Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

Mercedes Benz CL55 AMG problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

6 owner complaints analyzed

0 distinct recall campaigns

98,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2001 to 2002 model years. Data updated: . 5 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

This selection has limited data. It remains available for lookup but is excluded from search indexing.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 3 of 6 complaints (50.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Electrical and battery issues116.7%

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
3
Suspension
2
Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel
1
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)
1
Interior Lighting
1
Unknown Or Other
1
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Electrical System3
Suspension2
Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel1
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)1
Interior Lighting1
Unknown Or Other1

Electrical System: 3; Suspension: 2; Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel: 1; Electronic Stability Control (Esc): 1; Interior Lighting: 1; Unknown Or Other: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

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

Under 25,000
0
25,000 to 49,999
0
50,000 to 74,999
1
75,000 to 99,999
2
100,000 to 149,999
2
150,000 and above
0
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0000
25,000 to 49,9990
50,000 to 74,9991
75,000 to 99,9992
100,000 to 149,9992
150,000 and above0

Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 1; 75,000 to 99,999: 2; 100,000 to 149,999: 2; 150,000 and above: 0

75,000 to 99,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (2). 1 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.

2007
1
2012
2
2019
1
2021
1
2024
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20071
20122
20191
20211
20241

2007: 1; 2012: 2; 2019: 1; 2021: 1; 2024: 1

Pattern summary

Electrical System leads the component reports. Electrical and battery issues 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 10195202 · 2007-07-02 (July 2, 2007)

MY 2001 MERCEDES CL 55 INSTRUMENT CLUSTER IS EXPERIENCING ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS. THE INSTRUMENT LIGHT JUST COMPLETELY TURN OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING AT NIGHT. I COULDN'T SEE ANYTHING AND HAVE NO IDEA HOW FAST I WAS DRIVING. IT WAS PRETTY SCARE DRIVING HOME THE NIGHT. I REPLACE THE FUSE BUT THE IT STILL DIDN'T WORK. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 69,700 miles reported. Look up ODI 10195202 at NHTSA ↗

Compare model years

Recalls by model year

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

Recall campaigns

Shared campaigns appear once in each affected model year.

2001
0
2002
0
Recall campaigns data
CategoryCount
20010
20020

2001: 0; 2002: 0

Year-by-year records

Mercedes Benz CL55 AMG model-year comparison
Model yearComplaintsRecallsChange in recalls
200130Not available
2002300
Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

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

83.3%Usable mileage5 / 6 records
100.0%Valid incident date6 / 6 records
100.0%Valid filing date6 / 6 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates6 / 6 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
Component20012002
Electrical System
133.3%
ODI 10455072 · 118,000 mi

MY 2001 CL55 MERCEDES INSTRUMENT CLUSTER HAS LOST ITS BACK LIGHT. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE CAR (RECALL 06V028000), BUT MY PARTICULAR VIN IS APPARENTLY NOT COVERED UNDER THE CURRENT RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. *TR

Look up ODI 10455072 at NHTSA ↗

266.7%
ODI 11217634

ON SATURDAY JUNE THE 1ST OF 2019, I WAS DRIVING MY 2002 CL55 AMG ON 495 HIGHWAY AND OUT OF NOWHERE THE DASH LIGHT STARTED ACTING UP AND EVERYTHING WENT DARK. I ALMOST CRASHED INTO 4 CARS JUST TRYING TO REALIZE WHAT HAPPENED, HOW FAST I WAS GOING AND HOW TO AVOID A CATASTROPHE. AFTER NO KNOWING HOW FAST I WAS GOING I MADE TO THE EXIT AND MY WIFE COLLAPSED FROM THE EXPERIENCE AND WE HAD TO CALL A TOW TRUCK TO TOW THE CAR HOME. THE DAY AFTER, SUNDAY, TRAFFIC WAS LIGHT AND WE DECIDED TO TAKE THE CAR TO MERCEDES BENZ OF ALEXANDRIA, CLOSEST TO US. O…

