Most common 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL Class problems
Share of the 5 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 →
2003 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.
Latches/locks/linkages › Trunk lid › Lock
On certain vehicles, the trunk lid springs could fail in the closed trunk lid position.
Remedy: Dealers will replace both trunk lid springs. The recall began August 17, 2004. Owners should contact Mercedes- Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
What 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL Class owners say
Seat belts
Tl contact was a passenger in a 2003 Mercedes cl55. The contact stated that on June 11,2006, they were involved in a head on collision with another vehicle( limousine) at 45 MPH. When the driver down shifted, the driver drove into oncoming traffic at approximately 35 MPH. The front end of the Mercedes was destroyed and caught fire. The air bags did not deploy until the vehicle came to rest after the crash. The front of the limousine was "sheered" off. There were three fatalities and one injury. The contact was severely injured and taken to the hospital by ambulance and admitted to the icu. The police responded and filed a police homicide case report # 246/7/9-06. The vehicle was destroyed. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000. The consumer who was a passenger in the Mercedes Benz, stated the seat back failed during the accident. …
1. Exiting a curve on a windy road at approx. 30mph, driver applied throttle causing an automatic downshift into a 516ftlb torque lunge. With no steering control in 1-second we were in the opposite lane. Driver fought to regain control during second no. 2. Then a limo blew through a stop sign on a merge landing right in front of us. Both driver's braced on their gas pedals. 2. The Mercedes CL & sl classes have the same front seats with an integrated seat belt system. Since it was only connected to the seat, the seat failed without even a bruise to my right shoulder (by over 30-40 degrees). I was left against the dash board (with my seatbelt on) throwing limbs at my survival. …
2003 Mercedes-Benz CL Class engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.0L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 20 / 16 |
| 5.0L 8-cyl supercharged | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 13 / 20 / 15 |
| 5.5L 12-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 12 / 17 / 14 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL Class a good car?
Based on 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2003 CL Class rates average: 1.2× as many complaints as a typical year of the CL Class at the same age. 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 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL Class?
The seat belts — 3 complaints, 60% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the seats (2) and air bags (2).
How many recalls does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL Class have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2003 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 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL Class problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 12,000 miles; 80% 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.