U.S. public vehicle records

2005 Mercedes Benz CLK500 problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

18 owner complaints analyzed

3 distinct recall campaigns

48,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2005 model year. Data updated: 2026-10-01 (October 1, 2026). 13 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 3 of 18 complaints (16.7%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Electrical and battery issues	3	16.7%
Fuel system concerns	3	16.7%
Engine operation	2	11.1%
Braking behavior	1	5.6%

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

Tires

Air Bags

Electrical System

Exterior Lighting

Electrical System:Instrument Panel:Speedometer/Odometer

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine

Fuel System, Gasoline

Component breakdown data
Category	Count
Fuel/Propulsion System	3
Tires	3
Air Bags	2
Electrical System	2
Exterior Lighting	2
Electrical System:Instrument Panel:Speedometer/Odometer	1
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	1
Fuel System, Gasoline	1

Fuel/Propulsion System: 3; Tires: 3; Air Bags: 2; Electrical System: 2; Exterior Lighting: 2; Electrical System:Instrument Panel:Speedometer/Odometer: 1; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 1; Fuel System, Gasoline: 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: 3; 25,000 to 49,999: 4; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 5; 150,000 and above: 0

100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (5). 5 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.

2005

2009

2010

2011

2012

2015

2017

2018

2020

2023

2024

2025

2005: 2; 2009: 1; 2010: 1; 2011: 3; 2012: 1; 2015: 2; 2017: 1; 2018: 2; 2020: 1; 2023: 2; 2024: 1; 2025: 1

Pattern summary

Fuel/Propulsion System leads the component reports. Electrical and battery issues appears in 3 complaint narratives. Fuel system concerns appears in 3 complaint narratives. Engine operation 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 10377015 · 2011-01-18 (January 18, 2011)

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCEDES-BENZ CLK500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE RECEIVED A WARRANTY EXTENSION FROM THE MANUFACTURER IN REGARDS TO THE AIR BAGS. HE STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ON A INTERMITTENT BASIS. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT HE NEEDED TO REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS IN BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 27,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 37,000.

Owner-reported narrative. 27,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10377015 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10382876 · 2011-02-16 (February 16, 2011)

DRIVING HOME FROM THE GROCERY STORE ON A SURFACE STREET AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH. ENGINE SWITCHED OFF ALONG WITH EVERYTHING ELECTRICAL. CAR DID RESTART AND I WAS ABLE TO GET HOME. ATTEMPTS TO RESTART AFTER THAT FAILED. THE REMEDY WAS TO REPLACE THE ELECTRONIC IGNITION SWITCH (EZS OR EIS CONTROL MODULE). THE EXPLANATION I RECEIVED WAS THAT IT HAS CERTAIN COMPUTER CIRCUITS THAT AFFECT NOT ONLY STARTING BUT OTHER CAR SYSTEMS. IN FACT, INCORRECT PROGRAMMING OF THE REPLACEMENT MODULE CAUSED ME TO BE UNABLE TO LOWER THE SOFT-TOP AS IF ONE WASN'T INSTA…

Owner-reported narrative. 34,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10382876 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10953761 · 2017-02-09 (February 9, 2017)

I'VE STARTED NOTICING A VERY STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE COMING FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL AFTER FILLING UP THE CAR. THE GAS FILL DOOR IS ON PASSENGER SIDE. IN DOING SOME RESEARCH ON THE WEB, IT'S COME TO MY ATTENTION THAT THERE ARE MANY OTHER PEOPLE WITH MY MAKE AND MODEL WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. ALSO, A CLASS ACTION SUIT WAS FILED FOR THE S CLASS AND E CLASS MODELS OF MERCEDES THAT WERE HAVING THIS SAME GAS FUMES ISSUE AFTER FILLING UP THE TANK. MERCEDES OFFERED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY OF UP TO 15 ADDITIONAL YEARS FOR THE AFFECTED CARS…

Owner-reported narrative. 134,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10953761 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11101590 · 2018-06-13 (June 13, 2018)

