U.S. public vehicle records

Mercedes Benz CLK problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

19 owner complaints analyzed

1 distinct recall campaigns

48,788 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1998 to 2008 model years. Data updated: 2026-10-01 (October 1, 2026). 18 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 4 of 19 complaints (21.1%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Transmission and shifting	2	10.5%
Braking behavior	2	10.5%
Electrical and battery issues	2	10.5%
Steering behavior	2	10.5%
Fuel system concerns	2	10.5%
Engine operation	1	5.3%

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

Exterior Lighting

Fuel/Propulsion System

Seats

Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery

Electronic Stability Control (Esc)

Engine And Engine Cooling

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine

Component breakdown data
Category	Count
Electrical System	4
Exterior Lighting	4
Fuel/Propulsion System	3
Seats	2
Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery	1
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)	1
Engine And Engine Cooling	1
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	1

Electrical System: 4; Exterior Lighting: 4; Fuel/Propulsion System: 3; Seats: 2; Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery: 1; Electronic Stability Control (Esc): 1; Engine And Engine Cooling: 1; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 1

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: 5; 25,000 to 49,999: 4; 50,000 to 74,999: 2; 75,000 to 99,999: 3; 100,000 to 149,999: 3; 150,000 and above: 1

Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (5). 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.

2002

2004

2005

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2002: 1; 2004: 1; 2005: 1; 2009: 1; 2010: 4; 2011: 2; 2012: 3; 2013: 5; 2014: 1

Pattern summary

Electrical System leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 2 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues 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 10522057 · 2013-06-27 (June 27, 2013)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ CLK 430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO THIRD OR FOURTH GEAR. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY AND PROGRESSED TO A PERMANENT FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL UNIT. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 230,000. RETURNED BY USPS ON 8/9/2013. 2ND ATTEMPT FAILED O…

Owner-reported narrative. 230,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10522057 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10282730 · 2009-09-03 (September 3, 2009)

2008 CLK 550 - TRANSMISSION LOCKED IN DRIVE, WHEN SHIFTER INDICATED THAT CAR WAS IN PARK. WE WERE ADVISED THAT A SHIFT LINKAGE CLIP BROKE. THE CAR DROVE UNCONTROLLED INTO A LOW WALL DAMAGING THE VEHICLE. HAD THIS HAPPENED 5 MINUTES BEFORE IN A HOSPITAL PARKING LOT, THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED SERIOUS INJURY. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 17,600 miles reported. Look up ODI 10282730 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10342110 · 2010-07-08 (July 8, 2010)

AFTER THE 2001 CLK 430 DISPLAYED SEVERAL TIMES THE ABS ALERT AND ESC ALERT THE CAR BEGAN TO JERK AND COMPLETELY STOP. WE HAVE HAD THE COMPLETE BRAKE AND TIRE SYSTEM REPLACE FROM CALIPERS TO RIMS. WE ARE NOW BEING TOLD THE PROBLEM IS THE YAW RATE SENSOR WHICH HAS BEEN THE SUBJECT OF NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 126,768 miles reported. Look up ODI 10342110 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10568245 · 2014-03-10 (March 10, 2014)

THE BRAKE LIGHT ON THE TRUNK SIMPLY FELL OFF. I HAVE SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND HAVE FOUND THAT THERE ARE AT LEAST 50 OTHER OWNERS THAT HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE THOSE THAT SIMPLY JUST WENT AHEAD AND GOT IT FIXED WITHOUT POSTING IT. THIS IS A DEFECT WHERE THE RED LENS SEPARATES FROM THE LIGHT HOUSING AND THE BRAKE LIGHT NO LONGER SHOWS RED WHEN BRAKING. I ALSO UNDERSTAND THAT THIS CONTINUES TO RE-OCCUR EACH TIME IT IS REPLACED AT A COST OF $352.50 EACH TIME, NOT TO MENTION THE SAFETY ISSUE WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN WHI…