Look up ODI 11217634 at NHTSA ↗

Suspension
133.3%
ODI 10455071 · 98,000 mi

LEFT FRONT SUSPENSION DROPS ONCE ENGINE IS TURNED OFF. AFTER STARTING ENGINE, MUST PUT THE CAR IN GEAR FOR THE SUSPENSION TO RISE. HAD THE ESC PUMP REPLACED IN SEPT 2010. SYMPTOM RETURNED OCT 2011. *TR

Look up ODI 10455071 at NHTSA ↗

133.3%
ODI 11585847 · 88,795 mi

The contact owns a 2002 Mercedes-Benz CL55 AMG. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed. The contact heard a hissing noise coming from the vehicle and noticed the height of the vehicle had started lowering. The ABC (Active Body Control) Drive warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the residence and noticed that the air was coming from the driver’s side rear wheel. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with corrosion on the ABC Drive system and that the …

Look up ODI 11585847 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel
133.3%
ODI 10195202 · 69,700 mi

MY 2001 MERCEDES CL 55 INSTRUMENT CLUSTER IS EXPERIENCING ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS. THE INSTRUMENT LIGHT JUST COMPLETELY TURN OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING AT NIGHT. I COULDN'T SEE ANYTHING AND HAVE NO IDEA HOW FAST I WAS DRIVING. IT WAS PRETTY SCARE DRIVING HOME THE NIGHT. I REPLACE THE FUSE BUT THE IT STILL DIDN'T WORK. *TR

Look up ODI 10195202 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Electronic Stability Control (Esc)
133.3%
ODI 10455071 · 98,000 mi

LEFT FRONT SUSPENSION DROPS ONCE ENGINE IS TURNED OFF. AFTER STARTING ENGINE, MUST PUT THE CAR IN GEAR FOR THE SUSPENSION TO RISE. HAD THE ESC PUMP REPLACED IN SEPT 2010. SYMPTOM RETURNED OCT 2011. *TR

Look up ODI 10455071 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Interior Lighting
133.3%
ODI 10455072 · 118,000 mi

MY 2001 CL55 MERCEDES INSTRUMENT CLUSTER HAS LOST ITS BACK LIGHT. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE CAR (RECALL 06V028000), BUT MY PARTICULAR VIN IS APPARENTLY NOT COVERED UNDER THE CURRENT RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. *TR

Look up ODI 10455072 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Unknown Or Other
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

133.3%
ODI 11390920 · 100,000 mi

IN THE BEGINNING THE LIGHTS FOR THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER BEGAN TO INTERMITTENTLY FLICKER BUT ONLY LASTED A FEW MINUTES. THE PROBLEM HAS PROGRESSED WORSE AND NOW THE SPEEDOMETER NO LONGER SHOWS. EVEN SO MORE THE PROBLEM NOW AFFLICTS THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND NO LIGHTS DISPLAY. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AS I CANNOT SEE OR DISCERN CERTAIN VEHICLE INFORMATIONS, ESPECIALLY WHEN DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS OR AT NIGHT BECAUSE THE INFORMATION IS NO LONGER VISIBLE. THE ISSUE PERSISTS WHETHER THE CAR IS STATIONARY OR MOVING. BUT HAPPENS MORE…

Look up ODI 11390920 at NHTSA ↗

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 range109,000 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10455072 · 118,000 mi

MY 2001 CL55 MERCEDES INSTRUMENT CLUSTER HAS LOST ITS BACK LIGHT. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE CAR (RECALL 06V028000), BUT MY PARTICULAR VIN IS APPARENTLY NOT COVERED UNDER THE CURRENT RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. *TR

Look up ODI 10455072 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11390920 · 100,000 mi

