U.S. public vehicle records

2006 Mercedes Benz CLK350 problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

37 owner complaints analyzed

4 distinct recall campaigns

70,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2006 model year. Data updated: 2026-10-01 (October 1, 2026). 31 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Fuel/Propulsion System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 9 of 37 complaints (24.3%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Fuel system concerns	9	24.3%
Braking behavior	4	10.8%
Steering behavior	4	10.8%
Transmission and shifting	3	8.1%
Electrical and battery issues	3	8.1%
Engine operation	2	5.4%

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.

Fuel/Propulsion System

Engine

Electrical System

Air Bags

Engine And Engine Cooling

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine

Fuel System, Gasoline

Exterior Lighting

Fuel/Propulsion System: 9; Engine: 6; Electrical System: 5; Air Bags: 4; Engine And Engine Cooling: 3; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 3; Fuel System, Gasoline: 3; Exterior Lighting: 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: 2; 25,000 to 49,999: 5; 50,000 to 74,999: 11; 75,000 to 99,999: 10; 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). 6 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

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2019

2020

2021

2007: 2; 2009: 1; 2010: 2; 2011: 4; 2012: 1; 2013: 6; 2014: 7; 2015: 3; 2016: 2; 2017: 4; 2019: 1; 2020: 2; 2021: 2

Pattern summary

Fuel/Propulsion System leads the component reports. Fuel system concerns appears in 9 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 4 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 4 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 10497811 · 2013-02-11 (February 11, 2013)

VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED FROM AN AUTHORIZED MERCEDES BENZ DEALERSHIP AND WAS A CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED VEHICLE. AUTOMOBILE WAS GARAGE KEPT AND PRIMARILY DRIVEN TO WORK WITH HIGHWAY MILES. ONLY PREMIUM NON-ETHANOL MIXED FUEL WAS USED FROM SHELL. SUDDENLY, ONE DAY, STRONG GASOLINE ODOR PERMEATES GARAGE. MOST NOTICEABLE WITH FULL TANK. THE CAUSE WAS A FUEL TANK SENDER UNIT. A PLASTIC DIAPHRAGM WITHIN THE UNIT DEVELOPED A STRESS CRACK RIGHT AT THE BOUNDARY BETWEEN TWO FACES. IT IS CLEAR THAT PROPER BONDING BETWEEN THE TWO WAS NOT IDEAL DURING M…

Owner-reported narrative. 59,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10497811 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10544180 · 2013-09-18 (September 18, 2013)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ CLK350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN REFUELING, GASOLINE FUMES FILLED THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BOTH THE DEALER AND AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND WAS DIAGNOSED AS HAVING A DEFECTIVE RING AROUND THE FUEL PUMP AND TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE INCIDENT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,000. ...UPDATED 10-24-13 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED GAS WAS VISIBLE ON THE TOP OF THE TANK WHERE THE ELEC…

Owner-reported narrative. 56,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10544180 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10291541 · 2009-11-09 (November 9, 2009)

MY MERCEDES 350 ABS BRAKE SYSTEM FAILED AND CAUSED VERY RAPID ACCELERATION. I AVOIDED CROSSING A BUSY INTERSECTION AND CRASHED INTO A BEVERLY HILLS LAMP POST WHICH CAUSED OVER $25,000.00 DAMAGE TO THE POST AND MY CAR. MERCEDES NOT ACCEPTING ANY RESPONSIBILITY. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 13,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10291541 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10316954 · 2010-03-05 (March 5, 2010)

2006 MERCEDES CLK350 CONVERTIBLE- ABOUT 45, 000 MILES ON IT, BOUGHT AS A USED CAR IN SEPT 2009. THE HEADLIGHTS WERE LEFT ON ALL DAY AND DRAINED THE BATTERY. THE BATTERY WAS RECHARGED. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. I WOULD DRIVE ABOUT A BLOCK OR TWO AND THE SECOND TIME I PUT ON BRAKES, THE EPS DASH LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND THE ENGINE WOULD DIE. THE ENGINE COULD BE RESTARTED AND THE CAR DRIVEN (INCLUDING THE FREEWAY), BUT THE EPS LIGHT WOULD COME BACK ON AND KILL THE ENGINE, AFTER MORE BRAKING. THE CAR DIED, ON THE WAY TO THE…

Owner-reported narrative. 45,700 miles reported. Look up ODI 10316954 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10444791 · 2012-01-22 (January 22, 2012)

WARNING MESSAGE DISPLAYED, "SRS RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION VISIT WORKSHOP" UPON INVESTIGATING THIS ERROR MESSAGE ON THE INTERNET MERCEDES BENZ FORUM, I HAVE DETERMINED THE FOLLOWING: 1. THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM, AFFECTING SEVERAL MB MODELS, INCLUDING THE E-CLASS, C-CLASS, SLK, CLK, AND POSSIBLY OTHERS. 2. WHEN THIS MESSAGE APPEARS, THE DRIVER AIR BAG IS MOST LIKELY DISABLED. 3. MB SERVICE BULLETIN PB-91.60/93D ACKNOWLEDGES THIS PROBLEM AS A DESIGN OR ASSEMBLY ERROR, AND RECOMMENDS REPLACEMENT OF A WIRING COMPONENT IN THE STEERIN…

Owner-reported narrative. 39,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10444791 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10534761 · 2013-08-11 (August 11, 2013)

MY CAR HAS ALOT PROBLEMS,, I DON'T THINK ITS SAFE TO DRIVE I DON'T KNOW WHAT'S WRONG WITH IT BUT MY BALANCE AND STEERING IS NO RIGHT,... *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 80,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10534761 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10300311 · 2010-01-19 (January 19, 2010)

DRIVING HOME ON FREEWAY AT NIGHT, CAR SHIFTED UNEXPECTEDLY AT HIGH SPEED. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IMMEDIATELY CAME ON. CAME TO STOP EXITING OFF FREEWAY AND CAR WOULD NOT MOVE, TURNED OFF AND TURNED BACK ON ENGINE WAS ABLE TO LIMP HOME WITH CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STILL ON. TOWED TO MERCEDES AND WAS TOLD IT WAS A "DEFECTIVE" SPEED SENSOR ALSO WAS TOLD THIS MALFUNCTIONING SENSOR COULD NOT BE REPLACED IN AND OF ITSELF AND THAT THE WHOLE VALVE BODY WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $2200 FOR A 2006 CAR WITH 58,000 MILES ON IT. BY VIRTUE OF THE FACT THE…

Owner-reported narrative. 58,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10300311 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10617229 · 2014-07-29 (July 29, 2014)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ CLK350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE REDUCED IN SPEED WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS APPLIED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL HAD TO BE DEPRESSED NUMEROUS TIMES IN ORDER TO ACCELERATE, WHICH RESPONDED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE IN ORDER TO RESET THE COMPUTER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE REPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRAN…