Owner-reported narrative. 51,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10568245 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 8017497 · 2002-08-28 (August 28, 2002)

WHILE PARKED BATTERY EXPLODED.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 8017497 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10487608 · 2012-12-06 (December 6, 2012)

WE BOUGHT THIS CAR AS-IS IN OCTOBER OF 2011. AT THAT TIME IT HAD 67,500 MILES ON IT. IN ABOUT MARCH OF 2012 WE NOTICED THAT THERE WERE THREE MAJOR THINGS WRONG WITH THE CAR AND THEY ALL APPEARED TO BE ELECTRICAL. THE WINDSHIELD SPRAY DID NOT FUNCTION EVEN THOUGH IT WAS FULL OF LIQUID. WE WIGGLED THE ELECTRICAL PLUG AND CHANGED THE FUSE AND IT WORKED FOR ABOUT 2 WEEKS. THE NEXT THING WAS THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE HEATED SEAT DID NOT WORK AND STILL DOES NOT. WE CANNOT FIND THE FUSE FOR THAT ONE. THEN THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT CONTROL ON THE DO…

Owner-reported narrative. 72,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10487608 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10074697 · 2004-06-02 (June 2, 2004)

SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING DUE TO DISINTEGRATION OF HARMONIC BALANCER. NEAR ACCIDENT. DEALER REPLACED HARMONIC BALANCER AND OTHER DAMAGED PARTS INCLUDING OIL PAN.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. 94,850 miles reported. Look up ODI 10074697 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10131349 · 2005-08-03 (August 3, 2005)

DT: CONTACT STATED THE HARMONIC BALANCER HAD TO BE REPLACED . THE SERVICE DEALER STATED THERE WAS A SERVICE CAMPAIGN FOR THIS SPECIFIC COMPONENT. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE DID NOT RECEIVE THIS IN THE MAIL. THE HARMONIC BALANCER CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO NOT HAVE STEERING CONTROL WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. 46,576 miles reported. Look up ODI 10131349 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10556256 · 2013-12-16 (December 16, 2013)

OUR 2006 MERCEDES CLK 500 STARTED TO SMELL LIKE GAS RIGHT AFTER FILLING IT UP AND WOULD CONTINUE TO SMELL UNTIL ABOUT 3/4 OF A TANK. AFTER REMOVING THE REAR SEAT AND SERVICE COVER I NOTICED THAT THERE WAS STANDING GASOLINE ON TOP OF THE GAS TANK. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 105,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10556256 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10556944 · 2013-12-22 (December 22, 2013)

AFTER FILLING UP THE GAS TANK AND PARKING IT IN THE GARAGE IT GIVES OFF A TERRIBLE GAS ODOR WHICH GETS MORE AND MORE STRONG THE LONGER THE CAR IS IN THE GARAGE. ONCE THE CARS FUEL TANK EMPTIES SOMEWHAT IT SEEMS TO NOT EMIT THE GAS ODORS AS MUCH . SHAME ON MERCEDES USA FOR NOT DOING A RECALL ON THIS HAZARD. FOR A COMPANY THAT PRIDES ITSELF ON SAFETY.. I HAVE READ HUNDREDS ON THE EXACT SAME COMPLAINTS ALL OVER THE WEB. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 7,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10556944 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.

1998

2000

2001

2002

2003

2005

2006

2007

2008

1998: 0; 2000: 0; 2001: 0; 2002: 0; 2003: 0; 2005: 0; 2006: 0; 2007: 1; 2008: 1

First model yearSecond model year

Year-by-year records

Mercedes Benz CLK model-year comparison
Model year	Complaints	Recalls	Change in recalls
1998	3	0	Not available
2000	1	0	Not available
2001	2	0	0
2002	2	0	0
2003	2	0	0
2005	1	0	Not available
2006	1	0	0
2007	3	1	+1
2008	4	1	0

