U.S. public vehicle records

Mercedes Benz CLK CLASS problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

35 owner complaints analyzed

2 distinct recall campaigns

51,943 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2000 to 2006 model years. Data updated: 2026-09-30 (September 30, 2026). 27 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel is the most frequently named component, appearing in 5 of 35 complaints (14.3%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Transmission and shifting	7	20.0%
Engine operation	4	11.4%
Braking behavior	3	8.6%
Steering behavior	2	5.7%
Electrical and battery issues	1	2.9%
Fuel system concerns	1	2.9%

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: Instrument Cluster/Panel

Electrical System

Engine And Engine Cooling

Power Train:Automatic Transmission

Air Bags

Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm)

Seat Belts

Structure:Body:Bumpers

Component breakdown data
Category	Count
Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel	5
Electrical System	3
Engine And Engine Cooling	3
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	3
Air Bags	2
Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm)	2
Seat Belts	2
Structure:Body:Bumpers	2

Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel: 5; Electrical System: 3; Engine And Engine Cooling: 3; Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 3; Air Bags: 2; Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm): 2; Seat Belts: 2; Structure:Body:Bumpers: 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: 7; 25,000 to 49,999: 6; 50,000 to 74,999: 11; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 3; 150,000 and above: 0

50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (11). 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.

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2011

2014

2002: 1; 2003: 1; 2004: 5; 2005: 4; 2006: 4; 2007: 10; 2008: 4; 2011: 3; 2014: 3

Pattern summary

Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 7 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 4 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 3 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 10163069 · 2006-07-21 (July 21, 2006)

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WATER WAS SPILLED ON THE CONSOLE CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO BE INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT IN THE CONSOLE WHICH CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. UPDATED 8/14/2006 - *NM

Owner-reported narrative. 60,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10163069 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10200844 · 2007-08-27 (August 27, 2007)

THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IN MY 2001 MERCEDES-BENZ CLK430 WILL FREQUENTLY BECOME STUCK IN ONLY ONE GEAR. MOST OFTEN 3RD GEAR, BUT SOMETIMES 2ND. THIS IS A TERRIFYING SITUATION FOR ME, ESPECIALLY IN TRAFFIC, AS THE AUTOMOBILE DOES NOT ACCELERATE FROM A STOP IN 3RD GEAR AND ABRUPTLY SLOWS WHEN LETTING OFF THE ACCELERATOR IN 2ND. 2ND GEAR ALSO LIMITS THE SPEED OF THE CAR SIGNIFICANTLY AND HAS CAUSED ME TO BE THE TRAFFIC SLOWDOWN AT RUSH HOUR ON MANY OCCASIONS. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL CLOSE CALLS, AS I CANNOT GET THE CAR OUT OF A BUSY INTERSECTION …

Owner-reported narrative. 59,875 miles reported. Look up ODI 10200844 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10083528 · 2004-07-22 (July 22, 2004)

WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONSUMER TRIED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE CONSUMER INFORMED THE MECHANIC THAT PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED MORE THAN ONCE . PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10083528 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10095870 · 2004-10-16 (October 16, 2004)

IN MOST PARKING LOTS, LOW CONCRETE "CURBS" ARE PLACED IN STALLS TO PREVENT CARS FROM PULLING TOO FAR FORWARD. TYPICAL CURBS ARE ABOUT SIX INCHES IN HEIGHT. WHEN PARKING IN MANY LOTS IT IS NECESSARY TO PULL A CAR FORWARD SO THE FRONT TIRES TOUCH (OR NEARLY TOUCH) THESE CURBS. OTHERWISE, THE BACK END OF THE CAR WILL BE TOO FAR OUT IN THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC. THE FRONT BUMPER OF THE 2001 MERCEDES CLK 430 IS PRONE TOWARD DAMAGE ON THESE CURBS WHEN BACKING OUT OF A PARKING STALL. THIS OCCURS BECAUSE OF A LIP ON THE LOWER PORTION OF THE FRONT BUMPER…

Owner-reported narrative. 10,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10095870 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10159952 · 2006-06-15 (June 15, 2006)