Owner-reported narrative. 70,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10617229 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11000641 · 2017-06-22 (June 22, 2017)

MERCEDES BENZ VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN 2004 & 2007 & EQUIPPED WITH MERCEDES' M272 HAVE A FAULTY BALANCE SHAFT WHICH WAS NOT PROPERLY ANEALED, CAUSING PREMATURE WEAR. THE SUBJECT ENGINES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH DEFECTIVE GEARS IN THEIR BALANCE SHAFTS. THESE DEFECTIVE GEARS WEAR OUT PREMATURELY, EXCESSIVELY, AND CAN CAUSE DAMAGE TO OTHER EXPENSIVE ENGINE COMPONENTS WITHOUT WARNING. REPAIR REQUIRES REMOVAL OF THE ENGINE AND WAS QUOTED AT $7000-$8000 BY THE MERCEDES BENZ DEALER. MOST OTHER IMPORT SHOPS DO NOT WANT TO EVEN ATTEMPT THE REPAIR DUE…

Owner-reported narrative. 77,914 miles reported. Look up ODI 11000641 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11430148 · 2021-08-23 (August 23, 2021)

I've just bought the car and it has only 70k, the engine doesn't want to go, it stalls but there is no check engine light on, I'll be driving and the car will just die, or start to diminish, and gas consumption , now all my lights fail, high beams, low beams, turn signals, Brake lights one after another, so I go to auto zone to purchase lights and one of the associates comes to help me, he stares that all the we ires are exposed,

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11430148 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