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

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

94.7%Usable mileage18 / 19 records

94.7%Valid incident date18 / 19 records

100.0%Valid filing date19 / 19 records

94.7%Ordered incident and filing dates18 / 19 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	1998	2000	2001	2002	2003	2005	2006	2007	2008
Electrical System	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	2100.0% ODI 10351706 · 45,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ CLK 430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TEMPERATURE AND CLOCK GAUGES WERE DEFECTIVE AND HE WAS UNABLE TO DISTINGUISH THE ENTIRE NUMBERS OF THE TEMPERATURE AND CLOCK READINGS. FOR EXAMPLE, IF THE TEMPERATURE WAS 85 DEGREES, THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE WOULD ONLY DISPLAY THE 5. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER INSPECTED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 45,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 52,500. Look up ODI 10351706 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	1100.0% ODI 10483657 · 76,897 mi RIGHT FRONT XENON HEADLAMP BALLAST FAILED CAUSING HEADLAMP TO NOT ILLUMINATE, AFTER THIS PART WAS REPLACED SHORTLY AFTER THE XENON IGNITER FAILED THUS CAUSING HEADLAMP TO NOT ILLUMINATE AGAIN. A COUPLE OF MONTHS LATER NOW THE LEFT HEADLAMP HAS FAILED. THE BALLAST HAS NOW FAILED ON THIS LIGHT AS WELL. THE HEADLAMPS ARE SO UNRELIABLE IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AT NIGHT. *TR Look up ODI 10483657 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	125.0% ODI 10568245 · 51,000 mi THE BRAKE LIGHT ON THE TRUNK SIMPLY FELL OFF. I HAVE SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND HAVE FOUND THAT THERE ARE AT LEAST 50 OTHER OWNERS THAT HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE THOSE THAT SIMPLY JUST WENT AHEAD AND GOT IT FIXED WITHOUT POSTING IT. THIS IS A DEFECT WHERE THE RED LENS SEPARATES FROM THE LIGHT HOUSING AND THE BRAKE LIGHT NO LONGER SHOWS RED WHEN BRAKING. I ALSO UNDERSTAND THAT THIS CONTINUES TO RE-OCCUR EACH TIME IT IS REPLACED AT A COST OF $352.50 EACH TIME, NOT TO MENTION THE SAFETY ISSUE WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN WHI… Look up ODI 10568245 at NHTSA ↗
Exterior Lighting	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.	2100.0% ODI 10438014 · 104,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES CLK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EXTERIOR HEADLIGHTS WOULD FAIL INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER REPLACED THE HEADLIGHT BULB BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 107,000. Look up ODI 10438014 at NHTSA ↗	1100.0% ODI 10483657 · 76,897 mi RIGHT FRONT XENON HEADLAMP BALLAST FAILED CAUSING HEADLAMP TO NOT ILLUMINATE, AFTER THIS PART WAS REPLACED SHORTLY AFTER THE XENON IGNITER FAILED THUS CAUSING HEADLAMP TO NOT ILLUMINATE AGAIN. A COUPLE OF MONTHS LATER NOW THE LEFT HEADLAMP HAS FAILED. THE BALLAST HAS NOW FAILED ON THIS LIGHT AS WELL. THE HEADLAMPS ARE SO UNRELIABLE IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AT NIGHT. *TR Look up ODI 10483657 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	125.0% ODI 10568245 · 51,000 mi THE BRAKE LIGHT ON THE TRUNK SIMPLY FELL OFF. I HAVE SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND HAVE FOUND THAT THERE ARE AT LEAST 50 OTHER OWNERS THAT HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE THOSE THAT SIMPLY JUST WENT AHEAD AND GOT IT FIXED WITHOUT POSTING IT. THIS IS A DEFECT WHERE THE RED LENS SEPARATES FROM THE LIGHT HOUSING AND THE BRAKE LIGHT NO LONGER SHOWS RED WHEN BRAKING. I ALSO UNDERSTAND THAT THIS CONTINUES TO RE-OCCUR EACH TIME IT IS REPLACED AT A COST OF $352.50 EACH TIME, NOT TO MENTION THE SAFETY ISSUE WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN WHI… Look up ODI 10568245 at NHTSA ↗
