Most common 2002 Mercedes-Benz CL Class problems
Share of the 19 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mercedes-Benz CL Class complaints by model year
Best CL Class years: 2000. Years to avoid: 2002. Compare all years →
2002 Mercedes-Benz CL Class recalls (2)
Engine and engine cooling
On certain vehicles, corrosion May occur in the inner steel portions of the active body control's (abc) high pressure distribution hose due to extensive exposure to humidity causing deterioration of the hose.
Remedy: Dealers will install new corrosion resistant abc high pressure distribution hose. The recall began on July 2, 2007. Owners May contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
Interior lighting
On certain vehicles, the instrument cluster is experiencing electrical malfunctions. The instrument cluster contains gauges and indicators that must be illuminated whenever the vehicle is in operation.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the instrument cluster modules. The recall will be conducted in phases. Phase I was mailed out to approximately 7,500 owners on September 29, 2006.
What 2002 Mercedes-Benz CL Class owners say
Suspension
Tl contact owns a 2002 Mercedes Benz CL Class. The contact stated that his vehicle was excluded from NHTSA campaign id number 07V263000 (suspension). The dealer repaired the abc valve block at the cost of $2,200 and stated that there were materials in the fluid of the abc system, which caused the blockage. There is a hose that connects to the system and the fluid only enters one way and exits the same way; therefore, the blockage is due to the failure of the hose that is attached. Currently, a week later, the failure has recurred with the rear abc valve. The repair also cost $2,200. The dealer accused the contact of being the cause of the failure, but offered to repair the vehicle for free. The failure mileage was 85,000. Updated 11/26/08 updated 12/01/08.
2002 Mercedes Benz cl500 the right front of the vehicle began to sag & the instrument panel illumination cluster suddenly went completely dark without any warning whatsoever. This has been occurring intermittently, the dealership always charges us each occurrence to "fix it.". Now I find both problems are in safety campaign numbers 04V228000 and 06V028000 these are recalls. What can I do to get these problems fixed correctly this time without the dealership trying to use us as a cash horse & getting ripped off as it is happening again. The panel is completely dark & we cannot see any gauges or indicators. Thank you for your kind assistance.
Engine & cooling
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Mercedes Benz cl500. The contact was driving 45 MPH when abnormal smoke was emitted from the exhaust. The abc sensor warning light was also illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who inspected the vehicle and discovered abc hydraulic fluid leaking near the catalytic converter. The dealer was notified who advised that they had repaired the vehicle June 07, 2007 under NHTSA campaign id number: 07V263000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was also contacted who stated that they would not take any liability for the recent failure. The failure mileage was 84,000.
Tl contact owns a 2002 Mercedes Benz CL Class. While driving 45 MPH, a hydraulic line failed and the vehicle began smoking. The abc light illuminated and the vehicle was towed. The engine size was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 55,126. The consumer stated that through the internet there was a recall for this vehicle but when Mercedes Benz dealer was contacted they stated that the vehicle's VIN was not included in the recall. The consumer stated while daughter was driving hydraulic fluid leaked onto the exhaust and smoke was coming from underneath the vehicle. Updated 07/03/07
Electrical system
Left rear of car sinks after sitting for more than 8 hours. Mercedes Benz has repaired many times but the problem still comes back. Repaired measures include replacing valves associated with the abc suspension, the abc pump has also been replaced and have also flushed the abc fluid and replaced the filter on many occasions. However, the problem has not gone away. Sometimes when the car is sitting for more than a day the active body control alarm comes on in the instrument cluster. I have not observed any abc fluid loss.
Tl contact owns a 2002 Mercedes clk430. The contact stated that the lcd that displayed the speed, gears, temperature, and clock is not operating normally and the he is unable to read the gauges. The dealer replaced the instrument cluster. The failure mileage was 18,000 and the failure mileage was 31,000. Updated 12/12/2007 updated 12/12/07
2002 Mercedes-Benz CL Class engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.0L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 21 / 17 |
| 5.4L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 20 / 17 |
| 5.8L 12-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 13 / 21 / 16 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Mercedes-Benz CL Class a good car?
Based on 19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2002 CL Class rates use caution: 3.3× as many complaints as a typical year of the CL Class at the same age. It is one of the CL Class years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Mercedes-Benz CL Class?
The suspension — 6 complaints, 32% of all complaints for this model year, most often about front › control arm. Next are the engine & cooling (5) and electrical system (4).
How many recalls does the 2002 Mercedes-Benz CL Class have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2002 Mercedes-Benz CL Class, the most recent from June 12, 2007 (engine and engine cooling). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Mercedes-Benz CL Class?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2000. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2002. See the full Mercedes-Benz CL Class years comparison.
At what mileage do 2002 Mercedes-Benz CL Class problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 56,000 miles; 33% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.