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

83.8%Usable mileage31 / 37 records

100.0%Valid incident date37 / 37 records

100.0%Valid filing date37 / 37 records

100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates37 / 37 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	2006	2007	2008	2009
Fuel/Propulsion System	924.3% ODI 10497811 · 59,000 mi VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED FROM AN AUTHORIZED MERCEDES BENZ DEALERSHIP AND WAS A CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED VEHICLE. AUTOMOBILE WAS GARAGE KEPT AND PRIMARILY DRIVEN TO WORK WITH HIGHWAY MILES. ONLY PREMIUM NON-ETHANOL MIXED FUEL WAS USED FROM SHELL. SUDDENLY, ONE DAY, STRONG GASOLINE ODOR PERMEATES GARAGE. MOST NOTICEABLE WITH FULL TANK. THE CAUSE WAS A FUEL TANK SENDER UNIT. A PLASTIC DIAPHRAGM WITHIN THE UNIT DEVELOPED A STRESS CRACK RIGHT AT THE BOUNDARY BETWEEN TWO FACES. IT IS CLEAR THAT PROPER BONDING BETWEEN THE TWO WAS NOT IDEAL DURING M… Look up ODI 10497811 at NHTSA ↗	1331.0% ODI 10481332 · 29,500 mi THERE IS A VERY STRONG GAS SMELL. IT IS OVERWHELMING, LASTS FOR DAYS, AND WE NEED TO PARK THE CAR OUTSIDE OF THE GARAGE, AS THE SMELL IS SO INTENSE IT MAKES YOU FEEL SICK. IT JUST STARTED HAPPENING ABOUT A WEEK OR TWO AGO, AND SEEMS TO BE MOST OBVIOUS AFTER GETTING FUEL. I SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT THIS SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH A LOT OF MB OWNERS HAVING SIMILAR ISSUES. ALSO, THERE SEEMS TO BE A RECENT CLASS ACTION SUIT INITIATED BY THE NHTSA INVOLVING THIS PROBLEM. I'M CONCERNED THIS COULD BE A LIFE THREATENING SAFETY P… Look up ODI 10481332 at NHTSA ↗	640.0% ODI 10691619 · 77,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES BENZ CLK350. AFTER REFUELING AND PARKING THE VEHICLE, A STRONG FUEL ODOR EMITTED INSIDE THE GARAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE FUEL SENDING UNIT WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000. Look up ODI 10691619 at NHTSA ↗	225.0% ODI 10937449 · 59,590 mi STRONG FUEL ODOR OUTSIDE OF VEHICLE FOLLOWING FILL UP. MILEAGE 59590.JUST PURCHASED USED WITHOUT EXTENDED WARRANTY.. HAVE NOT TAKEN FOR SERVICE. WILL SEEK INFO PRIOR TO TAKING TO MB SERVICE. Look up ODI 10937449 at NHTSA ↗
Air Bags	410.8% ODI 10444791 · 39,000 mi WARNING MESSAGE DISPLAYED, "SRS RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION VISIT WORKSHOP" UPON INVESTIGATING THIS ERROR MESSAGE ON THE INTERNET MERCEDES BENZ FORUM, I HAVE DETERMINED THE FOLLOWING: 1. THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM, AFFECTING SEVERAL MB MODELS, INCLUDING THE E-CLASS, C-CLASS, SLK, CLK, AND POSSIBLY OTHERS. 2. WHEN THIS MESSAGE APPEARS, THE DRIVER AIR BAG IS MOST LIKELY DISABLED. 3. MB SERVICE BULLETIN PB-91.60/93D ACKNOWLEDGES THIS PROBLEM AS A DESIGN OR ASSEMBLY ERROR, AND RECOMMENDS REPLACEMENT OF A WIRING COMPONENT IN THE STEERIN… Look up ODI 10444791 at NHTSA ↗	716.7% ODI 10515893 · 70,000 mi THE SAFETY RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAILURE MESSAGE APPEARED IN THE DASHBOARD MESSAGE DISPLAY OF OUR 6-YEAR OLD MERCEDES BENZ CLK350. THE SANTA BARBARA AUTO GROUP MERCEDES BENZ SERVICE PERSON EXPLAINED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG WAS DEFECTIVE, DESPITE THE FACT THAT IT HAD NEVER BEEN USED/DEPLOYED, NOR HAD THE CAR EVER BEEN INVOLVED IN ANY INCIDENT. THE ESTIMATED CHARGE TO ME WAS ABOUT $1200. I CONTACTED MBUSA DIRECTLY, AND SUGGESTED THAT THEY WERE RESPONSIBLE FOR A SAFETY SYSTEM THAT SHOULD NEVER FAIL IN THE FIRST PLACE. AFTER 5 DAYS OF LEAVING VOI… Look up ODI 10515893 at NHTSA ↗	320.0% ODI 10939041 · 99,392 mi TAKATA RECALL. SRS LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK CAR TO DEALERSHIP. ADVISED THAT AIRBAG IN PASSENGER SEAT HAD HIGH RESISTANCE.THE SEAT BACK WAS REMOVED AND AIRBAG REPLACED. APPROXIMATELY 3 WEEKS LATER AND $981.00 MY CAR WAS RETURNED TO ME. Look up ODI 10939041 at NHTSA ↗	112.5% ODI 11089883 · 100,000 mi I WAS INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT LAST FEBRUARY, MY AIRBAG DIDN'T DEPLOY AS COMPARED TO THE OTHER VEHICLE (TOYOTA) WHERE HER AIRBAG WORKED. MY CAR AND THE OTHER PERSON'S CAR WERE TOTALED. I WAS DRIVING ON THE MIDDLE LANE OF A 3 LANE ROAD WHEN THE DRIVER ON THE RIGHT SIDE LANE HIT A PARKED VEHICLE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD, SPUN AROUND, AND CROSS OVER TO MY LANE AND HIT ME HEAD ON. A ROAD DUE TO MY ACCIDENT, I SUSTAINED A FRACTURE OF MY NECK AND STILL HAVE ONGOING PHYSICAL THERAPY TREATMENTS. TT TR Look up ODI 11089883 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	513.5% ODI 10210400 1) CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL MESSAGE DISPLAYED 2) STOP VEHICLE 3) ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION TEST / CYLINDER TEST / SENSOR TEST OUTCOME: MERCEDES IS WORKING HARD TO DESIGN A NEW SENSOR FOR THIS CAR. A FEW HUNDRED OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS EXPERIENCE AND THERE HAS NOT BEEN AN OFFICIAL RECALL. (PER FLETCHER JONES MOTOR CARS, NEWPORT BEACH, CA). *TR Look up ODI 10210400 at NHTSA ↗	49.5% ODI 10510489 · 62,000 mi MY CLK 350 CABRIOLET STATED DRIVING DIFFERENT. AT FIRST, WHENEVER I WOULD SLOW DOWN AT A STOP LIGHT, THE CAR WOULD CUT OFF. EVERYTHING WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE DASH AND I WOULD HAVE TO TURN IT OFF AND BACK ON TO DRIVE IT AGAIN. THE BIGGEST ISSUE IS THAT WHEN I WOULD DRIVE, THE CAR WOULD NOT SHIFT OUR OF GEARS PROPERLY, AND IT WOULD VERY PAINFULLY AND SLOWLY ACCELERATE ITS SPEED. IT WOULD JERK, LIKE THE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT FUNCTIONING CORRECTLY. COME TO FIND OUT, AT 62,000 MILES, MY CAR NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION, WITH NO LOGICAL EXPLANATION GIVE… Look up ODI 10510489 at NHTSA ↗	320.0% ODI 11045751 · 74,000 mi MY WIFE TOLD ME HER HEADLIGHT WAS BURNED OUT. WHEN I REPLACED THE BULB, I FOUND THE INSULATION ON THE ELECTRICAL HARNESS AND HEADLIGHTS IS DETERIORATING LEAVING EXPOSED BARE WIRES CAUSING ELECTRICAL SHORTING, EQUIPMENT FAILURES, ELECTRICAL FIRES, LEADING TO POTENTIALLY SERIOUS LIFE THREATENING ACCIDENTS. MERCEDES BENZ IS NOT SUPPLYING A FIX AS REPORTED BY MULTIPLE OWNERS. ALSO EXTENDED WARRANTY INSURERS ARE DENYING COVERAGE DUE TO THE WIDE SPREAD DEFECT ACROSS THE MERCEDES BENZ MODELS. Look up ODI 11045751 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Engine	616.2% ODI 10524796 · 80,000 mi AFTER ONLY 80,000 MILES, MY $55,000 CAR NOW NEEDS $5,200 WORTH OF REPAIRS TO FIX A KNOWN DEFECT IN THE BALANCE SHAFT. WITHOUT THIS REPAIR, DRIVING MY CAR IS UNSAFE, YET MERCEDES IS NOT OFFERING TO HELP FIX A PROBLEM THEY CREATED. ADD MY NAME TO THE LONG LIST OF MERCEDES OWNERS DISSATISFIED WITH THE QUALITY OF A MERCEDES; THEIR FAILURE TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR MISTAKE AND THEIR TOTAL LACK OF CONCERN FOR CUSTOMER SATISFACTION. *TR Look up ODI 10524796 at NHTSA ↗	49.5% ODI 10585061 · 66,400 mi DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT A SLOW SPEED AND THE CAR JUST QUITS. SOMETIMES IT WILL START ITSELF BACK UP AND SOMETIMES I HAVE TO PULL OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO TURN IGNITION OFF AND THEN ON AGAIN. THE CAR WILL JUST QUIT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND AFTER SOME QUICK THINKING AND REALIZING WHAT JUST HAPPENED THE ONLY THING TO DO IS DRIFT TO THE BERM OF THE ROAD WITH NO PWR STEERING OR BRAKES. THERE ARE ALSO TIMES WHEN I START THE CAR IT WILL QUIT AND TAKES TWO TO THREE MORE TRIES. ALSO HAD A SEVERE RAW GAS COMING FROM THE CAR AFTER A FILL UP. THE GAS … Look up ODI 10585061 at NHTSA ↗	16.7% ODI 11361155 · 130,000 mi MANY OWNERS OF LATE-MODEL MERCEDES-BENZ CARS EQUIPPED WITH 3.0L AND 3.5L V6 ENGINES (M272 OR M273) HAVE EXPERIENCED PERFORMANCE PROBLEMS THAT INCLUDE POOR IDLE, LOSS OF POWER AND A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WITH A P2006 CODE (OR SOMETIMES OTHER CODES). THE SHAFTS WILL FAIL INSIDE THE MANIFOLD AND BIND, CAUSING THE LEVER TO BREAK AND THE CAPS SHOWN TO LOOK LIKE THEY ARE POPPING OFF THE MANIFOLD. Look up ODI 11361155 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Power Train	25.4% ODI 10617229 · 70,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ CLK350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE REDUCED IN SPEED WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS APPLIED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL HAD TO BE DEPRESSED NUMEROUS TIMES IN ORDER TO ACCELERATE, WHICH RESPONDED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE IN ORDER TO RESET THE COMPUTER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE REPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRAN… Look up ODI 10617229 at NHTSA ↗	511.9% ODI 10510489 · 62,000 mi MY CLK 350 CABRIOLET STATED DRIVING DIFFERENT. AT FIRST, WHENEVER I WOULD SLOW DOWN AT A STOP LIGHT, THE CAR WOULD CUT OFF. EVERYTHING WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE DASH AND I WOULD HAVE TO TURN IT OFF AND BACK ON TO DRIVE IT AGAIN. THE BIGGEST ISSUE IS THAT WHEN I WOULD DRIVE, THE CAR WOULD NOT SHIFT OUR OF GEARS PROPERLY, AND IT WOULD VERY PAINFULLY AND SLOWLY ACCELERATE ITS SPEED. IT WOULD JERK, LIKE THE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT FUNCTIONING CORRECTLY. COME TO FIND OUT, AT 62,000 MILES, MY CAR NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION, WITH NO LOGICAL EXPLANATION GIVE… Look up ODI 10510489 at NHTSA ↗	16.7% ODI 11361155 · 130,000 mi MANY OWNERS OF LATE-MODEL MERCEDES-BENZ CARS EQUIPPED WITH 3.0L AND 3.5L V6 ENGINES (M272 OR M273) HAVE EXPERIENCED PERFORMANCE PROBLEMS THAT INCLUDE POOR IDLE, LOSS OF POWER AND A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WITH A P2006 CODE (OR SOMETIMES OTHER CODES). THE SHAFTS WILL FAIL INSIDE THE MANIFOLD AND BIND, CAUSING THE LEVER TO BREAK AND THE CAPS SHOWN TO LOOK LIKE THEY ARE POPPING OFF THE MANIFOLD. Look up ODI 11361155 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Exterior Lighting	25.4% ODI 10592883 · 76,682 mi BOUGHT THE CAR IN JULY 2013 THIRD BRAKE LIGHT LENS FELL OFF.I CHECKED MY BRAKE LIGHTS WITH SOMEONE PUSHING THE BRAKE PEDAL AND OBSERVED THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENT DANGLING LOOSE INSIDE TRUNK THIRD LIGHT SPACE BUT NO COVER LENS. DIDN'T NOTICE THE LENS HAD FALLEN OFF UNTIL SEVERAL STRANGERS TAILING ME TOLD ME. I KNOW THERE IS A BRAKE LIGHT ISSUE THAT IS BEING RECALLED ON A DIFFERENT MERCEDES MODEL AND YEAR. I WAS THINKING THAT PERHAPS MY VEHICLE MIGHT HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. SO I GOOGLED THIS ISSUE AND TO MY DISAPPOINTMENT FOUND MANY MORE MERCEDES BEN… Look up ODI 10592883 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	213.3% ODI 11045751 · 74,000 mi MY WIFE TOLD ME HER HEADLIGHT WAS BURNED OUT. WHEN I REPLACED THE BULB, I FOUND THE INSULATION ON THE ELECTRICAL HARNESS AND HEADLIGHTS IS DETERIORATING LEAVING EXPOSED BARE WIRES CAUSING ELECTRICAL SHORTING, EQUIPMENT FAILURES, ELECTRICAL FIRES, LEADING TO POTENTIALLY SERIOUS LIFE THREATENING ACCIDENTS. MERCEDES BENZ IS NOT SUPPLYING A FIX AS REPORTED BY MULTIPLE OWNERS. ALSO EXTENDED WARRANTY INSURERS ARE DENYING COVERAGE DUE TO THE WIDE SPREAD DEFECT ACROSS THE MERCEDES BENZ MODELS. Look up ODI 11045751 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Fuel System, Gasoline	38.1% ODI 10497811 · 59,000 mi VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED FROM AN AUTHORIZED MERCEDES BENZ DEALERSHIP AND WAS A CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED VEHICLE. AUTOMOBILE WAS GARAGE KEPT AND PRIMARILY DRIVEN TO WORK WITH HIGHWAY MILES. ONLY PREMIUM NON-ETHANOL MIXED FUEL WAS USED FROM SHELL. SUDDENLY, ONE DAY, STRONG GASOLINE ODOR PERMEATES GARAGE. MOST NOTICEABLE WITH FULL TANK. THE CAUSE WAS A FUEL TANK SENDER UNIT. A PLASTIC DIAPHRAGM WITHIN THE UNIT DEVELOPED A STRESS CRACK RIGHT AT THE BOUNDARY BETWEEN TWO FACES. IT IS CLEAR THAT PROPER BONDING BETWEEN THE TWO WAS NOT IDEAL DURING M… Look up ODI 10497811 at NHTSA ↗	12.4% ODI 10585061 · 66,400 mi DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT A SLOW SPEED AND THE CAR JUST QUITS. SOMETIMES IT WILL START ITSELF BACK UP AND SOMETIMES I HAVE TO PULL OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO TURN IGNITION OFF AND THEN ON AGAIN. THE CAR WILL JUST QUIT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND AFTER SOME QUICK THINKING AND REALIZING WHAT JUST HAPPENED THE ONLY THING TO DO IS DRIFT TO THE BERM OF THE ROAD WITH NO PWR STEERING OR BRAKES. THERE ARE ALSO TIMES WHEN I START THE CAR IT WILL QUIT AND TAKES TWO TO THREE MORE TRIES. ALSO HAD A SEVERE RAW GAS COMING FROM THE CAR AFTER A FILL UP. THE GAS … Look up ODI 10585061 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Seats	25.4% ODI 10583412 · 99,098 mi WHILE PARKED I STARTED THE CAR AND PLACED AN ITEM ON THE PASSENGERS SEAT. IMMEDIATELY THE SRS LIGHT CAME ON. THE SRS HAS DETECTED SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE AIRBAG SYSTEM AND SHUT THE AIRBAGS OFF ON THE CAR WHICH IS AN EXTREME SAFETY HAZARD. AFTER TAKING THE CAR TO THE MECHANIC I WAS TOLD CODE 9223 AND 9080 DISPLAYED. 92 23 STATES THAT THE CAR NEEDS A CONTACT REEL AT STEERING WHEEL (PART $410/LABOR NEARLY $300) AND 9080 STATES THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BOTTOM NEEDS TO BE REPLACED (PART $1690/LABOR NEARLY $300) . I BELIEVE THIS SHOULD BE A RECAL… Look up ODI 10583412 at NHTSA ↗	12.4% ODI 10206668 · 5,500 mi MERCEDES CLK 350 IS A COUPE MODEL. WHEN THE SEAT IS MOVED FORWARD TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE REAR SEAT, THE FRONT SEAT HEADREST AUTOMATICALLY RETRACTS INTO THE SEAT. THE HEADREST GOES ALL THE WAY DOWN SO THAT THERE IS NO SPACE BETWEEN THE HEADREST AND THE TOP OF THE SEAT BACK. IF ONES HAND IS THERE AS SUPPORT WHILE GETTING IN, THE HAND IS CAUGHT AND HELD UNTIL THE SEAT BACK IS BROUGHT BACK INTO THE PROPER POSITION. THE FORCE IS SO STRONG AND THE MATERIAL ON THE HEADREST AND SEAT BACK SO FIRM THAT THEY CAN BREAK A FINGER OR A CHILDS HAND. *JB Look up ODI 10206668 at NHTSA ↗	16.7% ODI 11124551 TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES-BENZ CLK350. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WITHOUT WARNING AND "CHECK SRS AIR BAG" DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE WIRING FOR BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS WERE REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. A DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. Look up ODI 11124551 at NHTSA ↗	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