Fuel/Propulsion System	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.	1100.0% ODI 10556256 · 105,000 mi OUR 2006 MERCEDES CLK 500 STARTED TO SMELL LIKE GAS RIGHT AFTER FILLING IT UP AND WOULD CONTINUE TO SMELL UNTIL ABOUT 3/4 OF A TANK. AFTER REMOVING THE REAR SEAT AND SERVICE COVER I NOTICED THAT THERE WAS STANDING GASOLINE ON TOP OF THE GAS TANK. *TR Look up ODI 10556256 at NHTSA ↗	266.7% ODI 10547225 · 15,889 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCEDES BENZ CLK550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, A FUEL ODOR EMITTED FROM THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THERE WAS FUEL LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL SENDING UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 15,889. Look up ODI 10547225 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Seats	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	150.0% ODI 10487608 · 72,000 mi WE BOUGHT THIS CAR AS-IS IN OCTOBER OF 2011. AT THAT TIME IT HAD 67,500 MILES ON IT. IN ABOUT MARCH OF 2012 WE NOTICED THAT THERE WERE THREE MAJOR THINGS WRONG WITH THE CAR AND THEY ALL APPEARED TO BE ELECTRICAL. THE WINDSHIELD SPRAY DID NOT FUNCTION EVEN THOUGH IT WAS FULL OF LIQUID. WE WIGGLED THE ELECTRICAL PLUG AND CHANGED THE FUSE AND IT WORKED FOR ABOUT 2 WEEKS. THE NEXT THING WAS THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE HEATED SEAT DID NOT WORK AND STILL DOES NOT. WE CANNOT FIND THE FUSE FOR THAT ONE. THEN THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT CONTROL ON THE DO… Look up ODI 10487608 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.	125.0% ODI 10345740 · 25,257 mi I HAVE SENT A COMMUNICATION TO MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC ON 7/15/2010, NEXT DAY AFTER MY INJURY FROM ONE OF THE CAR'S AUTOMATIC FEATURE (HEAD REST AUTOMATICALLY THRUSTS DOWN WHEN THE LEVER IS LIFTED AND SEAT MOVES FORWARD). IT'S A 2 DOOR SPORTS VEHICLE, SO IT WILL BE ALWAYS THE ACTION OF THE CONSUMER/VEHICLE OWNER TO GET IN AND OUT OF THE BACK SEATS. ON 7/14/2010 @ AROUND 1900: MY RIGHT ARM FLESH/SKIN GOT WEDGED/MANGLED INTO THE HEAD REST 'STEEL' OF THE CAR PASSENGER SEAT WHEN THE HEAD- REST-STEEL AUTOMATICALLY RAMMED/THRUST/PUSH LOWER CONTINUOUS… Look up ODI 10345740 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery	133.3% ODI 8017497 WHILE PARKED BATTERY EXPLODED.*AK Look up ODI 8017497 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.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	150.0% ODI 10342110 · 126,768 mi AFTER THE 2001 CLK 430 DISPLAYED SEVERAL TIMES THE ABS ALERT AND ESC ALERT THE CAR BEGAN TO JERK AND COMPLETELY STOP. WE HAVE HAD THE COMPLETE BRAKE AND TIRE SYSTEM REPLACE FROM CALIPERS TO RIMS. WE ARE NOW BEING TOLD THE PROBLEM IS THE YAW RATE SENSOR WHICH HAS BEEN THE SUBJECT OF NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS. *TR Look up ODI 10342110 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.
Engine And Engine Cooling	133.3% ODI 10074697 · 94,850 mi SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING DUE TO DISINTEGRATION OF HARMONIC BALANCER. NEAR ACCIDENT. DEALER REPLACED HARMONIC BALANCER AND OTHER DAMAGED PARTS INCLUDING OIL PAN.*AK Look up ODI 10074697 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.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	133.3% ODI 10131349 · 46,576 mi DT: CONTACT STATED THE HARMONIC BALANCER HAD TO BE REPLACED . THE SERVICE DEALER STATED THERE WAS A SERVICE CAMPAIGN FOR THIS SPECIFIC COMPONENT. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE DID NOT RECEIVE THIS IN THE MAIL. THE HARMONIC BALANCER CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO NOT HAVE STEERING CONTROL WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. *AK Look up ODI 10131349 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.	