Most common 2001 Mercedes-Benz CL500 problems
Share of the 5 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 →
What 2001 Mercedes-Benz CL500 owners say
Suspension
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Mercedes-Benz CL500. While driving 30 MPH, the airmatic warning indicator illuminated. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed fluid leaking from under the hood on the driver's side. The vehicle was serviced by an unknown dealer per NHTSA campaign number: 07V263000 (suspension, engine and engine cooling), but the remedy failed to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local body shop where the contact was informed that the fluid was due to the compressor that fractured and the compressor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 45,000. The VIN was invalid.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Mercedes Benz CL500. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the chassis lowered over the wheels of the vehicle without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the hydraulic line was corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the hydraulic fuse system pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.
2001 Mercedes-Benz CL500 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.0L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 21 / 17 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2001 Mercedes-Benz CL500 a good car?
Based on 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2001 CL500 rates few complaints: 20% fewer complaints than a typical year of the CL500 at the same age. It is one of the best CL500 years by this measure. 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 2001 Mercedes-Benz CL500?
The suspension — 3 complaints, 60% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the electrical system (2) and engine & cooling (1).
How many recalls does the 2001 Mercedes-Benz CL500 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2001 Mercedes-Benz CL500. You can still confirm with your VIN using our 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 2001 Mercedes-Benz CL500 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 100,000 miles; 25% 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.