U.S. public vehicle records

Mercedes Benz CL500 problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

44 owner complaints analyzed

1 distinct recall campaigns

89,619 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1999 to 2006 model years. Data updated: 2026-10-01 (October 1, 2026). 36 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 15 of 44 complaints (34.1%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Electrical and battery issues	3	6.8%
Steering behavior	3	6.8%
Transmission and shifting	2	4.5%
Braking behavior	2	4.5%
Engine operation	1	2.3%
Fuel system concerns	1	2.3%

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

Suspension

Exterior Lighting

Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel

Engine

Service Brakes

Power Train

Seat Belts

Electrical System: 15; Suspension: 14; Exterior Lighting: 5; Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel: 4; Engine: 4; Service Brakes: 3; Power Train: 2; Seat Belts: 2

Reported problems by failure mileage

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

Under 25,000

25,000 to 49,999

50,000 to 74,999

75,000 to 99,999

100,000 to 149,999

150,000 and above

Under 25,000: 6; 25,000 to 49,999: 2; 50,000 to 74,999: 4; 75,000 to 99,999: 8; 100,000 to 149,999: 13; 150,000 and above: 3

100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (13). 8 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.

2006

2008

2010

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2024

2006: 4; 2008: 1; 2010: 1; 2012: 1; 2013: 1; 2014: 3; 2015: 14; 2016: 9; 2017: 1; 2018: 1; 2019: 3; 2020: 2; 2021: 1; 2022: 1; 2024: 1

Pattern summary

Electrical System leads the component reports. Electrical and battery issues appears in 3 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 3 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 2 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 10170960 · 2006-10-16 (October 16, 2006)

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 …

Owner-reported narrative. 54,118 miles reported. Look up ODI 10170960 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 ↗

Owner report 11337154 · 2020-07-02 (July 2, 2020)

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…

Owner-reported narrative. 127,600 miles reported. Look up ODI 11337154 at NHTSA ↗

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 10166211 · 2006-08-22 (August 22, 2006)

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ACCELERATING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TRANSMISSION JERKED AND SHIMMIED. ALSO, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED, THE TRANSMISSION BANGED. BOTH PROBLEMS WERE INTERMITTENT. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE COMPUTER AND TRANSMISSION, BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTED.

Owner-reported narrative. 2,200 miles reported. Look up ODI 10166211 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10713566 · 2015-04-29 (April 29, 2015)

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…

Owner-reported narrative. 86,237 miles reported. Look up ODI 10713566 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11191027 · 2019-03-23 (March 23, 2019)

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.

Owner-reported narrative. 152,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11191027 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10523798 · 2013-07-08 (July 8, 2013)

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.

Owner-reported narrative. 96,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10523798 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10670475 · 2015-01-06 (January 6, 2015)

EXTREMELY STRONG FUEL ODOR UPON LEAVING FUEL STOP FOR THE PAST SEVERAL FILL UPS. TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR DIAGNOSIS AND DISCOVERED THAT FUEL TANK IS CRACKED AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I AM REPORTING THIS BECAUSE THE REPAIR GARAGE TOLD ME IT IS A MAJOR PROBLEM IN THE SAME AREA OF THE FUEL TANK THAT AFFECTS MY VEHICLE AND THAT THEY HAVE REPAIRED THIS SAME ISSUE ON MY VEHICLE MODEL ALL THE TIME.

Owner-reported narrative. 35,853 miles reported. Look up ODI 10670475 at NHTSA ↗

Compare model years

Recalls by model year

All campaigns in the snapshot affecting each model year, including recalls announced years later.

From yearThrough year

Recall campaigns

Shared campaigns appear once in each affected model year.

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

1999: 0; 2000: 1; 2001: 0; 2002: 0; 2003: 0; 2004: 0; 2005: 0; 2006: 0

First model yearSecond model year

Year-by-year records

Mercedes Benz CL500 model-year comparison
Model year	Complaints	Recalls	Change in recalls
1999	2	0	Not available
2000	6	1	+1
2001	5	0	-1
2002	12	0	0
2003	1	0	0
2004	9	0	0
2005	2	0	0
2006	7	0	0

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

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

81.8%Usable mileage36 / 44 records

100.0%Valid incident date44 / 44 records

100.0%Valid filing date44 / 44 records

100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates44 / 44 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.