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	Too few reports for a range	61,500 mi	4 (sparse)	ODI 10351706 · 45,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ CLK 430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TEMPERATURE AND CLOCK GAUGES WERE DEFECTIVE AND HE WAS UNABLE TO DISTINGUISH THE ENTIRE NUMBERS OF THE TEMPERATURE AND CLOCK READINGS. FOR EXAMPLE, IF THE TEMPERATURE WAS 85 DEGREES, THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE WOULD ONLY DISPLAY THE 5. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER INSPECTED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 45,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 52,500. Look up ODI 10351706 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10487608 · 72,000 mi WE BOUGHT THIS CAR AS-IS IN OCTOBER OF 2011. AT THAT TIME IT HAD 67,500 MILES ON IT. IN ABOUT MARCH OF 2012 WE NOTICED THAT THERE WERE THREE MAJOR THINGS WRONG WITH THE CAR AND THEY ALL APPEARED TO BE ELECTRICAL. THE WINDSHIELD SPRAY DID NOT FUNCTION EVEN THOUGH IT WAS FULL OF LIQUID. WE WIGGLED THE ELECTRICAL PLUG AND CHANGED THE FUSE AND IT WORKED FOR ABOUT 2 WEEKS. THE NEXT THING WAS THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE HEATED SEAT DID NOT WORK AND STILL DOES NOT. WE CANNOT FIND THE FUSE FOR THAT ONE. THEN THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT CONTROL ON THE DO… Look up ODI 10487608 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10483657 · 76,897 mi RIGHT FRONT XENON HEADLAMP BALLAST FAILED CAUSING HEADLAMP TO NOT ILLUMINATE, AFTER THIS PART WAS REPLACED SHORTLY AFTER THE XENON IGNITER FAILED THUS CAUSING HEADLAMP TO NOT ILLUMINATE AGAIN. A COUPLE OF MONTHS LATER NOW THE LEFT HEADLAMP HAS FAILED. THE BALLAST HAS NOW FAILED ON THIS LIGHT AS WELL. THE HEADLAMPS ARE SO UNRELIABLE IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AT NIGHT. *TR Look up ODI 10483657 at NHTSA ↗
Exterior Lighting	Too few reports for a range	63,949 mi	4 (sparse)	ODI 10438014 · 104,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES CLK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EXTERIOR HEADLIGHTS WOULD FAIL INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER REPLACED THE HEADLIGHT BULB BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 107,000. Look up ODI 10438014 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10504479 · 40,000 mi BOTH LOW BEAM HEAD LIGHTS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY OVER THE LAST FOUR YEARS. HAD BULBS AND IGNITERS REPLACED AND THE HEAD LIGHTS STILL WENT OUT. BOTH LIGHTS HAVE GONE OUT AT THE SAME TIME WHICH POSES A DANGEROUS DRIVING CONDITION AT NIGHT. HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO MULTIPLE MERCEDES BENZ DEALERSHIPS WITH NO PERMANENT SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM. TR Look up ODI 10504479 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10483657 · 76,897 mi RIGHT FRONT XENON HEADLAMP BALLAST FAILED CAUSING HEADLAMP TO NOT ILLUMINATE, AFTER THIS PART WAS REPLACED SHORTLY AFTER THE XENON IGNITER FAILED THUS CAUSING HEADLAMP TO NOT ILLUMINATE AGAIN. A COUPLE OF MONTHS LATER NOW THE LEFT HEADLAMP HAS FAILED. THE BALLAST HAS NOW FAILED ON THIS LIGHT AS WELL. THE HEADLAMPS ARE SO UNRELIABLE IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AT NIGHT. TR Look up ODI 10483657 at NHTSA ↗