1ST, IN MAY 2006, I WAS PARKING MY 2001 MERCEDES BENZ, CLK-430, INTO PARKING LOT AT 7-11 STORE. I PLACE THE SHIFTER INTO P (PARK). THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING AT THIS TIME. I REMOVE MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE CAR RUNNING BACK OUT OF THE PARKING STALL AS IF IT WAS IN THE REVERSE GEAR. I PLACED MY FOOT BACK ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE CAR MOVEMENT. I PLACE THE SHIFTER BACK IN THE DRIVE LOCATION AND DRIVE THE CAR BACK TO THE ORIGINAL PLACE. AND PLACE THE SHIFTER BACK IN PARK AND AGAIN THE CAR START ROLLING BACKWARDS. ON THE SAME EVENING…

Owner-reported narrative. 32,850 miles reported. Look up ODI 10159952 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10073868 · 2004-06-29 (June 29, 2004)

WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN TO PULL INTO THE GARAGE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AT A HIGH SPEED. THE CONSUMER'S FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE PEDAL WHEN THIS OCCURRED. THE CONSUMER APPLIED EXCESSIVE FORCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE FROM ACCELERATING, BUT IT FAILED TO DO SO. THE VEHICLE STOPPED ACCELERATING WHEN IT SMASHED INTO THE GARAGE WALL. THE FACTORY REPRESENTATIVE CAME OUT TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE, BUT INDICATED THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG ALTHOUGH THERE WAS A 3 FEET LONG BRAKE MARK ON THE GARAGE FLOOR. *AK *SC *JB

Owner-reported narrative. 21,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10073868 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10240228 · 2008-08-29 (August 29, 2008)

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ CLK 500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED FLAMES UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND TWO OTHER VEHICLES WERE MODERATELY DAMAGED BY THE FLAMES. HE NOTICED EXCESSIVE POWER STEERING FLUID ON THE GROUND WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS LOCATED. A POLICE OFFICER STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING PUMP OR THE LINES/FITTINGS/HOSES WERE THE CAUSES OF THE FAILURE. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR "B" SERVICE, BUT NO FAILURE COULD…

Owner-reported narrative. 57,528 miles reported. Look up ODI 10240228 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10558710 · 2014-01-06 (January 6, 2014)

I HAVE HAD SEAT BELT TROUBLE. WHEN I FIRST BOUGHT THE CAR IT WAS WEAK TO RETRACT. THAN 9 MONTHS LATER IT GAVE OUT ON ME. I LOOKED INTO IT ONLINE AND IT TURNS OUT ALMOST ALL THESE VEHICLES HAVE THIS PROBLEM BEFORE 100,000 MILES. THERE ARE DOZENS OF FORUMS IN COMPLAINTS PLENTY OF PEOPLE SAYING THEY HAVE THE PROBLEM TO IN EACH. ITS A HAZARD THAT PEOPLE ARE DRIVING THESE CARS AND DECIDE THEY DON'T HAVE $500 TO BUY A SEAT BELT RETRACTOR PLUS $200 IN LABOR. ALSO IT OFTEN LEAVES NO WARNING THAT IT WON'T RETRACT. THERE WILL BE AN ACCIDENT ONE DAY AND S…

Owner-reported narrative. 103,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10558710 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10438188 · 2011-12-03 (December 3, 2011)

MY COMPLAINT IS AGAINST MERCEDES-BENZ, USA FOR THEIR FAILURE TO INFORM ME OF THE SUBSTANTIVE DEFECTS AND RECALLS AT THE TIME OF MY PURCHASE OF THE 2006 MERCEDES C280; VIN [XXX]. ON APRIL 24, 2009, I ENGAGED IN A CONTRACT WITH MERCEDES BENZ FINANCIAL SERVICES FOR THE PURCHASE OF THE ABOVE 2006 C-280. I WAS NEVER INFORMED OF THE SERIOUS DEFECTS ON THE VEHICLE. I WAS NEVER GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION. HENCE, THE BUSINESS PRACTICE OF MERCEDES BENZ AND OR IT'S DEALERSHIP WAS DECEPTIVE. IT IS HARD TO IMAGINE THAT ANYONE…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10438188 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10568602 · 2014-03-11 (March 11, 2014)

WE SMELLED THE ODOR OF GASOLINE IN OUR GARAGE, SO TOOK OUR VEHICLE TO MERCEDES OF HENDERSON. WE WERE INFORMED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS CRACKED AROUND THE TOP MOUNTING BOLT AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, WE NOTED THAT THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THE MERCEDES E AND CLK CLASS VEHICLES. THE FACT THAT THE CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT, THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A DEFECT IN THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS. WHEN RESEARCHING ON THE INTERNET, WE OBSERVED NUMEROUS MERCEDES OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. DOES OU…

Owner-reported narrative. 72,094 miles reported. Look up ODI 10568602 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.