WHEN THE GAS TANK IS FULL THERE IS A VERY STRONG GAS SMELL ALL AROUND THE AUTOMOBILE. THE VEHICLE IS PARKED WITH THE IGNITION OFF. THIS SHOULD NOT BE THE CASE. THE CEL WILL COME ON WITH CODE P0456. A SMOKE TEST OF THE FUEL FILLER NECK SHOWED THERE WAS A LEAK. PART NO: W0133-2075480. THIS PART IS THE SAME DESIGN AS WHAT IS ON THE CLS. THIS SAME FUEL SMELL ISSUE IS ON THE E CLASS AND CLS CLASS AND A WARRANTY EXTENSION HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR AN ADDITIONAL 15 YEARS BUT NOTHING FOR THE CLK. THIS IS A DANGEROUS ISSUE WITH HEAT AND FUEL AND IT SHOULD BE…

Owner-reported narrative. 95,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11101590 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10124456 · 2005-06-07 (June 7, 2005)

DT: CONSUMER WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON THE FREEWAY GOING 65 MPH AND ENGINE COMPLETELY STALLED; ALL OF THE LIGHTS AND EVERYTHING WENT OUT. WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD, AND PUT IT IN PARK. THAT NIGHT HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND UNTIL TODAY THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. 3,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10124456 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10475964 · 2012-09-19 (September 19, 2012)

DRIVING AT 35 MPH CAR BEGAN TO STALL AND LOSE POWER, CAR EVENTUALLY GAINED POWER AND ACCELERATION, ONCE DRIVING SLOWER THE CAR LOST POWER AGAIN AND CUT COMPLETELY OFF AFTER ALL LIGHTS ON DASH BOARD CAME ON. SELLING DEALER STATED THEY FIXED THE PROBLEM WHICH WAS A SENSOR BUT THE CAR IS NOW LOSING POWER AGAIN ONE MONTH LATER. THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTING ALWAYS FLICKER UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 117,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10475964 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10126783 · 2005-06-28 (June 28, 2005)

DATE OF PURCHASE WAS 01/10/2005 SERVICE#1.1ST WHEEL ALIGNMENT WAS ON 01/18/2005 MILEAGE IN WAS 788 MILES, THE FRONT & REAR, BOTH HAD TO BE RE-ALIGNED, REPLACED PARTS WERE WHEEL CAMBER/CASTER-L SIDE/ADJUST INSTALL BOLT KITS AND WHEEL CAMBER/CASTER-R SIDE/ADJUST INSTALL BOLT KITS AND CAR WAS TESTED TO VERIFY PULL TO THE RIGHT, THEY FOUND CAMBER ON LEFT FRONT OUT OF SPECS ALSO VEHICLE HAS A 0.14 SPLIT IN CASTER R&R TWO LOWER ENCAP PANELS INSTALL CASTER KIT ON RIGHT FRONT AND INSTALL CAMBER KIT ON LEFT FRONT PERFORM FOUR WHEEL ALIGNMENT ROAD TEST …

Owner-reported narrative. 788 miles reported. Look up ODI 10126783 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