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	1999	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006
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
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
Electrical System	72,500–123,800 mi	100,000 mi	11	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 ↗ 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 ↗ 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 ↗
Suspension	60,000–104,000 mi	77,000 mi	12	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 ↗ ODI 10806786 · 116,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ CL500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM NEARLY CAUGHT FIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF SMOKE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED AND REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000. Look up ODI 10806786 at NHTSA ↗ 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 ↗
Exterior Lighting	100,000–154,930 mi	119,981 mi	5	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 ↗ 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 10983840 · 200,000 mi INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DOESN'T ILLUMINATE. Look up ODI 10983840 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel	Too few reports for a range	100,000 mi	4 (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 ↗
Engine	Too few reports for a range	96,000 mi	3 (sparse)	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 ↗ 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 ↗ 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 ↗
Service Brakes	Too few reports for a range	127,600 mi	3 (sparse)	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 ↗ 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 ↗ 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	Too few reports for a range	102,300 mi	2 (sparse)	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 ↗ 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 ↗
Seat Belts	Too few reports for a range	75,000 mi	1 (sparse)	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 ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

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

ComponentPeriod

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
Month	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-10 (partial)	None	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.

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

2005: 0 complaints · 2006: 4 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2005	0	0	0
2006	3	3	4

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2005	2	0	0
2006	7	0	0

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
Component	Electrical System	Suspension	Exterior Lighting	Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel	Engine	Service Brakes	Power Train	Seat Belts
Electrical System	—	3 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 ↗ ODI 10852491 · 67,000 mi RECALL #1-ABC PUMP LEAK. AT 67,000 MILES IN MARCH 2013, THE ABC PUMP BROKE AND LEAKED FLUID ALL OVER THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, AND CAUSED THE SUSPENSION TO COLLAPSE. HAD THE NECESSARY REPAIRS MADE AT THE COST OF $3500 WITHOUT KNOWLEDGE OF A SAFETY RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE. RECALL #2-INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILURE-AT 87,000 MILES IN MARCH 2016, THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WENT BLACK WHILE TRAVELING AT 60 MPH ON I-10. DID SOME RESEARCH AND DISCOVERED THAT THIS ISSUE IS ALSO A SAFETY RECALL. I HAVE EXPERIENCED 2 OF THE 4 SAFETY RECALLS WITH THIS VEH… Look up ODI 10852491 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10910748 · 93,000 mi I PURCHASED THIS CAR JUNE 2016. ENROUTE TO VACATION, IN EARLY AUGUST, THE DRIVER SIDE ELECTRICAL PANEL STOPPED OPERATING. MID-WAY TO VACATION, WHILE STOPPING FOR GAS THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WHEN COMPLETELY DARK. I WAS UNABLE TO GAUGE HOW MUCH GAS, SPEED, ETC., ALSO AT THAT TIME WHILE SITTING IN THE CAR, THE JUMPED AS IF SOMEONE HIT THE CAR. LATER I LEARNED THAT IT WAS THE SUSPENSION. THIS CONTINUED TO HAPPEN THROUGHOUT THE VACATION. UPON REACHING MY VACATION DESTINATION, THE NEXT DAY THE CAR WOULD NOT START AND I HAD TO CALL TO GET MY BATTE… Look up ODI 10910748 at NHTSA ↗	4 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 ↗ 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 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 ↗	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 ↗	0	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 ↗	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 ↗	0
Suspension	3 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 ↗ ODI 10852491 · 67,000 mi RECALL #1-ABC PUMP LEAK. AT 67,000 MILES IN MARCH 2013, THE ABC PUMP BROKE AND LEAKED FLUID ALL OVER THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, AND CAUSED THE SUSPENSION TO COLLAPSE. HAD THE NECESSARY REPAIRS MADE AT THE COST OF $3500 WITHOUT KNOWLEDGE OF A SAFETY RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE. RECALL #2-INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILURE-AT 87,000 MILES IN MARCH 2016, THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WENT BLACK WHILE TRAVELING AT 60 MPH ON I-10. DID SOME RESEARCH AND DISCOVERED THAT THIS ISSUE IS ALSO A SAFETY RECALL. I HAVE EXPERIENCED 2 OF THE 4 SAFETY RECALLS WITH THIS VEH… Look up ODI 10852491 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10910748 · 93,000 mi I PURCHASED THIS CAR JUNE 2016. ENROUTE TO VACATION, IN EARLY AUGUST, THE DRIVER SIDE ELECTRICAL PANEL STOPPED OPERATING. MID-WAY TO VACATION, WHILE STOPPING FOR GAS THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WHEN COMPLETELY DARK. I WAS UNABLE TO GAUGE HOW MUCH GAS, SPEED, ETC., ALSO AT THAT TIME WHILE SITTING IN THE CAR, THE JUMPED AS IF SOMEONE HIT THE CAR. LATER I LEARNED THAT IT WAS THE SUSPENSION. THIS CONTINUED TO HAPPEN THROUGHOUT THE VACATION. UPON REACHING MY VACATION DESTINATION, THE NEXT DAY THE CAR WOULD NOT START AND I HAD TO CALL TO GET MY BATTE… Look up ODI 10910748 at NHTSA ↗	—	1 ODI 10910748 · 93,000 mi I PURCHASED THIS CAR JUNE 2016. ENROUTE TO VACATION, IN EARLY AUGUST, THE DRIVER SIDE ELECTRICAL PANEL STOPPED OPERATING. MID-WAY TO VACATION, WHILE STOPPING FOR GAS THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WHEN COMPLETELY DARK. I WAS UNABLE TO GAUGE HOW MUCH GAS, SPEED, ETC., ALSO AT THAT TIME WHILE SITTING IN THE CAR, THE JUMPED AS IF SOMEONE HIT THE CAR. LATER I LEARNED THAT IT WAS THE SUSPENSION. THIS CONTINUED TO HAPPEN THROUGHOUT THE VACATION. UPON REACHING MY VACATION DESTINATION, THE NEXT DAY THE CAR WOULD NOT START AND I HAD TO CALL TO GET MY BATTE… Look up ODI 10910748 at NHTSA ↗	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 ↗	1 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 ↗	0	0	1 ODI 10870892 NO TENSION IN SEAT BELTS. Look up ODI 10870892 at NHTSA ↗
Exterior Lighting	4 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 ↗ 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 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 ↗	1 ODI 10910748 · 93,000 mi I PURCHASED THIS CAR JUNE 2016. ENROUTE TO VACATION, IN EARLY AUGUST, THE DRIVER SIDE ELECTRICAL PANEL STOPPED OPERATING. MID-WAY TO VACATION, WHILE STOPPING FOR GAS THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WHEN COMPLETELY DARK. I WAS UNABLE TO GAUGE HOW MUCH GAS, SPEED, ETC., ALSO AT THAT TIME WHILE SITTING IN THE CAR, THE JUMPED AS IF SOMEONE HIT THE CAR. LATER I LEARNED THAT IT WAS THE SUSPENSION. THIS CONTINUED TO HAPPEN THROUGHOUT THE VACATION. UPON REACHING MY VACATION DESTINATION, THE NEXT DAY THE CAR WOULD NOT START AND I HAD TO CALL TO GET MY BATTE… Look up ODI 10910748 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	0	0	0	0
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 ↗	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 ↗	0	—	0	0	0	0
Engine	0	1 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 ↗	0	0	—	0	0	0
Service Brakes	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 ↗	0	0	0	0	—	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 ↗	0
Power Train	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 ↗	0	0	0	0	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 ↗	—	0
Seat Belts	0	1 ODI 10870892 NO TENSION IN SEAT BELTS. Look up ODI 10870892 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0	0	—