Fuel/Propulsion System	Too few reports for a range	15,889 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 10556256 · 105,000 mi OUR 2006 MERCEDES CLK 500 STARTED TO SMELL LIKE GAS RIGHT AFTER FILLING IT UP AND WOULD CONTINUE TO SMELL UNTIL ABOUT 3/4 OF A TANK. AFTER REMOVING THE REAR SEAT AND SERVICE COVER I NOTICED THAT THERE WAS STANDING GASOLINE ON TOP OF THE GAS TANK. TR Look up ODI 10556256 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10547225 · 15,889 mi TL THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCEDES BENZ CLK550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, A FUEL ODOR EMITTED FROM THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THERE WAS FUEL LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL SENDING UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 15,889. Look up ODI 10547225 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10556944 · 7,000 mi AFTER FILLING UP THE GAS TANK AND PARKING IT IN THE GARAGE IT GIVES OFF A TERRIBLE GAS ODOR WHICH GETS MORE AND MORE STRONG THE LONGER THE CAR IS IN THE GARAGE. ONCE THE CARS FUEL TANK EMPTIES SOMEWHAT IT SEEMS TO NOT EMIT THE GAS ODORS AS MUCH . SHAME ON MERCEDES USA FOR NOT DOING A RECALL ON THIS HAZARD. FOR A COMPANY THAT PRIDES ITSELF ON SAFETY.. I HAVE READ HUNDREDS ON THE EXACT SAME COMPLAINTS ALL OVER THE WEB. *TR Look up ODI 10556944 at NHTSA ↗
Seats	Too few reports for a range	48,629 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10487608 · 72,000 mi WE BOUGHT THIS CAR AS-IS IN OCTOBER OF 2011. AT THAT TIME IT HAD 67,500 MILES ON IT. IN ABOUT MARCH OF 2012 WE NOTICED THAT THERE WERE THREE MAJOR THINGS WRONG WITH THE CAR AND THEY ALL APPEARED TO BE ELECTRICAL. THE WINDSHIELD SPRAY DID NOT FUNCTION EVEN THOUGH IT WAS FULL OF LIQUID. WE WIGGLED THE ELECTRICAL PLUG AND CHANGED THE FUSE AND IT WORKED FOR ABOUT 2 WEEKS. THE NEXT THING WAS THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE HEATED SEAT DID NOT WORK AND STILL DOES NOT. WE CANNOT FIND THE FUSE FOR THAT ONE. THEN THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT CONTROL ON THE DO… Look up ODI 10487608 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10345740 · 25,257 mi I HAVE SENT A COMMUNICATION TO MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC ON 7/15/2010, NEXT DAY AFTER MY INJURY FROM ONE OF THE CAR'S AUTOMATIC FEATURE (HEAD REST AUTOMATICALLY THRUSTS DOWN WHEN THE LEVER IS LIFTED AND SEAT MOVES FORWARD). IT'S A 2 DOOR SPORTS VEHICLE, SO IT WILL BE ALWAYS THE ACTION OF THE CONSUMER/VEHICLE OWNER TO GET IN AND OUT OF THE BACK SEATS. ON 7/14/2010 @ AROUND 1900: MY RIGHT ARM FLESH/SKIN GOT WEDGED/MANGLED INTO THE HEAD REST 'STEEL' OF THE CAR PASSENGER SEAT WHEN THE HEAD- REST-STEEL AUTOMATICALLY RAMMED/THRUST/PUSH LOWER CONTINUOUS… Look up ODI 10345740 at NHTSA ↗
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)	Too few reports for a range	126,768 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10342110 · 126,768 mi AFTER THE 2001 CLK 430 DISPLAYED SEVERAL TIMES THE ABS ALERT AND ESC ALERT THE CAR BEGAN TO JERK AND COMPLETELY STOP. WE HAVE HAD THE COMPLETE BRAKE AND TIRE SYSTEM REPLACE FROM CALIPERS TO RIMS. WE ARE NOW BEING TOLD THE PROBLEM IS THE YAW RATE SENSOR WHICH HAS BEEN THE SUBJECT OF NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS. *TR Look up ODI 10342110 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling	Too few reports for a range	94,850 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10074697 · 94,850 mi SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING DUE TO DISINTEGRATION OF HARMONIC BALANCER. NEAR ACCIDENT. DEALER REPLACED HARMONIC BALANCER AND OTHER DAMAGED PARTS INCLUDING OIL PAN.*AK Look up ODI 10074697 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	Too few reports for a range	46,576 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10131349 · 46,576 mi DT: CONTACT STATED THE HARMONIC BALANCER HAD TO BE REPLACED . THE SERVICE DEALER STATED THERE WAS A SERVICE CAMPAIGN FOR THIS SPECIFIC COMPONENT. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE DID NOT RECEIVE THIS IN THE MAIL. THE HARMONIC BALANCER CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO NOT HAVE STEERING CONTROL WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. *AK Look up ODI 10131349 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