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

72.2%Usable mileage13 / 18 records

100.0%Valid incident date18 / 18 records

100.0%Valid filing date18 / 18 records

100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates18 / 18 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	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007
Fuel/Propulsion System	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	642.9% ODI 10503648 · 70,000 mi I SMELLED GASOLINE WHEN MY TWO CARS WERE PARKED IN THE GARAGE. THIS OCCURRED ONLY AFTER FILLING THE GAS TANKS (NO TOPPING OFF.) I THOUGHT IT WAS MY 2010 MBZ BUT THE DEALER CHECKED AND FOUND NO PROBLEM. I HAD MY 2004 MBZ CHECKED. THE DEALER TOLD ME I NEEDED A NEW GAS TANK, BECAUSE IT WAS LEAKING. MY CAR HAS 80K MILES AND LOOKS NEW; GARAGED, SERVICED AND NEVER IN AN ACCIDENT AND HAS NO LEAKS. A NEW GAS CAP DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. OVER THREE QUARTERS OF A TANK DOES NOT EMIT ANY ODOR, SO I DON'T FILL THE TANK COMPLETELY. I FEEL THE FUMES… Look up ODI 10503648 at NHTSA ↗	316.7% ODI 10953761 · 134,000 mi I'VE STARTED NOTICING A VERY STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE COMING FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL AFTER FILLING UP THE CAR. THE GAS FILL DOOR IS ON PASSENGER SIDE. IN DOING SOME RESEARCH ON THE WEB, IT'S COME TO MY ATTENTION THAT THERE ARE MANY OTHER PEOPLE WITH MY MAKE AND MODEL WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. ALSO, A CLASS ACTION SUIT WAS FILED FOR THE S CLASS AND E CLASS MODELS OF MERCEDES THAT WERE HAVING THIS SAME GAS FUMES ISSUE AFTER FILLING UP THE TANK. MERCEDES OFFERED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY OF UP TO 15 ADDITIONAL YEARS FOR THE AFFECTED CARS… Look up ODI 10953761 at NHTSA ↗	240.0% ODI 10484874 · 99,000 mi EVERY TIME I START THE VEHICLE, THERE IS A STRONG GAS SCENT. IT IS UNBEARABLE WITH THE FAN INSIDE THE CAR ON. I MUST DRIVE WITH ALL THE WINDOWS OPEN TO BREATHE PROPERLY. *TR Look up ODI 10484874 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Air Bags	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	17.1% ODI 10734393 · 102,666 mi VEHICLE SHOW AN SRS LIGHT ISSUE ON THE DASHBOARD, I TOOK THE VEHICLE MANY TIMES TO TYSON'S CORNER, VA MERCEDEZ BENZ DEALERSHIP TO FIGURE WHAT WAS THE PROBLEM, AND THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO FIND THE ISSUE. AFTER A LOT OF INVESTIGATION I FOUND OUT IT MAY BE THE SEATBELT BUCKLES, OR THE CHILD RECOGNITION EMULATOR WHICH ARE GIVING AND ISSUE. IF HE SRS LIGHT IS ON THE AIRBAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT. Look up ODI 10734393 at NHTSA ↗	211.1% ODI 10377015 · 27,000 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCEDES-BENZ CLK500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE RECEIVED A WARRANTY EXTENSION FROM THE MANUFACTURER IN REGARDS TO THE AIR BAGS. HE STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ON A INTERMITTENT BASIS. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT HE NEEDED TO REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS IN BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 27,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 37,000. Look up ODI 10377015 at NHTSA ↗	120.0% ODI 11132883 · 136,000 mi SRS LIGHT ON. I TOOK IT FOR CHACK AND HERE IS WHAT THE SCANNER SAYS: PASSENGER AIRBAG IGNITION SQUIB THE RESISTANCE VALUE IN THE IGNITION CIRCUIT IS TOO HIGH Look up ODI 11132883 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Seat Belts	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	321.4% ODI 10475169 · 78,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES CLK500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETRACT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78,000. Look up ODI 10475169 at NHTSA ↗	15.6% ODI 11568322 The driver side seat belt. The seat belt won't retract. Yes, the seat belt is available for inspection upon request. The driver side seat belt is useless, because there is no tension in restrain your body from moving. No, the dealer will not fix the issue. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership. No warning lamps, messages, etc... prior to the driver side seat belt failed. Look up ODI 11568322 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Electrical System	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	211.1% ODI 10382876 · 34,000 mi DRIVING HOME FROM THE GROCERY STORE ON A SURFACE STREET AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH. ENGINE SWITCHED OFF ALONG WITH EVERYTHING ELECTRICAL. CAR DID RESTART AND I WAS ABLE TO GET HOME. ATTEMPTS TO RESTART AFTER THAT FAILED. THE REMEDY WAS TO REPLACE THE ELECTRONIC IGNITION SWITCH (EZS OR EIS CONTROL MODULE). THE EXPLANATION I RECEIVED WAS THAT IT HAS CERTAIN COMPUTER CIRCUITS THAT AFFECT NOT ONLY STARTING BUT OTHER CAR SYSTEMS. IN FACT, INCORRECT PROGRAMMING OF THE REPLACEMENT MODULE CAUSED ME TO BE UNABLE TO LOWER THE SOFT-TOP AS IF ONE WASN'T INSTA… Look up ODI 10382876 at NHTSA ↗	120.0% ODI 10453628 · 60,211 mi MY TRANSMISSION INTERMITTENTLY GOES INTO LOW GEAR WHILE DRIVING AT FREEWAY SPEEDS. THE CAR SUDDENLY SLOWS DOWN WITHOUT THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO WARN TRAFFIC BEHIND ME. IF I PULL OVER & TURN THE ENGINE OFF & BACK ON, THE TRANSMISSION WILL SHIFT GEARS NORMALLY FOR A FEW DAYS. THE MERCEDES DEALER SAYS THERE IS NO PROBLEM & NO OTHER CARS DO THIS. NOW THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON & THE TRANSMISSION WON'T CHANGE GEARS AT ALL. NOW THE DEALER SAYS THE TRANSMISSION MUST BE REPLACED FOR $6500. A INDEPENDENT MERCEDES REPAIR SHOP TOLD ME THAT MERCEDES MAKE… Look up ODI 10453628 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Power Train	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	17.1% ODI 10381946 · 76,000 mi I WAS DRIVING ON A BUSY STREET WHEN THE MERCEDES BENZ STARTED JERKING. AFTER STOPPING AT A RED LIGHT, I COULD NOT GET THE CAR TO ACCELERATE PAST 2ND GEAR; THUS, I WAS DRIVING ON A STREET WITH A 45 MPH SPEED LIMIT AT LESS THAN 20 MPH. THEN, AS I WAS CROSSING AN INTERSECTION, THE CAR FINALLY STALLED. LUCKILY, BECAUSE IT WAS AN INTERSECTION, THE ONCOMING CARS MANEUVERED AROUND ME. AFTER TURNING THE IGNITION, IT STARTED UP AGAIN, AND I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT INTO A PARKING LOT (ONCE AGAIN, NOT PAST 2ND GEAR). I TOWED THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP… Look up ODI 10381946 at NHTSA ↗	15.6% ODI 10475964 · 117,000 mi DRIVING AT 35 MPH CAR BEGAN TO STALL AND LOSE POWER, CAR EVENTUALLY GAINED POWER AND ACCELERATION, ONCE DRIVING SLOWER THE CAR LOST POWER AGAIN AND CUT COMPLETELY OFF AFTER ALL LIGHTS ON DASH BOARD CAME ON. SELLING DEALER STATED THEY FIXED THE PROBLEM WHICH WAS A SENSOR BUT THE CAR IS NOW LOSING POWER AGAIN ONE MONTH LATER. THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTING ALWAYS FLICKER UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE. *TR Look up ODI 10475964 at NHTSA ↗	120.0% ODI 10453628 · 60,211 mi MY TRANSMISSION INTERMITTENTLY GOES INTO LOW GEAR WHILE DRIVING AT FREEWAY SPEEDS. THE CAR SUDDENLY SLOWS DOWN WITHOUT THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO WARN TRAFFIC BEHIND ME. IF I PULL OVER & TURN THE ENGINE OFF & BACK ON, THE TRANSMISSION WILL SHIFT GEARS NORMALLY FOR A FEW DAYS. THE MERCEDES DEALER SAYS THERE IS NO PROBLEM & NO OTHER CARS DO THIS. NOW THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON & THE TRANSMISSION WON'T CHANGE GEARS AT ALL. NOW THE DEALER SAYS THE TRANSMISSION MUST BE REPLACED FOR $6500. A INDEPENDENT MERCEDES REPAIR SHOP TOLD ME THAT MERCEDES MAKE… Look up ODI 10453628 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Tires	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	316.7% ODI 10275003 · 22,000 mi I WAS DRIVING TO WORK AND IT FELT LIKE THE CAR RAN OVER SOMETHING. THIS IS WHEN I NOTICED THAT THE TIRE HAD RAN COMPLETELY FLAT WITH TREAD SPLITTING ALL AROUND IT. THE TIRE HAS NOT BEEN REPLACED BUT I HAVE CONTACTED THE MERCEDES SERVICE DEPARTMENT BECAUSE THE TIRE HAS ONLY 22,000 MILES. I BELIEVE THERE ARE DEFECTS WITH THE TIRES BECAUSE THE OTHER FRONT TIRE HAS A BUBBLE IN THE TREAD. *TR Look up ODI 10275003 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Exterior Lighting	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	211.1% ODI 10475964 · 117,000 mi DRIVING AT 35 MPH CAR BEGAN TO STALL AND LOSE POWER, CAR EVENTUALLY GAINED POWER AND ACCELERATION, ONCE DRIVING SLOWER THE CAR LOST POWER AGAIN AND CUT COMPLETELY OFF AFTER ALL LIGHTS ON DASH BOARD CAME ON. SELLING DEALER STATED THEY FIXED THE PROBLEM WHICH WAS A SENSOR BUT THE CAR IS NOW LOSING POWER AGAIN ONE MONTH LATER. THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTING ALWAYS FLICKER UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE. *TR Look up ODI 10475964 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Fuel