Fuel/Propulsion System	59,000–82,977 mi	72,000 mi	9	ODI 10497811 · 59,000 mi VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED FROM AN AUTHORIZED MERCEDES BENZ DEALERSHIP AND WAS A CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED VEHICLE. AUTOMOBILE WAS GARAGE KEPT AND PRIMARILY DRIVEN TO WORK WITH HIGHWAY MILES. ONLY PREMIUM NON-ETHANOL MIXED FUEL WAS USED FROM SHELL. SUDDENLY, ONE DAY, STRONG GASOLINE ODOR PERMEATES GARAGE. MOST NOTICEABLE WITH FULL TANK. THE CAUSE WAS A FUEL TANK SENDER UNIT. A PLASTIC DIAPHRAGM WITHIN THE UNIT DEVELOPED A STRESS CRACK RIGHT AT THE BOUNDARY BETWEEN TWO FACES. IT IS CLEAR THAT PROPER BONDING BETWEEN THE TWO WAS NOT IDEAL DURING M… Look up ODI 10497811 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10504905 · 75,449 mi FUEL LEAKAGE/PUDDLING OUT OF TOP OF LEFT FUEL SENDING UNIT, MOST NOTABLE AFTER FILLING TANK. NOTICED AT LEFT REAR TIRE WELL OF CAR ON OUTSIDE ONLY. INITIALLY THOUGHT THAT THE GASKET ON THE SENDING UNIT WAS FAULTY (FUEL STAINING NOTED ON TOP OF SENDING UNIT)SO REPLACED GASKET WITH INITIAL IMPROVEMENT OF PROBLEM. AFTER SEVERAL MONTHS PROBLEM APPEARED TO RECUR BUT NOW CLEARLY WORSENING. FUEL SMELL HAD UNTIL RECENTLY ONLY BEEN NOTICEABLE AFTER PARKING IN GARAGE AFTER FILLING TANK, MOST RECENTLY NOTICEABLE IN OPEN PARKING LOT AFTER FILLING TANK. IM… Look up ODI 10504905 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10610740 · 67,585 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ CLK350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE STRONG FUMES OF FUEL EMITTING FROM THE VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE LEFT SENDING UNIT WAS LEAKING AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,585. Look up ODI 10610740 at NHTSA ↗
Engine	Too few reports for a range	78,957 mi	4 (sparse)	ODI 10524796 · 80,000 mi AFTER ONLY 80,000 MILES, MY $55,000 CAR NOW NEEDS $5,200 WORTH OF REPAIRS TO FIX A KNOWN DEFECT IN THE BALANCE SHAFT. WITHOUT THIS REPAIR, DRIVING MY CAR IS UNSAFE, YET MERCEDES IS NOT OFFERING TO HELP FIX A PROBLEM THEY CREATED. ADD MY NAME TO THE LONG LIST OF MERCEDES OWNERS DISSATISFIED WITH THE QUALITY OF A MERCEDES; THEIR FAILURE TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR MISTAKE AND THEIR TOTAL LACK OF CONCERN FOR CUSTOMER SATISFACTION. *TR Look up ODI 10524796 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10532024 · 123,000 mi CLK 2006 DEFECTIVE BALANCE SHAFT/TIMING CHAIN: PURCHASED OUR CAR NEW, HAVE MAINTAINED IT AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL, ALL RECOMMENDED REPAIRS AND SERVICES COMPLETED WHEN RECOMMENDED AND DUE, ALL DONE AT THE DEALER WHERE WE PURCHASED OUR CAR. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON A FEW MONTHS AGO, FELT LIKE THE CAR WAS RUNNING ROUGH, HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER, WE WERE TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. WITHOUT WARNING, ON JULY 18, 2013 THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN, TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALER, WAS TOLD THAT THE BALANCE SHAFT W/ TIMING CHAIN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED… Look up ODI 10532024 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11000641 · 77,914 mi MERCEDES BENZ VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN 2004 & 2007 & EQUIPPED WITH MERCEDES' M272 HAVE A FAULTY BALANCE SHAFT WHICH WAS NOT PROPERLY ANEALED, CAUSING PREMATURE WEAR. THE SUBJECT ENGINES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH DEFECTIVE GEARS IN THEIR BALANCE SHAFTS. THESE DEFECTIVE GEARS WEAR OUT PREMATURELY, EXCESSIVELY, AND CAN CAUSE DAMAGE TO OTHER EXPENSIVE ENGINE COMPONENTS WITHOUT WARNING. REPAIR REQUIRES REMOVAL OF THE ENGINE AND WAS QUOTED AT $7000-$8000 BY THE MERCEDES BENZ DEALER. MOST OTHER IMPORT SHOPS DO NOT WANT TO EVEN ATTEMPT THE REPAIR DUE… Look up ODI 11000641 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	Too few reports for a range	70,000 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 10316954 · 45,700 mi 2006 MERCEDES CLK350 CONVERTIBLE- ABOUT 45, 000 MILES ON IT, BOUGHT AS A USED CAR IN SEPT 2009. THE HEADLIGHTS WERE LEFT ON ALL DAY AND DRAINED THE BATTERY. THE BATTERY WAS RECHARGED. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. I WOULD DRIVE ABOUT A BLOCK OR TWO AND THE SECOND TIME I PUT ON BRAKES, THE EPS DASH LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND THE ENGINE WOULD DIE. THE ENGINE COULD BE RESTARTED AND THE CAR DRIVEN (INCLUDING THE FREEWAY), BUT THE EPS LIGHT WOULD COME BACK ON AND KILL THE ENGINE, AFTER MORE BRAKING. THE CAR DIED, ON THE WAY TO THE… Look up ODI 10316954 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10592883 · 76,682 mi BOUGHT THE CAR IN JULY 2013 THIRD BRAKE LIGHT LENS FELL OFF.I CHECKED MY BRAKE LIGHTS WITH SOMEONE PUSHING THE BRAKE PEDAL AND OBSERVED THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENT DANGLING LOOSE INSIDE TRUNK THIRD LIGHT SPACE BUT NO COVER LENS. DIDN'T NOTICE THE LENS HAD FALLEN OFF UNTIL SEVERAL STRANGERS TAILING ME TOLD ME. I KNOW THERE IS A BRAKE LIGHT ISSUE THAT IS BEING RECALLED ON A DIFFERENT MERCEDES MODEL AND YEAR. I WAS THINKING THAT PERHAPS MY VEHICLE MIGHT HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. SO I GOOGLED THIS ISSUE AND TO MY DISAPPOINTMENT FOUND MANY MORE MERCEDES BEN… Look up ODI 10592883 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10701175 · 70,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ CLK350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT WARNING INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000. UPDATED 5/19/15CN THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER FILLING THE VEHICLE, GAS FUMES BECAME VERY STRONG IN THE GARAGE AND INSIDE THE HOUSE. UPDATED 7/1/2015JS Look up ODI 10701175 at NHTSA ↗