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.

Search patterns

5 patterns with matching reports.

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

4 mentions · 9.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 80,000 mi (3 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 ↗

ODI 11337154 · 127,600 mi

Look up ODI 11337154 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Steering assistance concerns

3 mentions · 6.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 122,000 mi (3 usable records).

ODI 10820291 · 122,000 mi

Look up ODI 10820291 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11337154 · 127,600 mi

Look up ODI 11337154 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10151454 · 12,700 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED AT SPEEDS BELOW 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE FELT AS THOUGH THERE WAS NO POWER STEERING. THE TENSION IN THE STEERING CHANGES FROM DAY TO DAY. THE DEALERSHIP IS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM, BUT HAS REPLACED MULTIPLE COMPONENTS. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AND THE DEALERSHIP STATED THERE ARE NO FURTHER REPAIRS AVAILABLE AND THE VEHICLE SHOULD NOT BE RETURNED.

Look up ODI 10151454 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Battery drain and no-start mentions

1 mentions · 2.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 93,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10910748 · 93,000 mi

I PURCHASED THIS CAR JUNE 2016. ENROUTE TO VACATION, IN EARLY AUGUST, THE DRIVER SIDE ELECTRICAL PANEL STOPPED OPERATING. MID-WAY TO VACATION, WHILE STOPPING FOR GAS THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WHEN COMPLETELY DARK. I WAS UNABLE TO GAUGE HOW MUCH GAS, SPEED, ETC., ALSO AT THAT TIME WHILE SITTING IN THE CAR, THE JUMPED AS IF SOMEONE HIT THE CAR. LATER I LEARNED THAT IT WAS THE SUSPENSION. THIS CONTINUED TO HAPPEN THROUGHOUT THE VACATION. UPON REACHING MY VACATION DESTINATION, THE NEXT DAY THE CAR WOULD NOT START AND I HAD TO CALL TO GET MY BATTE…

Look up ODI 10910748 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Hard or delayed shifting

1 mentions · 2.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 2,200 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10166211 · 2,200 mi

Look up ODI 10166211 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Stalling or loss of power

1 mentions · 2.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 96,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10523798 · 96,000 mi

Look up ODI 10523798 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b