System, Gasoline	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	17.1% ODI 10445717 · 53,900 mi STRONG SMELL OF GAS FUMES AT REAR WHEEL WELL AREA WHEN FUEL TANK IS FILLED. DEALER FOUND FUEL LEAKING FROM THE TOP OF THE FUEL SENDING UNIT AND WAS FILLING THE RECESSED AREA ON TOP OF FUEL TANK WITH GAS. THE DEALER SAID THAT THE PLASTIC SENDING UNIT HAS A SMALL CRACK OR PIN HOLE AND WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. I FOUND ON THE MERCEDES BENZ USER BLOG THAT OTHER CLK OWNERS HAD SIMILAR ISSUES. I CONTACTED MERCEDES BENZ USA AND FILED A COMPLAINT STATING THIS IS A FIRE HAZARD. THEY SAID THAT THEY COULD NOT ASSIST ME WITH THIS PROBLEM SINCE THE VEHICLE… Look up ODI 10445717 at NHTSA ↗	15.6% ODI 10669815 · 48,000 mi PULLED INTO THE DRIVEWAY ONE EVENING AND NOTICED A STRONG FUEL SMELL. USING A FLASHLIGHT, FOUND A DRIP COMING FROM UNDER THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR OF THE CAR. THE NEXT MORNING A LARGE GAS STAIN WAS APPARENT UNDER THE CAR, BUT THE DRIP HAD STOPPED. STARTED THE CAR AND THE GAS LEAK BEGAN AGAIN. DROPPED THE PANELS UNDER THE CAR AND THE LEAK IS COMING FROM THE TANK. THE VEHICLE IS NOW AT A DEALERSHIP AND THEY CLAIM THE TANK IS CRACKED. *TR Look up ODI 10669815 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable 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	Too few reports for a range	114,500 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10953761 · 134,000 mi I'VE STARTED NOTICING A VERY STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE COMING FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL AFTER FILLING UP THE CAR. THE GAS FILL DOOR IS ON PASSENGER SIDE. IN DOING SOME RESEARCH ON THE WEB, IT'S COME TO MY ATTENTION THAT THERE ARE MANY OTHER PEOPLE WITH MY MAKE AND MODEL WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. ALSO, A CLASS ACTION SUIT WAS FILED FOR THE S CLASS AND E CLASS MODELS OF MERCEDES THAT WERE HAVING THIS SAME GAS FUMES ISSUE AFTER FILLING UP THE TANK. MERCEDES OFFERED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY OF UP TO 15 ADDITIONAL YEARS FOR THE AFFECTED CARS… Look up ODI 10953761 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11101590 · 95,000 mi WHEN THE GAS TANK IS FULL THERE IS A VERY STRONG GAS SMELL ALL AROUND THE AUTOMOBILE. THE VEHICLE IS PARKED WITH THE IGNITION OFF. THIS SHOULD NOT BE THE CASE. THE CEL WILL COME ON WITH CODE P0456. A SMOKE TEST OF THE FUEL FILLER NECK SHOWED THERE WAS A LEAK. PART NO: W0133-2075480. THIS PART IS THE SAME DESIGN AS WHAT IS ON THE CLS. THIS SAME FUEL SMELL ISSUE IS ON THE E CLASS AND CLS CLASS AND A WARRANTY EXTENSION HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR AN ADDITIONAL 15 YEARS BUT NOTHING FOR THE CLK. THIS IS A DANGEROUS ISSUE WITH HEAT AND FUEL AND IT SHOULD BE… Look up ODI 11101590 at NHTSA ↗
Tires	Too few reports for a range	22,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10275003 · 22,000 mi I WAS DRIVING TO WORK AND IT FELT LIKE THE CAR RAN OVER SOMETHING. THIS IS WHEN I NOTICED THAT THE TIRE HAD RAN COMPLETELY FLAT WITH TREAD SPLITTING ALL AROUND IT. THE TIRE HAS NOT BEEN REPLACED BUT I HAVE CONTACTED THE MERCEDES SERVICE DEPARTMENT BECAUSE THE TIRE HAS ONLY 22,000 MILES. I BELIEVE THERE ARE DEFECTS WITH THE TIRES BECAUSE THE OTHER FRONT TIRE HAS A BUBBLE IN THE TREAD. *TR Look up ODI 10275003 at NHTSA ↗
Air Bags	Too few reports for a range	36,500 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10377015 · 27,000 mi TLTHE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCEDES-BENZ CLK500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE RECEIVED A WARRANTY EXTENSION FROM THE MANUFACTURER IN REGARDS TO THE AIR BAGS. HE STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ON A INTERMITTENT BASIS. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT HE NEEDED TO REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS IN BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 27,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 37,000. Look up ODI 10377015 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10722288 · 46,000 mi TL THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCEDES BENZ CLK500. WHEN THE IGNITION WAS TURNED TO THE ON POSITION, A MESSAGE READING "THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE SRS, SEE A MECHANIC SOON" ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CONTINUOUSLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 