IN THE BEGINNING THE LIGHTS FOR THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER BEGAN TO INTERMITTENTLY FLICKER BUT ONLY LASTED A FEW MINUTES. THE PROBLEM HAS PROGRESSED WORSE AND NOW THE SPEEDOMETER NO LONGER SHOWS. EVEN SO MORE THE PROBLEM NOW AFFLICTS THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND NO LIGHTS DISPLAY. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AS I CANNOT SEE OR DISCERN CERTAIN VEHICLE INFORMATIONS, ESPECIALLY WHEN DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS OR AT NIGHT BECAUSE THE INFORMATION IS NO LONGER VISIBLE. THE ISSUE PERSISTS WHETHER THE CAR IS STATIONARY OR MOVING. BUT HAPPENS MORE…

Look up ODI 11390920 at NHTSA ↗

SuspensionToo few reports for a range93,398 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10455071 · 98,000 mi

LEFT FRONT SUSPENSION DROPS ONCE ENGINE IS TURNED OFF. AFTER STARTING ENGINE, MUST PUT THE CAR IN GEAR FOR THE SUSPENSION TO RISE. HAD THE ESC PUMP REPLACED IN SEPT 2010. SYMPTOM RETURNED OCT 2011. *TR

Look up ODI 10455071 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11585847 · 88,795 mi

The contact owns a 2002 Mercedes-Benz CL55 AMG. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed. The contact heard a hissing noise coming from the vehicle and noticed the height of the vehicle had started lowering. The ABC (Active Body Control) Drive warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the residence and noticed that the air was coming from the driver’s side rear wheel. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with corrosion on the ABC Drive system and that the …

Look up ODI 11585847 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/PanelToo few reports for a range69,700 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10195202 · 69,700 mi

MY 2001 MERCEDES CL 55 INSTRUMENT CLUSTER IS EXPERIENCING ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS. THE INSTRUMENT LIGHT JUST COMPLETELY TURN OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING AT NIGHT. I COULDN'T SEE ANYTHING AND HAVE NO IDEA HOW FAST I WAS DRIVING. IT WAS PRETTY SCARE DRIVING HOME THE NIGHT. I REPLACE THE FUSE BUT THE IT STILL DIDN'T WORK. *TR

Look up ODI 10195202 at NHTSA ↗

Electronic Stability Control (Esc)Too few reports for a range98,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10455071 · 98,000 mi

LEFT FRONT SUSPENSION DROPS ONCE ENGINE IS TURNED OFF. AFTER STARTING ENGINE, MUST PUT THE CAR IN GEAR FOR THE SUSPENSION TO RISE. HAD THE ESC PUMP REPLACED IN SEPT 2010. SYMPTOM RETURNED OCT 2011. *TR

Look up ODI 10455071 at NHTSA ↗

Interior LightingToo few reports for a range118,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10455072 · 118,000 mi

MY 2001 CL55 MERCEDES INSTRUMENT CLUSTER HAS LOST ITS BACK LIGHT. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE CAR (RECALL 06V028000), BUT MY PARTICULAR VIN IS APPARENTLY NOT COVERED UNDER THE CURRENT RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. *TR

Look up ODI 10455072 at NHTSA ↗

Unknown Or OtherToo few reports for a range100,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 11390920 · 100,000 mi

IN THE BEGINNING THE LIGHTS FOR THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER BEGAN TO INTERMITTENTLY FLICKER BUT ONLY LASTED A FEW MINUTES. THE PROBLEM HAS PROGRESSED WORSE AND NOW THE SPEEDOMETER NO LONGER SHOWS. EVEN SO MORE THE PROBLEM NOW AFFLICTS THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND NO LIGHTS DISPLAY. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AS I CANNOT SEE OR DISCERN CERTAIN VEHICLE INFORMATIONS, ESPECIALLY WHEN DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS OR AT NIGHT BECAUSE THE INFORMATION IS NO LONGER VISIBLE. THE ISSUE PERSISTS WHETHER THE CAR IS STATIONARY OR MOVING. BUT HAPPENS MORE…

Look up ODI 11390920 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 21 reports

2001: 0 complaints · 2002: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2001000
2002000
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
2001300
2002300

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 SystemSuspensionElectrical System: Instrument Cluster/PanelElectronic Stability Control (Esc)Interior LightingUnknown Or Other
Electrical System—000
1
ODI 10455072 · 118,000 mi