2000

2001

2003

2004

2006

2000: 0; 2001: 0; 2003: 1; 2004: 2; 2006: 1

First model yearSecond model year

Year-by-year records

Mercedes Benz CLK CLASS model-year comparison
Model year	Complaints	Recalls	Change in recalls
2000	1	0	Not available
2001	14	0	0
2003	10	1	Not available
2004	7	2	+1
2006	3	1	Not available

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

35 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

77.1%Usable mileage27 / 35 records

100.0%Valid incident date35 / 35 records

100.0%Valid filing date35 / 35 records

100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates35 / 35 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	2000	2001	2003	2004	2006
Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel	1100.0% ODI 10198337 · 44,000 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ CLK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL IS BEGINNING TO FADE AND IS DIFFICULT TO READ. THE BOTTOM OF THE PANEL IS TURNING ORANGE IN COLOR. THE REST OF THE PANEL REMAINS GRAY. HE HAS NOT SPOKEN TO THE DEALER REGARDING THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 44,500 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,000. Look up ODI 10198337 at NHTSA ↗	428.6% ODI 10198355 · 61,300 mi DASH LED'S ARE FAILING CAUSING THE DRIVE INDICATOR TO NOT REGISTER CORRECTLY. WHEN I PLACE IT IN GEAR BECAUSE THE LIGHTS GO ON AND OFF AS A BAD CONNECTION I CANNOT TELL WHAT GEAR I AM IN. ALSO THE SAME LED'S FOR THE CLOCK AND TEMP ARE FAILING IN THE SAME UNIT. *TR Look up ODI 10198355 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.
Electrical System	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	17.1% ODI 10227663 · 63,000 mi THE PIXELS ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WENT OUT AND YOU CAN NO LONGER TELL WHAT GEAR YOU ARE IN. I'VE BROUGHT THE CAR TO MY LOCAL DEALER FOR THEIR INSPECTION AND I WAS QUOTED $1500 FOR THE REPAIR BECAUSE IT IS NOT COVER UNDER WARRANTY. *TR Look up ODI 10227663 at NHTSA ↗	110.0% ODI 10400021 · 32,879 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ CLK430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER AND RADIO WERE DEFECTIVE. HE MENTIONED THAT THE PIXELS ON BOTH WERE MISSING. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED WHO STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 32,879. Look up ODI 10400021 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	133.3% ODI 10438188 MY COMPLAINT IS AGAINST MERCEDES-BENZ, USA FOR THEIR FAILURE TO INFORM ME OF THE SUBSTANTIVE DEFECTS AND RECALLS AT THE TIME OF MY PURCHASE OF THE 2006 MERCEDES C280; VIN [XXX]. ON APRIL 24, 2009, I ENGAGED IN A CONTRACT WITH MERCEDES BENZ FINANCIAL SERVICES FOR THE PURCHASE OF THE ABOVE 2006 C-280. I WAS NEVER INFORMED OF THE SERIOUS DEFECTS ON THE VEHICLE. I WAS NEVER GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION. HENCE, THE BUSINESS PRACTICE OF MERCEDES BENZ AND OR IT'S DEALERSHIP WAS DECEPTIVE. IT IS HARD TO IMAGINE THAT ANYONE… Look up ODI 10438188 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	214.3% ODI 10083528 WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONSUMER TRIED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE CONSUMER INFORMED THE MECHANIC THAT PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED MORE THAN ONCE . PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB Look up ODI 10083528 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	133.3% ODI 10438188 MY COMPLAINT IS AGAINST MERCEDES-BENZ, USA FOR THEIR FAILURE TO INFORM ME OF THE SUBSTANTIVE DEFECTS AND RECALLS AT THE TIME OF MY PURCHASE OF THE 2006 MERCEDES C280; VIN [XXX]. ON APRIL 24, 2009, I ENGAGED IN A CONTRACT WITH MERCEDES BENZ FINANCIAL SERVICES FOR THE PURCHASE OF THE ABOVE 2006 C-280. I WAS NEVER INFORMED OF THE SERIOUS DEFECTS ON THE VEHICLE. I WAS NEVER GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION. HENCE, THE BUSINESS PRACTICE OF MERCEDES BENZ AND OR IT'S DEALERSHIP WAS DECEPTIVE. IT IS HARD TO IMAGINE THAT ANYONE… Look up ODI 10438188 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	17.1% ODI 10159952 · 32,850 mi 1ST, IN MAY 2006, I WAS PARKING MY 2001 MERCEDES BENZ, CLK-430, INTO PARKING LOT AT 7-11 STORE. I PLACE THE SHIFTER INTO P (PARK). THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING AT THIS TIME. I REMOVE MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE CAR RUNNING BACK OUT OF THE PARKING STALL AS IF IT WAS IN THE REVERSE GEAR. I PLACED MY FOOT BACK ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE CAR MOVEMENT. I PLACE THE SHIFTER BACK IN THE DRIVE LOCATION AND DRIVE THE CAR BACK TO THE ORIGINAL PLACE. AND PLACE THE SHIFTER BACK IN PARK AND AGAIN THE CAR START ROLLING BACKWARDS. ON THE SAME EVENING… Look up ODI 10159952 at NHTSA ↗	110.0% ODI 10232784 · 24,000 mi TRANSMISSION FAILURE. RUSTED AND CORRODED TRANS AT 24,000 MILES CAUSED BY FAULTY MERCEDES VALEO RADIATOR. MERCEDES OWN STAR BULLETIN TELLS DEALERS ABOUT THIS ISSUE BUT MY DEALER DECIDED NOT TO CHECK IT OUT AND NOW MERCEDES AND DEALER ARE REFUSING TO HELP WHEN THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM ON MANY OF THEIR MODELS AND SHOULD BE A RECALL. *TR Look up ODI 10232784 at NHTSA ↗	114.3% ODI 10106935 THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR WAS REPLACED TWICE. THE SEAT BELT MECHANISM ARM MALFUNCTIONED. ALSO, TRANSMISSION WAS SERVICED FOR LEAKING FLUID, AND NOT CHANGING GEARS.*AK Look up ODI 10106935 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Air Bags	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	114.3% ODI 10101418 THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. THE IMPACT WAS SO SEVERE THAT THE ENTIRE FRONT GRILL AND BUMPER WERE RIPPED OFF. THERE WAS DAMAGE ON EVERY SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. ONLY THE RIGHT REAR AIR BAG DEPLOYED. NM SC Look up ODI 10101418 at NHTSA ↗	133.3% ODI 10438188 MY COMPLAINT IS AGAINST MERCEDES-BENZ, USA FOR THEIR FAILURE TO INFORM ME OF THE SUBSTANTIVE DEFECTS AND RECALLS AT THE TIME OF MY PURCHASE OF THE 2006 MERCEDES C280; VIN [XXX]. ON APRIL 24, 2009, I ENGAGED IN A CONTRACT WITH MERCEDES BENZ FINANCIAL SERVICES FOR THE PURCHASE OF THE ABOVE 2006 C-280. I WAS NEVER INFORMED OF THE SERIOUS DEFECTS ON THE VEHICLE. I WAS NEVER GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION. HENCE, THE BUSINESS PRACTICE OF MERCEDES BENZ AND OR IT'S DEALERSHIP WAS DECEPTIVE. IT IS HARD TO IMAGINE THAT ANYONE… Look up ODI 10438188 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm)	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	214.3% ODI 10163069 · 60,000 mi DT: THE CONTACT STATED WATER WAS SPILLED ON THE CONSOLE CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO BE INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT IN THE CONSOLE WHICH CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. UPDATED 8/14/2006 - NM Look up ODI 10163069 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.
Seat Belts	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	110.0% ODI 10558710 · 103,000 mi I HAVE HAD SEAT BELT TROUBLE. WHEN I FIRST BOUGHT THE CAR IT WAS WEAK TO RETRACT. THAN 9 MONTHS LATER IT GAVE OUT ON ME. I LOOKED INTO IT ONLINE AND IT TURNS OUT ALMOST ALL THESE VEHICLES HAVE THIS PROBLEM BEFORE 100,000 MILES. THERE ARE DOZENS OF FORUMS IN COMPLAINTS PLENTY OF PEOPLE SAYING THEY HAVE THE PROBLEM TO IN EACH. ITS A HAZARD THAT PEOPLE ARE DRIVING THESE CARS AND DECIDE THEY DON'T HAVE $500 TO BUY A SEAT BELT RETRACTOR PLUS $200 IN LABOR. ALSO IT OFTEN LEAVES NO WARNING THAT IT WON'T RETRACT. THERE WILL BE AN ACCIDENT ONE DAY AND S… Look up ODI 10558710 at NHTSA ↗	114.3% ODI 10440867 · 111,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ CLK. THE CONTACT STATED THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE SHOULDER SEAT BELT RETRACTOR FAILED TO OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO INFORMED THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,000. Look up ODI 10440867 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Structure:Body:Bumpers	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	17.1% ODI 10095870 · 10,000 mi IN MOST PARKING LOTS, LOW CONCRETE "CURBS" ARE PLACED IN STALLS TO PREVENT CARS FROM PULLING TOO FAR FORWARD. TYPICAL CURBS ARE ABOUT SIX INCHES IN HEIGHT. WHEN PARKING IN MANY LOTS IT IS NECESSARY TO PULL A CAR FORWARD SO THE FRONT TIRES TOUCH (OR NEARLY TOUCH) THESE CURBS. OTHERWISE, THE BACK END OF THE CAR WILL BE TOO FAR OUT IN THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC. THE FRONT BUMPER OF THE 2001 MERCEDES CLK 430 IS PRONE TOWARD DAMAGE ON THESE CURBS WHEN BACKING OUT OF A PARKING STALL. THIS OCCURS BECAUSE OF A LIP ON THE LOWER PORTION OF THE FRONT BUMPER… Look up ODI 10095870 at NHTSA ↗	110.0% ODI 10190664 · 29,000 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ CLK 430. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE BRACKETS THAT HOLD THE FRONT BUMPER WERE FAILING. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS TO DETACH FROM THE BUMPER. THE DEALER DID NOT STATE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 34,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,000. Look up ODI 10190664 at NHTSA ↗	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: Instrument Cluster/Panel	Too few reports for a range	51,000 mi	4 (sparse)	ODI 10198337 · 44,000 mi TLTHE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ CLK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL IS BEGINNING TO FADE AND IS DIFFICULT TO READ. THE BOTTOM OF THE PANEL IS TURNING ORANGE IN COLOR. THE REST OF THE PANEL REMAINS GRAY. HE HAS NOT SPOKEN TO THE DEALER REGARDING THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 44,500 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,000. Look up ODI 10198337 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10198355 · 61,300 mi DASH LED'S ARE FAILING CAUSING THE DRIVE INDICATOR TO NOT REGISTER CORRECTLY. WHEN I PLACE IT IN GEAR BECAUSE THE LIGHTS GO ON AND OFF AS A BAD CONNECTION I CANNOT TELL WHAT GEAR I AM IN. ALSO THE SAME LED'S FOR THE CLOCK AND TEMP ARE FAILING IN THE SAME UNIT. TR Look up ODI 10198355 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10200847 · 58,000 mi THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER IN MY 2001 MERCEDES-BENZ CLK430 DOES NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE PIXELS IN THE GEAR SELECTOR, TEMPERATURE AND CLOCK SECTION DO NOT LIGHT UP. THIS MAKES IT IMPOSSIBLE TO TELL WHAT GEAR THE CAR IS IN, AND POSES A SAFETY HAZARD. THE "P" AND "R" ARE DIFFICULT TO DISTINGUISH. THIS CAR HAS TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, AND THE NECESSITY TO IDENTIFY WHICH GEAR THE CAR IS IN BY "FEEL" IS DANGEROUS. *TR Look up ODI 10200847 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	Too few reports for a range	47,940 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10227663 · 63,000 mi THE PIXELS ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WENT OUT AND YOU CAN NO LONGER TELL WHAT GEAR YOU ARE IN. I'VE BROUGHT THE CAR TO MY LOCAL DEALER FOR THEIR INSPECTION AND I WAS QUOTED $1500 FOR THE REPAIR BECAUSE IT IS NOT COVER UNDER WARRANTY. TR Look up ODI 10227663 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10400021 · 32,879 mi TL THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ CLK430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER AND RADIO WERE DEFECTIVE. HE MENTIONED THAT THE PIXELS ON BOTH WERE MISSING. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED WHO STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 32,879. Look up ODI 10400021 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling	Too few reports for a range	51,943 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10136557 · 51,943 mi DT: CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT 25- 30 MPH AND THE VEHICLE DIED ON THE ROAD. THE ENGINE LIGHT DID NOT COME ON. AFTER TAKING THE KEY COMPLETELY OUT AND RE-INSERTING THE KEY THE VEHICLE DID CRANK BACK UP. HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS CRANK SHAFT POSITION SENSOR. THIS HAPPENED ON SEPTEMBER 4, 2005. AK JB Look up ODI 10136557 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	Too few reports for a range	28,425 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10159952 · 32,850 mi 1ST, IN MAY 2006, I WAS PARKING MY 2001 MERCEDES BENZ, CLK-430, INTO PARKING LOT AT 7-11 STORE. I PLACE THE SHIFTER INTO P (PARK). THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING AT THIS TIME. I REMOVE MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE CAR RUNNING BACK OUT OF THE PARKING STALL AS IF IT WAS IN THE REVERSE GEAR. I PLACED MY FOOT BACK ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE CAR MOVEMENT. I PLACE THE SHIFTER BACK IN THE DRIVE LOCATION AND DRIVE THE CAR BACK TO THE ORIGINAL PLACE. AND