Air Bags	Too few reports for a range	99,098 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 10444791 · 39,000 mi WARNING MESSAGE DISPLAYED, "SRS RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION VISIT WORKSHOP" UPON INVESTIGATING THIS ERROR MESSAGE ON THE INTERNET MERCEDES BENZ FORUM, I HAVE DETERMINED THE FOLLOWING: 1. THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM, AFFECTING SEVERAL MB MODELS, INCLUDING THE E-CLASS, C-CLASS, SLK, CLK, AND POSSIBLY OTHERS. 2. WHEN THIS MESSAGE APPEARS, THE DRIVER AIR BAG IS MOST LIKELY DISABLED. 3. MB SERVICE BULLETIN PB-91.60/93D ACKNOWLEDGES THIS PROBLEM AS A DESIGN OR ASSEMBLY ERROR, AND RECOMMENDS REPLACEMENT OF A WIRING COMPONENT IN THE STEERIN… Look up ODI 10444791 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10583412 · 99,098 mi WHILE PARKED I STARTED THE CAR AND PLACED AN ITEM ON THE PASSENGERS SEAT. IMMEDIATELY THE SRS LIGHT CAME ON. THE SRS HAS DETECTED SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE AIRBAG SYSTEM AND SHUT THE AIRBAGS OFF ON THE CAR WHICH IS AN EXTREME SAFETY HAZARD. AFTER TAKING THE CAR TO THE MECHANIC I WAS TOLD CODE 9223 AND 9080 DISPLAYED. 92 23 STATES THAT THE CAR NEEDS A CONTACT REEL AT STEERING WHEEL (PART $410/LABOR NEARLY $300) AND 9080 STATES THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BOTTOM NEEDS TO BE REPLACED (PART $1690/LABOR NEARLY $300) . I BELIEVE THIS SHOULD BE A RECAL… Look up ODI 10583412 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11404440 · 128,000 mi ON 10/26/20 I WAS REAR END, I OWN A 2006 CLK 350 MERCEDES. I WAS SITTING STILL IN MY , A CAR HIT BE IN THE REAR CAUSING MY HEAD RESTRAINT TO DEPLOY. FROM THAT DUAL IMPACT, I SUSTAIN TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY ,LUMBAR AND CERVICAL INJURY AND DIPLOPIA ( DOUBLE VISION) RINGING IN EAR (TINNITUS) EQUILIBRIUM,*DT Look up ODI 11404440 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling	Too few reports for a range	52,500 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 10209333 · 24,000 mi 2006 CLK 350 COUPE / CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVELS (MESSAGE). I'VE OWNED MY CAR SINCE MARCH 18, 2007. I'M WRITING TO INFORM YOU THAT I HAVE RECEIVED A MESSAGE THREE TIMES STATING "CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVELS" THE MESSAGE CAME ON FOR THE FIRST TIME IN JULY 2007. I DROVE THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM AND I ARRIVED AT THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT 15 MINUTES BEFORE THEY CLOSED AND THEY DIDN'T HAVE TIME TO LOOK AT MY VEHICLE, SO THEY PLACED OIL IN MY CAR AND TURNED ME AWAY. THANKFULLY A VERY PROFESSIONAL YOUNG MAN FROM THAT SAME DEAL… Look up ODI 10209333 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10416677 · 78,000 mi CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON IN MY 2006 MB 350 CLK. TOOK TO A MECHANIC WAS TOLD IT WAS A BALANCE SHAFT ISSUE AND WOULD COST ABOUT $5000 TO REPAIR. *KB Look up ODI 10416677 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10578249 · 52,500 mi CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND MERCEDES DEALER REPLACED CAMSHAFT SENSOR THE VEHICLE HAD 52500 MILES. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN I TOOK IT TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR. THEY STATED IT IS THE SAME PROBLEM THE CAMSHAFT PROBLEMS. THE VEHICLE HAS 68000 MILES NOW AND THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING TO THIS VEHICLE. IT CONTINUES TO HAVE PROBLEMS AND I HAVE CONTACTED MERCEDES AND THEY REFUSE TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THESE PREMATURE ISSUES I AM HAVING WITH THIS VEHICLE. I WOULD LIKE THE GOVERNMENT TO PUT IN A LAWSUIT FOR ME AND MAKE IT A CLASS ACTION L… Look up ODI 10578249 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	Too few reports for a range	65,500 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10405800 · 53,000 mi THE '06 CLK 350 I AM ABOUT TO PURCHASE WAS TAKEN IN FOR INSPECTION AND DIAGNOSTICS FOR THE CEL. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE BALANCE SHAFT, WHICH WOULD EVENTUALLY LEAD TO MISFIRING AND OTHER ENGINE PROBLEMS. I DO NOT KNOW THE HISTORY OF THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO THIS, OR EVEN WHEN THE CEL FIRST CAME ON. I AM BEING TOLD THAT THE ENGINE MUST BE REMOVED AND TORN DOWN TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM, AND THE COST WILL BE UPWARDS OF $4000. IT HAS LESS THAN 54000 MILES ON IT. TR Look up ODI 10405800 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10416677 · 78,000 mi CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON IN MY 2006 MB 350 CLK. TOOK TO A MECHANIC WAS TOLD IT WAS A BALANCE SHAFT ISSUE AND WOULD COST ABOUT $5000 TO REPAIR. KB Look up ODI 10416677 at NHTSA ↗
Fuel System, Gasoline	Too few reports for a range	59,000 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 10497811 · 59,000 mi VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED FROM AN AUTHORIZED MERCEDES BENZ DEALERSHIP AND WAS A CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED VEHICLE. AUTOMOBILE WAS GARAGE KEPT AND PRIMARILY DRIVEN TO WORK WITH HIGHWAY MILES. ONLY PREMIUM NON-ETHANOL MIXED FUEL WAS USED FROM SHELL. SUDDENLY, ONE DAY, STRONG GASOLINE ODOR PERMEATES GARAGE. MOST NOTICEABLE WITH FULL TANK. THE CAUSE WAS A FUEL TANK SENDER UNIT. A PLASTIC DIAPHRAGM WITHIN THE UNIT DEVELOPED A STRESS CRACK RIGHT AT THE BOUNDARY BETWEEN TWO FACES. IT IS CLEAR THAT PROPER BONDING BETWEEN THE TWO WAS NOT IDEAL DURING M… Look up ODI 10497811 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10544180 · 56,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ CLK350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN REFUELING, GASOLINE FUMES FILLED THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BOTH THE DEALER AND AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND WAS DIAGNOSED AS HAVING A DEFECTIVE RING AROUND THE FUEL PUMP AND TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE INCIDENT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,000. ...UPDATED 10-24-13 BF THE CONSUMER STATED GAS WAS VISIBLE ON THE TOP OF THE TANK WHERE THE ELEC… Look up ODI 10544180 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10584452 · 74,207 mi SIMILAR TO THE GAS FUMES LEAK EXPERIENCED ON THE E CLASS, OUR 2006 CLK CLASS SUDDENLY EMITTED GAS FUMES ORIGINATING FROM THE GAS TANK AFTER THE TANK WAS FILLED WITH GAS. TR Look up ODI 10584452 at NHTSA ↗
Exterior Lighting	Too few reports for a range	76,682 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10592883 · 76,682 mi BOUGHT THE CAR IN JULY 2013 THIRD BRAKE LIGHT LENS FELL OFF.I CHECKED MY BRAKE LIGHTS WITH SOMEONE PUSHING THE BRAKE PEDAL AND OBSERVED THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENT DANGLING LOOSE INSIDE TRUNK THIRD LIGHT SPACE BUT NO COVER LENS. DIDN'T NOTICE THE LENS HAD FALLEN OFF UNTIL SEVERAL STRANGERS TAILING ME TOLD ME. I KNOW THERE IS A BRAKE LIGHT ISSUE THAT IS BEING RECALLED ON A DIFFERENT MERCEDES MODEL AND YEAR. I WAS THINKING THAT PERHAPS MY VEHICLE MIGHT HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. SO I GOOGLED THIS ISSUE AND TO MY DISAPPOINTMENT FOUND MANY MORE MERCEDES BEN… Look up ODI 10592883 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	24V874000	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