MY 2001 CL55 MERCEDES INSTRUMENT CLUSTER HAS LOST ITS BACK LIGHT. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE CAR (RECALL 06V028000), BUT MY PARTICULAR VIN IS APPARENTLY NOT COVERED UNDER THE CURRENT RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. *TR

Look up ODI 10455072 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 11390920 · 100,000 mi

IN THE BEGINNING THE LIGHTS FOR THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER BEGAN TO INTERMITTENTLY FLICKER BUT ONLY LASTED A FEW MINUTES. THE PROBLEM HAS PROGRESSED WORSE AND NOW THE SPEEDOMETER NO LONGER SHOWS. EVEN SO MORE THE PROBLEM NOW AFFLICTS THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND NO LIGHTS DISPLAY. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AS I CANNOT SEE OR DISCERN CERTAIN VEHICLE INFORMATIONS, ESPECIALLY WHEN DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS OR AT NIGHT BECAUSE THE INFORMATION IS NO LONGER VISIBLE. THE ISSUE PERSISTS WHETHER THE CAR IS STATIONARY OR MOVING. BUT HAPPENS MORE…

Look up ODI 11390920 at NHTSA ↗

Suspension0—0
1
ODI 10455071 · 98,000 mi

LEFT FRONT SUSPENSION DROPS ONCE ENGINE IS TURNED OFF. AFTER STARTING ENGINE, MUST PUT THE CAR IN GEAR FOR THE SUSPENSION TO RISE. HAD THE ESC PUMP REPLACED IN SEPT 2010. SYMPTOM RETURNED OCT 2011. *TR

Look up ODI 10455071 at NHTSA ↗

00
Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel00—000
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)0
1
ODI 10455071 · 98,000 mi

LEFT FRONT SUSPENSION DROPS ONCE ENGINE IS TURNED OFF. AFTER STARTING ENGINE, MUST PUT THE CAR IN GEAR FOR THE SUSPENSION TO RISE. HAD THE ESC PUMP REPLACED IN SEPT 2010. SYMPTOM RETURNED OCT 2011. *TR

Look up ODI 10455071 at NHTSA ↗

0—00
Interior Lighting
1
ODI 10455072 · 118,000 mi

MY 2001 CL55 MERCEDES INSTRUMENT CLUSTER HAS LOST ITS BACK LIGHT. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE CAR (RECALL 06V028000), BUT MY PARTICULAR VIN IS APPARENTLY NOT COVERED UNDER THE CURRENT RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. *TR

Look up ODI 10455072 at NHTSA ↗

000—0
Unknown Or Other
1
ODI 11390920 · 100,000 mi

IN THE BEGINNING THE LIGHTS FOR THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER BEGAN TO INTERMITTENTLY FLICKER BUT ONLY LASTED A FEW MINUTES. THE PROBLEM HAS PROGRESSED WORSE AND NOW THE SPEEDOMETER NO LONGER SHOWS. EVEN SO MORE THE PROBLEM NOW AFFLICTS THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND NO LIGHTS DISPLAY. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AS I CANNOT SEE OR DISCERN CERTAIN VEHICLE INFORMATIONS, ESPECIALLY WHEN DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS OR AT NIGHT BECAUSE THE INFORMATION IS NO LONGER VISIBLE. THE ISSUE PERSISTS WHETHER THE CAR IS STATIONARY OR MOVING. BUT HAPPENS MORE…

Look up ODI 11390920 at NHTSA ↗

0000—

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.

1 patterns with matching reports.

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

1 mentions · 16.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 88,795 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 11585847 · 88,795 mi

The contact owns a 2002 Mercedes-Benz CL55 AMG. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed. The contact heard a hissing noise coming from the vehicle and noticed the height of the vehicle had started lowering. The ABC (Active Body Control) Drive warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the residence and noticed that the air was coming from the driver’s side rear wheel. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with corrosion on the ABC Drive system and that the …

Look up ODI 11585847 at NHTSA ↗

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