PLACE THE SHIFTER BACK IN PARK AND AGAIN THE CAR START ROLLING BACKWARDS. ON THE SAME EVENING… Look up ODI 10159952 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10232784 · 24,000 mi TRANSMISSION FAILURE. RUSTED AND CORRODED TRANS AT 24,000 MILES CAUSED BY FAULTY MERCEDES VALEO RADIATOR. MERCEDES OWN STAR BULLETIN TELLS DEALERS ABOUT THIS ISSUE BUT MY DEALER DECIDED NOT TO CHECK IT OUT AND NOW MERCEDES AND DEALER ARE REFUSING TO HELP WHEN THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM ON MANY OF THEIR MODELS AND SHOULD BE A RECALL. *TR Look up ODI 10232784 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm)	Too few reports for a range	59,938 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10163069 · 60,000 mi DT: THE CONTACT STATED WATER WAS SPILLED ON THE CONSOLE CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO BE INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT IN THE CONSOLE WHICH CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. UPDATED 8/14/2006 - NM Look up ODI 10163069 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10200844 · 59,875 mi THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IN MY 2001 MERCEDES-BENZ CLK430 WILL FREQUENTLY BECOME STUCK IN ONLY ONE GEAR. MOST OFTEN 3RD GEAR, BUT SOMETIMES 2ND. THIS IS A TERRIFYING SITUATION FOR ME, ESPECIALLY IN TRAFFIC, AS THE AUTOMOBILE DOES NOT ACCELERATE FROM A STOP IN 3RD GEAR AND ABRUPTLY SLOWS WHEN LETTING OFF THE ACCELERATOR IN 2ND. 2ND GEAR ALSO LIMITS THE SPEED OF THE CAR SIGNIFICANTLY AND HAS CAUSED ME TO BE THE TRAFFIC SLOWDOWN AT RUSH HOUR ON MANY OCCASIONS. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL CLOSE CALLS, AS I CANNOT GET THE CAR OUT OF A BUSY INTERSECTION … Look up ODI 10200844 at NHTSA ↗
Seat Belts	Too few reports for a range	107,000 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10558710 · 103,000 mi I HAVE HAD SEAT BELT TROUBLE. WHEN I FIRST BOUGHT THE CAR IT WAS WEAK TO RETRACT. THAN 9 MONTHS LATER IT GAVE OUT ON ME. I LOOKED INTO IT ONLINE AND IT TURNS OUT ALMOST ALL THESE VEHICLES HAVE THIS PROBLEM BEFORE 100,000 MILES. THERE ARE DOZENS OF FORUMS IN COMPLAINTS PLENTY OF PEOPLE SAYING THEY HAVE THE PROBLEM TO IN EACH. ITS A HAZARD THAT PEOPLE ARE DRIVING THESE CARS AND DECIDE THEY DON'T HAVE $500 TO BUY A SEAT BELT RETRACTOR PLUS $200 IN LABOR. ALSO IT OFTEN LEAVES NO WARNING THAT IT WON'T RETRACT. THERE WILL BE AN ACCIDENT ONE DAY AND S… Look up ODI 10558710 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10440867 · 111,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ CLK. THE CONTACT STATED THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE SHOULDER SEAT BELT RETRACTOR FAILED TO OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO INFORMED THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,000. Look up ODI 10440867 at NHTSA ↗
Structure:Body:Bumpers	Too few reports for a range	19,500 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10095870 · 10,000 mi IN MOST PARKING LOTS, LOW CONCRETE "CURBS" ARE PLACED IN STALLS TO PREVENT CARS FROM PULLING TOO FAR FORWARD. TYPICAL CURBS ARE ABOUT SIX INCHES IN HEIGHT. WHEN PARKING IN MANY LOTS IT IS NECESSARY TO PULL A CAR FORWARD SO THE FRONT TIRES TOUCH (OR NEARLY TOUCH) THESE CURBS. OTHERWISE, THE BACK END OF THE CAR WILL BE TOO FAR OUT IN THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC. THE FRONT BUMPER OF THE 2001 MERCEDES CLK 430 IS PRONE TOWARD DAMAGE ON THESE CURBS WHEN BACKING OUT OF A PARKING STALL. THIS OCCURS BECAUSE OF A LIP ON THE LOWER PORTION OF THE FRONT BUMPER… Look up ODI 10095870 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10190664 · 29,000 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ CLK 430. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE BRACKETS THAT HOLD THE FRONT BUMPER WERE FAILING. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS TO DETACH FROM THE BUMPER. THE DEALER DID NOT STATE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 34,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,000. Look up ODI 10190664 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
2024-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
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 (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