2007: 0 complaints · 2008: 3 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2007	0	0	0
2008	0	1	3

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2007	3	0	0
2008	4	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	Exterior Lighting	Fuel/Propulsion System	Seats	Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery	Electronic Stability Control (Esc)	Engine And Engine Cooling	Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
Electrical System	—	2 ODI 10483657 · 76,897 mi RIGHT FRONT XENON HEADLAMP BALLAST FAILED CAUSING HEADLAMP TO NOT ILLUMINATE, AFTER THIS PART WAS REPLACED SHORTLY AFTER THE XENON IGNITER FAILED THUS CAUSING HEADLAMP TO NOT ILLUMINATE AGAIN. A COUPLE OF MONTHS LATER NOW THE LEFT HEADLAMP HAS FAILED. THE BALLAST HAS NOW FAILED ON THIS LIGHT AS WELL. THE HEADLAMPS ARE SO UNRELIABLE IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AT NIGHT. *TR Look up ODI 10483657 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10568245 · 51,000 mi THE BRAKE LIGHT ON THE TRUNK SIMPLY FELL OFF. I HAVE SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND HAVE FOUND THAT THERE ARE AT LEAST 50 OTHER OWNERS THAT HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE THOSE THAT SIMPLY JUST WENT AHEAD AND GOT IT FIXED WITHOUT POSTING IT. THIS IS A DEFECT WHERE THE RED LENS SEPARATES FROM THE LIGHT HOUSING AND THE BRAKE LIGHT NO LONGER SHOWS RED WHEN BRAKING. I ALSO UNDERSTAND THAT THIS CONTINUES TO RE-OCCUR EACH TIME IT IS REPLACED AT A COST OF $352.50 EACH TIME, NOT TO MENTION THE SAFETY ISSUE WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN WHI… Look up ODI 10568245 at NHTSA ↗	0	1 ODI 10487608 · 72,000 mi WE BOUGHT THIS CAR AS-IS IN OCTOBER OF 2011. AT THAT TIME IT HAD 67,500 MILES ON IT. IN ABOUT MARCH OF 2012 WE NOTICED THAT THERE WERE THREE MAJOR THINGS WRONG WITH THE CAR AND THEY ALL APPEARED TO BE ELECTRICAL. THE WINDSHIELD SPRAY DID NOT FUNCTION EVEN THOUGH IT WAS FULL OF LIQUID. WE WIGGLED THE ELECTRICAL PLUG AND CHANGED THE FUSE AND IT WORKED FOR ABOUT 2 WEEKS. THE NEXT THING WAS THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE HEATED SEAT DID NOT WORK AND STILL DOES NOT. WE CANNOT FIND THE FUSE FOR THAT ONE. THEN THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT CONTROL ON THE DO… Look up ODI 10487608 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0
Exterior Lighting	2 ODI 10483657 · 76,897 mi RIGHT FRONT XENON HEADLAMP BALLAST FAILED CAUSING HEADLAMP TO NOT ILLUMINATE, AFTER THIS PART WAS REPLACED SHORTLY AFTER THE XENON IGNITER FAILED THUS CAUSING HEADLAMP TO NOT ILLUMINATE AGAIN. A COUPLE OF MONTHS LATER NOW THE LEFT HEADLAMP HAS FAILED. THE BALLAST HAS NOW FAILED ON THIS LIGHT AS WELL. THE HEADLAMPS ARE SO UNRELIABLE IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AT NIGHT. *TR Look up ODI 10483657 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10568245 · 51,000 mi THE BRAKE LIGHT ON THE TRUNK SIMPLY FELL OFF. I HAVE SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND HAVE FOUND THAT THERE ARE AT LEAST 50 OTHER OWNERS THAT HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE THOSE THAT SIMPLY JUST WENT AHEAD AND GOT IT FIXED WITHOUT POSTING IT. THIS IS A DEFECT WHERE THE RED LENS SEPARATES FROM THE LIGHT HOUSING AND THE BRAKE LIGHT NO LONGER SHOWS RED WHEN BRAKING. I ALSO UNDERSTAND THAT THIS CONTINUES TO RE-OCCUR EACH TIME IT IS REPLACED AT A COST OF $352.50 EACH TIME, NOT TO MENTION THE SAFETY ISSUE WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN WHI… Look up ODI 10568245 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	0	0	0	0	0