46,000. Look up ODI 10722288 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	Too few reports for a range	73,880 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10382876 · 34,000 mi DRIVING HOME FROM THE GROCERY STORE ON A SURFACE STREET AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH. ENGINE SWITCHED OFF ALONG WITH EVERYTHING ELECTRICAL. CAR DID RESTART AND I WAS ABLE TO GET HOME. ATTEMPTS TO RESTART AFTER THAT FAILED. THE REMEDY WAS TO REPLACE THE ELECTRONIC IGNITION SWITCH (EZS OR EIS CONTROL MODULE). THE EXPLANATION I RECEIVED WAS THAT IT HAS CERTAIN COMPUTER CIRCUITS THAT AFFECT NOT ONLY STARTING BUT OTHER CAR SYSTEMS. IN FACT, INCORRECT PROGRAMMING OF THE REPLACEMENT MODULE CAUSED ME TO BE UNABLE TO LOWER THE SOFT-TOP AS IF ONE WASN'T INSTA… Look up ODI 10382876 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10395466 · 113,760 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCEDES BENZ CLK500. AFTER REFUELING THE VEHICLE, THE FUEL LEVEL GAUGE DISPLAYED AN EMPTY READING AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V303000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) BUT THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS OR REPAIRS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,760. Look up ODI 10395466 at NHTSA ↗
Exterior Lighting	Too few reports for a range	120,000 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10475964 · 117,000 mi DRIVING AT 35 MPH CAR BEGAN TO STALL AND LOSE POWER, CAR EVENTUALLY GAINED POWER AND ACCELERATION, ONCE DRIVING SLOWER THE CAR LOST POWER AGAIN AND CUT COMPLETELY OFF AFTER ALL LIGHTS ON DASH BOARD CAME ON. SELLING DEALER STATED THEY FIXED THE PROBLEM WHICH WAS A SENSOR BUT THE CAR IS NOW LOSING POWER AGAIN ONE MONTH LATER. THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTING ALWAYS FLICKER UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE. *TR Look up ODI 10475964 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11362778 · 123,000 mi LOW BEAM IS OUT, DISCOVERED THAT ON BOTH SIDES ALL THE HEADLIGHT WIRES HAVE LOST ALL THE INSULATION. PICTURES CAN BE TEXTED. Look up ODI 11362778 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System:Instrument Panel:Speedometer/Odometer	Too few reports for a range	147,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 11686621 · 147,000 mi Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK500. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the vehicle was purchased. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 127,000. It was later discovered that the mileage on the Title was 147,000. Look up ODI 11686621 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	Too few reports for a range	3,500 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10124456 · 3,500 mi DT: CONSUMER WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON THE FREEWAY GOING 65 MPH AND ENGINE COMPLETELY STALLED; ALL OF THE LIGHTS AND EVERYTHING WENT OUT. WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD, AND PUT IT IN PARK. THAT NIGHT HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND UNTIL TODAY THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM.*AK Look up ODI 10124456 at NHTSA ↗
Fuel System, Gasoline	Too few reports for a range	48,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10669815 · 48,000 mi PULLED INTO THE DRIVEWAY ONE EVENING AND NOTICED A STRONG FUEL SMELL. USING A FLASHLIGHT, FOUND A DRIP COMING FROM UNDER THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR OF THE CAR. THE NEXT MORNING A LARGE GAS STAIN WAS APPARENT UNDER THE CAR, BUT THE DRIP HAD STOPPED. STARTED THE CAR AND THE GAS LEAK BEGAN AGAIN. DROPPED THE PANELS UNDER THE CAR AND THE LEAK IS COMING FROM THE TANK. THE VEHICLE IS NOW AT A DEALERSHIP AND THEY CLAIM THE TANK IS CRACKED. *TR Look up ODI 10669815 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	Complaints	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-11	0	24V874000	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	1	None	ODI 11686621 · 147,000 mi Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK500. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the vehicle was purchased. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 127,000. It was later discovered that the mileage on the Title was 147,000. Look up ODI 11686621 at NHTSA ↗
2025-10	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-10 (partial)	0	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