2004: 5 complaints · 2006: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2004	2	4	5
2006	0	0	0

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2004	7	0	0
2006	3	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: Instrument Cluster/Panel	Electrical System	Engine And Engine Cooling	Power Train:Automatic Transmission	Air Bags	Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm)	Seat Belts	Structure:Body:Bumpers
Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel	—	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Electrical System	0	—	1 ODI 10438188 MY COMPLAINT IS AGAINST MERCEDES-BENZ, USA FOR THEIR FAILURE TO INFORM ME OF THE SUBSTANTIVE DEFECTS AND RECALLS AT THE TIME OF MY PURCHASE OF THE 2006 MERCEDES C280; VIN [XXX]. ON APRIL 24, 2009, I ENGAGED IN A CONTRACT WITH MERCEDES BENZ FINANCIAL SERVICES FOR THE PURCHASE OF THE ABOVE 2006 C-280. I WAS NEVER INFORMED OF THE SERIOUS DEFECTS ON THE VEHICLE. I WAS NEVER GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION. HENCE, THE BUSINESS PRACTICE OF MERCEDES BENZ AND OR IT'S DEALERSHIP WAS DECEPTIVE. IT IS HARD TO IMAGINE THAT ANYONE… Look up ODI 10438188 at NHTSA ↗	0	1 ODI 10438188 MY COMPLAINT IS AGAINST MERCEDES-BENZ, USA FOR THEIR FAILURE TO INFORM ME OF THE SUBSTANTIVE DEFECTS AND RECALLS AT THE TIME OF MY PURCHASE OF THE 2006 MERCEDES C280; VIN [XXX]. ON APRIL 24, 2009, I ENGAGED IN A CONTRACT WITH MERCEDES BENZ FINANCIAL SERVICES FOR THE PURCHASE OF THE ABOVE 2006 C-280. I WAS NEVER INFORMED OF THE SERIOUS DEFECTS ON THE VEHICLE. I WAS NEVER GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION. HENCE, THE BUSINESS PRACTICE OF MERCEDES BENZ AND OR IT'S DEALERSHIP WAS DECEPTIVE. IT IS HARD TO IMAGINE THAT ANYONE… Look up ODI 10438188 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0
Engine And Engine Cooling	0	1 ODI 10438188 MY COMPLAINT IS AGAINST MERCEDES-BENZ, USA FOR THEIR FAILURE TO INFORM ME OF THE SUBSTANTIVE DEFECTS AND RECALLS AT THE TIME OF MY PURCHASE OF THE 2006 MERCEDES C280; VIN [XXX]. ON APRIL 24, 2009, I ENGAGED IN A CONTRACT WITH MERCEDES BENZ FINANCIAL SERVICES FOR THE PURCHASE OF THE ABOVE 2006 C-280. I WAS NEVER INFORMED OF THE SERIOUS DEFECTS ON THE VEHICLE. I WAS NEVER GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION. HENCE, THE BUSINESS PRACTICE OF MERCEDES BENZ AND OR IT'S DEALERSHIP WAS DECEPTIVE. IT IS HARD TO IMAGINE THAT ANYONE… Look up ODI 10438188 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	1 ODI 10438188 MY COMPLAINT IS AGAINST MERCEDES-BENZ, USA FOR THEIR FAILURE TO INFORM ME OF THE SUBSTANTIVE DEFECTS AND RECALLS AT THE TIME OF MY PURCHASE OF THE 2006 MERCEDES C280; VIN [XXX]. ON APRIL 24, 2009, I ENGAGED IN A CONTRACT WITH MERCEDES BENZ FINANCIAL SERVICES FOR THE PURCHASE OF THE ABOVE 2006 C-280. I WAS NEVER INFORMED OF THE SERIOUS DEFECTS ON THE VEHICLE. I WAS NEVER GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION. HENCE, THE BUSINESS PRACTICE OF MERCEDES BENZ AND OR IT'S DEALERSHIP WAS DECEPTIVE. IT IS HARD TO IMAGINE THAT ANYONE… Look up ODI 10438188 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	0	0	0	—	0	0	0	0
Air Bags	0	1 ODI 10438188 MY COMPLAINT IS AGAINST MERCEDES-BENZ, USA FOR THEIR FAILURE TO INFORM ME OF THE SUBSTANTIVE DEFECTS AND RECALLS AT THE TIME OF MY PURCHASE OF THE 2006 MERCEDES C280; VIN [XXX]. ON APRIL 24, 2009, I ENGAGED IN A CONTRACT WITH MERCEDES BENZ FINANCIAL SERVICES FOR THE PURCHASE OF THE ABOVE 2006 C-280. I WAS NEVER INFORMED OF THE SERIOUS DEFECTS ON THE VEHICLE. I WAS NEVER GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION. HENCE, THE BUSINESS PRACTICE OF MERCEDES BENZ AND OR IT'S DEALERSHIP WAS DECEPTIVE. IT IS HARD TO IMAGINE THAT ANYONE… Look up ODI 10438188 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10438188 MY COMPLAINT IS AGAINST MERCEDES-BENZ, USA FOR THEIR FAILURE TO INFORM ME OF THE SUBSTANTIVE DEFECTS AND RECALLS AT THE TIME OF MY PURCHASE OF THE 2006 MERCEDES C280; VIN [XXX]. ON APRIL 24, 2009, I ENGAGED IN A CONTRACT WITH MERCEDES BENZ FINANCIAL SERVICES FOR THE PURCHASE OF THE ABOVE 2006 C-280. I WAS NEVER INFORMED OF THE SERIOUS DEFECTS ON THE VEHICLE. I WAS NEVER GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION. HENCE, THE BUSINESS PRACTICE OF MERCEDES BENZ AND OR IT'S DEALERSHIP WAS DECEPTIVE. IT IS HARD TO IMAGINE THAT ANYONE… Look up ODI 10438188 at NHTSA ↗	0	—	0	0	0
Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm)	0	0	0	0	0	—	0	0
Seat Belts	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	0
Structure:Body:Bumpers	0	0	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

