Most common 2001 Mercedes-Benz CL600 problems
Share of the 14 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mercedes-Benz CL600 complaints by model year
2001 Mercedes-Benz CL600 recalls (1)
Suspension
On certain passenger vehicles, corrosion May occur in the inner steel portions of the active body control's (abc) high-pressure distribution hose due to extensive exposure to heat and humidity. Over time, corrosion May deteriorate the inner steel portions of the hose.
Remedy: Dealers will install new, corrosion resistant abc high-pressure distribution hoses. The recall began August 31, 2004. Owners should contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
What 2001 Mercedes-Benz CL600 owners say
Suspension
R headlight turn signal will not work (rest of headlight works) randomly flash check different lights and all work. Random issues with front windows. Abc light. Car has less than 54,000 miles on it. Mercedes told me all recalls have been considered fixed and I shouldn't have purchased the car if I didn't want to spend the money to fix it. Now it has thrown the v-belt. I have read the forums about the many issues and there doesn't seem to be any assistance offered to remedy these issues. When you spend a lot of money on a vehicle you would think it would be dependable for a while without having to put thousands more into it. I am not talking about the regular maintenance and upkeep. This is a great car minus the many issues.
Mercedes refused to take repair responsibility for abc hose leak on my 2001 cl. The car was completely lower ,body touched tires, while I was driving on freeway. The NHTSA has issued a recall affecting Mercedes-Benz cl class and s class autos from the 2000 through 2004 model years. The issue involves hydraulic fluid leakage that could touch off a fire. Details are listed below: manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz model year: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 models affected: cl class, s class NHTSA campaign number: 07V263000 potential units affected: 19924 problem: on certain vehicles, corrosion May occur in the inner steel portions of the active body control?s (abc) high pressure distribution hose due to extensive exposure to humidity causing deterioration of the hose. This May result in abc hydraulic fluid leakage near the catalytic converter. …
Electrical system
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Mercedes Benz CL600. The contact stated that at engine startup, the SRS warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that while traveling 25-30 MPH, the abc warning light and both turning signals illuminated. In addition, the driver side window failed to work properly.the contact also stated that black smoke emitted from the exhaust followed by a loud explosion. The driver's side door failed to open with the electronic key-less remote and the passenger side door panel detached when the door was closed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the dealer confirmed that the driver's side air bags needed to be replaced along with the module for the driver's side door. The manufacturer was contacted and provided no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 65,700. Updated 10/24/12 updated 11/9/2012
R headlight turn signal will not work (rest of headlight works) randomly flash check different lights and all work. Random issues with front windows. Abc light. Car has less than 54,000 miles on it. Mercedes told me all recalls have been considered fixed and I shouldn't have purchased the car if I didn't want to spend the money to fix it. Now it has thrown the v-belt. I have read the forums about the many issues and there doesn't seem to be any assistance offered to remedy these issues. When you spend a lot of money on a vehicle you would think it would be dependable for a while without having to put thousands more into it. I am not talking about the regular maintenance and upkeep. This is a great car minus the many issues.
Engine & cooling
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Mercedes Benz CL600. The contact stated that at engine startup, the SRS warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that while traveling 25-30 MPH, the abc warning light and both turning signals illuminated. In addition, the driver side window failed to work properly.the contact also stated that black smoke emitted from the exhaust followed by a loud explosion. The driver's side door failed to open with the electronic key-less remote and the passenger side door panel detached when the door was closed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the dealer confirmed that the driver's side air bags needed to be replaced along with the module for the driver's side door. The manufacturer was contacted and provided no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 65,700. Updated 10/24/12 updated 11/9/2012
Small fire started underneath the vehicle when getting off the expressway after traveling about 12 miles. Started to see smoke while stopped at a light. Saw small flames when I stopped to look for source of smoke. Recent repairs made heater core replaced. Also water pump replaced. Also upper radiator hose replaced.
2001 Mercedes-Benz CL600 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.8L 12-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 21 / 16 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2001 Mercedes-Benz CL600 a good car?
There isn't enough complaint history for the CL600 to compare model years reliably. So far owners have filed 14 complaints with NHTSA.
What is the most common problem with the 2001 Mercedes-Benz CL600?
The suspension — 7 complaints, 50% of all complaints for this model year, most often about front. Next are the electrical system (4) and engine & cooling (3).
How many recalls does the 2001 Mercedes-Benz CL600 have?
There is 1 recall for the 2001 Mercedes-Benz CL600, the most recent from May 13, 2004 (suspension). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do 2001 Mercedes-Benz CL600 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 77,000 miles; 21% 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.