Most common 2002 Mercedes-Benz CL500 problems
Share of the 12 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 2002 Mercedes-Benz CL500 owners say
Electrical system
The Main Information center they notifies you of 99% of what is going on with the car stopped working completely. Can't tell how Fast the car is moving or the RPM this also included the entire instrument cluster, In addition to that the battery and electric system just quits even Though the connections are tight. The battery Also drains quickly as A Result Even though the alternator works and the battery is new. I had the entire car shut off for no obvious cause. While I was driving. But because The entire dash is dead I can't see if there is something else happening. Looked at fuses and they all ring Okay with a meter. I have read about recalls From mercedes for this seemingly exact cause for other year Mercedes but nothing about My car based off the VIN # and year specifically. Recently I Also had the Sun roof glass shatter from Heat. That now Needs to be replaced. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Mercedes Benz CL500. While driving highway speeds, the instrument panel lights dimmed until they completely failed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was made aware of NHTSA campaign number: 06V028000 (interior lighting). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and notified the contact that the VIN was not included on the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 137,000.
Suspension
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Mercedes Benz CL500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, smoke started to emit from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that there was fluid leaking from the active body control module. The contact was a certified mechanic who replaced an o-ring. However, the failure recurred. In addition, the drive careful warning light remained illuminated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Mercedes Benz CL500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the front of the vehicle was abnormally lowering to the ground. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the hydraulic power steering needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 122,000.
2002 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 2002 Mercedes-Benz CL500 a good car?
Based on 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2002 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 2002 Mercedes-Benz CL500?
The electrical system — 7 complaints, 58% of all complaints for this model year, most often about instrument cluster/panel. Next are the suspension (3) and engine & cooling (2).
How many recalls does the 2002 Mercedes-Benz CL500 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2002 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 2002 Mercedes-Benz CL500 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 109,000 miles; 11% 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.