3 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

4 mentions · 11.4% of complaints

Median mileage: 32,850 mi (3 usable records).

ODI 10083528

Look up ODI 10083528 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10095870 · 10,000 mi

Look up ODI 10095870 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10159952 · 32,850 mi

Look up ODI 10159952 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Brake response concerns

3 mentions · 8.6% of complaints

Median mileage: 32,850 mi (3 usable records).

ODI 10159952 · 32,850 mi

Look up ODI 10159952 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10073868 · 21,000 mi

Look up ODI 10073868 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10587586 · 111,114 mi

BOUGHT THE CAR IN OCT.OF 2013. THIRD BRAKE WARNING COMES ON FROM TIME TO TIME. HAVE CHECKED MY BRAKE LIGHTS WITH SOMEONE PUSHING THE BRAKE PEDAL WHILE I OBSERVED MORE THAN ONCE AND THEY WORK FINE. TWO OF MY CO-WORKERS HAVE TOLD ME RECENTLY WHILE FOLLOWING ME THAT MY THIRD BRAKE LIGHT DOES NOT ALWAYS WORK. I KNOW THERE IS A BRAKE LIGHT ISSUE THAT IS BEING RECALLED ON A DIFFERENT MERCEDES MODEL AND YEAR. WAS THINKING THAT MY VEHICLE MIGHT HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. *TR

Look up ODI 10587586 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Steering assistance concerns

1 mentions · 2.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 57,528 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10240228 · 57,528 mi

Look up ODI 10240228 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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