Fuel/Propulsion System	0	0	—	0	0	0	0	0
Seats	1 ODI 10487608 · 72,000 mi WE BOUGHT THIS CAR AS-IS IN OCTOBER OF 2011. AT THAT TIME IT HAD 67,500 MILES ON IT. IN ABOUT MARCH OF 2012 WE NOTICED THAT THERE WERE THREE MAJOR THINGS WRONG WITH THE CAR AND THEY ALL APPEARED TO BE ELECTRICAL. THE WINDSHIELD SPRAY DID NOT FUNCTION EVEN THOUGH IT WAS FULL OF LIQUID. WE WIGGLED THE ELECTRICAL PLUG AND CHANGED THE FUSE AND IT WORKED FOR ABOUT 2 WEEKS. THE NEXT THING WAS THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE HEATED SEAT DID NOT WORK AND STILL DOES NOT. WE CANNOT FIND THE FUSE FOR THAT ONE. THEN THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT CONTROL ON THE DO… Look up ODI 10487608 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	—	0	0	0	0
Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery	0	0	0	0	—	0	0	0
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)	0	0	0	0	0	—	0	0
Engine And Engine Cooling	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	0
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	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

4 patterns with matching reports.

Fuel smell or leak mentions

1 mentions · 5.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 15,889 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10547225 · 15,889 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCEDES BENZ CLK550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, A FUEL ODOR EMITTED FROM THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THERE WAS FUEL LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL SENDING UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 15,889.

Look up ODI 10547225 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b

Hard or delayed shifting

1 mentions · 5.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 126,768 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10342110 · 126,768 mi

Look up ODI 10342110 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Stalling or loss of power

1 mentions · 5.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 94,850 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10074697 · 94,850 mi

SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING DUE TO DISINTEGRATION OF HARMONIC BALANCER. NEAR ACCIDENT. DEALER REPLACED HARMONIC BALANCER AND OTHER DAMAGED PARTS INCLUDING OIL PAN.*AK

Look up ODI 10074697 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Steering assistance concerns

1 mentions · 5.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 94,850 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10074697 · 94,850 mi

SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING DUE TO DISINTEGRATION OF HARMONIC BALANCER. NEAR ACCIDENT. DEALER REPLACED HARMONIC BALANCER AND OTHER DAMAGED PARTS INCLUDING OIL PAN.*AK

Look up ODI 10074697 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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