Mercedes-Benz CL500 Problems by Year

We compared every Mercedes-Benz CL500 model year from 2000–2006 using 39 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 1 recall and federal defect investigations. No CL500 year stands out with an unusual number of complaints. The best years are 2001, 2002 and 2004.

5model years
39complaints
1recalls
—worst years
2001, 2002best years

Complaints by model year

20002001200220042006651297
Owner complaints per model year, Mercedes-Benz CL500. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
200673.5×—AirbagAverage
20049−20%—ElectricalFew
200212−20%—ElectricalFew
20015−20%—SuspensionFew
200061.5×1SuspensionFew

* Complaints compared with the median CL500 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Mercedes-Benz CL500 problems

  • Electrical systemworst: 2002
    1846%
  • Suspensionworst: 2004
    1333%
  • Lightsworst: 2004
    513%
  • Engine & coolingworst: 2002
    513%
  • Brakesworst: 2002
    38%
  • Transmission & drivetrainworst: 2002
    38%
  • Air bagsworst: 2006
    25%
  • Speed control & accelerationworst: 2001
    13%
  • Driver assistanceworst: 2002
    13%
  • Steeringworst: 2006
    13%
  • Fuel & propulsion systemworst: 2006
    13%
  • Wheels & tiresworst: 2006
    13%

Latest Mercedes-Benz CL500 recalls

Exterior lighting › Headlights › Switch

NHTSA recall 01V-247 · Aug 1, 2001 · 613 vehicles

Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles fail to conform with the requirements of FMVSS no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." when the low beam headlamps are activated, the xenon lamps are aimed to illuminate the road surface.

Remedy: Dealers will modify the aim of the halogen headlamp bulbs in the high beam mode. Owner notification began October 15, 2001.

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Mercedes-Benz CL500 should you avoid?

None of the Mercedes-Benz CL500 years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.

What is the best year for the Mercedes-Benz CL500?

2001 has the fewest complaints compared with other CL500 years at the same age, followed by 2002 and 2004. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.

What are the most common Mercedes-Benz CL500 problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the electrical system (18), suspension (13) and lights (5). Electrical complaints peak in the 2002 model year.

How many recalls has the Mercedes-Benz CL500 had?

1 recall across 2000–2006. The model year with the most is 2000.

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.