACED AN O-RING. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. IN ADDITION, THE DRIVE CAREFUL WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

Look up ODI 10670896 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10681604

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ CL500. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, SMOKE APPEARED NEAR THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO DRIVE AND THE ACTIVE BODY CONTROL (ABC) WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE ABC HIGH PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION HOSE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V263000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, SUSPENSION). THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.

Look up ODI 10681604 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Steering assistance concerns

1 mentions · 8.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 122,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10820291 · 122,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ CL500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WAS ABNORMALLY LOWERING TO THE GROUND. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HYDRAULIC POWER STEERING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,000.

Look up ODI 10820291 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b