2008: 0 complaints · 2009: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2008	0	0	0
2009	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
2008	15	0	0
2009	8	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	Fuel/Propulsion System	Engine	Electrical System	Air Bags	Engine And Engine Cooling	Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	Fuel System, Gasoline	Exterior Lighting
Fuel/Propulsion System	—	0	0	0	0	0	1 ODI 10497811 · 59,000 mi VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED FROM AN AUTHORIZED MERCEDES BENZ DEALERSHIP AND WAS A CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED VEHICLE. AUTOMOBILE WAS GARAGE KEPT AND PRIMARILY DRIVEN TO WORK WITH HIGHWAY MILES. ONLY PREMIUM NON-ETHANOL MIXED FUEL WAS USED FROM SHELL. SUDDENLY, ONE DAY, STRONG GASOLINE ODOR PERMEATES GARAGE. MOST NOTICEABLE WITH FULL TANK. THE CAUSE WAS A FUEL TANK SENDER UNIT. A PLASTIC DIAPHRAGM WITHIN THE UNIT DEVELOPED A STRESS CRACK RIGHT AT THE BOUNDARY BETWEEN TWO FACES. IT IS CLEAR THAT PROPER BONDING BETWEEN THE TWO WAS NOT IDEAL DURING M… Look up ODI 10497811 at NHTSA ↗	0
Engine	0	—	1 ODI 11430148 I've just bought the car and it has only 70k, the engine doesn't want to go, it stalls but there is no check engine light on, I'll be driving and the car will just die, or start to diminish, and gas consumption , now all my lights fail, high beams, low beams, turn signals, Brake lights one after another, so I go to auto zone to purchase lights and one of the associates comes to help me, he stares that all the we ires are exposed, Look up ODI 11430148 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0	1 ODI 11430148 I've just bought the car and it has only 70k, the engine doesn't want to go, it stalls but there is no check engine light on, I'll be driving and the car will just die, or start to diminish, and gas consumption , now all my lights fail, high beams, low beams, turn signals, Brake lights one after another, so I go to auto zone to purchase lights and one of the associates comes to help me, he stares that all the we ires are exposed, Look up ODI 11430148 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	0	1 ODI 11430148 I've just bought the car and it has only 70k, the engine doesn't want to go, it stalls but there is no check engine light on, I'll be driving and the car will just die, or start to diminish, and gas consumption , now all my lights fail, high beams, low beams, turn signals, Brake lights one after another, so I go to auto zone to purchase lights and one of the associates comes to help me, he stares that all the we ires are exposed, Look up ODI 11430148 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	0	0	0	2 ODI 10592883 · 76,682 mi BOUGHT THE CAR IN JULY 2013 THIRD BRAKE LIGHT LENS FELL OFF.I CHECKED MY BRAKE LIGHTS WITH SOMEONE PUSHING THE BRAKE PEDAL AND OBSERVED THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENT DANGLING LOOSE INSIDE TRUNK THIRD LIGHT SPACE BUT NO COVER LENS. DIDN'T NOTICE THE LENS HAD FALLEN OFF UNTIL SEVERAL STRANGERS TAILING ME TOLD ME. I KNOW THERE IS A BRAKE LIGHT ISSUE THAT IS BEING RECALLED ON A DIFFERENT MERCEDES MODEL AND YEAR. I WAS THINKING THAT PERHAPS MY VEHICLE MIGHT HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. SO I GOOGLED THIS ISSUE AND TO MY DISAPPOINTMENT FOUND MANY MORE MERCEDES BEN… Look up ODI 10592883 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11430148 I've just bought the car and it has only 70k, the engine doesn't want to go, it stalls but there is no check engine light on, I'll be driving and the car will just die, or start to diminish, and gas consumption , now all my lights fail, high beams, low beams, turn signals, Brake lights one after another, so I go to auto zone to purchase lights and one of the associates comes to help me, he stares that all the we ires are exposed, Look up ODI 11430148 at NHTSA ↗
Air Bags	0	0	0	—	0	0	0	0
Engine And Engine Cooling	0	0	0	0	—	1 ODI 10416677 · 78,000 mi CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON IN MY 2006 MB 350 CLK. TOOK TO A MECHANIC WAS TOLD IT WAS A BALANCE SHAFT ISSUE AND WOULD COST ABOUT $5000 TO REPAIR. *KB Look up ODI 10416677 at NHTSA ↗	0	0
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	0	0	0	0	1 ODI 10416677 · 78,000 mi CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON IN MY 2006 MB 350 CLK. TOOK TO A MECHANIC WAS TOLD IT WAS A BALANCE SHAFT ISSUE AND WOULD COST ABOUT $5000 TO REPAIR. *KB Look up ODI 10416677 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	0
Fuel System, Gasoline	1 ODI 10497811 · 59,000 mi VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED FROM AN AUTHORIZED MERCEDES BENZ DEALERSHIP AND WAS A CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED VEHICLE. AUTOMOBILE WAS GARAGE KEPT AND PRIMARILY DRIVEN TO WORK WITH HIGHWAY MILES. ONLY PREMIUM NON-ETHANOL MIXED FUEL WAS USED FROM SHELL. SUDDENLY, ONE DAY, STRONG GASOLINE ODOR PERMEATES GARAGE. MOST NOTICEABLE WITH FULL TANK. THE CAUSE WAS A FUEL TANK SENDER UNIT. A PLASTIC DIAPHRAGM WITHIN THE UNIT DEVELOPED A STRESS CRACK RIGHT AT THE BOUNDARY BETWEEN TWO FACES. IT IS CLEAR THAT PROPER BONDING BETWEEN THE TWO WAS NOT IDEAL DURING M… Look up ODI 10497811 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0	0	—	0
Exterior Lighting	0	1 ODI 11430148 I've just bought the car and it has only 70k, the engine doesn't want to go, it stalls but there is no check engine light on, I'll be driving and the car will just die, or start to diminish, and gas consumption , now all my lights fail, high beams, low beams, turn signals, Brake lights one after another, so I go to auto zone to purchase lights and one of the associates comes to help me, he stares that all the we ires are exposed, Look up ODI 11430148 at NHTSA ↗	2 ODI 10592883 · 76,682 mi BOUGHT THE CAR IN JULY 2013 THIRD BRAKE LIGHT LENS FELL OFF.I CHECKED MY BRAKE LIGHTS WITH SOMEONE PUSHING THE BRAKE PEDAL AND OBSERVED THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENT DANGLING LOOSE INSIDE TRUNK THIRD LIGHT SPACE BUT NO COVER LENS. DIDN'T NOTICE THE LENS HAD FALLEN OFF UNTIL SEVERAL STRANGERS TAILING ME TOLD ME. I KNOW THERE IS A BRAKE LIGHT ISSUE THAT IS BEING RECALLED ON A DIFFERENT MERCEDES MODEL AND YEAR. I WAS THINKING THAT PERHAPS MY VEHICLE MIGHT HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. SO I GOOGLED THIS ISSUE AND TO MY DISAPPOINTMENT FOUND MANY MORE MERCEDES BEN… Look up ODI 10592883 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11430148 I've just bought the car and it has only 70k, the engine doesn't want to go, it stalls but there is no check engine light on, I'll be driving and the car will just die, or start to diminish, and gas consumption , now all my lights fail, high beams, low beams, turn signals, Brake lights one after another, so I go to auto zone to purchase lights and one of the associates comes to help me, he stares that all the we ires are exposed, Look up ODI 11430148 at NHTSA ↗	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

