Most common 2000 Mercedes-Benz CL500 problems
Share of the 6 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mercedes-Benz CL500 complaints by model year
Best CL500 years: 2001, 2002, 2004. Compare all years →
2000 Mercedes-Benz CL500 recalls (1)
Exterior lighting › Headlights › Switch
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2000 Mercedes-Benz CL500:
Engine crankshaft pulley failure
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened this preliminary evaluation to investigate allegations of engine crankshaft pulley harmonic balancer failure that could result in loss of power-steering assist.odi has received a total of 546 non-duplicative reports that allege engine crankshaft pulley harmonic balancer failure on all Mercedes-Benz vehicles using the subject component.the subject component failures…
What 2000 Mercedes-Benz CL500 owners say
Suspension
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Mercedes Benz CL500. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the suspension system nearly caught fire. The contact stated that there was a considerable amount of smoke coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed and repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 116,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Mercedes Benz CL500 (n/a). While traveling at 55 MPH, the contact heard a loud, unusual pop coming from the rear of the vehicle. Within seconds, there was smoke coming from the vehicle rear. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where the contact was informed that the suspension hose had failed. The vehicle was taken to a second mechanic where the suspension hose was replaced. The failure mileage was 78,000 and the current mileage was 90,000.
2000 Mercedes-Benz CL500 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.0L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 21 / 17 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2000 Mercedes-Benz CL500 a good car?
Based on 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2000 CL500 rates few complaints: 1.5× as many complaints as a typical year of the CL500 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 2000 Mercedes-Benz CL500?
The suspension — 3 complaints, 50% of all complaints for this model year, most often about rear. Next are the electrical system (2) and lights (1).
How many recalls does the 2000 Mercedes-Benz CL500 have?
There is 1 recall for the 2000 Mercedes-Benz CL500, the most recent from August 1, 2001 (switch). 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 CL500?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2001, 2002 and 2004. See the full Mercedes-Benz CL500 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2000 Mercedes-Benz CL500 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 74,000 miles; 20% 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.