Most common 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL500 problems
Share of the 9 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 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL500 owners say
Electrical system
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH and attempting to make a left turn, the vehicle hesitated momentarily to shift from 1st to 2nd gear. The contact stated that the failure was most evident while the vehicle was being driven at speeds under 40 MPH. Additionally, the instrument panel and several gauges failed to provide accurate information or readings. The contact also stated that trunk failed to remain upright when opened; the active body control (abc) workshop warning light was illuminated; there was an unknown green fluid leaking underneath the front of the vehicle; and the power steering pump and active body control (abc) pump were defective. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who confirmed the leak of the active body control (abc) and power steering fluid. …
I purchased this car June 2016. Enroute to vacation, in early August, the driver side electrical panel stopped operating. Mid-way to vacation, while stopping for gas the instrument panel when completely dark. I was unable to gauge how much gas, speed, etc., also at that time while sitting in the car, the jumped as if someone hit the car. Later I learned that it was the suspension. This continued to happen throughout the vacation. Upon reaching my vacation destination, the next day the car would not start and I had to call to get my battery jumped. Two days later the battery died again and I had to call for a jump. After returning from vacation, a week later, the battery died again and I had to call for a jump again. In my opinion this car is not safe to drive. I reached out to the recall representatives and was told that the instrument panel is not under recall.
Suspension
I purchased this car June 2016. Enroute to vacation, in early August, the driver side electrical panel stopped operating. Mid-way to vacation, while stopping for gas the instrument panel when completely dark. I was unable to gauge how much gas, speed, etc., also at that time while sitting in the car, the jumped as if someone hit the car. Later I learned that it was the suspension. This continued to happen throughout the vacation. Upon reaching my vacation destination, the next day the car would not start and I had to call to get my battery jumped. Two days later the battery died again and I had to call for a jump. After returning from vacation, a week later, the battery died again and I had to call for a jump again. In my opinion this car is not safe to drive. I reached out to the recall representatives and was told that the instrument panel is not under recall.
Recall #1-abc pump leak. At 67,000 miles in March 2013, the abc pump broke and leaked fluid all over the engine compartment, and caused the suspension to collapse. Had the necessary repairs made at the cost of $3500 without knowledge of a safety recall for this issue. Recall #2-instrument cluster failure-at 87,000 miles in March 2016, the instrument cluster went black while traveling at 60 MPH on I-10. Did some research and discovered that this issue is also a safety recall. I have experienced 2 of the 4 safety recalls with this vehicle, but it was not included in either recall. Vehicles experiencing 1 of the 4 issues have been covered by recalls, but a vehicle that has experienced 2 of 4 issues so far is not covered. Where is the common sense in this? On average, this vehicle has been driven only 7500 miles per year.
2004 Mercedes-Benz CL500 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.0L 8-cyl | 7-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 22 / 17 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL500 a good car?
Based on 9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2004 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 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL500?
The electrical system — 7 complaints, 78% of all complaints for this model year, most often about instrument cluster/panel. Next are the suspension (4) and lights (2).
How many recalls does the 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL500 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2004 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 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL500 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 124,000 miles; 0% 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.