2006: 0 complaints · 2007: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2006	0	0	0
2007	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
2006	5	0	0
2007	0	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	Tires	Air Bags	Electrical System	Exterior Lighting	Electrical System:Instrument Panel:Speedometer/Odometer	Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	Fuel System, Gasoline
Fuel/Propulsion System	—	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Tires	0	—	0	0	0	0	0	0
Air Bags	0	0	—	0	0	0	0	0
Electrical System	0	0	0	—	0	0	0	0
Exterior Lighting	0	0	0	0	—	0	0	0
Electrical System:Instrument Panel:Speedometer/Odometer	0	0	0	0	0	—	0	0
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	0
Fuel System, Gasoline	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.

Fuel smell or leak mentions

2 mentions · 11.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 71,500 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10669815 · 48,000 mi

PULLED INTO THE DRIVEWAY ONE EVENING AND NOTICED A STRONG FUEL SMELL. USING A FLASHLIGHT, FOUND A DRIP COMING FROM UNDER THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR OF THE CAR. THE NEXT MORNING A LARGE GAS STAIN WAS APPARENT UNDER THE CAR, BUT THE DRIP HAD STOPPED. STARTED THE CAR AND THE GAS LEAK BEGAN AGAIN. DROPPED THE PANELS UNDER THE CAR AND THE LEAK IS COMING FROM THE TANK. THE VEHICLE IS NOW AT A DEALERSHIP AND THEY CLAIM THE TANK IS CRACKED. *TR

Look up ODI 10669815 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11101590 · 95,000 mi

Look up ODI 11101590 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Stalling or loss of power

2 mentions · 11.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 60,250 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10124456 · 3,500 mi

Look up ODI 10124456 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10475964 · 117,000 mi

Look up ODI 10475964 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

2 mentions · 11.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 70,380 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10377015 · 27,000 mi

Look up ODI 10377015 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10395466 · 113,760 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCEDES BENZ CLK500. AFTER REFUELING THE VEHICLE, THE FUEL LEVEL GAUGE DISPLAYED AN EMPTY READING AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V303000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) BUT THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS OR REPAIRS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,760.

Look up ODI 10395466 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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