11 mentions · 29.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 52,500 mi (7 usable records).

ODI 10209333 · 24,000 mi

2006 CLK 350 COUPE / CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVELS (MESSAGE). I'VE OWNED MY CAR SINCE MARCH 18, 2007. I'M WRITING TO INFORM YOU THAT I HAVE RECEIVED A MESSAGE THREE TIMES STATING "CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVELS" THE MESSAGE CAME ON FOR THE FIRST TIME IN JULY 2007. I DROVE THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM AND I ARRIVED AT THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT 15 MINUTES BEFORE THEY CLOSED AND THEY DIDN'T HAVE TIME TO LOOK AT MY VEHICLE, SO THEY PLACED OIL IN MY CAR AND TURNED ME AWAY. THANKFULLY A VERY PROFESSIONAL YOUNG MAN FROM THAT SAME DEAL…

Look up ODI 10209333 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10210400

1) CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL MESSAGE DISPLAYED 2) STOP VEHICLE 3) ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION TEST / CYLINDER TEST / SENSOR TEST OUTCOME: MERCEDES IS WORKING HARD TO DESIGN A NEW SENSOR FOR THIS CAR. A FEW HUNDRED OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS EXPERIENCE AND THERE HAS NOT BEEN AN OFFICIAL RECALL. (PER FLETCHER JONES MOTOR CARS, NEWPORT BEACH, CA). *TR

Look up ODI 10210400 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10300311 · 58,000 mi

Look up ODI 10300311 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Oil consumption or dilution

2 mentions · 5.4% of complaints

Median mileage: 24,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10209333 · 24,000 mi

Look up ODI 10209333 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10210400

Look up ODI 10210400 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(oil consumption|burn\w* oil|consum\w* oil|oil dilution|gas(?:oline)? in (?:the )?oil)\b

Stalling or loss of power

2 mentions · 5.4% of complaints

Median mileage: 77,914 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 11000641 · 77,914 mi

Look up ODI 11000641 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11430148

Look up ODI 11430148 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Brake response concerns

1 mentions · 2.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 76,682 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10592883 · 76,682 mi

BOUGHT THE CAR IN JULY 2013 THIRD BRAKE LIGHT LENS FELL OFF.I CHECKED MY BRAKE LIGHTS WITH SOMEONE PUSHING THE BRAKE PEDAL AND OBSERVED THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENT DANGLING LOOSE INSIDE TRUNK THIRD LIGHT SPACE BUT NO COVER LENS. DIDN'T NOTICE THE LENS HAD FALLEN OFF UNTIL SEVERAL STRANGERS TAILING ME TOLD ME. I KNOW THERE IS A BRAKE LIGHT ISSUE THAT IS BEING RECALLED ON A DIFFERENT MERCEDES MODEL AND YEAR. I WAS THINKING THAT PERHAPS MY VEHICLE MIGHT HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. SO I GOOGLED THIS ISSUE AND TO MY DISAPPOINTMENT FOUND MANY MORE MERCEDES BEN…

Look up ODI 10592883 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Fuel smell or leak mentions

1 mentions · 2.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 75,449 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10504905 · 75,449 mi

FUEL LEAKAGE/PUDDLING OUT OF TOP OF LEFT FUEL SENDING UNIT, MOST NOTABLE AFTER FILLING TANK. NOTICED AT LEFT REAR TIRE WELL OF CAR ON OUTSIDE ONLY. INITIALLY THOUGHT THAT THE GASKET ON THE SENDING UNIT WAS FAULTY (FUEL STAINING NOTED ON TOP OF SENDING UNIT)SO REPLACED GASKET WITH INITIAL IMPROVEMENT OF PROBLEM. AFTER SEVERAL MONTHS PROBLEM APPEARED TO RECUR BUT NOW CLEARLY WORSENING. FUEL SMELL HAD UNTIL RECENTLY ONLY BEEN NOTICEABLE AFTER PARKING IN GARAGE AFTER FILLING TANK, MOST RECENTLY NOTICEABLE IN OPEN PARKING LOT AFTER FILLING TANK. IM…

Look up ODI 10504905 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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